WOW!!! Today we went to the Great Wall. The weather did not look promising as the forecast called for snow flurries changing over to rain and a high of about 35. However, we figured it was our only chance, so even if we didn't stay long, we could say the boys had been there.
On the way there, it was snowing and very overcast, but fortunately, by the time we got to the wall, it had quit snowing and the sun finally peeked out. When we were here five years ago to adopt HJ, we went to the Badaling section of the Great Wall so we decided to go to the MuTianYu section this time. I am SO glad we did. I don't know if it is more beautiful, but I certainly enjoyed it more.
The Badaling section has very uneven steps and is all UP and then down. I am not in the best of shape and it was a workout for me. The MuTianYu section has the cable car up and then the walk to the chair lift/toboggan ride is 90% downhill. Of course, with the snow from yesterday and today, it was still a bit of a challenge to negotiate the steps without falling on your keister! I did fall once, but that was it. However, I absolutely LOVED this part of the wall. I got to enjoy many of the guard towers (I don't think I made it to the first one at Badaling) this time and the mountains with the snow were just gorgeous.
When we got to the chair lift/toboggan portion, the toboggan was closed due to the snow. We were very disappointed. They seemed to be cleaning/drying it and our guide asked when it would open. They didn't know, but we were willing to wait. After about 30 min, our guide decided to go down and bring our lunch back up for us. So, we had jiao ze (dumplings) for lunch on the top of the Great Wall! How cool is that!?!??! Just before she got back up with our lunch, they opened the toboggan, so when we finished eating, we were ready to go. CP went first, then TJ, JA, GW, then me. I was afraid that TJ would run into CP, so I made sure our guide explained to him NOT to run into Baba. Apparently he listened very well as JA complained that TJ was going TOO slow on the ride down. CP loved the ride and couldn't go fast enough. GW was a little intimidated and I had to slow down for him a number of times. Overall, everyone enjoyed our ride and I would HIGHLY recommend it to everyone.
Tonight, we are going to the Peking Acrobat show. Funny thing is, I bought tickets to see them perform in our town a few weeks ago, but of course, we couldn't go because we were in China! But, now we get to see them in Peking! After our Taxi escapades, our guide decided it would be best to take the van to the show and have him wait for us rather than take two taxis and end up possibly lost. I was very thankful and I could see CP breathe a sigh of relief!
I would love to share the pictures with you, but you are going to have to wait. The shutterfly uploader hasn't worked well at the hostel and since we will be home late tomorrow night (did I just write that!?!?!) I will upload them from there.
I can't post comments again, but I will when I get home. Someone commented that GW's apparent boredom might be him processing some of his feelings and I definately agree. We have seen some evidence of sadness, longing for "home" and other feelings. I'm sure part of that is playing into his demeanor. Today, though, he really enjoyed himself. Also, last night, he and JA watched Bedtime Stories and he really laughed at parts of that.
TJ has asked about calling his teachers and friends and we have explained that we will definately try to do that with Skype. Unfortunately, I forgot completely about bringing his journal with us to his CWI that day and with all of the great things that happened, I forgot about asking for phone numbers. I don't think it will be too hard to get this from our agency or someone else, though. We will certainly try to stay in touch as much as we can.
CP got our guide to ask both boys what they want to do when they grow up. GW said he wants to be a police detective and TJ wants to be a businessman. I'm sure both will be able to do whatever they want. TJ would make a good investigator or scientist because he asks LOTS of great questions (like "Do they have mosquitos at home?", "Do they have a phone at home?" "Why is my American first name as long as my entire Chinese name?") GW is so quiet, it's hard to get a solid read on him. When we asked him the other day what he was interested in, he said he didn't know. We promised to help him figure it out.
On our way home from the Great Wall, I was crying tears of happiness thinking about my wonderful family of six kids. I am so blessed by God - and I can't imagine NOT having been obedient in stepping out to bring GW home. I am so glad for my six treasured pearls.
2 comments:
Have you thought of arranging counseling for your boys when you get home? My son is a Type 1 Diabetic, and he sees a children's therapist once or twice a month to just talk about his feelings. He also talks about appropriate ways to process his anger and sadness. I know there is a language issue with your boys, but it might be something to consider, if you haven't thought of it already. :0)
I'd say GW is grieving but as you know this is GOOD! Hard to watch but good. Your trip to the GW sounds amazing!!! So glad the weather cleared up for you. I nice wink from God don't you think?
I have so enjoyed following your adventures and have more than once been envious of all you have been able to see and do. I suppose The Prez and I just aren't as adventurous or we just aren't destined for that type of trip to China as both of ours have not gone like I imagined.
One day, we will go back with the whole family and hopefully have that trip I imagine. :) Now J though is really seeing how his actions made the trip much less than we had planned. He asks us why we didn't see more, do more, and we explain b/c he was running away and not respecting boundaries ... and he gets it. He apologizes and I tell him one apology is enough.
I hope your transition continues to go well Donna. I am so thankful you have your two new sons!!!!!
Post a Comment