Sunday was another event-filled day! We started off the day with a church service, then went a jade factory, lunch, climbed the Great Wall, and finally attended an acrobat show. By they time we made it back to the hotel we were once again exhausted.
The highlight of the day for me was the Great Wall. The portion of the 4,500 mile wall that we visited was on a hillside… so in order to “walk” along it, we climbed, and climbed, and climbed. Karis is not so comfortable with heights, so Christine and I pushed her up. Well, not literally… but a little encouragement went a long way. My comment as we were climbing was that I didn’t think those steps were built to code. Of course waaaay back when they were built there were no building codes! Some steps were little, some steps were BIG… and some steps were just right. (But most were BIG!)
We finally made it to the top of one section. It was a great sight to see, and a fun accomplishment. As you can see from the group shot of us… there was still more wall to climb, but we were on a schedule (and perhaps a bit wobbly knee’d), so we headed back down. The trip down was perhaps more challenging than the climb!
As I write this it is Monday morning, and we are boarding a train that leaves at 9:47 am for Shijiazhuang, the city near where Olivia lives! We were excited to hear that our next leg of the journey would be via high-speed train. After getting to the hotel and unpacking, this afternoon we will meet little Olivia at last! I’ll let Karis talk more about that if she has time this morning. It’s an exciting day!!
Signing off for now,
(soon to be) Uncle John
The highlight of the day for me was the Great Wall. The portion of the 4,500 mile wall that we visited was on a hillside… so in order to “walk” along it, we climbed, and climbed, and climbed. Karis is not so comfortable with heights, so Christine and I pushed her up. Well, not literally… but a little encouragement went a long way. My comment as we were climbing was that I didn’t think those steps were built to code. Of course waaaay back when they were built there were no building codes! Some steps were little, some steps were BIG… and some steps were just right. (But most were BIG!)
We finally made it to the top of one section. It was a great sight to see, and a fun accomplishment. As you can see from the group shot of us… there was still more wall to climb, but we were on a schedule (and perhaps a bit wobbly knee’d), so we headed back down. The trip down was perhaps more challenging than the climb!
As I write this it is Monday morning, and we are boarding a train that leaves at 9:47 am for Shijiazhuang, the city near where Olivia lives! We were excited to hear that our next leg of the journey would be via high-speed train. After getting to the hotel and unpacking, this afternoon we will meet little Olivia at last! I’ll let Karis talk more about that if she has time this morning. It’s an exciting day!!
Signing off for now,
(soon to be) Uncle John
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9 comments:
I've been checking the sight often today waiting for an update. I'm so excited it's Monday there (it's Sunday afternoon here). I can't wait to hear about the big day and see a picture of you AND Olivia!!!
Mary Kay
What an exciting day! It is super cool following the journey with anticipation of the next day and all it holds. May you continue to be covered with the love of Christ and remember all who love you back in the states.
Wishing you the very best,
Luanne
Thanks SO much for the updates--We eagerly await each installment! And I really believe you're in China now--the photos are great. We are so constantly praying for all of you and especially today for the amazing first connection with Olivia. God is smiling at this reunion.... Love you,
Madison McHughs
Karis - I am so excited that you will meet Olivia soon. Enjoy those first moments together and let me know if you need anything.
Michelle
Karis, You have been in my thoughts and prayers every day. I am anticipating with excitement hearing of your BIG Gotcha day!Thank you for sharing this momentous part of your life with us!!
It is so exciting to read your blog, thanks for sharing your journey with us. You have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I eagerly anticipate your next post!
Karis,
I can't even imagine the anticipation you're feeling right now. How wonderful for Olivia to finally meet the mother she has been searching for! Many prayers are coming your way.
xoxoxo,
Donna
Oh my goodness - today's THE day! Karis, you and Olivia are in my thoughts and prayers - I can't wait to see more pictures and get updates. This is so exciting!! John - nice to meet you - and keep blogging! The pictures are wonderful as is your narrative. I'll be watching for more entries cause I think Gotcha Day is well underway by now!!! XOXOXOX -April
We are so excited for you! We have many friends who have adopted and have seen the special blessing that it is. Your baby is beautiful!
Heather Mailloux
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