So, we endured the flight(s) and made it safely to Beijing on April 5th, 2005. Those first few days were surreal. I was homesick and tired, but I was also embarking on the biggest adventure of my life! We met the other couples in the group and slowly got to know them better. (They were strangers then, and now most of them feel more like family. Forever friends!)We climbed The Great Wall, watched an amazing Acrobatic Show, visited Tienemen Square and The Forbidden City, shopped at a local Cloisonne Factory, and so much more. All the while, thinking in the back of our minds, this is great but let's go get our babies, shall we?
It is wild to look back at these pictures of us in a foreign land! The very last photos taken of us BEFORE we officially became parents. Of course I wish I had known then what I know now...I would've lived more in the moment and appreciated the beauty and wonder of China without all the stress and craziness going on in my head. But, I DID have the trip of a lifetime and I have only the fondest memories of that precious time in our lives.
To be continued (again)...
12 comments:
Oh wow. Gotcha days are the best! You guys are so lucky you got to see all of that. We went through Hong Kong and didn't get the Great Wall, Forbidden City or Tienneman (sp?) Square.
A few days before our wedding someone said to me 'enjoy the moment' I am thankful to that person because I told myself that over and over and I enjoyed every moment of our wedding.
Reading your words today reminded me that no matter how impatient I am to get to our baby I will need to focus on the moments. I want to enjoy China while we are there. I have a tendency to stress, so I will have to remind myself to enjoy the moments. Thank you.
Great pictures!
I've said it again and again - NEXT TIME I will enjoy it all MORE. I was like you - trying to take it all in but really more waiting to hold my Chloe!!! I love to reminisce (sp!) though - fun pictures!!
Beautiful pictures and memories. I'm waiting for part 3!
I just love hearing everyone's parts. Yes, we didn't know each other at that point but the whole experience bonded us for life. I too plan to enjoy the next trip. Now that I've done it once, it wil be easier to know how it goes. Hopefully this time no one will be without a plane ticket!! OOOO, I try to forget that one. Nearly put me over the edge!!
Yes...we will all be friends for life! Emmie just adores you and is already asking to see you, Jay and Lily besides the Pingjiang reunion! ;)
Love ya!
Such fun! Although, I think the next time around (if there ever is one) I will still say, "let's just go get the babies!!! I'll never forget the mental picture of Jay on that tiny Chinese airplane with his legs stuffed up to his chest. It makes me laugh out loud now thinking about it!
I love your postings, Nik. I cried when you said "God was holding her til I could." So true - He is so good! You have one special little girl.
Love you all!
i was just looking at my calendar, and was excited to see lily's gotcha day on there!!
i really enjoyed the last couple posts...
i am so so so glad god brought your family together two years ago...
Oh, this is so exciting to hear about your journey!!! I love all the photos. You know, in that situation, it really would have been practically impossible to be in the moment. All of those sights would have been a lot to take in *without* having been on your way to get your baby girl!
My husband told me before I left, "Promise me you'll enjoy every single moment and not worry about ANYTHING." And I have to say I honestly did. I'm so glad my son traveled with me, because he helped me do this...his excitement added to mine.
I also think it was easier knowing she was in an awesome foster home and I didn't worry about her care prior to me getting there. I loved China. It was the most amazing trip of my life.
love it, love it .. wish i would have come early to have meet your all before the girls came... lol
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