China Day #2

This country is amazing.  Today we climbed the Great Wall, drank tea with a local resident in her humble home, rode in a bicycle rickshaw, drove by one of the world's two 7 star hotels, saw the outside of the 2008 Olympic Park, watched Jade being carved, ate Chinese cuisine and did this all with our animated, expressive and knowledgable guide, Arthur.  Ryan has a wonderful description of the days events on his blog, so please check it out.

I will mention that during the day we quizzed Arthur on Chinese phrases and pronunciation.  It is a very difficult language because of the tonal aspect of words.  For instance, one word said three different ways means three different things!

We also asked how to pronounce Melia Xin Ai's name in Chinese, knowing that when we meet her it will be important to say it correctly.  I spelled it out to Arthur and when I spelled Xin Ai he said, "Oh, that means literally 'heart, love' and we would say it means 'love of my heart."  How prophetic and beautiful (Melia) that the name chosen for her before anything was even known about her heart condition had to do with her our heart and hers.  She truly is the love of my heart and a gift of love from the heart of God to us.

Tomorrow, which is really today now because I had to go to sleep at 7 last night and I just woke up at 3:30 a.m. today, we start the adoption aspect of our trip to China.  We meet with William today to learn more about our trip to the capital of Hebei and Gotcha Day.

Our kids are doing so well.  They are patient, have incredible endurance and are enjoying China with us.  This is a true answer to prayer!

Some pictures from our day...