Travel Journal - Day 2
The Great Wall!! Other than meeting Lucy, this was the day that I was most excited about. I was not disappointed. The Great Wall is really amazing. After seeing it so many times on "The Travel Channel" it was really exciting to see it for real. Chris and I were ready to tackle as many steps up as we could. We spent the last 3 days sitting on a plane and sitting on a bus so we were happy to have a little exercise.
It is a challenging hike! The stairs are many and they are all different heights. It reminded me a bit of hiking up Camelback Mountain. People heading up were encouraging each other while the people heading down gave assurances that it is easier on the way down! There is something very unifying about a bunch of people all trying to achieve the same goal.
Chris and I made it to the 4th guard post. There were 2 or 3 people who made it all the way to the 6th guard post. I decided that it would be a good idea to be able to walk tomorrow so we headed back down while we still had control of our legs. It was absolutely beautiful up there. At the last guardpost we met two girls from Hong Kong. They told me the name of the best jewelry store in Hong Kong. They assured me I could get "good quality, best prices."
Before going to the Great Wall we all attended a church service at the Beijing International Christian Fellowship. Due to local government regulations, BCIF is open only to foreign passport holders. We were asked to bring our passports to prove foreign citizenship. I was very amazed to find out that not only do they hold Worship Services; they are an entire Christian community with small groups, child care, bible study opportunities and various other ministries. Apparently they have been together as a church for 25 years! It was so wonderful to walk into a service in China and be able to praise the Lord with people from so many countries. It was an added treat to experience worship with many of the same songs that we sing at home. We have so much to be thankful for and so much that we need God's guidance for now that we are becoming parents. I did not think it was a coincidence that even though the lesson was from the book of Isaiah, the speaker referenced one of my favorite passages from Jeremiah "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.' I hold fast to this verse as I venture into parenthood. And I rest in the knowledge that the Lord has had a plan for Lucy since before she was even born. I trust that he will guide us and teach us how to raise her as a child of God.
After service we visited the Jade Factory where I purchased a small jade pendant for me and another for Lucy. They had many beautiful things and the sales people are very well trained! I was lucky to get out of there with only two things!
Then we ate yet another meal of Chinese food (somebody get me a pizza!) and then off to the Great Wall.
Once again, the best part of the day was getting to know the other families. The bus rides are getting to be more fun as we are all getting to know each other and enjoy each other's company. One family brought their 24-month-old Chinese daughter with them. She is so adorable. She has become quite popular with all of us waiting parents!
Tomorrow is the big day and we are all so excited! Our plane leaves tomorrow at 11:00 am. According to our guide, we should have our babies around 4:30. It is going to be a very long day until 4:30! Tomorrow is the day that changes our lives forever. Bring it on!
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