Wednesday 16 May 2012

Last Day in China


Our last full day in China was a good one.  We had another early start, this time heading for Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City.  Once again, the size and majesty of some of the ancient Chinese architecture was stunning.
Tianamen Square is a very large open area, for the most part commemorating the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.  There is a large 37 meter tall tower representing the 37 years between 1912 (the end of the last Emperor’s reign) and 1949.  
 Another prominent thing is the picture of Chairman Mao overlooking the Square, and of course, the large mausoleum containing Mao’s body.   
The line up to see his remains in a crystal coffin was incredibly long, and apparently it is so every day.  The mausoleum is the building you see on the right.
 At one end of Tianamen Square lies the Forbidden City.  This large complex originally containing 9999½ rooms (now somewhere around 8800) was constructed between 1406 and 1420 towards the end of the Ming Dynasty.  It was the living and governing area of the Emperor.  There are building upon buildings,

different throne rooms
and multiple stairways  and archways
We did a fairly quick walk and saw just parts of the city and it still took us over 2 hours.

After our last sight-seeing tour, our agency hosted a good-bye China party.  We once again had a great feed, followed by a magic show.   
We sat with the family that we were in Wuhan with
 
 The clown was really good and even had Logan volunteer to have his arm cut off!   
 
 They then presented all of the kids on the trips with beautiful scrolls with their names on them and presented me with a scroll for my birthday.  We then had a birthday cake.  Can’t remember any birthday party at which I had over 70 guests before!  The performer returned in some theatrical Chinese outfit and performed a dance.
So, here ends our adventure.  It has been quite the ride.  We are very appreciative that we have been able to experience so much of China’s history, geography and culture.  We have enjoyed our time tremendously.

Of course, the biggest part of this trip has been the adoption journey.  We left Canada as a family of 5.  We return as a family of 6.  We have added a little spitfire.  A sweetheart that has grieved tremendously over the losses in her life and who will continue to grieve throughout the days, weeks, months and years to come.  She has adapted quite well to her new family.  She enjoys playing with the kids tremendously.  She goes to her mama when she is hurt, dirty, needing something.  She calls her baba to help carry the stroller and she runs to him to give him any money she finds.  We know that our roller coaster ride is not over.  There are going to be ups and downs.  Even though it may seem to others that Li Lin is completely adapted, we know that there is still grieving and bonding to go through.  We once again ask for your support as we continue to help her in her journey.

11 comments:

  1. What a special "LAST DAY" in China, by the looks of things!! The pics are incredible to say the least but probably don't even come close to doing it justice :) So glad you were all able to go over. Logan, is your arm still intact?! Cool trick he did on you! The last 3 pics of Li Lin are so beautiful. She is A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.!!!!! Wow! Can't wait to chat with ya, Sara, after you get home and catch your breath...Praying you have a good flight home. Big Hugs to all. Love,Pamela xoxoxoxoxo

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  2. I am so impressed that you kept up with frequent updates here on the blog! I feel like I traveled through a bit of China with you... glad you got to tour around and that Li Lin enjoyed the outings too. Those last three pictures of her are stunning... she is a beautiful child! I'm happy to hear the progress she has made in bonding, and will continue to pray for you all with the long trip home ahead of you, and then.... *life at home*... :)

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  3. It is a joy to read your blogs every day and can only imagine what you have all lived and experienced these past days. And to augment your family with its new member while continuing to take in sights sounds, smells and new relations has been quite the endeavor. Joy and peace to all of you as you undertake the return trip. My prayers follow you. High to all the kids. ox Ropa

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  4. As in everything else, this too must come to an end. I so enjoyed traveling with you through your blogs. It was an incredible journey. I am so eager to see you all again.
    The last pictures of LiLin reveal a happy little girl. When she smiles, her whole face lights up and she is delightful beyond belief. What a family you have! Love you all and anticipating your arrival with great joy. Hope you have a wonderful long trip home. Mom xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  5. Loved every blog entry! What an amazing journey this has been, so glad you gave us all a glimpse of LiLin's world. This has helped us enter into the grieving process in such a way that we understand how it must be for all children being adopted. At least to some degree. I hope you will continue this blog as you enter the every day normal life of the Parent family. Praying you through the next stages. Love always,
    Tante Carole xox

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  6. Thanks so much for all your updates and pictures! It has been a adventure following you through your journey. It is so nice to see Li Lin smiling in those last pictures:) I know her roller coaster ride is not over, but it is encouraging to see her positive signs of adjusting and bonding. What an amazing experience for you all to see so much of Li Lin's home country. You will enjoy in the days, weeks, months and years ahead sharing with her, her new country, your home country Canada. Can't wait to meet her:) Safe travels. Love & Prayers Sheryl xo

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  7. She is so adorable :) Safe & peaceful travels back to Canada!
    Will not forget to keep praying for you all! Love, Marianne

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  8. Congratulations! You will come back as a family of six! Can't wait to see Li Lin!Have a safe and happy trip back home!

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  9. I hope Li Lin likes Canada. And those close ups reveal her to be a real cutie. She is gorgous, and it is wonderful that she is picking up english so quickly. Grandmaman will ge so happy to see you at the airport. Have a safe flight. Hope you enjoy being a 6 person family now. Hey Rykauna, Logan, and hudson Did you have a fun time in China? You look like you did in the pictures. I can't wait to hear of your adventures. And form the blog it sounds like the places you stayed at won't soon forget you either! LOL :) God with you on the ride home.
    From all of us down in Nica.

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  10. Oh my goodness! She is adorable! Will definitely keep you in my prayers, both for transitioning and for a safe trip back :) Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Hey! What a wonderful time you have had! What an experience! We've followed you with a whole mix of emotions and can only slightly imagine what you've all been through. I'm sure you are looking forward to a "normal life style" at home with your extended family of 6. [whatever normal is...] Praying for a good trip home and an easy adjustment to reverse jet lag. Your precious Li Lin seems to be adjusting... but I'm sure there will be more ups and downs. Rikauna, Logan and Hudson: Sounds like you've had great History/Geography lessons as well as lessons in compassion. We'll continue praying that God continues guiding you all, blessing you and making you a blessing to each other and others around you. Somehow, you will be even better equipped for the calling you were given to extend your love and God's love to those around you. Love you all SO MUCH! Tante Alice

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