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.