Hi everyone! Well today we had yet another awesome day and learned so much about this country. We're all loving it here, especially Tori, and we're planning when we can bring Katie and Lexie back together.
First we had our orientation where they gave us the pictures and info about our babies, and they told us what to expect for tomorrow - gotcha day!!! Our flight leaves in the morning, so we should have Lexie by 4:30 in the afternoon, which is 3:30am (Sunday) GA time. We are actually giddy with excitement, as you can expect. The pictures we received, along with all the information, made her seem that much more real. The fact that she has been in foster care changes a lot and will probably make this next week a bit more difficult than we had anticipated. They tell us that it is better for her, since she's had a family experience and has had the chance to bond with somebody; but, it makes the separation that much more difficult for her. I almost can't bear to experience the upheaval this little baby will feel tomorrow. I can already feel her sadness and it breaks my heart. They say that by day 3 or 4, however, they tend to come out of their shell a bit, so that was hopeful.
Today we went to the Temple of Heaven and to Tianamen's Square. At the Temple of Heaven, before you get to the temple, there is a huge beautiful park where people gather informally and entertain. Pan said they just show up and do whatever they feel like - some people were singing, dancing, playing games with balls and hoops, gambling on the wall, playing musical instruments. You name it - it was happening. Tori and Billy got pulled from the crowd twice (thank goodness they didn't get me!) and all these Chinese people were on the sides clapping. It was so cute.
Since they live in these very small apartments (she called them cages) they come to the park for recreation and to "get out;" it's mostly retired people who come to socialize with each other as they put on these beautiful shows. Now, some can't really sing well, but they belt it out nonetheless.
The temple is the place where the emperor would go 3 times a year - at harvest time, to pray for a bountiful harvest, for the summer solstice, to pray for rain, and in the winter to offer thanks. He would go to the temple and would fast for 3 days before he was to ask for help or blessings. Inside the temple, there are 4 pillars, which stand for the 4 seasons - the entire temple is made of wood - no nails, just all tongue and groove - it was shocking. Before 1918 only men were allowed in the temple, but it is now open to the public.
Afterwards we went to Tianamen's Square (which is the size of 60 football fields, huge!) where we saw the mausoleum for Chairman Mao. Most older people think he was like a god and come to offer their respect. There are also big monuments which commemorate the soldiers who died during the Chinese Revolution, between 1860 and 1949. Lastly, there is a huge building here where they host political meetings; a room exists where 10,000 people can attend a meeting at once.
It was a very long day, so Tori crashed at about 7:30 after having Pizza Hut for dinner. I think she was in heaven. We packed up our diaper bag and all our things because our bags have to be ready at 7:30am, bright and early.
Tonight is our last day as a family of 4 - tomorrow our new life begins, and we can hardly wait!
Love you,
K
