Thanks so much for visiting us during our journey, Matt, Andrea and Aerin!
October 28 --
Good Evening Everyone!
We've had another amazing day. Back on the bus at 8 a.m. and a whirlwind of sight-seeing today. After a wonderful breakfast and exciting bus ride we arrived with our Anhui Group and the Children's Hope Coordinators at Tian'an Men Square. We joined hundreds of people in the Square viewing the sights.
Dozens and dozens of tour groups of several ethnicities. It was fascinating to hear the languages being spoken. The Square is located near the entrance of The Forbidden City. We toured the very crowded ancient city. The history is so incredible. After the morning tour we were invited to lunch at the King Roast Duck we were served their specialty, Peking Duck. (Yes, I really wanted to try it. I kept telling myself- "Think chicken! " but all I did was chicken out. The beef and green beans were good though.) After lunch, we traveled to The Great Wall of China. It was unbelievable! Standing on one of the Seven Wonders of the World makes a person feel very small. Matt and I climbed a few flights of large, uneven steps (I should say, scary steps.) I, once again, chickened out, but Matt continued another 30 minutes to the next tower and got some great photos.
I'll try to elaborate more later, it is 11 p.m. and we need to get up at 4 a.m. to meet our group for the next leg of our journey to Aerin!!!!!!
The Anhui group at the entrance to the Forbidden City
On the Great Wall of China
October 29 --
Good Morning/Evening everyone. We have had another full, but wonderful day. Here we are in Hefei, the day before Aerin. Our flight took us out of Beijing at 8 a.m. this morning. (Only two hours in the air!) We are so lucky to have our Coordinator/Guardian Angel, Dennis to help us along. Not only helping with the language and customs, but a true friend of our families and our babies. He has also introduced us to Jane, an amazing woman who is a god-send. She is a baby expert, teaching us how to care for our daughters, and what to expect from them and this transition.
We spent the afternoon off the beaten path, walking, shopping, and wandering the streets of Hefei. We felt like celebrities with all the attention we got. Many sweet children approached us to practice their English. Their smiles are contagious!
Dennis helped us catch a taxi back to our hotel after dark, and what a ride! I have never experienced a ride like that. What an adrenaline rush. Poor Matt lost feeling in his hand from my squeezing. I just kept thinking "I'm really glad we purchased the extra travel insurance!". I must give our driver credit. We arrived at our hotel in record time without a scratch. All that excitement for $2.50! But, we won't be taking any taxis with the baby any time soon.
Well, we are extremely tired once again and tomorrow is our BIG day. We travel to meet Aerin and the other baby girls at 8:00 a.m.. Please keep us in your prayers that she won't be completely traumatized by our first meeting.
We can't wait to see her and post the new pictures for everyone on the planet!
We love you all!
Matt & Andrea
P.S. Congratulations Deanie! CNN Beijing has kept us up with the Cardinals win!
