Today was the last of our tour days. This day we went to visit the Forbidden City. For those of you who don't know, the Forbidden City is where the Emperor's lived and the city was forbidden to everyone except a few people that worked for the emperor. It was very interesting, and what beautiful buildings. We ended the tour at app. 1:00 and got on the bus to do more SHOPPING. The sellers were nearly as bad as yesterday however no shoulder problems or sore ribs. We feel we got lots of deals and are pleased with the purchases. At 3:45 we were back on the bus and were heading to the hotel. Traffic was at its peak so driving was slow. Yulin had a good-bye party booked for us at a local restaurant close by, thus giving us 35 min. to get changed for the evening event. The evening was great the spirits were high, we enjoyed dancing (not us) a magician and great cake. As the evening progressed some started looking around realizing this may be the last time we see one another. Some couples bonded closer than others, some bonded with one while someone else bonded with another. I don't think anyone was left out. You could see tears in eyes as it was also sad to look at all these Chinese girls wondering if they would ever get back here. Just 2 weeks ago 11 families headed out on a trip that would take them too the other side of the world . The reason was clear to each of us, for some the thoughts of adopting in a far of country just seemed so natural while others (like myself) felt for a short time maybe our age was a factor. Anyway for whatever reason each of us had we were all there for the same reason. I think the biggest change for the group was Gotcha day. On that day we received our precious items, the feeling in the room at that time was so wonderful and great no words could explain it. When I got to hold Roshandra for the first time it just felt so right. That seemed to be everyone's feelings. At that moment our group bonded as one. Everyone not only fell in love with their own child but also fell in love with each others. From that point on everyone helped everyone.
I don't know how to explain the mood or feelings on the way home on the bus, as so many of us can hardly wait till we can share our new loved ones with family but on the other hand the family we formed in China will never be the same. I'm not sure how tomorrow will go but I feel it will be interesting. We fly out of Beijing at 5:30 in the evening (10 1/2 hr flight). Our next stop after we land in Vancouver is to catch a flight to Calgary, there we will meet up with Catherine's brother Blake and my niece Michelle (CATHERINE’S NIECE ) friends John Sandy and Lucy.
We will spend 2 1/2 days in Calgary and on to good ole P.E.I. feb19th landing at the Charlottetown airport 12:18 noon time. This trip has truly been the trip of a lifetime and I encourage anyone who has ever even thought of the idea to talk to someone that has. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has adopted from china that doesn't feel like you have been touched by an Angel. I know we get to take ours home.
P . S. Kaio and Luca we're on the home stretch. Miss you guys so much xoxoxo Daycare and Kindergarten friends I hope you guys are counting the days!
