We are tourist indeed!!

Our day began early with breakfast in the hotel. I was able to have somewhat American-ized hashbrowns and bacon. At 8:30 our group left the hotel together and traveled first to Tian An Men Square. Our guide, Tom, is very knowledgeable and his English is excellent, so we learned much about the Chinese history. We left there and moved onto the Forbidden City. I want explain now why it has that name, I am much too tired. It was beautiful. Then we went to a Jade Factory where we learned about the process of carving Jade and how to tell if Jade is authentic. Of course, we bought a few keepsake pieces. The Great Wall was our final sightseeing experience for the day. Pictures and words just don't do it justice. The walk was much steeper than I imagined and it is much more massive than you can tell in the photos. I just kept thinking in my head, " I can't believe I am standing on The Great Wall of China." We stopped on the way home and had dinner. The entree was duck, which I passed on. We ended our night with a time of prayer in the Bryants' room. We each prayed for our own children and for each other's children.... that tomorrow would go smoothly, that the children's hearts would be prepared for our families and that we would know how best to comfort them during their grief. We leave here at 7am for the airport. Our flight to Changsha doesn't leave until 11:10 but some others in the group who are going to different provinces have earlier flights. We arrive in Changsha at 1:35. We think we will go to the hotel first and then meet Lainie at the Civil Affairs Office around 3 or so. Below are some pictures from the day.....

Tian An Men Square - Olympic Countdown


The Great Wall






I'll try to post more pictures later. We should have more free days once we get to Changsha. Of course, then we will have a toddler, so we'll see how it goes. We do have some great photos that I can't wait for you to see. Eventhough, I know all everyone is really interested in is seeing the photos of Lainie.
Our travel group is great. We have laughed alot together. I'm sure that we will all be lifelong friends. God has really blessed us with some great traveling partners in this journey.
Trey, Jillian and Will.... We love you very much and we are glad to hear that things are going great. You are having so much fun with aunts, uncles and friends. Can you at least pretend you missed us when we get back ? Haha. We love you and we think of you every single minute. Tomorrow we will give your new sister lots of love and kissed for you. She should be with us by the time you wake up on Monday morning. Tell Michelle to check the blog right after school and maybe I will have had a chance to post some pictures. Good night from the other side of the world.
Mom