Snow in Beijing

February 26, 2011

Today I awoke to snow in Beijing. This is unusual for the city. We were advised to dress warmly for our tours of the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall. Our guide, Forest, gave us great history lessons about each place. He also shared in depth information about Chinese systems and lifestyles during the 3+ hours on the bus. The Great Wall looked even more impressive covered in snow. The weather made the climb more dangerous as the steps were steep and slippery.

Tonight I was able to Skype successfully with Jim and Jake after buying a camera and microphone in a Chinese Walmart (what an experience). It was so wonderful to finally hear their voices and see them. Jake danced around singing.

Tomorrow morning I fly out to Zhengzhou where we will finally meet our children. Most of the other families are going to the same province. The age range of the adoptive children varies from 15 months to 8 years old. The adoptive families on this trip with me come from a great variety of states including Alaska, Wyoming, South Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Pennsylvania. We are getting along well and having fun.