The Great Wall and The Forbidden City.

Today was lots of fun! We visited The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, and Tiannemen Square.

The weather was a bit warmer than we were expecting, and we are heading south tomorrow. We may be purchasing more pairs of shorts! We experienced a few new things today and learned a great deal about Chinese culture. First, Shelby and Katie are a curiosity to the Chinese people. Too many Chinese people to count came up to them and asked to have their pictures made with them. They just smiled and laughed at the girls especially when we spoke a few Chinese words. Then they would start speaking Chinese thinking we really knew the language. I guess our southern accent didn't get in the way! Shelby said now she knows how movie stars feel. Also, we learned that you have to be very assertive to the many street vendors who come up to you trying to sell souviners. We even had one lady follow us to our bus and then stand at the window showing us her items. She didn't budge until the bus started moving!! The Chinese people are very friendly. Tom, our guide who is Chinese with an American name, has been wonderful. The food is pretty good too although it is very different from the Americanized version that we call "Chinese food" back home. We also visited the jade factory and learned quite a bit. We made a few purchases there with one being a ring for my Mother's Day gift. We also got Lilly a rooster pendant to give her when she is older. She was born in the year of the rooster if you are wondering!

We also got to know the other couples in our group. We are all Christians, and we held a prayer meeting in our hotel room tonight. It was very special since we are in China and know that so many Christians here suffer persecution. We praised God for calling each of us to this journey, lifted up our concerns for our adopted children as they begin a new life tomorrow, and asked for wisdom and patience as we try to comfort them during their adjustment.

Tomorrow is David's birthday and "Gotcha Day". Our day begins early as we head to the airport at 7 AM. Our flight leaves at 11:10 and we should arrive in Changsha at 1:35. We will meet Lilly soon after arriving there. Please pray for Lilly and her adjustment and attachment to

us. We are so excited!!! Better try to sleep now. Hope everyone is doing well back home. Thanks for all of your prayers!