Beijing...finally!

May 13, 2010

We were so sad to leave Hangzhou and we had a tearful goodbye with Liu Xin and Li Quan. Our time with them was so special and precious to us. There are people you meet in life with whom you feel a connection to immediately, someone that makes you feel so welcome and loved, like you have always known them. Minqi's family is like this and we look forward to the time that we will see them again.

After boarding our plane for Beijing we settled in a prepared for our scheduled take-off. Then we prepared some more and waited. We waited some more and some more. Finally after waiting for about four hours our plane departed for our two hour flight to Beijing and arrived there a little past 7:00p.m. We thought we were to be greeted by our travel agency's local rep, but no. After making sure we were truly on our own at this point we followed the signs to where taxis were waiting to drive weary travelers into the city. After an hour drive we finally made it to our hotel, The Holiday Inn Downtown. Since it was late and we had only snacked a little since lunch we ordered room service of chicken fingers, fries, and Sprite. This whole experience was quite different from the loving care we have grown accustomed to under the hospitality of Minqi's family. :o)

Just a few little notes that I have to share with everyone...

Olivia has mastered the squatty potty. I may have mentioned this already and if so I'm sorry for repeating myself. I just think it's hysterical that she actually prefers them to a regular toilet now. She says that it's cleaner since you don't have to touch the toilet at all, and man, can the girl squat low. Minqi would be proud of her.

Olivia sings and sings when on an airplane. The first time I realized she was singing loudly I was listening to music on my iPod and didn't realize the "wailing" was coming from her. Something about 35,000 feet just brings the songbird out in her.

Abigail is a great writer. She has her journal with her and is writing in it constantly. At one point while we were out on the street I heard her say, "I can't wait to put that in my journal!" She is very descriptive and draws great pictures to go with every entry. She is going to be a great source of help in our remembering all the details of our trip.

Benjamin is very dear to us, even though we haven't met him yet. It's the only thing that made Abigail and Olivia willing to leave Hangzhou. They were both sad to leave Minqi's parents, Elan, Grandma, and Uncle Chen. They've talked today about how much they miss them and ask when we will see them again, are they coming to Beijing? Will they be with us when we get to Benjamin's city? They truly made a great impression on my little girls.

Comments From Friends and Family:

*Olivia uses chopsticks like Zhen does. As for squatties, I don't remember Zhen being very helpful with them. I am proud of Olivia! Minqi's family just offers more of a temptation to return to China sooner :-) Have fun sightseeing in Beijing and get prepped for the big day. I have a feeling your little bundle of joy is going to bring a whole new level of entertainment to our lives!!!
Posted by: Teresa on May 13, 2010 at 03:49 A.M.
How could I have skipped the most important part of your post: Abigail's journal? I want to buy the first printed copy! I will sign up on Amazon as soon as you give me the word. Keep it up Abigail. Your writings will be so precious to your family and to Benjamin.
Posted by: Teresa on May 13, 2010 at 03:52 A.M.
Looks like everyone is having a great time. I know you are anxiously awaiting the day when you finally get to kiss Benjamin's little round face. I can't wait for you to tell me what all those interesting looking foods were!

Love to you all!
Cindi
Posted by: Aunt Cindi on May 13, 2010 at 07:08 A.M.

*Miss you all a bunch~
You should Have stayed in Hangzhou longer. I just called my mom and she said they missed you a lot, especially Olivia.(I truly believe that there are more than one victim.)
And good luck to y'all!
We've been praying for you!
Posted by: Minqi and Rhoda on May 13, 2010 at 05:39 P.M.

*Agree with Teresa. Minqi's family makes us want to return as well. We are praying God will give us an excuse to go. Blessings on your big day!

Rob for the Spykstras
Posted by: Rob Spykstra on May 13, 2010 at 06:28 P.M.

*What a fantastic adventure! I love reading about your trip. Hey, while you're in Beijing don't forget to show the girls where I competed in the Olympics. Have fun.
Cindy
Posted by: Cynthia Kuhlman on May 14, 2010 at 06:33 A.M.

*Thanks for the update! Do you know the exact date you'll be getting Benjamin? I can't wait to see Abigail's journal and to have Livi demonstrate how to use the squatty potty!! :)
Posted by: niki on May 14, 2010 at 06:57 A.M.

*I just heard about this blog and of this amazing journey your on. I can't tell you how excited I am for you and your family. It's been a long time since I've seen ya'll, but can't tell you how much you mean to us. It is such a blessing to see how God has worked in your family. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us. The pictures of Benjamin are priceless - what an amazing blessing you're receiving. May God continue to lead you and keep you safe.
Posted by: Wendy on May 14, 2010 at 07:12 A.M.

*WOW!
Posted by: Susan Evans on May 14, 2010 at 09:38 A.M.

*We've been missing y'all since you left. Although my arm is still sore, I still want to hold Olivia.There are a lot of food and spots we wanted to show you. Time flies fast and next time you come, I will be learning English and you can visit our new home.
Will be praying for you!
Posted by: Minqi's translating on May 17, 2010 at 10:40 A.M.