May 15, 2010
There really are no words to accurately describe the Great Wall. There are also no pictures to do it justice. When you're standing there you can't believe you're actually there and then once you climb it you can't believe you accomplished the feat. The Wall is a very difficult, treacherous climb. The steps are uneven and at differing heights. The hand rail is too low for comfort and you realize while you're clinging to it for dear life that millions of dirty hands before you clung to it, too. (Little germ-a-phobe confession for ya). What amazed me the most about the Great Wall this time was the fact that Abigail and Olivia fairly flew up and could have gone much further if time had permitted. They were AMAZING climbers, or as the Chinese refer to those who climb the Wall, HEROES. The only thing more difficult than climbing UP is walking back DOWN without FALLING DOWN the Wall. Again, Abigail and Olivia went down so quickly that I know my mouth was agape most of the time. Well, I want also panting for air like a fish washed up on shore.
We left the Wall and stopped for lunch before heading back into Beijing to see another Acrobat performance. We had decided to make this stop again since Abigail and Olivia had enjoyed the first one so much. Turns out we went to a different show than the first and they enjoyed it as well. It has more frills and fluff, but Abigail liked the "off-Broadway" version better.
The day was getting long, but we had one more stop to make...the Bird Nest and the Water Cube. How could we come to Beijing and not stop by for a few minutes. It's amazing what they built for the sake of the Olympic games, but there were tons of Chinese tourists there to see it, too.
After a long day of touring we finally made it back to our hotel a little before 8 p.m. and then walked around the block with some new friends, Tracy and Jeremiah to the local Pizza Hut. It was GREAT!
Tomorrow (Sunday), around noon we leave for Zhengzhou, Benjamin's province. We are supposed to receive him on Monday. It won't be long, now. Then again, the last day of waiting is usually the longest. We'll try to let you know as soon as we can after we have him with us.
PS. Minqi, Olivia has a new victim for a few days: George, our CCAI local rep in Beijing. She thinks he's quite cute.
Comments From Friends and Family:
*Just thinking that you will actually have little Benjamin in a matter of days makes me get all teary eyed! I hope the last day of waiting isn't too long for you and I hope your trip continues to be wonderful. Hurry up and bring that little boy home!!
Posted by: Jennifer on May 15, 2010 at 12:59 P.M.
*The Great Wall sounds much more fun than the great return walk to the hotel! Thanks for the updates - they're great! Can't wait to see trio of siblings pics.
Posted by: Cynthia Kuhlman on May 15, 2010 at 02:26 P.M.
*Might I remind you that Ian participated in that acrobatic show and we have photos to prove it? Glad you skipped the squatties there because they were other-worldly and I have a very strong tummy. Ian also climbed the Great Wall three times and David and I panted up three steps and down again, thinking we were on the verge of death. Maybe the third time for us will be the charm????
Posted by: Teresa on May 15, 2010 at 02:29 P.M.
*What a "GREAT" experience! I would love to give it a go one day. We're hanging on in prayer with you! Monday's going to be an awesome day, and as I write I know your Monday is much closer than mine. Thank you for documenting it all. Benjamin will cherish them one day, but we love them now.
Posted by: Janice Durrance on May 16, 2010 at 05:07 A.M.
*Dale & Carmen, we are so excited. We are taking this journey with you. I know Abigail and Olivia are having the time ofm their lives. Thank you for letting us share in this adventure with you Can't wait to see Benjamin. Praying for you.
Posted by: wilma on May 16, 2010 at 01:17 P.M.
*So the pizza there is better? = p
can't wait to see those two 'sheroes'
Posted by: Minqi and Rhoda on May 17, 2010 at 03:30 A.M.
*We miss you and we love you.
We can't wait to see you and meet Benjamin! :)
We miss seeing you in the library.
Have fun and come home soon.
Posted by: Ms. Holmes' Class on May 17, 2010 at 06:06 A.M.
*Hello Croy Family! I am so enjoying reading about your journey and wishing we had been able to go to Beijing...looks awesome. Am anxiously awaiting with great anticipation to read about and see Benjamin joining your family. I am so excited for all of you!!!
Posted by: Rebecca on May 17, 2010 at 06:37 A.M.
*I know that any minute pictures of Benjamin will be posted. You DO realize we are all hanging on your every word waiting for you to throw us a bone, dont you?
POST PICTURES SOON!!!
I love you all and miss you so much.
cindi
Posted by: Aunt Cindi on May 17, 2010 at 07:01 A.M.
*Hi Croy family! We are so excited to find your blog and have enjoyed reading about your adventures so far. Can't wait to read about your first days with Benjamin! Praying for safe journeys for our friends! Tell Olivia Mr.Marc is gonna love her pictures on the motorcycle!
Mandy
To Oliva and Abigail, the sqautty pottys are so funny and we like the Great Wall of China pictures. The food looks funny. Oliva is very brave for riding on that motorcycle! Your baby brother is gonna be cute. My mommy showed me how far away China is. Your friend, Lilly
Posted by: The Seger family on May 17, 2010 at 07:37 A.M.
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