Lots of cries and tears by all. Now as I am in Betsy and Andy's room Hope is showing signs of a possible smile. Pictures of that to come soon. We are hungry and need to go eat. Enjoy this for now.
Ron
Posts
Return trip Summer 2018
7 years ago
Monday, June 4, 2007
introducing...Hope KeXuan Charlotte Heutmaker
Lots of cries and tears by all. Now as I am in Betsy and Andy's room Hope is showing signs of a possible smile. Pictures of that to come soon. We are hungry and need to go eat. Enjoy this for now.
Ron
Sunday, June 3, 2007
We're ready...
We just met with Tu and filled out more necessary paperwork. We also got to see an updated photo of Hope. You won't believe it when you see her. She has grown up so much! We are going to a market now for some shopping and we'll meet our daughter at 3:30 today. Pray!
Love - B&R
Love - B&R
We are here!
Our flight to Nanning was a little turbulant, but we arrived last night at about 6:30. Our hotel is beautiful though the beds are ROCK hard. We are able to use the business center here for about $4/hr. We'll be posting information but photos are questionable from here. We'll see if we can borrow some time on someone else's laptop. Pray for us and for Hope today as we meet her and welcome her into our family.
Love from Nanning, Guangxi
Love from Nanning, Guangxi
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Technical Difficulties
Well everyone - after I posted last night, our computer decided enough was enough and won't even start up. So, we are down a camcorder that hasn't worked since the day we arrived, and now our laptop is out of commission. I guess some things just weren't meant to be. I'm sorry that we probably won't post daily any longer. We are hoping that we'll be able to borrow some time (as we are now) from some of our travel companions to post a photo or two from gotcha day, but other than that, we may just need to show you all our pictures when we get home. We are very upset about the trouble we're having, but at this point it is time to focus on the true reason we're here.
We love you all. Please keep sending messages to gmail. We should be able to check periodically. I just don't know when we'll be able to do much more.
Beth & Ron
We love you all. Please keep sending messages to gmail. We should be able to check periodically. I just don't know when we'll be able to do much more.
Beth & Ron
Final day in Beijing (6/2/07)
We didn't pack so much into this day. It was nice to be able to determine our own schedule. We ended up working as a group to book a private tour of the Forbidden City and Tian' anmen Square.
We met for breakfast at 6:45 this morning. The buffet has been very good. They have an assortment of dry cereal and juices, fruits, breads, and a line-up of hot foods such as various sausages, potato cakes, boiled eggs, beans with tomato sauce, dim sum, ham, bacon, fried rice, made to order eggs, and congee. Some have asked us about congee. This is what most of our daughters are probably eating every day. It is sort of a soupy rice. It doesn't have much flavor at all. Most people seem to be adding sweetener. It seems like rice that has been cooked in water for a very long time so it becomes super soft and the water is very starchy.
This morning our tour left at about 8:30. Our guide today was Benny, a college English teacher by profession, and tour guide during his extra time. His English was very clear. He seemed to really have a wealth of knowledge about the places we visited. I just wish I'd have had some way to write it all down. My memory of all the details from today is pretty weak.
We began our walk at Tian' anmen Square (which means "gate of heavenly peace"). Benny talked about the circle structure of Beijing City. Originally, Beijing was built in a series of rings (4, I think) surrounded by walls. There were 9 gates to the city on the outer ring and only 4 at the center leading into the Forbidden City.
We found geocache #250 today in Tian' anmen Square at the focal monument to lost soldiers there. It was a virtual cache, so we just posed in front of the structure with gps in hand. YEA!!! #250 - IN CHINA! Also today was special as there were children standing 'at attention' in front of the monument because (if I understood correctly) yesterday was a children's holiday of some sort.
There is an official government building to the west (I think) where representatives from every province meet once every 5 years there for formal meetings. There were many questions about what happens now at these historical places. For the most part they are all being preserved as museums, but that one large building in particular is still used for some official business.
The other very special place at Tian' anmen Square is the monument to honor Chairman Mao. This is a place that is very recognized in pictures.
This one is for you, Brian.
I have to comment on the vendors...PUSHY vendors in this area. They are all selling postcard packets, kites, hats, tourist books, and "Mao Mao" watches. I don't understand how they all rush you at once, watch you say "no" to the first few people, and still come up and ask you to purchase the very same things. They have been a bit of a challenge for some of us. it is frustrating to have swarms of people around you ALL the time with no escape.
We have one member of our group who is certainly drawing some extra attention. Lexi = rock star. She has been touched, stared at, tugged on, hugged, offered food, posed for pictures with local children and adults, and she is still smiling. She has been such a great little traveler so far and she has handled it all with lots of inner grace. She is loved.
From Tian' anmen Square, we crossed the street through a tunnel to the Forbidden City. This area was so much larger and more extravagant that I could have imagined. We were taught a little more about fung shui and the placement of the buildings and arrangement other things inside the city. There is a manmade river called the "Golden River." There is an "Outer Golden River" that acts as a sort of moat around the city, and an "Inner Golden River" around the imperial area. The water is to act as a barrier to prevent good fortune from leaving. Surrounding mountains are to act as wind barriers to prevent good fortune from being swept away.
Ron & Andy
We've learned that almost everything is symbolic of something.
Colors for example - Gold = Royal Color; Red = Celebration; Green Jade = Happiness
Phoenix = Empress, feminine grace, beauty
Dragon = Emperor, strength, power (Also, it is interesting that in America we typically associate Dragons with breath of fire whereas in China, Dragons are associated with water).
Elephants = peace
It is all so fascinating. Where a person sleeps means something. What bridge a person was allowed represented status in ancient times. All of the animals of the Chinese zodiac represent various qualities. And so much more! It seems like everything means something.
The lions each are special as well. Apparently, in ancient times, the female was displayed with her paw on the child as she controlled the family. And, the male rested his paw on the globe, as he controlled the world. Reactions?
And another - The branch-interlocked cypresses symbolize loyal love. It is said that Puyi and Wanrong, the last emperor and empress of the Qing dynasty, had their photograph taken in front of the trees after their wedding ceremony to show that "we wish to fly in heaven, two birds with one pair of wings, and to grow together on earth, two trees with branches interlaced." (copied from a nearby sign)
Also the Forbidden City is home to our #251 geocache. We were able to leave the group for a quick rest while we took about 10 minutes (and our guide) to hunt this one down. This cache is called "Case Closed." We were to find something surrounded by 5 ft. tall glass (NOT grass as I was searching for grass for the longest time). :) Anyway, we found it with little trouble. Much thanks goes to Benny for leading us around the maze of buildings. When we arrived, we found a very large quartz crystal of some kind. I overheard another guide explaining the the Emperor wanted his Queen and all his concubines to be as pure as the crystal. Huh? OK. Like I said before...everything represents something. :)
We also were treated to a yummy surprise tonight. It is Betsy's (another expecting Mom from our group) birthday tomorrow and her very sweet husband (careful Andy, if you're reading this) bought her a cake and invited us all to surprise her before we left for the theater. OOPS - a slight backfire...as we got off the elevator to go to her room, Betsy was just coming down the hallway toward us. "Betsy, what are you doing out here?" Oh, well.
Our evening was exciting with the performance of the Chinese Acrobats. Skill! Flexibility! Focus & Determination! It was really an amazing show. I would guess that some of the youngest performers were maybe about 6 yrs. old. It was a very cool thing to see.
Before signing off tonight, I need to tell you that the Moen's have their beautiful Lily. She is absolutely precious. It sounds like it was VERY difficult to leave the orphanage with her this afternoon. She is being a very brave little girl! We are so excited for them. And, for most of us, watching their family grow today was a quick reminder of the way our lives are going to change in just a couple of days. It is really happening! :)
Tomorrow morning we fly to Nanning. We aren't really sure of our schedule for the next couple of days other than that we'll be meeting our daughters on the 4th. Please be patient, pray, and know that we'll be in touch when we can.
Love - B & R
We met for breakfast at 6:45 this morning. The buffet has been very good. They have an assortment of dry cereal and juices, fruits, breads, and a line-up of hot foods such as various sausages, potato cakes, boiled eggs, beans with tomato sauce, dim sum, ham, bacon, fried rice, made to order eggs, and congee. Some have asked us about congee. This is what most of our daughters are probably eating every day. It is sort of a soupy rice. It doesn't have much flavor at all. Most people seem to be adding sweetener. It seems like rice that has been cooked in water for a very long time so it becomes super soft and the water is very starchy.
This morning our tour left at about 8:30. Our guide today was Benny, a college English teacher by profession, and tour guide during his extra time. His English was very clear. He seemed to really have a wealth of knowledge about the places we visited. I just wish I'd have had some way to write it all down. My memory of all the details from today is pretty weak.
We began our walk at Tian' anmen Square (which means "gate of heavenly peace"). Benny talked about the circle structure of Beijing City. Originally, Beijing was built in a series of rings (4, I think) surrounded by walls. There were 9 gates to the city on the outer ring and only 4 at the center leading into the Forbidden City.
We found geocache #250 today in Tian' anmen Square at the focal monument to lost soldiers there. It was a virtual cache, so we just posed in front of the structure with gps in hand. YEA!!! #250 - IN CHINA! Also today was special as there were children standing 'at attention' in front of the monument because (if I understood correctly) yesterday was a children's holiday of some sort.
There is an official government building to the west (I think) where representatives from every province meet once every 5 years there for formal meetings. There were many questions about what happens now at these historical places. For the most part they are all being preserved as museums, but that one large building in particular is still used for some official business.
The other very special place at Tian' anmen Square is the monument to honor Chairman Mao. This is a place that is very recognized in pictures.
This one is for you, Brian.
I have to comment on the vendors...PUSHY vendors in this area. They are all selling postcard packets, kites, hats, tourist books, and "Mao Mao" watches. I don't understand how they all rush you at once, watch you say "no" to the first few people, and still come up and ask you to purchase the very same things. They have been a bit of a challenge for some of us. it is frustrating to have swarms of people around you ALL the time with no escape.
We have one member of our group who is certainly drawing some extra attention. Lexi = rock star. She has been touched, stared at, tugged on, hugged, offered food, posed for pictures with local children and adults, and she is still smiling. She has been such a great little traveler so far and she has handled it all with lots of inner grace. She is loved.
From Tian' anmen Square, we crossed the street through a tunnel to the Forbidden City. This area was so much larger and more extravagant that I could have imagined. We were taught a little more about fung shui and the placement of the buildings and arrangement other things inside the city. There is a manmade river called the "Golden River." There is an "Outer Golden River" that acts as a sort of moat around the city, and an "Inner Golden River" around the imperial area. The water is to act as a barrier to prevent good fortune from leaving. Surrounding mountains are to act as wind barriers to prevent good fortune from being swept away.
Ron & Andy
We've learned that almost everything is symbolic of something.
Colors for example - Gold = Royal Color; Red = Celebration; Green Jade = Happiness
Phoenix = Empress, feminine grace, beauty
Dragon = Emperor, strength, power (Also, it is interesting that in America we typically associate Dragons with breath of fire whereas in China, Dragons are associated with water).
Elephants = peace
It is all so fascinating. Where a person sleeps means something. What bridge a person was allowed represented status in ancient times. All of the animals of the Chinese zodiac represent various qualities. And so much more! It seems like everything means something.
The lions each are special as well. Apparently, in ancient times, the female was displayed with her paw on the child as she controlled the family. And, the male rested his paw on the globe, as he controlled the world. Reactions?
And another - The branch-interlocked cypresses symbolize loyal love. It is said that Puyi and Wanrong, the last emperor and empress of the Qing dynasty, had their photograph taken in front of the trees after their wedding ceremony to show that "we wish to fly in heaven, two birds with one pair of wings, and to grow together on earth, two trees with branches interlaced." (copied from a nearby sign)
Also the Forbidden City is home to our #251 geocache. We were able to leave the group for a quick rest while we took about 10 minutes (and our guide) to hunt this one down. This cache is called "Case Closed." We were to find something surrounded by 5 ft. tall glass (NOT grass as I was searching for grass for the longest time). :) Anyway, we found it with little trouble. Much thanks goes to Benny for leading us around the maze of buildings. When we arrived, we found a very large quartz crystal of some kind. I overheard another guide explaining the the Emperor wanted his Queen and all his concubines to be as pure as the crystal. Huh? OK. Like I said before...everything represents something. :)
We also were treated to a yummy surprise tonight. It is Betsy's (another expecting Mom from our group) birthday tomorrow and her very sweet husband (careful Andy, if you're reading this) bought her a cake and invited us all to surprise her before we left for the theater. OOPS - a slight backfire...as we got off the elevator to go to her room, Betsy was just coming down the hallway toward us. "Betsy, what are you doing out here?" Oh, well.
Our evening was exciting with the performance of the Chinese Acrobats. Skill! Flexibility! Focus & Determination! It was really an amazing show. I would guess that some of the youngest performers were maybe about 6 yrs. old. It was a very cool thing to see.
Before signing off tonight, I need to tell you that the Moen's have their beautiful Lily. She is absolutely precious. It sounds like it was VERY difficult to leave the orphanage with her this afternoon. She is being a very brave little girl! We are so excited for them. And, for most of us, watching their family grow today was a quick reminder of the way our lives are going to change in just a couple of days. It is really happening! :)
Tomorrow morning we fly to Nanning. We aren't really sure of our schedule for the next couple of days other than that we'll be meeting our daughters on the 4th. Please be patient, pray, and know that we'll be in touch when we can.
Love - B & R
Friday, June 1, 2007
Moen Family
Leighton & Christine, Connor & Nelson have arrived. They got here last night and we just saw them at breakfast. They are meeting their daughter/sister, Lily (5), today! In about an hour, they will go directly to the orphanage. Pray for good things. SO EXCITING!
Beth
Beth
Roasted duck video
Here are a couple of links to google video. The first one is of the server showing us how to fold up a duck kind of wrap.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1202035613959047600
This one is of me showing just how easy it is.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6701662090281826189
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1202035613959047600
This one is of me showing just how easy it is.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6701662090281826189
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