Welcome to Kennedy's Grand Adventure to Yangzhou

Goodbye to Beijing and an incredible week..

2009-03-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who made this amazing trip happen for me. Thank you to the wonderful people in Yangzhou who warmly welcomed us and made us feel so special and loved. We will never forget the love and friendships that were made. Thank you to BLAS for making the arrangements and taking good care of us. Thank you to the dignitaries who welcomed us with such beautiful banquets and touching speeches. Thank you to my nannies in the Orphanage who took good care of me until my Mom could bring me home. It was so nice to meet you all. To those children who are waiting for their families in the orphanage who I met I pray that soon you will have a family to call your own. I think of the babies and the kids I met..it makes me sad to have left them but hopefully they will be making their own trip home soon!

Thank you! Thank you!

Love Kennedy, Karen & James

Yangzhou Sisters...

2009-03-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

Kennedy made some wonderful new friends...whom she felt were like sisters to her...Friends who had been in the orphanage the same time as she was. These five young ladies made such an incredible bond with one another during the week. Aspen, Keira, Bridget and Melanie...you will always be special. Thank you for sharing those wonderful Yangzhou memories with Kennedy.

Welcome Home Banquet and Hotel

2009-03-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

Our visit to the CCAA...

2009-03-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

Fun at the XiYuan hotel in Yangzhou

2009-03-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

The visit to Slender West Lake and meeting the President of Yangzhou

2009-03-26T05:55:00.001-07:00

This picture is of Kennedy and her friend Bridget - they will be getting together this summer..that is the plan.

This is a picture of Kennedy and her friend Aspen. They hit it off from the first day. She misses her a lot.

The Olympic Dream..Beijing 2008 but in March 2009

2009-03-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

Here is Kennedy holding the Olympic Torch....Kennedy's friend Melanie is beside her.

A great dinner with a wonderful Yangzhou family..

2009-03-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

Here is the family who so graciously hosted a dinner for Kennedy and James. They met their son David when they visisted the Language school. David lives at the school all week and than heads home on the weekend. He is not allowed to do anything but study and do homework during the week. No TV, toys etc. Those are for his weekends. David is 12 years old. They had chinese meatballs, Yangzhou fried rice, Dumplings in Duck Soup, Fried Bean and Crab Paste and Fruit for dessert. James said it was delicious. Thank you to the family for being so gracious.

Party in the Park-Puppets, Kites, Paper cutting, Lion Dances and Yangzhou Fried Rice

2009-03-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of their fabulous day in the park

More pictures from the orphanage

2009-03-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of a little autistic boy in the orphanage. He wanted Kennedy to play with him..and that she did. He was very happy to meet her.

This is a picture of a poster the orphanage had made of all the children's baby pictures who had come to Yangzhou for the re-union. They had written their names in Chinese and had each girl write their names under their pictures. Kennedy's is above her head to the right and the picture with the ladies are some nannies who are still there after 13 years....they remembered Kennedy "Dongni".

Here are some pictures from the orphanage..WARNING...Kids are adorable!!

2009-03-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

I know...don't you want to bring them all home! I know I do...

More pics to come,
Karen

I love you Kennedy...you mean the world to me! Welcome home...

2009-03-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

My wish would be for all those children who remain in the the orphanages of the world to one day find a family to call their own. Every child is entitled to that. I know that is a huge wish but..one family at a time...a child's world changes and so does their families.

Our world was forever changed six times and we are so lucky to have them in our lives. Kennedy, Madison, Jagger, Colby, Jaden and Presley - life would be so different without you in our lives and in our hearts. We love you!!

The songs that I have included above are very touching to me...Cinderella song really hits home with me..as sometimes with day to day stuff with all the kids..we sometimes lose the focus how important each passing moment truly is..I have to step back sometimes and think that soon they will grow up and those special times that I let slip by will be no more..Cherish each moment...I try to!

Hugs,
Mom & Dad

Returning to Beijing, Kennedy's baby picture and goodbye's..

2009-03-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

And here she is.. Kennedy's earliest baby picture....what an angel...what a beautiful thing to have.

This article was in the China Daily News, it was about the group going to Yangzhou.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-03/18/content_7588666.htm

Well James and Kennedy are relaxing in the hotel in Beijing after a quieter day. They left Yangzhou and said goodbye one more time and headed to Beijing. They left around 11am and arrived in Beijing around 1:30pm.

They got to the hotel and than had something to eat. They went shopping at silk road and than had dinner.

Now they do their final packing...are watching TV in English and just relaxing. They are now getting into ..Let's head home mode.

It has been an incredible journey to Yangzhou and we cannot thank all the wonderful people who helped to make this possible for Kennedy. She would not have experienced all she did if not for you. For that we are so greatful.

I will post more pictures on the blog once James is home and we can download them from the camera...he has 4gig worth of pics...

They should arrive at Pierre Elliott Trudeau around 10:33pm Sunday night...they start their journey home...Sunday morning 4am our time....a long way but man was it worth it.

Hopefully one day we as a family can make the journey and bring all of our children to each of their provinces and towns and let them experience a little of what Kennedy and James have. We will need to take a 2nd mortgage to do it..considering the flight alone would cost about $12,000...so we need to win the lotto first...

Thank you for coming along with us on Kennedy's trip to Yangzhou...come back and visit as I will post more pictures.

Hugs,
Karen

Handprints for the Orphanage

2009-03-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

I forgot to share that when the kids were at the orphanage they had them all make an imprint of their hand. The orphanage indicated that they were going to make a wall with all of the kids hands on it as it was to mark their 20th anniversary and the celebration they had enjoyed together. How cool is that. Our children's personal mark will be left in Yangzhou. I thought that was touching...

Just wanted to share,
Karen

Farewell to the wonderful staff at Yangzhou..and Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

2009-03-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Today James and Kennedy had yet again a very emotional fun filled day. They started their morning bright and early and headed to visit the beautiful Slender West Lake.
This place I remember when I was in Yangzhou for almost a week getting Kennedy. The bridges and water and the surrounding areas are just georgous. James said it was amazing. They than headed for lunch to eat the famous Yangzhou dumplings...they said they were great. James was saying that indeed the Yangzhou area has great cuisine.

James and Kennedy than headed out to buy some things for the orphanage with the rest of the money that we had raised. They bought an industrial sized rice cooker- James said it was HUGE and they also purchased an industrial microwave.

They continued with their shopping and Kennedy bought a few special things for herself. A jade bracelet and some other small trinkets. I had told her that she should get something special from Yangzhou as indeed it is a special place for her.

Once shopping was done and all our money was spent they visisted the Ge Gardens. The President of Yangzhou wanted to meet the group of girls so they arranged to meet him at the park. They met and took pictures and he spoke to the girls telling them to be proud of where they came from and to grow up to be good, respectful adults and to make their parents proud. The President is the boss of the Mayor of Yangzhou whom Kennedy had met at an earlier banquet.

They than headed back to the hotel and got ready for the Farewell dinner which they were going to have with the staff of the orphanage.
James told me that many of the staff etc have been staying at the hotel with them during the week and had come along on their many outings.

At the dinner many people came up and spoke to the girls and the families. Zhou Yi, the lady who had admitted Kennedy into the orphanage and who had given her her medical on her arrival spoke to all the families and broke down into tears many times. She was so taken with all the children and so proud at the young ladies they had become. She too said they were proud of them and how wonderful it was to have them come home to visit them in Yangzhou. That they were all part of the Yangzhou family and that they had missed them all. James said the love that was felt for the girls was something else. He said there is no doubt in his mind how much they love the kids and how much they truly miss them when they are adopted.

Once Zhou Yi was finished talking all the kids ran to her and hugged her. Kennedy said it was so touching. They were all crying. She hugged Kennedy tightly at one point and didn't want to let her go.

Kennedy than presented the gifts she had bought for the orphanage and they were very appreciative. They indicated they needed these very much and would be of great use.

Others many some speeches and they than all ate dinner.

It was quite a dinner filled with happiness and many tears. The goodbye's James said were very hard. James said the amount of time and effort and organization that everyone in Yangzhou had put in to make this happen is so greatly appreciated by all the families that attended. This trip has just been incredible he said. Everyone did everything in their power to welcome the girls and to teach them about China and their roots and to show them how much they were and are loved.

They are now preparing for tomorrow as they leave Yangzhou and head back to Beijing. Many of the families are leaving tomorrow so that too is sad as many freindships were made on this trip. Families from all over the world were there..and the kids are sad to say goodbye to one another. I am so happy they had this opportunity to meet one another and make friends and share in something that will be special to them for the rest of their lives. Yangzhou was their home and the people that loved them and cared for them will now have faces and feelings for them to always remember.

Tomorrow is the last day in China for Kennedy and James...they will rest in Beijing and enjoy the day..swimming in the pool is on the agenda..dinner with a few families and perhaps some shopping.

They leave on Sunday at 4pm and will arrive home Sunday night at 10pm where all our of kids and me will be impatiently waiting for their Daddy and big sister who the have missed very much this week.

Hugs,
Karen

From Kites, Rice to School and Home

2009-03-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

Well another very interesting day was had. Kennedy and James woke and had breakfast and were than brought to a local park where the kids were treated to a puppet show, to fly some kites and than around lunch time...learn to make the famous Yangzhou Fried rice. The people from the orphanage had joined them in the park and brought many of the children to enjoy the day with James, Kennedy and the families they are travelling with.

They had a lot of fun and Kennedy said it was so nice to play with the kids and see them really enjoying themselves. James said it is so hard to know that these little ones will stay behind and who knows what the future holds for them. He said a little one cozied up to him and he patted him on the head and spoke to him and that the little boy had a big smile on his face. He said it just broke his heart. Of course he too wants to bring them all home.

The nannies had arranged everything in the park and there were rice pots and hot plates to make the Yangzhou rice for lunch. Kennedy learned and watched as she loves to cook..so hopefully when they get home she will be able to whip some up for us to taste.

Once they had dined and played they then visited the Yangzhou High School. It was quite interesting James said and there they met many children attending the school and they even spoke some English.

The principle of the school James told me was the person who lit the Olympic Torch at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The torch was in the school and Kennedy held it up and James took a picture. How cool is that!

There they met a boy named David. What James came to find out was dinner for him and Kennedy was to be hosted by David's Family that night. Each family in the group was hosted by a student's family. The family came to pick James and Kennedy up at the school once their visit was done and they were treated to a very nice dinner in their home. They talked and asked many questions..about life in Canada, schools, our family and many more questions. James said it was a great experience. To meet the local people and be treated so kindly. He is just blown away at this whole trip and truly impressed at all the preparation that had to be done to make all these things possible for Kennedy and all the other girls.

They were than driven back to their hotel for the night. What a wonderful day.

I am sorry to not be posting more pictures, but it is hard in Yangzhou as internet is very limited. So once I get some pictures I will be posting them up.

Tomorrow's agenda:

Breakfast and than a visit to Slender West Lake
Lunch at a local restaurant
After- Shopping in the local shops (sounds like fun)
Farewell Dinner at the Orphanage we beleive.
And than back to the hotel.

Another amazing day in Yangzhou...

Hugs,
Karen

Tears from morning til night...

2009-03-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

A wonderful and emotional day it was today as James and Kennedy visisted the Yangzhou Children's Welfare Institute. They arrived on the bus this morning and were welcomed at the orphanage by a crowd of people from Yangzhou and drums...there were about 20 girls James said who were announcing their arrival to the town by loud drums. They shook hands with people as they got off the bus and were warmly welcomed by dignitaries and the staff at the orphanage. They were lion dances, fireworks and it was just incredible. They felt like celebrities.

From what I understand there were speeches and gifts given to the children. James said it was very touching and there was not a dry eye in the place.

For lunch they made dumplings, which he said were delicious, and they had some soup and fruit as well.

They than made their way through the orphanage and met many children. Kennedy was in the baby room picking up all the kids, giving each one as much attention as she could in the time they had. Kennedy has a very soft heart and I knew this would be a tough time. When you see the children right in front of you it is just so heartbreaking. James said she asked him...why can't we bring them home? They need a family too. It is just not fair.
I remember when we visited Colby's orphanage(our son) I was just heartbroken as I went from child to child as they lie in their cribs...bottles propped up in their mouths and each one deserving to have a family of their own. I cried and cried and will never forget that day. That day really made me realize I needed to do whatever I could to help each one of them find their forever family.

Kennedy played with the children and they spent a nice afternoon together.

At one point of the day, each of the kids were called to see their adoption files. When I had adopted Kennedy we didn't receive a picture at referral time. We only received their name, birthdate and where they were. In Kennedy's file they had a picture of her the day she was found and brought to the orphanage. They gladly gave her the picture and I am thrilled for Kennedy that she is able to have that. I can't wait to see it. James said she is just days old and is adorable.

Kennedy was wearing the T-Shirt I had made for her. I had ordered it especially for today. It is red and has Yangzhou 1995 on the front top with her baby picture I had taken the 1st day I received her in Yangzhou and underneath the picture is her chinese name. Yang, Dongni. In the back is her name KENNEDY and Yangzhou Re-Union 2009. I figured it would be a great way for the orphanage staff to know who she was and what she looked like when she lived there.

Here is her picture on her T-Shirt:

Lo and behold..a lady approached Kennedy and she told her that she was her nanny and that she took care of her many years ago. How wonderful is that. James took her name(Zhou, Yi)and information and we will write to her and keep her updated as Kennedy grows..

James said there were so many times during the day where tears were flowing and everyone was so emotional. He said if I had been there I would have been crying all day.

There were many gifts brought for the kids and the orphanage but sadly they were not personally given to to the kids. They were collected prior to arriving at the orphanage and all the gifts and donations were given to the director, I guess to be opened later. I guess there were too many to open right there and there was a lot going on.

They had a nice dinner..American Buffet and than headed back to the hotel. James said he was exhausted and just so drained emotionally. Kennedy sounds like she really enjoyed her day. I can't imagine what is going on in her head. I know many times before she left she told me..perhaps when we go to Yangzhou that her birth mother would be there and she could see how well she is doing..She would really love to meet her birthmom. I know the chances are slim..but one day I wish that she could. Of all of our children she the most wants to see her birthmom and know who she comes from. If she does want to pursue it more when she gets older we will of course try to help in any way we can.

James is to go shopping with some of the staff in the next few days to buy pots and a microwave or whatever they need...he will be speaking with the director for that.

So another incredible day to this journey to Yangzhou..

Here is there agenda for tomorrow:

Morning - Attend some cultural events in a local park, including a puppet show, paper-cutting, fly kites and learn to make the famous Yangzhou fried rice for lunch.

Afternoon - Visit Slender West Lake scenic area

Visit and have dinner at a local families home.

Sounds like fun!!!

With every update from James I wish more and more that I had gone. I knew it was going to be something very special..but now I feel I just should have been there as well.

Take care all,
Karen

The beds are sooo hard..

2009-03-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

I was finally able to reach James and they are now at the hotel in Yangzhou...Kennedy had to tell me how hard the beds are...Mom you can't beleive it..I do beleive..I have experienced them myself on my trips to China.
I told her with all the running around they have been doing..no matter how hard they are once she put her head down on the pillow she would sleep like a baby.

Yesterday was quite the day James said...they had a big dinner with the mayor of Yangzhou and many people from Civil affairs. Kennedy was chosen to sit at the head table. They chose 3 of the kids..and all of them were from Canada. There were camera's there and James said it was something else. Very touching and banners Welcoming the kids back home. Kennedy was sitting close to the mayor of Yangzhou and he was asking her all kinds of questions and they were even clinking glasses together in celebration. They were given some gifts and a certificate. It was a very nice banquet and we thank those involved for the kindness shown to our daughter and the other families.

The person who was the Masters of Ceremony came up to Kennedy and told her that she had been following Kennedy's fundraising blog and that she was very impressed and honored that Kennedy was able to make the trip back home. She told Kennedy she should be very proud of herself for the hard work and that she had a good mother and father to help make it all happen. James said Kennedy was shy but happy to take the compliments.

You just never know who is reading your blog. How cool is that!!

As they pulled into the hotel this evening James indicated there was a big banner on the hotel Welcoming the girls home to Yangzhou. They are being treated as honored guests. The trip just keeps on getting better and better James said.

My phone died out before I could say my goodbye's...but I know that tomorrow will be a great day for James and Kennedy...it will be a very special one I am sure Kennedy will remember for the rest of her life.

Hugs!
Karen

March 17th and no news this morning...

2009-03-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

I just called the hotel in Yangzhou and the girl who answered indicated that the group has not arrived yet. It has been a long day for them as they were up very early this morning at 6am and are still not at the hotel and it is 9:30pm there.

On the agenda for them tomorrow is:

There will be a Welcoming party for the kids and their families at the Orphanage, they will than get a tour and visit and of course play with the many children who live there. Kennedy has brought over 70 teddy bears for the kids, 400 toothbrushes with toothpaste and 40 pairs of onesies. 3 of the 4 bags they brought with them are filled to the brim with stuff for the children. I hope they love what Kennedy will be giving them.

Kennedy will get to view all her adoption file at the orphanage.

In the afternoon there is an Anniversary Ceremony and Kennedy and James will get to play with the kids who are living there and make dumplings with them and than they will all eat together..bring home the recipe guys..nothing like Chinese dumplings. We make them as a family at home and we all love them.

So sounds like a fabulous day in store. One that I am sure will be very emotional for James and Kennedy and me even though I am not there.

Here is a video of a child that was adopted from Yangzhou in 2007 .but it gives you a look into the Yangzhou Children's Welfare Institute and some of the children who call it home.

Here is a video of the streets of Yangzhou

A beautiful video and song about Yangzhou:

Thanks for following along...
Hugs,
Karen

Happy St Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Just thought I would wish my fellow Irish friends and family a Happy St Patrick's Day!

A Toast from Ireland

May you be poor in misfortune
Rich in blessings
Slow to make enemies
Quick to make friends
But rich or poor,
Quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward

A Full day brought tears to their eyes..

2009-03-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

Today was a very emotional day James indicated. He visited the CCAA and met all the wonderful people there who work hard at matching and reviewing the soooo many files. James said there were stacks and stacks of files everywhere. They were all color coded and actually when he was leaving, the stack that was nearest the door, was from our first agency "Enfants Du Monde" - they are the agency I used when I was adopting Kennedy. How is that for a co-incidence. James indicated the people were very warm and welcoming and that as they were being shown around and explained the whole process of what happens to a file that many of the parents including himself were very teary eyed and found it to be very emotional. After all that is where Kennedy's file was joined to mine back in 1996 and where the start of our family happened. February 13th to be exact. She was my best Valentine present ever. James said he took many pictures and he will be sending some for me to post. They are very tired and had a very busy day. He met with the person who works in the Special needs department and thanked them all for helping us to bring home our children. They told him that they were very happy to see the children and their wonderful families together.

Some of the pictures were not taken by James...but will give you an idea of what the CCAA offices look like and the files there waiting to be matched.

A little bit about the CCAA(China Center of Adoption Affairs):

CCAA is separated into 6 distinct departments:

Department 1, known as the Administration Department

Department 2, known as the Liaison Department

Department 3, the Document Review Department I, where all documents are thoroughly poured over and all data is placed in the CCAA database

Department 4, the Document Review Department II, known affectionately as the "Matching Room", where families are matched with the children

Department 5, the Archive Department, where all files from pre and post- adoption are archived

Department 6, the Finance Department.

Every staff person they met with within every department was extremely generous in their time and very proud of the work they do. The building is very lovely inside and has many large pictures of adoptive families throughout the halls. On most computers the staff have slideshow programs that cycle through the thousands of pictures families have sent to the CCAA over the years. There are constant reminders throughout the building of the great accomplishments of the CCAA and agencies whom have worked together to unite children with their forever families.

We were surprised to learn how technologically advanced the CCAA is. In fact, all the departments have the most advanced computers and software to perform their various tasks. While there, we marveled at how proficient all the staff are at input and processing of data.

We always envisioned a small room with limited staff in the "matching room". There are actually about 10-12 workers in this room. It is a very warm and inviting room and all the staff were quite gracious and extremely proud of their work. The task is, however, quite daunting when you see the volume of dossiers that they work with. Interestingly, they take their time being quite meticulous with every single file of the parents and the children to ensure a perfect match. And as is easily attested by virtually every parent who has adopted from China, they have done just that.

James had the opportunity to spend time with the Director of the Special Needs department. She is a very kind woman and was exceptionally proud of the success of the program and all of the children who have been placed with their forever families.

The Archival Department was equally fascinating. The staff compile all documents from pre and pos-adoption and place them within lovely folders for archival purposes. The staff in the department has shown us some of the amazing materials collected in the files. We see so many of the documents here in the office, but it was a special treat to see the originals, and materials we never actually see, in person.

Visiting the CCAA and meeting the people there was definitely one of the highlights of this trip that James had looked forward to. He said it was very touching and he was constantly trying hard to hold back his tears. He was very happy to have the opportunity to thank those working there personally for helping us to build our family.We are forever greatful.

Tomorrow will be busy again..they have to be up for 6am and ready to leave for 7am as there is a welcoming ceremony given by Civil Affairs and speakers who will be addressing them from 8am-9am. After that they will be heading to the airport and will be heading for Nanjing which is the capital of Jiangsu province (where Kennedy was born). From there they will take a bus (about 3 hour ride I beleive to get to Yangzhou) and than stop for dinner and than on to their hotel in Yangzhou where they will stay until Friday.

They will be staying at the XiYuan hotel in Yangzhou.

So another packed and busy day ahead. They were heading off to bed when I got off the phone with them this morning(about 8:30am our time).

They are having a great time and I am thrilled Kennedy is there and enjoying her special trip.

Hugs,
Karen

March 16th - Tai Chi, CCAA and Tianneman & Forbidden City

2009-03-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

So there is a full day ahead of them. James emailed me early this morning...I think he was up around 6am to head out for Tai Chi in the park.

Here are their plans for the day:

6:30 - 7:30 Watch local people doing morning Taichi at near by park.

9:30 - 12:00 Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

12:30pm- 1:30 Have lunch at Jiaoye restaurant

2:30pm - 4:30 Visit to the CCAA and Chinese culture classes at BLAS' offices (Doing calligraphy etc)

5:00pm - 6: 30 Shopping at the Hong Qiao market

6:30pm - 7:30 Dinner in Dai Village Restaurant

It certainly sounds like they are doing a ton of things and there is no time for a breather. They have a lot to do and see in a week. James says Kennedy now sits it the back seat of the bus with her newest 4 friends...Aspen(From California), Bridget(Ottawa), Kyra (Vancouver) and Melanie(New Jersey). I am so glad all the girls are having this opportunity to meet with one another and enjoy their hometown and the great city of Beijing.

It is our son Jagger's 9th birthday today. He wants to wait until James is home to celebrate his birthday..we will celebrate with a birthday cake and his favorite dinner. Happy Birthday Jagger!

Have loads of Fun and enjoy your day!
Karen

March 15th-A few pictures from the Wall and the Olympic Venues

2009-03-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

Well James emailed me and indicated they had quite a nice day. The girls enjoyed their visits to the Wall and the parents chickened out or James did and didn't take the Speed Sled down from the top of the Wall. Kennedy and the girls did however. The parents chose to take the safer cable car down.

They then visited the Olympic Venues and didn't have enough time to visit everything so decided to stay outside, take some pictures and just walk around.

They finished the day with a wonderful dinner at the Friendship Store..this is a place where there are restaurants on one floor and shops on other floors.

They had a great day and things are going well. Sounds like they are having a wonderful time.

Kennedy already lost her retainer which we just replaced the day before she left for China...smiles everyone..LOL

Hugs to all..until tomorrow,
Karen

The Visit to Mutianyu Great Wall of China & the Olympic Venues in Beijing

2009-03-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a little bit of information about the part of the wall that Kennedy & James will be visiting today.

Located in Huairou County about 45 miles from Beijing, Mutianyu Great Wall enjoys a long history and is part of the glorious culture of China. It connects Juyongguan Pass in the west and Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. The wall was first built in Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 557). In Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), Tan Lun and Qi Jiguang, two famous patriotic generals, rebuilt it in order to strengthen its defensive potential when they guarded the strategic pass. It served as the northern protective screen, guarding the capital and imperial mausoleums for generations.
Mutianyu Great Wall winds 1.4 miles through lofty mountains and high ridges, many sections of which are made of granite. The unique structure makes the wall almost indestructible. It measures 23 to 26 feet high and four to five yards wide. Both of the wall's inner and outer sides have parapets to defend against enemies coming from the two sides. Some parapets are saw- tooth shaped instead of the regular rectangular form. Below the parapets, there are square embrasures the top of which are designed in an arc structure, different from the traditional round embrasures.

There are 22 watch towers distributed at close intervals along the wall. They are located not only in the main wall but also at the distinctive 'branch cities'. Branch cities are built on the hill ridge against the inner or outer side of the wall. They measure from several yards to dozens of yards across. On the northwest over 3,281-feet hills, lies a section of the wall called 'Ox Horn Edge'. On the steep and lofty peaks, there are two walls named 'Flying Eagle Flies Facing Upward' and 'Arrow Lock'. What is more rarely seen on the southeast side is a general gateway platform guarded by three watch towers together. In locations of strategic importance, batteries are set up to reinforce the defense capabilities. Mutianyu Great Wall really deserves to be the archetype of the ten thousand li Great Wall.

Besides its strategically important location and compact layout, the Mutianyu Great Wall is also famous for the breath-takingly beautiful scenery. Woods cover over ninety-six percent of the total scenic area. The wall presents different aspects of beauty in the four seasons. Flowers bloom all over the mountains in spring. Grasses dress the hillside green in summer. Trees are laden with sweet fruits in autumn, and especially in October, leaves are turning red or yellow, touching the mountain tops with gold. In winter, the wall is covered by snow, making it seem more magnificent. The pine trees around Mutianyu Great Wall are well-known. There are more than 20 pines over 300 years old and about 200 pines over 100 year old. Besides, spring water at the foot of the wall tastes pure and fragrant, much appreciated by visitors.

What's more, the national first-rate cable car is installed in Mutianyu Great Wall. A sled named 'Speed' will give you an opportunity to experience thrills by taking you swoop down from the high mountains. China Stone City collects weird and beautiful stones, attracting more and more visitors to come and see.

How much fun is that going to be...riding the cable car to the Top of the mountain and than taking the sled down...sounds like a hoot...hopefully they get to experience them both and take lots of pictures.

Below is an example of the taboggan ride at the wall...sounds like a lot of fun!

Later in the afternoon the group will get to visit the wonderful site of the Olympics that were held in Beijing in August of 2008. I really like the video below and it gives you some nice shots of Beijing and the beauty of China. Take a peek and Enjoy!

Hugs,
Karen

The group has arrived and the fun really begins!

2009-03-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well the group has all arrived and friendships are already taking place. I was happy to hear that Kennedy has made a new friend Aspen from California...she is Wendy's daughter. They went shopping yesterday at Silk Road and bought a few things. Shopping is great in China for those who have never been. Kennedy bought herself a new spring jacket. They had a group meeting last night at 7pm where they met everyone and the guides and found out what is the schedule details for tomorrow.

Here they are: Sunday, March 15, 2009

8:00 - 11:00am Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall
12:00 - 1:30 pm Group goes for lunch
2:30 - 3:30 pm Visit the Olympic venues (The Birds nest and Water cube)
3:30 - 4:30 pm Go back to hotel to clean up before dinner
6:30 - 7:30 pm Go for dinner at the Lucky bird restaurant

So sounds like a fun filled day ahead. I wish I was there with them.

The picture in this entry is of Kennedy at a local playground in Beijing.

More updates to come...keep checking in.

Take care,
Karen

Kennedy and James have arrived in Beijing!!

2009-03-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Friday morning had arrived and with 4 huge pieces of luggage in hand, I dropped James and Kennedy off at Pierre Eliott Trudeau Airport. They had 1 piece of luggage for them and 3 other bags of things for the orphanage. Kennedy was very excited and didn't sleep much Thursday night. She said this is going to be such a cool trip.
They are many kids Kennedy's age that will be attending so she will probably make some new friendships which will be very neat. As far as I know there are about 200 people attending the re-union. They will all be staying at the same hotel (Radisson SAS in Beijing) and the (XiYuan hotel in Yangzhou). I know they will have an amazing time.

James called this morning at 5:30am to say they had arrived in one piece and that they had already been to the market for croissants and water. They haven't seen anyone who looks like they are part of the group yet...they are in the room for the night to rest and try and get some sleep. Just trying to chill & relax. The group will all be there Saturday(they are coming in at all different times) and they have a little meeting at 7pm to meet and discuss the upcoming activities.

Day 1 of the big adventure has begun....

Take care,

Mom to Kennedy (Karen)

Yangzhou here we come.....

2009-02-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Kennedy's new blog. This will be her new place to share her upcoming amazing journey back to China. Kennedy has an amazing opportunity to return to Yangzhou, Jiangsu China, to the place where she was born. She has been invited back to Yangzhou to attend the 20th year celebration at the Yangzhou Children's Welfare Institute. How amazing is that. Through the generosity and kindness of many people across this great world..Kennedy raised enough money for her to attend.

Her journey will begin on March 12th as she and her Dad, James, will leave for Beijing. They will arrive on Friday, March 13th (hmmm!)and will meet up with the other families who will be attending this week long celebration on the Saturday. The extra day they will have before the group arrives is to rest and try and deal with jet lag that comes along with travelling half way across the world. They have the Saturday to check out Beijing on their own..meet up with the group...and get ready to visit the sites of Beijing (Forbidden City, Tianneman Sqaure, and the Olympic Venues)..they will than head to Nanjing (Which is the capital of Jiangsu province) and from there will get on a bus and head to Yangzhou.

Below is Kennedy and James' day to day Itinerary:

March 13th - Arrive in Beijing, check in at the hotel and take a rest

March 14th - Kennedy and James have a leisure day in Beijing and shop for Mom! LOL

March 15th - Tour to the Great Wall and visit The Olympic Venues (Water Cube & Birds Nest)

March 16th Morning - Learn Tai-Chi at a local park ,Visit CCAA(China Center of Adoption Affairs-where the magic of adoption happens), and welcoming party at BLAS(Bridge of Love Adoption Services-the great people who have organized our trip in China)

Afternoon - Visit Tian’an Men Square and The Forbidden City

March 17th - Go to Nanjing by air and drive to Yangzhou

March 18th Morning - Welcoming party at Yangzhou CWI, visit the orphanage, and view the adoption files

Afternoon - Anniversary ceremony, play with the waiting children and make dumplings at the orphanage

March 19th Morning - Have local food for breakfast, Visit the Canal Scenery Belt and fly kites

Afternoon - Visit Slender West Lake and Daming Temple and a Yangzhou toy factory which is very famous.

March 20th Morning - Visit Ge Garden, learn paper-cutting and get local featured clothes for souvenirs.

Visit Yangzhou University and go shopping at a local market

Afternoon - Farewell ceremony at Yangzhou CWI and plant trees

March 21st Morning - Drive to Nanjing to fly to Beijing stay for our last night

March 22nd - Afternoon - Head for Home - Greet our family who we have missed so much!