It's Me Again

It's me, Erica, again.  I'm not sure what is going on, but Shana isn't able to get to the blog...Maybe a VPN issue?  She did send me some pictures and wrote a little about their day, so here it is...


Today we visited the Forbidden City, the 2008 Olympic Village and New Hope.  The Forbidden City was astonishing, we just couldn't believe the size of the complex.  
The people here are great, bluntly real - they have no problem pushing you out of the way if you're standing where they want to be, but it is really cool that so many want to come and start a conversation to practice their English with us.  Carsen & Gracie had a group of people who were taking turns taking pictures with them - they liked it, after they got over the initial shock of being grabbed for a picture.  
In contrast to the Forbidden City, the Olympic Village seemed much smaller and in such close proximity - it was a treat to get to take a stroll there.  
And I think we'd all agree that the delight of our day was visiting New Hope!  We were given a tour of the facility and we tried to get pictures of the rooms that Phoebe spent time in.  Had the pleasure of meeting our girls preschool teacher and playing with some of the kiddos there...they were all so precious and I'm sure each of us could tell you about a special one that we played with!  It was time for their snack so we said our goodbyes and went outside to the playground.  Snapped a few shots of the play areas and it was time to go, a super short but sweet visit...counting down the moments until we get to meet our sweetie!!!

Carsen and Gracie at the Forbidden City.  

The Olympic Torch

The "Bird's Nest" in the Olympic Village.  You may recall this was the home of the swimming events for the 2008 Olympics

New Hope Healing Home...This is where Phoebe spent much of her life in China

In the playrooms at the healing home...What a cutie!  Pray for the little ones there that God will bring each of them a "Forever Family".

Phoebe's teacher

Makes you want to go and get all of them!!!

Pray for all of the Hansens.  This was a busy day.  Shana shared that she is going on 4 hours of sleep right now, since Wednesday morning!!!  Please pray that she can rest and sleep right now.  They are probably headed for bed as I write this blog.  They need sleep so they don't get sick and stressed out.  I know how hard it can be to adjust to time change and all the jet lag.  But our God is greater...He can give them the rest that they need.  Continue to pray for adjustments that are coming.  They will probably be traveling to Phoebe's provincial capital on Sunday before getting Phoebe on Monday.  I'll keep you informed as I hear, or hopefully Shana will be able to get on the blog soon!