Our last three days in Kunming were pretty low-key.
Wednesday, we started off the day touring a Budda Temple.
It was rainy, yucky, and just cold outside. I hadn’t packed well for a day like this.
Everyone had a great attitude about getting out despite the weather.
Our hotel had several umbrellas they let us borrow.
These two huddled up to stay warm. 🙂
Miss Britt realized on this day she could perform a little tug on her headband and they’d come right off.
For a Wednesday morning, I thought this area was rather busy. Our guide told us it was mostly retired people or tourists.
I’m not sure why they’re flexing here??
It was the kind of damp day you just couldn’t get warm in…know what I mean? I’ve never wanted sweatpants so badly in my life. haha!
Since I hadn’t packed warm enough clothes after the temple tour we asked the driver and guide to take us to Gap. I’d spotted one earlier on our way into town. I knew we’d fine some warm things we’d wear again in America. So we went to Gap to get some warmer clothes for the next day.
There was a big important meeting happening in Kunming during our stay as well. Two different times the police shut down traffic so the caravan could come through.
I took Britt back to the hotel to nap and Tab took the big kids out for lunch. They went a little authentic during this meal.
I’m crazy proud of them for trying all that!
About the time they returned, Britt was waking up. We spent a lot of time playing in our room. Just getting to know each other.
We walked back to Salvador’s for dinner. 🙂
Thursday was our last full day in Kunming. Up first was the Minority Village. It’s an area close to Kunming that has a variety of minorities represented…we’d see their houses, clothes, etc. These minorities happen to make up the Yunnan province.
The kiddos and I look like a Gap ad, but we were warm!
Each minority represented had a home set up so we could see what it was like living in their village.
Me and my girls. 🙂
Can you spot the peacocks right behind those three cuties?
These were fancy little buildings built around wells. Nixon thought he was too funny getting awfully close to the inside.
In each little village area, you could rent the typical costumes to try on. This couple looked so legit we asked to take a picture with them. 🙂
I’ve got a baby wrapped up in that blanket.
Daddy’s girl 🙂
One village had this big meeting with all kinds of people fully dressed in costume. We asked if we could join them for a picture and they were all so nice. Can you spot our crew?
The boys thought sounding this gong was the coolest.
Sweet girl had a big day!
Our guide, Mrs. Susan, took us to another authentic lunch spot. This girl right here is hands down our most adventurous eater.
It was at this moment we should have noticed Nixon was feeling a little under the weather. I kept blaming the food-he’s pretty picky so I thought he was just skipping lunch.
There’s a pretty popular show in Kunming and we’d gotten tickets for this evening. But later this afternoon, Nixon got sick in the hotel room. Britt, Nixon, and I stayed back while Tab took the others. They said the show was awesome!
In true Bowen fashion, he slept through the entire show!
Friday mid-morning we met in the lobby all packed up for our flight to Guanghzo.
We said our final goodbyes to Kunming and Mrs. Susan.
We got ready to board the flight as a family of six!
You know who did amazing on her first flight? THIS GIRL! She slept for just a bit and was so good.
These days were full of trying to figure out Britt…what she likes/dislikes, what to feed her, how to comfort her, and the list goes on. These two days were my toughest days. It was just a lot at one time. I was full of all the emotions and mixed with little sleep that can sometimes be rough. haha! God was there every step of the way and I had amazing friends and family who were lifting us up in prayer, were sending me the most encouraging texts, and who really helped carry us through.
I know this adoption thing isn’t for everyone, but if you have friends in the midst of adoption-be their encouragers! It’s hard to explain how my people were the hands and feet of Jesus to us at this point so many miles away but they were. I felt their love and prayers all the way in China. If adoption isn’t for you, then be those hands and feet for others.
Thanks again for reading. XO
