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
That picture of you "and your girls" is my FAVORITE!!! And I loved how you found warmer clothes at Gap. How funny is that?! Loved these pictures so much!!
Aw! I love this. I'm with Shay–every time I see that picture of you with your girls, I melt! God is so good! 🙂
Love hearing your story Erika!!!! So sweet how God has brought you your little girl!! I can't wait to keep reading!!!
Thank you for sharing your story about adoption!! It has brought me so much joy!!
You dress your family in a lot of neon. Or maybe my computer screen is off 😉 I've heard of people dressing their children in bright colors at crowded places like ball games or Disney world, to find easily. Is that your angle?
As I was reading this, I kept thinking of how much fun this Christmas is going to be at your house this year. I know that's a pretty random thought, but what a blessed time it will be with your newest little girl!
Thank you for being so candid! I am loving your posts about Bringing Home Britt! Your family is just AWESOME! 🙂
I love these posts, and I've looked forward to each one. You are doing such a wonderful job with all 4 of your beautiful babies! Keep it up, and thank you for your honesty and faith!
Another wonderful post! My goodness I love seeing Britt's little smile already showing up in so many pictures. I'm proud of your kids for all of the foods they were willing to try too! Good job, Slaughters!
I have loved reading your adoption story! I can't wait to see Britt blossom and grow into her new loving family. I am sure Nixon getting sick out of the country did not help your tough days. Bless your mama heart!
I have loved all your posts on adoption so far. You have been so authentic and real – telling just enough of the story to give us a glimpse while still keeping details private. Praying for continued attachment and bonding and that transitions will be smooth!
Such a sweet adoption journey!!! Britt is so loved already! Sending prayers as this journey continues and your sweet family grows closer!
I have been loving reading your story. God is good and Britt is such a lucky girl to have such a sweet forever family.
I have loved reading your journey. Thank you for keeping it authentic! Britt is precious!
What VPN did you use while in China? I'll be there in 4 weeks! Thanks!!
I've been reading your blog for years and love your posts and heart. I know you've touched on your family's decision to adopt and definitely should keep a lot of details private, but can you post a little about Tab's feelings? As a couple, we are praying about adoption and I feel like it's often more difficult for husbands to decide than wives. We feel so content with our daughters but I know we could love more kids 🙂
I'm interested in domestic adoption and would like to know what led you to China?
Ebby Lee is rockin those chopsticks! I didn't learn how to use chopsticks til I was like 17, haha!
"Me and my girls"… love it !!!
I think my favorite part of these adoption posts have been your authenticity. I love that you don't shy away from the fact that adoption is not easy but I love that you share that we all have a role in it. Adoption may not be for everyone but we can all be encouraging and be there for those who do adopt. Adoption is such a beautiful picture of the church and our relationship with Christ.
LOVE!!!! These posts have all been so good, Erika!!!
That Inspired Chick
I have loved reading your adoption post!! You are so real with everything!!! I love seeing your family take on this journey and cannot wait to see it blossom
So happy for your family of six!! Love baby Britt!
Oh, Erika. Those last two paragraphs. I could echo those a thousand times. When we were in country and after we got home with our girls I NEEDED my encouragers. The transition was so hard I just don't know what I would have done without my couple of very close friends who were shoulders to cry on and offered words of healing and encouragement and a ton of prayers. Adoption is so beautiful but so hard and you just can't do it alone. Support systems are invaluable!
{hartsindurham.com}
Your story is so real and authentic. I appreciate you not just glossing over everything and saying it's just perfect. You are doing a great service to people considering adoption.
Yes yes yes to the last part! Thank you so much for letting us follow along on your journey. I have to admit that I'm a bit jealous of your cool Kunming temps. It is going to be so HOT when we head to Chinain August. I'm already sweating just thinking about it. Ha!
http://www.lettinginthelightblog.com
Your last paragraph brought me to tears. What a great reminder to all of us and so thankful you have such a sweet tribe. I love that picture with you and that other family – what a precious photo! I also liked how the boys were saluting the cars as they blocked off the road – so sweet! xoxo ERIN PS your gap outfits are cute!
Love this post, Erika! Bless your sweet family! http://www.supersimpleways.com
You've adopted one precious little girl! Seems your family was able to see a lot of sights of different culture. What an experience!