This reunion was for our Chongqing travel group. The girls were all born within May, 2005 in the same mountain city in China. They lived together until March 28, 2006 when they were united with their forever families. We traveled and stayed together for another week, until we dispersed throughout the US. Sadly, we live the farthest away from the other families, so we do not get to see them.
I was so afraid that, after all this time, the girls would not remember each other, that they would not want to play together, or not get along. Natalie hadn't seen her China Sisters since she was 2 years old.
It was amazing to see the girls together. We met Michele and Jade W. and Bonnie and Keira D. in Colorado Springs. We stayed at the same hotel for the night, but couldn't meet up til breakfast. When the girls came down, Natalie jumped right in and talked their ears off. It was as though they had never been apart. Natalie was sad when it was time to head off to the Inn (a 6+ hour drive away!), not realizing the fun that awaited her.
We stopped at the Royal Gorge Bridge for a much needed break. It was so hot, but the sights were awe-some. The mountains were beyond what we imagined. Being a native flat-lander, we were not prepared for the magnitude of the Rockies! We were left speechless! Jon, Natalie and Jana walked on the bridge over the Gorge while Jake and I sat in the shade - enjoying the scenery and some live music. You could not pay me enough to set one foot near the bridge, let alone walk across it! Heck NO!
Natalie riding the train at the Royal Gorge
We got to the Inn just before dark, so we couldn't really see the magnificent beauty that lay all around us. This truly is God's country!
This is the view from our room!
And making it more perfect was seeing Natalie with five of her China sisters, playing as though they had never been apart. (Anna, we miss you but getting a baby brother is more important. See you next time!) The girls played from sun up to sun down and most nights, even later. Natalie was in her glory! Little girls.....everywhere!
China Sisters (missing Anna) - Keira, Natalie, Micah, Logan, Jillian and Jade
I said it the last time the girls were together, 4 years ago, and I will say it again.......These girls share a special bond. It is as though they feel a deep connection, even though they lives miles apart and only see each other once in a great while. It is as thought they had never stopped living together. They are truly sisters.
Daddy and Natalie finding stones at the creek
Natalie, Milana and Micah shopping at the Hard Tack Mine
Natalie, the Miner
Time to celebrate May Birthdays! Better late than never!
Farewell, til next time!
Sisters Forever!
So touching! Thanks for sharing this special reunion.
ReplyDeleteHolly
Sue, It just dawned on me that Emma would have also been there with these girls. Are they all from Qianjiang? Are they all the same age as Natalie? I wonder how many little girls are out there the same age adopted from the same orphanage? How many little sisters are there really out there?
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