December 27 - Travel Day

Today was a travelling day. We packed up in Guilin and headed to the train station. This time, we were leaving from one of the oldest train stations in the area, so it wasn’t as accessible as the newer station. That meant a lot of hauling luggage up and down the stairs. Not easy with the amount we are lugging!

We worked together to take luggage from those who couldn’t carry the heavy ones and just kept going up and down until we had everyone’s in the right place. We had to do this about three different times!

When we got on the train, we realized that MaRui booked us first class seats and we couldn’t have ben happier! The seats were very comfortable with a ton of leg room. We also got drinks and snacks, which was helpful as we settled in for a six-hour train ride.

MaRui joined us as our guide in Guilin. I have known MaRui for many years, through our good friend, Lianne. She is a fabulous guide who runs who own tour company and who we have trusted with our China plans for our last two trips. This time, she decided to join us herself for part of the trip, which we were thrilled about! Especially with the importance of the upcoming orphanage visit and birth family meeting.

We were on a bullet train, which got up to speeds of just over three hundred kilometres per hour – it was fast! We all enjoyed the down time and the luxury of the ride. We also made a game of who could capture a picture of the highest train speed, without the others noticing. ☺

We made it to Shangrao – the city where Maelyn, Mark, and Ella’s orphanage is located. Once we checked into the hotel, we went for dinner. Ailee, however, had had it by that point and just wanted some space and down time. I brought her back up to our room and fed her some local fruit and seaweed. It was nice to have the quiet time together.

Tomorrow will be a very big day – orphanage visit, visiting Ella and Mark’s finding spots, lunch at the orphanage, going to visit a school in the area, and visiting Maelyn’s foster family. Big emotions ahead!