A couple weeks after returning to the states, I spoke at our schools chapel about our time at Maria’s. I made a little video of pictures that I showed when I spoke and I will share that in a couple of days. First, I want to highlight some fun things we did while at Maria’s.

Rebecca is such a fantastic teacher! Before moving to China, Rebecca taught at the school my kids attend and was teacher of the year! She is not only loved by everyone there, but she is also completely adored. Even kids who never stepped into her classroom, melt with the mention of her name. She has such an ability to make everyone feel so valued. When I asked Izzie what she wanted me to bring her from China, her response was, “Miss McCoy.” That’s all she wanted.

While Rebecca is super missed, we all know she is right where she is supposed to be. Her happiness as Maria’s is so evident. Her students there absolutely adore her as well! Robin and I got to attend classes with Rebecca. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip!

Here are just a few adorable pictures from our time in her classroom :)

One of my favorite pictures from the week…

Once our flights were booked to China, I approached my friends about possibly visiting New Day – they were thrilled over the idea! So, on our last full day in Beijing, we headed outside the city to this really special place.

The road that took us to New Day felt so familiar to me.  I vaguely remember seeing a picture of the road on Carrie’s blog…or I questioned possibly remembering it from a dream.  Either way, my excitement built as we got closer and closer.

As we pulled into the drive, my heart was racing!

I have over 100 pictures from our short time there — I’ll try to narrow them down! :)

When Caleb and his foster mom arrived, he was a little unsure of me.

But, I came with gifts…so, he quickly started to like me (each time his monthly update came, I would make a mental note of everything he seemed to enjoy…cars, colors, balls).

With encouragement from his foster mom, he even gave me a kiss! Meeting this sweet little guy was such a blessing! Caleb was one of the many that I wanted to bring home with me…

Not to mention,  8 straight days of girl time…I could not have been more excited!

I took SO many pictures while there! I was unable to take pictures my last 2 days because I filled up the card on my camera!! I went through all 363 pictures several times and deleted the ones I could part with…but I always refilled it within minutes!

When we arrived in Beijing, Laura and Rebecca met us at the airport. We were like middle school girls so giddy to see one another! We spent the first 3 days in Beijing. We ate delicious food,

visited some really incredible places,

We took this thing up to the great wall…

and look what we took down!

we did a little shopping,

(side note, this guy totally grabbed my butt after this picture! Not sure what that means….)

and spent a night out on the town.

Although Beijing was incredible, we could not wait to get our hands on some babies and step foot in Rebecca’s home! So, more China tomorrow! :)