Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Update #2
(This is Marie's friend Patty........sorry the update is so late, Marie sent it a few days ago apparantly but it was lost in cyberspace! Photos will follow.....)
Saturday, June 27the, 4:43 am.……Guangzhou/Garden Hotel Whoaaaaaaa!!!!
I last wrote in the wee hours of Thursday morning, China time. Today is Sunday here and so much has happended since I last wrote. Thursday morning we woke up to get breakfast at the buffet before heading back to the civil affairs building to finalize the adoption. I wish I had the video camera to capture the look on this child’s face as we walked through the doors to the dining area. Her eyes widened, her mouth opened and she gasped ever so quietly. It fills my heart with joy to witness so many first experiences for her. She didn’t eat much, just some fruit and noodles. We took a taxi to the office and signed a few more papers. Then our guide instructed us both to stand as the government official entered the area to ask Xiao Xiao if it was truly her desire to be adopted by us and then myself if I was willing to adopt Xiao Xiao and would I care for her and not abandon her. The official handed us the very special adoption certificate encased in a red document binder with our photo we had taken the previous day. She explained to Xiao Xiao that she was a very lucky girl because in only one month she would no longer have been able to be adopted. At this point tears filled her eyes and I couldn’t help but do the same because I realized how lucky I was to have not missed out on such a beautiful child’s life. After the adoption process we drove back into the area where we took our photo together and went to the notoray office. We walked to the 5th floor to finish the paperwork. I received 15 folders consisting of 5 different documents. As the guide had me carefully review all of our information within each of the documents, she showed me XiaoXiao’s parents’ death certificates. This was pretty hard for me as I thought about her unimaginable loss. I saw the letter her Grandfather wrote giving the orphanage custody of her and the guide assured me I could keep a copy of all the letters. When everything was finished we had our picture taken once again in front of the Chinese flag.
As we left the guide asked what we would like to do for the rest of the afternoon and I said…….SHOPPING, and not at Wal Mart’s. I asked her to take us to a good department store where she could find some good quality Chinese fashion. I also wanted to buy some books for her to read at home. The cab driver didn’t want to take us down a narrow alley so he dropped us off to walk a while to the bookstore. I asked our guide, Sarah, to please have XiaoXiao pick out some books to take home. XiaoXiao said she didn’t like to read fiction but was more interested in books that improve character. She found a book by Dale Carnegie who is very revered here. We spent a few minutes checking out an electronic device that helps younger children learn English. It had a small video screen that plugged into the side of the book-type case. I really liked it but felt it was too childish for Xiao Xiao. Upstairs we looked at several DVD’s but our guide pointed out a section of DVD’s that had both Eng/Chin subtitles and came with study guides to learn the language. She found the neatest case filled with old Oscar winning movies such as Roman Holiday, which happens to be one of Brandon’s and my favorite movies. It came in a very large case but I had to get it. I knew we could have many hours together watching those old classics.
Then we headed on our long way to ask several different people where we could find a Pizza Hut.
Saturday, June 27the, 4:43 am.……Guangzhou/Garden Hotel Whoaaaaaaa!!!!
I last wrote in the wee hours of Thursday morning, China time. Today is Sunday here and so much has happended since I last wrote. Thursday morning we woke up to get breakfast at the buffet before heading back to the civil affairs building to finalize the adoption. I wish I had the video camera to capture the look on this child’s face as we walked through the doors to the dining area. Her eyes widened, her mouth opened and she gasped ever so quietly. It fills my heart with joy to witness so many first experiences for her. She didn’t eat much, just some fruit and noodles. We took a taxi to the office and signed a few more papers. Then our guide instructed us both to stand as the government official entered the area to ask Xiao Xiao if it was truly her desire to be adopted by us and then myself if I was willing to adopt Xiao Xiao and would I care for her and not abandon her. The official handed us the very special adoption certificate encased in a red document binder with our photo we had taken the previous day. She explained to Xiao Xiao that she was a very lucky girl because in only one month she would no longer have been able to be adopted. At this point tears filled her eyes and I couldn’t help but do the same because I realized how lucky I was to have not missed out on such a beautiful child’s life. After the adoption process we drove back into the area where we took our photo together and went to the notoray office. We walked to the 5th floor to finish the paperwork. I received 15 folders consisting of 5 different documents. As the guide had me carefully review all of our information within each of the documents, she showed me XiaoXiao’s parents’ death certificates. This was pretty hard for me as I thought about her unimaginable loss. I saw the letter her Grandfather wrote giving the orphanage custody of her and the guide assured me I could keep a copy of all the letters. When everything was finished we had our picture taken once again in front of the Chinese flag.
As we left the guide asked what we would like to do for the rest of the afternoon and I said…….SHOPPING, and not at Wal Mart’s. I asked her to take us to a good department store where she could find some good quality Chinese fashion. I also wanted to buy some books for her to read at home. The cab driver didn’t want to take us down a narrow alley so he dropped us off to walk a while to the bookstore. I asked our guide, Sarah, to please have XiaoXiao pick out some books to take home. XiaoXiao said she didn’t like to read fiction but was more interested in books that improve character. She found a book by Dale Carnegie who is very revered here. We spent a few minutes checking out an electronic device that helps younger children learn English. It had a small video screen that plugged into the side of the book-type case. I really liked it but felt it was too childish for Xiao Xiao. Upstairs we looked at several DVD’s but our guide pointed out a section of DVD’s that had both Eng/Chin subtitles and came with study guides to learn the language. She found the neatest case filled with old Oscar winning movies such as Roman Holiday, which happens to be one of Brandon’s and my favorite movies. It came in a very large case but I had to get it. I knew we could have many hours together watching those old classics.
Then we headed on our long way to ask several different people where we could find a Pizza Hut.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Update!
Thursay 1:30 am China time…..Zhengzhou/Holiday Inn Crown Plaza
Hi everyone!!! We are doing fine and I have a few moments to tell you everything as it is 1:30 am and I just woke up from a deep 2 ½ hour sleep. I have such terrible jet lag because of the 12 hour difference. Hopefully, I will feel sleepy again once I spend some time catching you all up. This trip has been a whirl-wind. Every moment I have had to keep thinking, “What’s the next step?”. Yes, it’s been scary but I just keep taking this journey one new unchartered step at a time. I have already spent over 18 hours flying between 3 different flights. Four more flights to go.
I arrived in Shanghai around 9:30 pm China time after a layover in Tokyo. After some scary uncertainty as to which Ramada I was registered to stay at (so blessed to find an American man who helped me out…Dan. He and his wife were getting their son from the airport.) I made it to Ramada, slept o.k., and woke bright and early the next morning to prepare for the flight to Zhengzhou and meeting XiaoXiao. The flight was late to depart but I made it there and was so happy to meet my guide, Sarah. It was another 1 hour drive to the hotel. It was pouring rain but I was so thankful to have a good driver. I had 2 hours to go make copies of the Power of Attorney forms and to eat something before we left for the ride to meet Xiao Xiao. I could only eat a twix candy cookie.
All day yesterday I only ate 2 slices of watermelon, a croissant, a cookie and French fries. The sun was shining as we left to fetch a taxi to head to the civil Affairs office. We got a new taxi driver who didn’t know his way at first. We arrived at the front of the office, walked though the gates, past the guards and started walking around the side of the building when before I knew it Xiao Xiao was standing by a van waiting for me. I walked up and gave her a big squeeze. (No chance for a photo) We headed right into the building and going up the stairs she grabbed my backpack and said, “Mom, I will help you.” So sweet. She was accompanied by an orphanage worker who assists in the adoption paperwork, Madame Lee, and one of her Aunties who had cared for her for at least 5 to 6 years. I signed many documents and fingerprinted them with red ink. I wrote a promise to the Chinese government that we would be good parents, provide her a good education, not abuse her and never abandon her. Then I was told to explain my choices of names to Xiao Xiao. I spoke right to her, the guide translated, and she chose Lorelei.
During the moments when the others were working on paperwork, I showed her photos of her brothers and sisters, a letter from her new sister, wrote down their names and ages and gave her her camera and translator to play with. The batteries were dead on her translator!!! UGGHH!! Her English is very limited even if I speak slowly. The translator is a must for all families. Then we all left together in the van she arrived in to go back to our hotel….it was good, I thought, because she would have a few more minutes to say good-bye to the one special Auntie. But somewhere along the way the driver stopped and our guide, Sarah, explained that we needed to catch a taxi for the rest of the way. We were on a busy street so we hurried out and Xiao Xiao really didn’t get to say good-bye. Oh my heart, she tried to hide her tears and wipe them away as we waited for a taxi. Adoption is no fairy-tale ending!!! I want to stress that. It’s not “poof” your life will be magically different now. Xiao Xiao loved her Aunties. I could see that her Auntie loved her.
We arrived at our hotel and the look on her face was so sweet. The guide told me she asked her if she was staying with them and wondered where she was. Sarah told us to take the rest of the afternoon and evening to get to know each other. I told her I just planned on ordering room service and hanging out looking at photos on my laptop. That night I showed her the menu and she pointed to French fries and with joy said, “I like!” French fries it was then with hot and sour soup and chicken cordon bleu for me. We can only say so little to each other but with the help of the translator we are able to communicate so much more.
Hi everyone!!! We are doing fine and I have a few moments to tell you everything as it is 1:30 am and I just woke up from a deep 2 ½ hour sleep. I have such terrible jet lag because of the 12 hour difference. Hopefully, I will feel sleepy again once I spend some time catching you all up. This trip has been a whirl-wind. Every moment I have had to keep thinking, “What’s the next step?”. Yes, it’s been scary but I just keep taking this journey one new unchartered step at a time. I have already spent over 18 hours flying between 3 different flights. Four more flights to go.
I arrived in Shanghai around 9:30 pm China time after a layover in Tokyo. After some scary uncertainty as to which Ramada I was registered to stay at (so blessed to find an American man who helped me out…Dan. He and his wife were getting their son from the airport.) I made it to Ramada, slept o.k., and woke bright and early the next morning to prepare for the flight to Zhengzhou and meeting XiaoXiao. The flight was late to depart but I made it there and was so happy to meet my guide, Sarah. It was another 1 hour drive to the hotel. It was pouring rain but I was so thankful to have a good driver. I had 2 hours to go make copies of the Power of Attorney forms and to eat something before we left for the ride to meet Xiao Xiao. I could only eat a twix candy cookie.
All day yesterday I only ate 2 slices of watermelon, a croissant, a cookie and French fries. The sun was shining as we left to fetch a taxi to head to the civil Affairs office. We got a new taxi driver who didn’t know his way at first. We arrived at the front of the office, walked though the gates, past the guards and started walking around the side of the building when before I knew it Xiao Xiao was standing by a van waiting for me. I walked up and gave her a big squeeze. (No chance for a photo) We headed right into the building and going up the stairs she grabbed my backpack and said, “Mom, I will help you.” So sweet. She was accompanied by an orphanage worker who assists in the adoption paperwork, Madame Lee, and one of her Aunties who had cared for her for at least 5 to 6 years. I signed many documents and fingerprinted them with red ink. I wrote a promise to the Chinese government that we would be good parents, provide her a good education, not abuse her and never abandon her. Then I was told to explain my choices of names to Xiao Xiao. I spoke right to her, the guide translated, and she chose Lorelei.
During the moments when the others were working on paperwork, I showed her photos of her brothers and sisters, a letter from her new sister, wrote down their names and ages and gave her her camera and translator to play with. The batteries were dead on her translator!!! UGGHH!! Her English is very limited even if I speak slowly. The translator is a must for all families. Then we all left together in the van she arrived in to go back to our hotel….it was good, I thought, because she would have a few more minutes to say good-bye to the one special Auntie. But somewhere along the way the driver stopped and our guide, Sarah, explained that we needed to catch a taxi for the rest of the way. We were on a busy street so we hurried out and Xiao Xiao really didn’t get to say good-bye. Oh my heart, she tried to hide her tears and wipe them away as we waited for a taxi. Adoption is no fairy-tale ending!!! I want to stress that. It’s not “poof” your life will be magically different now. Xiao Xiao loved her Aunties. I could see that her Auntie loved her.
We arrived at our hotel and the look on her face was so sweet. The guide told me she asked her if she was staying with them and wondered where she was. Sarah told us to take the rest of the afternoon and evening to get to know each other. I told her I just planned on ordering room service and hanging out looking at photos on my laptop. That night I showed her the menu and she pointed to French fries and with joy said, “I like!” French fries it was then with hot and sour soup and chicken cordon bleu for me. We can only say so little to each other but with the help of the translator we are able to communicate so much more.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Xiao Xiao Day!
These are the best photos I could post because I seem to be running into problems everywhere. I got to the civil affairs building a little after 3 and expected to wait to see Xiao Xiao. I was busy talking with my guide when I looked up and there she was walking towards me. So amazing after all this time. I am so incredibly tired so I will give all the details later. We had to chose her name today. I gave her two choices. She picked Lorelei.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Made It!
Hi all, this is not Marie........but her friend Patty--mom to one of Xiao Xiao's friends who is already here in the US!
Marie arrived safely in China and quickly found out that she cannot access her blog--so here I am! I just spoke with her on Skype and she is doing well and currently waiting in the hotel room to go and get Xiao Xiao in the next hour--- at what I believe will be about 2:30am on the east coast.
I know she will appreciate lots of prayers as she begins this new journey with her daughter! Keep praying! Either she or I will update as soon as we can!
Marie arrived safely in China and quickly found out that she cannot access her blog--so here I am! I just spoke with her on Skype and she is doing well and currently waiting in the hotel room to go and get Xiao Xiao in the next hour--- at what I believe will be about 2:30am on the east coast.
I know she will appreciate lots of prayers as she begins this new journey with her daughter! Keep praying! Either she or I will update as soon as we can!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Countdown
Less than 2 weeks away now. So many months we've waited to get our sweet daughter but so short in comparison to the years Xiao Xiao has waited for a family to call her own. Little by little I'm getting everything in order before I leave. Yesterday I went out to get two types of chopsticks. I had either given the others away or the kids had used them in the play-doh. I have started packing some things, wrapped some of the gifts for the adoption and government officials, and making plans for the kids while I'm away. (I'm really trying hard not to think about how long I will be away from my other children. I've never been away from Mitchell longer than 3 hours. It's so worth it though.) Grace and I have worked hard in their room to make sure Xiao Xiao has just as much drawer space and closet space as her. I have the presents from the shower my sister's gave her lying on her bed or tucked neatly in her armoire. The other day I washed a pair of PJ's I bought and it was so sweet to pull them out of the dryer and fold them knowing she would wear them soon. I splurged on myself the other day and bought a few items for the trip at J Crew... I LOVE that store. The ladies asked the occasion and in the course of an hour of trying on clothes they got my life story in a nut shell. My sales associate and the store director were in tears. They said it was the best story they had ever heard. I am really never surprised by those reactions because I DO realize just how much I have been through in just a few short years and how God has held me in the palm of his hands the entire time. He has brought me through the darkest times and used my life in a small way to bring about His plans. I never want to take the praise for what we are doing. I only wish that others could see God working through me. I will always give Him the praise because without Him I am nothing and my works are worthless.
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