Doing Good in Nanchang

Today was the day that made it official.  At 8:00 this morning, we met Helen, our adoption coordinator, in the lobby of our hotel and made the short walk to the Civil Affairs office.  After arriving, we were taken into a room for pictures...first, a picture with Sophie, Beth, and me and second, a picture with just Sophie (for her passport).  Then we were taken into a room to meet with a Chinese official who wanted to ask us some questions before the adoption was made final.  Her first question was, "do you like her?"  Of course we said "Yes!!"  After giving answers to questions regarding our reasons for adopting and promising to never abuse or abandon Sophie, we were escorted into a waiting room with probably 30 other adopting families.  About 20 minutes later, Helen came in with the document stating Sophie was officially part of our family!!

 

After the meeting at the Civil Affairs office was over, we decided to do what every American family visiting China should do...go to Wal-Mart!!  It's actually quite an experience.  The Wal-Mart is two stories tall and you can pick out everything from baby diapers to cooked frogs!!  We still can't get used to the way people drive here.  We walked through the city today and crossing the street is like crossing I-40 during rush hour...just start walking and hope people will stop for you!

 

Sophie seems to be bonding with us pretty well.  We've definitely made some progress since yesterday.  We're seeing smiles more often, and even some laughter.  At 18 months old, she still can't walk...or even stand up.  We working on her getting stronger, but as much time as she spent in her bed at the orphanage, we're really not surprised. 

 

Blake's doing good.  He was the first to make Sophie laugh and smile!!  She's still a little uncertain about him holding her, but definitely likes him playing with her and making faces!!  Thankfully, he hasn't gotten sick again since we got here, so we'll just chalk that up to the heat or lack of sleep or something...his breathing seems to be good so far, too.

 

I've been fortunate to be able to adjust pretty well to the time change.  Resisting the urge to take naps seems to help!!  Beth has had a much more difficult time adjusting, but other than that, she is doing great!!  She's such a wonderful mother and bringing Sophie into our family has been very natural for her so far.  I'm sure there are challenges ahead...like getting home and adding 2 more kids to the mix...but she'll do great!!

 

We can't say thank you enough to everyone who helped this little girl become part of our family.  We can't wait to get her home to meet you all.  Until then, I'll try to continue posting pics everyday so check back often!

 

Just a few prayer requests:

--for travel...and our safe return home to family.

--for Sophie...continue to pray that the Lord supernaturally joins her heart to ours and that she'll recognize us as mommy and daddy.

--for Beth...that she'll be able to sleep tonight...she needs a good night's rest.

--for Gabe and Hallie at home...Gabe has a doctor's appointment today, pray that his blood counts are good.

--for the hearts of those who have ever considered adopting...

 

Here are a few more pics from our day today.  The first two are from the Civil Affairs office this morning, with the second one being with the directors of her orphanage.