Today has been a very emotional day in Guangzhou, China. It started very early this morning when I was reading the journal entry that I had written yesterday to Jason, and the tears started flowing then. I can't even describe how we felt today. The day that we have been praying for, for a very long time is finally here. We didn't leave the hotel this afternoon until around 1:30, so we needed to find something to do to distract us. Jason went with Bill to get a new video camera. Yes, a video camera this time. Our video camera turned against us at the Great Wall. It started working out fine, but we are wondering if it got wet with the snow, or something. Anyway, we needed a new one to capture this day. He wants me to let you know that he got a great deal on it. The sad thing is, we haven't got any souvenirs yet, it has all been electronics. Oh well, our time isn't over here yet. While Jason was gone, the rest of our group went to the bank to exchange our dollars to yuan. That is quite a process. First we have to take a number, then we sit there and wait. This whole process has been about waiting. We sat there for at least 20-25 minutes before we got served. When I returned from the bank, Jason was back from making his purchase. Then we took a nice stroll along the streets with our bags of dirty laundry. We didn't pack a lot of clothes, so it was time to get it done.
After we returned from our walk, Jason distracted himself tinkering with his new toy, and I might have looked like I was reading, but I don't think I read more than 2 sentences in my book. I was so anxious to see Arisson. Finally, it was time to leave. We all met in the Lobby and all were pretty much feeling the same thing, very nervous. I was saying that I think I knew how it felt to be the dads in the waiting room back in the day they were not allowed into the delivery rooms. Our bus trip was very fast. We were quickly led up to the building. Tears were flowing then, as we knew we were only moments away from getting our daughters.
We were ushered into this big room. We all sat around and took pictures and just tried to inhale and exhale properly as we awaited the arrival of the girls. We were told that they were going to be getting off the elevator and then they were going to go into this waiting room, and then they would bring the girls out to us. We were all waiting for the elevator doors to open so we could take pictures and video of them while they passed by. Their entrance was so quick. I did snap a picture, but it literally was a blur. Three people ran through carrying 3 little babies. They all looked so tiny. Jason and I were saying that we didn't see Arisson.
Moments later they brought our girls to us. They brought them in one at a time, and we were able to get pictures and video of everyone. We were the third family to get our daughter. I was crying when they brought her to us, and it was long after that, that she joined me. Jason was a little emotional too. I have to tell you, I would just look at her, and I would lose my breath. She is just a teeny tiny beauty. It was so amazing to have her in my arms, after nearly three years of waiting, praying, planning. For God to so blatantly answer our prayers in such a tangible way just humbles me. I can't describe it any other way.
I had a chance to speak with the caregiver. She explained that Arisson normally isn't much of a crier, but they didn't get much sleep today. The whole time Jason and I were holding her she was just fighting sleep. Most of the girls took their turns at crying. They say that it is good for them to cry because they are grieving. One of the families in our group was given a little girl who is nearly three. She seemed to be grieving the worse, but seemed to do better once we were on the bus back home. It is heartbreaking to watch them go through all of this, not knowing what is going through their mind, but it is something they need to do in their own way. Arisson finally lost the tired war and took a nap on the bus, but she woke up when we got back to the hotel. We tried to give her a bottle, but so far no luck. They like the bottles hot and thick, and we haven't got it right yet. Back in the room she showed us how she can rock, and do a little bit of crawling. She cries when we make eye contact so I just talk to her and not look at her too much.
Jason left to go get us supper so I put her on our bed. I crumpled up a piece of paper, and she spent nearly an hour picking it up and tossing it. The paper must have tired her out for she is sleeping again. Jason just went to do some paperwork, and I am trying to stay awake. It is only about 8:00, but I am exhausted. This day has taken a lot out of me. I think I am going to try and move her to her bed. I am afraid I am going to wake her up. From this day forward it’s all about learning about her. I am so thankful she is part of our family now. It has been so worth the wait! Thank you to all of you that have been praying for us during this process. This little girl has no idea how many prayers have covered her even before she was born. I just think that is so awesome!
Kids, and Mom, you are just going to love her! She is so tiny. I brought 12M size pjs and I was afraid they were going to be too tight. She is swimming in them. For some reason she looked a lot bigger in her referral pictures. I think she is the smallest of all the babies in our group. She is just so sweet! Tomorrow she becomes officially ours. You will have a new sister/granddaughter in the morning. I must go and get some rest. I love you! |
