Gotcha Day Hooray!

We have had a wonderful first day with Anna.  Thanks for your prayers.  We couldn’t be happier.  We headed to the Registration Bureau at 9:30 this morning with the other families here with us to pick her up.  We watched as most of the other children arrived before Anna – then the big moment came.  We recognized her immediately.  It was a moment that is difficult to describe.

Anna was clearly scared, but she calmed down quickly with some toys, some treats, and a lot of love.  The foster home had done a great job helping her to adjust.  She carried with her a picture of us.  They also gave us a book with some pictures of her over the last few months, as well as a camera with pictures they have taken for us of her life here.  We also were able to bring duplicates of the toys we sent her a few months ago.  She recognized them as hers immediately, and has clung to them ever since. We can’t go anywhere without them.

When we came back to the hotel, K.C. went to fill out paperwork while Anna was able to get a nap and a bath with me. She loves the bath!  She played and laughed and had a blast. It was the one time today she really let her self forget all the change happening in her life.  Once the paperwork was done, we ventured out to a small ‘real’ Chinese restaurant down the street.  She loved it and ate the rice and baozi right up. She was determined to use the spoon herself making quite a mess of herself and me.  It is such a blessing to speak the language a little.  She speaks to us and we can easily understand what she wants or can ask her if she likes or doesn’t like certain things.  

It’s been a long, beautiful day.  There is too much to say and even then words can’t describe it.  Anna has been asleep in my mom’s arms until just now.  She already calls us mama and baba (mommy and daddy,) calls Esther ‘Jie Jie’ (big sister) and calls Micah and Luke ‘ge ge’ (big brother).  She is scared at times of course, and has a long adjustment ahead, but we are so blessed by her already.

I’ve posted pictures to facebook so have a look.  Thanks again for everyone’s prayers and support for us. We are so blessed.

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