Day 6 -- Gotcha Day!!!

We have Elizabeth!!!!

     Today was a very emotional day :)  It started off so calm and s--l--o--w!!  We had a very nice breakfast and chatted with some of the families in our group.  We also were able to Skype with the kids at home.  We decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood and on the way back got a quick lunch at McD's.  WHICH DOES NOT TASTE LIKE HOME :)  I had a wrap -- that was GOOD (I usually don't like McD's.)

     At 2:00 pm we met in the lobby and wait for directions.  Everyone was so excited.  We loaded the bus and off to the Civil Affairs Office.  When we arrived there were many other groups as well.  WOW!!!  It was a bit crazy to say the least.  

 Part of the group waiting.

On the bus to the Civil Affairs Office.

Arriving at Civil Affairs and on our way to the 8th floor.

The three of us!

     We had to check the paperwork first and then wait our turn.  We helped another family with pictures BUT could see ZiShi (Elizabeth) through the doorway.  The longer that she had to wait -- it was obvious that she was getting scared.  Oh, I felt so sad for her.

Me checking the papers!  They did not have her new American name correct.

Just part of the people getting children.  It was pretty crazy!

Our first glimpse of Elizabeth.

     When it was finally our turn (yes, Woller is at the END) she was in tears.  Her teacher and assistant director brought her and did lots of talking with her.  They guided her and us over to a small room -- where Elizabeth proceed to cry and cry :(  The teacher and assistant were actually very good with her, calming her and getting the message across what was happening.  The assistant kept telling her that they would still be in each others hearts -- oh, my!!  It was sad to watch.

Our first minutes.

On our way to the side room.

With the teacher and assistant director.

      When they left her tears had come to a stop BUT she was not too happy.  So, I just kept trying things.  She remember that I brought Skittles (they worked with BaJabs) and she pulled those out right away and ate a few.  She was not into drawing BUT when the Ipad came out and we turned on Garage Band -- well, she loved that.  All she wanted to do was want play the piano.  

 Matt and I spending some time with ShiShi (which is pronounced CeeCee)

 The wonders of the Ipad!

     Finally, it was time to leave (we had been there about 2 hours.)  She very willing left with us and even went to the bathroom.  We got on the bus to go to the store.  She did totally fine on the bus -- loved the Ipad and looking all around.

 Leaving the Civil Affairs.  Yes, she came with that big backpack.  It has an extra change of clothes, juice, crackers, a game and books.  Oh, and the panda we sent her.  That is the most we have ever gotten.

 Playing Angry Birds on the bus.

 She found the bracelet and lamb.  A little smile :)

     We went to a huge shopping area.  We went to the grocery store and a kids store.  She LOVED it.  She told our guide that she wanted to know where the chocolate was :)  My kind of girl!!  She loved going around finding yummy snacks.  Next, we went to the kids store and found a few fun things.  SHE LOVED THAT!!  She kept saying, 'WOW.'

MaMa and ShiShi shopping.

She found a piano -- smiles.

One of the things she picked out -- a water bottle she can open and close.

     Finally, we loaded the buses to come back to the hotel.  We arrived back at the hotel around 6:30 pm.  What a LONG afternoon.  She got off the bus -- no problem -- and went to the elevator BUT when we arrived in our room we got big tears again.  She was just so scared.  This was such an overwhelming day for her.  

 On the way back to the hotel.

     Matt had to go to a paper meeting at 7.  She eventually relaxed and took off her shoe and brace -- on her own, and sat on the bed with me.  We watched some TV, in Chinese and played a bit.  She let me rub her back, too.  MD, Elizabeth and I Skyped with the kids -- and she did well.  She kept making silly faces.  

     Finally, Matt came back around 8:00.  He brought back a picture album from the orphanage.  It has some early pictures.  Oh, I was so excited!!! MD and Matt went to get dinner -- Elizabeth wanted a hamburger.  YIKES -- it meant I was having McD's 2x in a day.  NEVER!!!  BUT I did :)  Matt stopped and got me tiramisu.  That made it a bit better.  Matt and MD had Pizza Hut.  The Mango smoothie is good :)

 Elizabeth in her new pj's.

     When the guys got back us girls were actually sleeping in bed.  She had but her pj's on and some leggings.  BUT she was very willing to get up and eat.  She ate the entire hamburger and a few fries.  AND went right back to bed.

 Sleeping girls -- we are holding hands :)

 She ate the WHOLE thing!

 Off to bed!

     Yep, it was a very long day -- and very emotional.  MD was a bit surprised by the emotion, I think.  It was totally normal for Elizabeth to react this way -- and I had no problem with it.  I know with each day it will get better.  Actually, each hour keeps getting better.  She already let MD carry her to me and let me hold her for a bit.  So, those are good hurdles.  

 MD found seaweed chips at the store :)  DYLAN we thought you would like that!

MD was such a trooper today!  He took all the pictures -- over 200.  Even though it was very emotional -- which was more than he expected he handled it very well!

     Tomorrow is a very long day.  We have Civil Affairs again, to do all of the final paperwork for her to be OURS.  We were told for our group that will be about 3 hours.  We load the bus at 9:00 am.  We also have to go get passport pictures at 3 -- which will be another hour or so.  So, please pray for us -- actually, our entire group as this will be a taxing day.

Praises:

1. We got Elizabeth!
2. Gotcha day went pretty good :)
3. We are healthy!
4. Things with our agency have gone so well!!!!
5. The kids at home already got to meet Elizabeth :)

Prayer Requests:

1. Elizabeth to bond with us quickly!
2. Our LONG paperwork day tomorrow.
3. Continue health and safety.  Headaches have subsided -- the heat is bothering us -- VERY high humidity!
4. Our kids at home.
5. Fun time of bonding together!