Gotcha Day September 19, 2016

The day started out hot.... 80plus and rising to 90 something degrees.  So thankful for the mall attached to our hotel and air conditioning.   Justin and I enjoyed our breakfast as we tried to kill time before our 230 pick up time.   These afternoon pick ups are a lesson in patience.   It's like labor, but with nothing to do!

Today was another reminder that with adoption we are never in control.  I ask you to pray for another family here with us as they went to their appointment only to be whisked away to the hospital with their little one.  Life is so fragile and we can never take for granted a moment we have been given or an opportunity to parent a child.

We were the fourth of the four couples to meet their children today.  I actually was okay with this as we took pictures of the others coming out with their stone faced children in their arms.  Watching the next few moments, as the children's guarded faces turned to smirks and a few half smiles as daddies pulled out funny moves and mommies cuddled scared ones in their arms are moments of precious redemption playing out in front of my eyes.  This is Love forming in real time by Gods own hands.  Pure HOPE!

We first met with the civil affairs director, who we met last year, and a representative from the Guilin orphanage.   Everyone was excited to hear about Joseph (he is from this province) and see the photo album I brought.  Papers were signed and then we met our little guy.  Well he's not little! He's solid and well fed!  His hands and feet are ready to play some ball!  He was very shy at first and clung to his caregiver.  We went to a playroom and he eventually went to Justin and climbed up. 😍  He loves to be held and cuddled and we can clearly tell he know love and how to receive it.   He cried on and off throughout the next few hours.  We went on to dinner, just Burger King, as Justin needed a break from Chinese food, and Wen Xiang liked the cheeseburger and fries too!  

He crashed asleep before we could skype the family so the kids and dad saw their sleeping brother and son!

A few awesome things we learned today......

1. His medical report showed he was not vaccinated.....as of late last year he has been getting a few vaccinations!  This is such good news as he may be missing his spleen.

2.  His medical report showed conflicting surgery dates.  I asked for clarification when his Glenn surgery was.   Orphanage reported back he had two surgeries.   What ... TWO surgeries.  TWO open heart surgeries!!!!  Why am I so excited?  This is proper protocol for single heart kiddos!!!! Praise GOD!!!!  Absolutely incredible....

3.  Now if you are still with me. Those of you who are close to us know what we have been praying for all summer for Joseph.   Our guide today has worked things out and I will travel to Guilin and be meeting with those important people on Wednesday for lunch.  An answer to prayers.  GOD IS SO AWESOME!