Gotcha Day

The well anticipated day has arrived!  We started our day with breakfast at the hotel and to our surprise, we heard 'Christmas Lights' by Owl City being played on the speakers.  Never did we think we would hear Christian Christmas music in China, but it was a pleasant reminder that God was with us today.  We could feel everyone's prayers and we are so thankful for them.  We all felt a remarkable amount of peace when traveling to Fu Lian's orphanage.

Just prior to meeting Fu Lian

Upon arrival at the orphanage, we waited for Fu Lian to walk in with an orphanage staff (we were not able to meet his foster family).  He immediately began to cry and continued to cry for the next hour.  We tried to console him and the kids kept pulling items out of our magic bag, to try to distract him.  But, he kept calling out for his Nai Nai (foster grandmother).  Our hearts broke for him, as he grieved the loss of so much.  We finally left the orphanage, and his entire past, and drove to the Notary Office.  He quieted in the car but wanted nothing to do with us. He was a bit more responsive to our guide, who spoke his language.  

Fu Lian and orphanage staff walking towards us

Fu Lian rubbed his eyes and cried for about an hour. He wanted his foster mom (Nai Nai), or about anybody besides us.

Lots of tears, lots of grief, lots of sadness and frustration for this little guy!

Family picture with orphanage staff outside of orphanage. Fu Lian still would not look at us. 

At Notary Office.  Fu Lian cracked a few smiles as his brothers danced funny and were being silly. But, still not too happy to be with us.

We then came back to the hotel and relaxed for a bit and ate lunch.  The guide left (he was a bit sad again for a few moments), but the kids distracted him with Angry Birds.  After a few minutes he and the boys were running around laughing and giggling and tickling each other.  They played cars and chase and bounce the balloon.  Fu Lian ate dumplings for lunch and we were surpassed at his appetite, but thought maybe he hadn't eaten much breakfast.

iPad worked wonders to help with initial transition.

But, very quickly, he warmed up to 'Baba'

Pillow fights and tickle wars were in store!

Lunch of dumplings and rice were delicious!

He already loves his big sister Brianna!

After lunch we had many more meetings with Civil Affairs, Notary (again) and the Passport Office. Fu Lian did fantastic and held our hands and was patient as we waited... and waited ... But, we finally got all of our paperwork complete and he is officially ours!  We came back to the hotel for dinner, and he ate everything in sight.  I understand that food is a comfort for orphans, but this kid ate more than the rest of us together.  We will readjust tomorrow with how meals will go. :) 

Playing on the magna doodle was a favorite of Fu Lian's today during all the hurry up and wait appointments.

Fu Lian wrote his name for us on the aqua doodle.  Of course we didn't know that until the guide interpreted it for us. :)

He knows who we are and calls me 'Mama' and Chris 'Baba'.  He recognizes his siblings and plays well with each of them and has an abundance of energy.  We are improving in our Mandarin and he is accepting of our English and will mimmic us if prompted.  Couldn't have asked for a better first day, now to go study up on some Mandarin.