Back Tracking

We're going to take a step back in this post to Monday and share some of the details from that special day. I'm sure you can imagine the high degree of anticipation we all felt as we waited until 2:30 in the afternoon for our group's appointment at the adoption center. All the families wonder, "How quickly will the baby adjust to us?" "Will we be able to soothe the baby when she cries?" Our anticipation is mixed with a profound feeling of gratitude for the opportunity God has provided for us to love a child who is not biologically ours. The extended wait time for this adoption to actually happen fosters a feeling akin to disbelief...as in, "Is this really happening? Someone is about to come through the door of this waiting room and hand over a precious, wonderfully made baby girl and we get to keep her and make her a part of our family?" Personally speaking, overwhelming joy is the best way I know to describe this moment.

I was struck with a deep sense of respect for Mr. Wong - the director of Catherine's orphanage in Qu Jiang (about two and half hours away from our hotel). Mr. Wong is pictured at left along with our in-country coordinator, Elsie. Mr. Wong was quick to let us know that Catherine developed a fever during the five hour drive (their bus broke down!) from the orphanage to Guanzhou and provided us with a combination of cold and fever medicines. He also presented us with some soil from the orphanage grounds and a nice photo album of recent pictures.

Catherine's adjustment to her new family is progressing well. She showed some signs of separation anxiety on our first night together, but she slept all night long. We've spent a lot of time together since Monday and she seems to genuinely enjoy the extra attention she's receiving. Catherine likes to touch our faces and even crawls over to one of us when she gets fussy. She is also eating and sleeping on a regular schedule.

Cheryl and I appreciate everyone's prayers. We feel like God is answering them.

I (Rich) am taking Truman and Andrew to Catherine's orphanage tomorrow to get a record of the surroundings for her future and to locate her finding spot at the Number 2. Middle School in Qu Jiang.