May 13, 2008... Ben's official date of adoption

Let me start by saying that our hearts are broken for all the lost lives here in China from the massive earthquake.  What a tragedy for so many thousands of families.  We also felt a "sway" here in Tianjin, but there are no problems here.  May God give peace to the hurting people...

 

Today was actually a very nice day here... it was sunny and warm, a nice welcome after the cold rainy days we've had.  After breakfast we went to the civil affairs office, then the notary office, then Walmart (very fun), then lunch, then to the orphanage which was amazing.  We are now in the room waiting for room service to bring our dinner and we've been playing soccer in the room and other games.  Ben is VERY playful!  He has a great sense of humor...he's a great kid and he and Brent are 2 peas in a pod.  He fits in with us perfectly...just like God planned.  The orphanage visit was so wonderful.  It was super clean and well stocked with toys and brightly decorated painted walls.  The kids all looked very clean, with nice clothes, shoes and the girls with their hair done so cute.  We passed out a big bag candy that I brought to a bunch of younger kids at the orphanage.  They loved it
and just smiled ear to ear to see us and to hug on us.  One of them even tried to give Susan some of her own candy...so sweet.  Ben loved to show us around.  The
orphanage director is amazing... nice, sweet, outgoing, and she gave a little ceremony for us and the other families that were adopting to show her thanks to us for
bringing China's children into our families.  There were 7 families total at the ceremony and together we represented 4 different countries.  It was very nice.  The director adores Ben, and so does all the staff at the orphanage.  They all stroke his face and hug him.  Ben had no problem saying goodbye to everyone...he wasn't sad...he seems ready to move on to his new life.  Ben is officially ours and he is really at ease.  All of our adopted children have transitioned so wonderfully...we are really so blessed. 

 

Here are some pictures of our trip to the civil affairs office, the orphanage, and misc.  We are having a blast together! 

Tomorrow we leave the hotel early again to go back to the civil affairs office, then the police station, then we are having lunch with Robert, the American man who has volunteered at the orphanage since 2000 and has known Ben since then.  I'm really looking forward to that.  On Thursday we are going to go visit the school for the deaf that Ben attended.  There Ben will say goodbye to his good friends and teachers.  We will pass out more candy.  That will be the last day that he will see his sweet teacher.  That might be difficult, as I think she is the most bonded with him, and obviously loves him.  Today we got a gift for her.  She and I have been comparing Chinese and American sign language.  She is amazing.  By the way, Bo & Glenda... there ARE some signs that are the same as ours!  After we visit the school, we will go visit Ben's finding place...where he was found at the estimated age of 2 1/2 years old. 

 

By the way, I cannot see my blog because I'm blocked from viewing it while in China, so I'm posting remotely...not sure how it looks, so keep that in mind.  

 

Signing off for now...

love to all

Lisa