China Day 4 GOTCHA DAY

Let me clarify before I continue, this is an expedited adoption.  The in country adoption process was also expedited so what you are about to read is not typical for GOTCHA day. 

Had breakfast at the hotel and prepared to meet Joshua.  We went to the store to pick up a few things.  This was something I had never done, escalator for your grocery cart.

We had to complete some paperwork this morning before we met him.  We arrived at the Official Office to meet Joshua and he had not arrived yet.  We were the only family there at the time.  We scheduled an early appointment so we could get Joshua to the hospital right after we met him. 

As we waited they walked around the corner.  Joshua was a little smaller than I expected.  He was quiet.  We went into the officials office for the "official" meeting.  He came to me easily.  He fussed a little after a few minutes.  He threw a little temper tantrum.  All in all it was a pretty easy transition compared to some I have experienced.

 

 

 

We went straight to the hospital to hopefully get some guidance on his current condition and another blood test.  Unfortunately,  all we got was "he needs to be in the hospital for a long time so we can run tests".  Well, that was not going to work for me! 

 

 

We headed back to the hotel to find food and prepare for the next day.   That evening we headed out to People's Park for a little stroll.  We took lots of selfies. 

 



China Day 3

Looking back on this day is kinda a blur.  It was that morning I realized we were in for an interesting trip.  I consulted with our pediatrician back home and she advised me on the seriousness of Joshua's current condition and that it would not be safe to fly without him using oxygen.   After research we discovered that oxygen was not an option on flights within China.

We met our guide after breakfast to head to Nanning, Guangxi to meet Joshua.  On the way to the airport I shared with her what our pediatrician had advised.  We had to come up with a quick plan as we were to meet Joshua the next morning and then fly with him the day after. 

I know they were a little concerned about us but sometimes you gotta do what ya gotta do.   The ONLY other option than flying was a 18 hour overnight train ride alone without a guide.   Our agency guide said she would take care of everything and explain it to our guide in Nanning.

Miranda and I hopped on the 3 1/2 hour flight to Nanning.

Our wonderful guide met us at the airport, helped us settle into the hotel and get some groceries.  We had a little extra time so we walked around People's Park.  It was nice there about 70 degrees.  A far cry from the freezing weather of Beijing. 

China Day 2

We had a nice breakfast at the hotel and then headed to THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA!!!!  I was so excited to share this with my daughter.  Oh by the way it was FREEZING and very windy.  We enjoyed our time but we were ready to get back inside too. 

That evening we went to an Acrobatics Show.  Sadly you could not take pictures of video.  Miranda really enjoyed the show. 

Day 1 Part 2

I had to add a part 2 to day one.  When we arrived in Beijing our guide picked us up from the airport.  On our way to the hotel we had time to talk about David and Joshua.  This is where our adventure took a drastic turn.  It was then that the magnitude of our "rescue mission" really hit me.


I was told the orphanage had been in the process of taking David off the available list and deeming him "unadoptable" when we requested to adopt him.  Our guide said she had to convince the orphanage that a family really wanted to adopt him.  God's timing is perfect.  If we had waited even a day more to say YES David's life may have been on a different path right now.  UNADOPTABLE.  I am so thankful that God prompted our hearts and we did not hesitate. 


We started talking about Joshua and she handed me a piece of paper giving results from a recent blood test.  She stated that the doctor was concerned by the results and the orphanage wanted me to have the information before we met Joshua.  She asked me to please consult with my doctor back home as soon as possible.  I really didn't think much of it.  I knew Joshua had been severely malnourished so I expected some abnormal test results.  Our guide went on to explain that when Joshua arrived at the orphanage they didn't think he was going to live.  The orphanage decided to not waste any more resources/nanny's time on him and moved him up to the second floor.  That was a gut check right there. 

I think my emotions were all over the place at this point.  .

Grateful 

 

Angry

 

Disbelief

How is it possible that a life no longer has value?  How it is possible that a child is no longer worthy of a family?

China Day 1

Well it was a rollercoaster ride and the internet was unreliable.  We are home.  I am going to post our daily adventures now.

DAY  1

 

 

The ransom has been paid.  We are headed out on a rescue mission.  We are breaking our boys out of the hell they have been living for the last few years. 

We left Lexington around 6:30 a.m.  Flew to Detriot and then to Beijing.  The flight to Beijing was 14 hours long.   I have to say it was the smoothest flight I have ever been on.  Miranda did great!  The view from the sky was beautiful that morning.  We arrive in Beijing in the evening.  Got some dinner and headed to bed.