We did not have time to go to the hotel first, and went straight to the civic affairs office to do the paperwork. We walked into a room with other families already there that had just met their babies. It was hot in the room...and so chaotic and overwhelming. We were literally thrown into signing papers, taking Thea’s foot prints, paying our fees, having an interview, pictures taken, etc…but in the end, we were handed a red folder…inside holding the document saying that Thea is now officially OURS!!! We were so thrilled!
We met the director of the Duchang orphanage that Thea was found at…she was so lovely and gave Thea a necklace with a Tiger on it as she was born in the year of the Tiger. She also brought for us a copy of the note from Thea’s birth parents that they had put with her when they left her outside the orphanage gates. As well, she gave us the blanket she was wrapped in. Wow…what an amazing blessing to be given those things. I had asked ahead if we could have them, but really didn’t think we would as she has not been at that orphanage since last July. I was an emotional wreck and completely broke down upon seeing the note and blanket.
After all the chaos, we came and got settled into our hotel here in Nanchang. The interesting thing was that it seemed like Thea changed when we got here…she was chatting up a storm, and happier than we have seen her yet. It was like she knew that it was finally official that she was our little girl…now and forever!
We would love prayer for our little Nathaniel back home. Glen’s mum emailed saying he was having a hard time and getting angry at her that we are not home. It is so very hard to be away from him…but even harder knowing that we still have so long before we can be back home with him again. I pray that he will somehow understand, and that the time will pass quickly for him (and for Nana and Papa as well). We are so very grateful to them for watching him while we are away.
Heading to bed now after a very long and exhausting day.
Gayle xox
10 comments:
I am giving praise to God that everything has gone so smoothly for you. I can't even imagine the emotions you must be experiencing. Continued prayers as you wait to come home and for Nathaniel to understand the long time away.
What a long journey, but so close to being done! I am so amazed, but not suprised to see all the smiling pictures of Thea. She is so beautiful and full of life. We are praying for Nathaniel!
Kelly and I both well up everytime we check your blog. We are so so so so excited for your family! Kelly is very excited for Glen to have his little girl, as he knows how those girls wrap their Dads around their finger!!
oh my gosh she is as cute as cute gets!! so happy it's official!
So glad today went well! What a whirlwind, but now you should have a couple of days to relax and sight see! Thea gets more beautiful with each picture you post! LOVE her smile! Ate you at the Galactic Peace?
So very proud of all of you. Hugs and kisses the Daws Crew.
So very happy that your trip to Jiangxi went not so bad. You survived it and this can give you a little confidence for your next flight back to Beijing. Hope you were able to get all the red ink off of Thea's little foot, just think...she is officially a Gregory now! We will be thinking and praying for little Nathaniel to have peace while you are gone, you will be home soon to give him lots of love and kisses.
And then there were 3! So what's it feel like to be parents of 3 little angels?! Wow, it has finally happened! I am so proud of you for your patience as you have waited on the Lord for the perfect match. I can't wait to see you all and I am already starting the countdown on when we too get to see and touch this precious little one.
Crying tears of happiness for you guys! So wonderful to see the pictures. Carlie
Smiling for you! I hope you had nice, empathetic people smiling at you on the plane when you were trying to comfort Thea. If only you could time travel home! We'll call Mr. Nathaniel again soon. I encouraged Mum to keep him busy. Can only imagine how you are feeling! C
SO SO happy you made it to Thea's province and you received such precious parts of her past. I too had a breakdown when we were give SJ's finding clothes but no note. Thea does look SO happy and the carrier is wonderful! I pretty much carried SJ the whole time we were in China and I think it made a huge difference in her attachment. SO happy for you and praying blessings for you all!!!
XO
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