We figured "Gotcha" in Chinese must mean "jokes on you"...Yesterday our guide took us to the Civil Affairs office downtown to meet Liam and fill out some paperwork except the orphanage never sent Liam! Our guide was very embarrassed and we were very disappointed. Somehow, something fell through and they only sent one child instead of the two that were scheduled. Fortunately, the other family that was with us was able to get their little girl, Abby (age 2.5) and we were their "official" photographers and got a first hand view of the excitement and range of emotions that come with meeting your child for the first time. As all good things take time, there is a reason even for this one day delay. We may never know what it is, but it will make meeting Liam all the more special tomorrow morning. We are scheduled for leaving the hotel at 9am and receiving him at 9:30!
Yesterday was disappointing for lack of a better word. All that excitement building...and then having the guide come into the room empty handed and giggling from embarrassment. We were truly grateful to be there with our new friends, the other family, as we were just as excited and happy for them. It meant a lot to be there at such a personal moment for them. We had just met them less than an hour before, yet our lives will always be intertwined as our children grew up together and came to their families in the same way at the same time. To quote an ancient Chinese proverb, "an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance." Most apropos on so many levels...
Yesterday I couldn't help but feel some of the crush and pain that some other "mothers to be" have felt, either through a failed adoption or miscarriage. Mine was a sliver compared to others, but I know I will always remember and say an extra prayer for those.
It is now 2:30am. We again found it difficult to stay up past dinner so following Andrew's lead, we fell asleep without dinner around 6pm. The city is partially lit and the lights along the Pearl River are pretty and tranquil. Our room is cool and the bedsacks on the bed toasty and inviting. I think I'll try to get a few more hours sleep before our "Big Day, Part II". More then...mct
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1 comment:
Mari,
I am so sorry that you didn't get Liam when expected. I am sure that waiting even one more minute is just unbearable, but he will be in your arms to stay in just a few hours!
Thank you for the square and wish for Ben's quilt.
Paula
Ben's Mommy
http://bringingbenjaminhome.blogspot.com/
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