A new daughter

We arrived to the orphanage around 9am.  We did the paperwork that was required, were given a thick book of pictures of Phoebe, had some questions answered, and they brought her in to meet us around 9:30 or so.  She was full of smiles and said, "mother, father".  We gave her a few of the gifts we had brought and she was most excited about the Snow White doll.  Her teacher, who helped her after school, with homework, gave her a beautiful necklace, place it around her neck, and was full of tears.  She wants very much to keep in touch.  You could tell she has a close bond with Phoebe.  We were whisked off to meet the rest of the children, where they performed with dance, singing, and magic tricks.  They had cake and snacks for us and some of the kiddos went for seconds and thirds.  They like their cake!  (Barbara and Jennifer, take note-your girls are cake girls!)  We were able to give a photo album to one little girl, who was very excited to see what her new family looked like.  We got to meet Phoebe's best friend, who has been adopted domestically, but came back to the orphanage for the celebration.  As I write this, Malia is painting Phoebe's toenails.  They have been coloring together since we returned from lunch.  We hope to take them down to the swimming pool soon, although I'm feeling exhausted!  Tomorrow, we will go to the Civil Affairs office for more paperwork, and  finalize the adoption.  After that, our guide is taking us to the Great Wall, where we will toboggan down from the top!  It's been a long, emotional day.  Phoebe is taking it all in stride.  God has been with us, every step of this journey.  It's just so much, to put into words at this point.

Malia with Eric, our guide, waiting for Phoebe

The director, Miss Wong, with Phoebe

Mama, Baba, and the girls

Phoebe and lao shi (teacher)

Phoebe wanted baba to put on her sunglasses

her bedroom/bed

the upstairs hallway outside her room

it's Sunday, but the kids went right to working on homework, as we were leaving