"Gotcha Day" -- May 31, 2010

Sometimes, I must admit, I did not think this day would ever arrive.  Many years have passed since we decided to adopt another child into our family... a girl into a family of spunky boys... an older girl from a foreign country.  Even after we realized that God chose Cui Yue ("Betty") to be the one, our roller-coaster of emotion was at times almost too much to bear.   Other times, the excitement and joy of the whole thing was almost surreal.  Then one day an unknown number comes in on Lauren's cell while we are driving to Atlanta -- and we almost didn't answer it.


"Mrs G***** we have some news... are you sitting down?"


Just a few short weeks later, we are all on a flight to China... HALFWAY around the world (which is even unbelievable since I have never been anywhere outside the USA, and I know Canada doesn't really count) to adopt a beautiful thirteen year old girl from the Shenyang province in mainland People's Republic of China.


Amidst two days of enjoying the capital city, the ancient sites, and the ever-present tourist merchants, my head was swimming with questions-- even on a groggy, 630am flight from Beijing to Shenyang today, the din of self-doubt persisted:


"Will she like us?  What if she doesn't?  The boys are so excited to meet her, but how will she react to three little monkeys vying for her attention all the time?  Is she too sad about leaving her friends, her country and culture, her orphanage family, her entire thirteen year identity? Might she change her mind?  Why is that old couple still staring at my son"  (Good thing I  brought my hypertension medicine).


Shame on me.


Please forgive me Lord-- for You alone are my strength; Your ways are higher than my ways, Your wisdom is limitless, Your plans are perfect; What shall I fear?

We finally arrived at the Adoption Affairs office this morning and Betty was already there waiting for us.  After gathering our bags, I walked in last... she was already hugging Lauren and the boys; when I walked inside she sighed "PaPa" and gave me hug and I really don't recall much after that moment.


What I have been told is that we did much more paperwork, and pictures, and paperwork, and signatures, and government forms (let me just say-- student loan documents and mortgages were surprised at how much paperwork there is), and more pictures, and talking and laughing at our own "Chinglish" (as our guide Sherry calls it) conversations.


It was like she had been part of our family all along, and we just picked up where we always were.


Yes, she is a wonderful big sister, and loves her brothers, and of course she just adores Adam's hair.

There is another wonderful large family in Shenyang with us adopting their youngest daughter.  They had only 4 children two weeks ago...they now have 6 after adopting Gabe last week and Gabby today.  Of course, this herd of boys gets along so well, and have really helped make for an enjoyable trip so far.  And of course, they are quick to remind us they outnumber the girls 3-1.

We spent the afternoon walking the streets of Shenyang; dodged some scooters, buses, and cars on sidewalks (!) then did some shopping for clothes and other miscellaneous items; we browsed the outdoor pedestrian/mall area, and finally retreated for some much-needed pool time and pizza dinner.  I can't recall a time when all 3 Gajewski boys crashed more quickly, completely or harder than they did today -- probably 730pm, all lights out.  I think Betty found it all quite enjoyable and relaxing.


Tomorrow, June 1st, is recognized as the International Children's Day.  While the Hawley's graciously (and somewhat crazily??) agreed to monitor all the boys in the morning, we will be going to visit the orphanage directors, the China Affairs office, the notary, and the passport office.   Then it is all official, be still my heart.


Then, appropriately, we plan to spend the rest of the day relaxing with our children.  All four of our wonderful, God-given children.  Continue to lift us up in your prayers, and Skype us when  you see our status is online.


"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west."  Isaiah 43:5