Gotcha Day!

Ni Hao from Fuzhou, Fujian, China.

Gotcha Day was everything that a parent would want. We met our beautiful Nina-Li in just a sofa area by a meeting room at our hotel. She came up to us very soft spoken and sweet. She had our album we sent her and easily identified all of us. We gave her a panda bear that she would not let go of. We then got out the bubbles. She squealed in delight! It was just as sweet as can be. Up to this day she has been very proud that she is going to America. Boasted about it at the orphanage. However, on the way to the hotel she changed her mind. So, her response to us was very good. However, we were warned that the evening could be rough. And it was.

Once we were done in the conference room and Bill picked her up, she screamed and wailed. It would just break your heart. This continued for about 3 hours. She finally just exhausted herself and went to sleep with all her clothes on at 8:30. She fell asleep with the little princess doll that Linda Forsythe gave her. She even covered up the little princess with her blanket. She slept until we woke her up at 7:45 this morning. Only waking up once and wimpering for about a minute. She is 7 and is fully aware that she will never see her friends and caretakers again. She has cried for her E.I. (sp?) several times. That was her favorite nanny.

She was sad this morning until the phone rang and then suddenly was wlling to brush her teeth and get ready. Everything went remarkably smooth. She began putting everything in a gift bag that we have given her and a couple of things of clothing she wore from the orphanage. Then it dawned on me, she thought she was returning to the orphanage. So, I decided to enjoy the peace we had and just let her think what she wanted. We walked hand in hand to driver to go to some appointments. That is when the next crying session began. Our guide tried to explain she wasn't going back. At every appt. the staff would try to comfort and explain to her. If they couldn't do it in Nina-Li's language, there was no way I could.

One of the problems was she was starving because she didn't eat dinner or breakfast. As soon as we arrived in our room she engulfed a banana, gulped some water down and then tried to escape. That was rough. However, thank you for mother nature. She had to go potty. And that broke up that. Bill arrived with some Congee (rice soup) and she ate all of it, and there was a lot! Bill went to find something for the rest of us to eat, so I had about 60-90 minutes alone with Nina-Li. She wanted her teeth brushed and then she saw my make-up and asked for eye shadow and blush. Well, of course I am going to oblige. We then painted her fingernails, took a walk in the hotel lobby and outside the front door. We read and colored. It was very delightful. Everything was good. We are learning how to communicate the best we can. She played with the boys and is doing well.

We had another little outburst for about 30 minutes or so. We think it was because she didn't get a nap in. She takes 2 hour naps everyday. I finally got her to lay down and after 15 minutes or so, she was fine.

For the evening we went to dinner here in the hotel. I think she really liked that. I believe it is probably the first time she has been to a restaurant and been served. We learned she likes french fries, shrimp, fetticinni alfredo, and bread. As we returned to the room she walked hand in hand with Dakota.

Nina-Li is going through a grieving process and it is completely normal. Difficult to handle. You want to comfort and consoul her. But, you can't. We have found the best thing to do is let her grieve.

And regarding our little make-up session. Now, everytime she goes to the bathroom, she asks for make-up. However, she has to say the English words eyes, cheeks and lips to get it. It is a good bonding opportunity. So far I can only get her to wear the pinguin shirt that Chris Jarrett got her and a jean jacket. She refuses to take off her tghts, boots and skirt that she came to us in. Even after we painted her toe nails, she insisted on getting those tights on right away.

So, we will see what tomorrow brings. We are going to Wal-Mart and have a list of items we want her to choose including a pair of shoes, new tights and a few toys and clothes.

Thank you for all your prayers. They are sustaining us right now. Believe me. This is tough. Yet, we are having more and more moments of connecting.

Love to you all!