Free Day~ TGIF!

Friday, June 21st (Day 6 in China)

Thursday was such an exhausting day both mentally and physically.  We were ever so thankful that Friday was a "free day."  We had no appointments, no papers to sign, no places we were obligated to go to....we could just spend the day bonding with Caroline.

 

Koi fish in the garden outside our hotel

 

 

Beautiful waterfall! We have a view of this every morning during breakfast.

 

 

We have met several other families during our stay here at The Garden.  We first saw Patti, her husband, and daughter on our Gotcha Day.  We went to Starbucks for lunch that day, and they were in there as well.  Whenever we see other Americans, we can't help but wonder if they're here for the same reason as we are.  Later that day when we saw our Caroline for the first time, they were there seeing their son for the first time! Later, we had the chance to chat with them.  This was their fourth adoption, and Patti said she's not even sure this will be their last! She wants to see where God leads them.  Patti is one of those women who you feel like you've known forever.  She's very comforting, and she seems to know exactly what to say to those who seemed a bit nervous and scared (yet excited).  We have some very dear friends in Sarasota, the Braswells (they are also in the process of adopting from China!!).  We both said Patti reminds us so much of Ty's mother, Cindy.  She lives for the Lord, and it shows!

 

 

The Golden Arches!

 

 

This place was delicious! I recommend it to all the others traveling here!

 

 

I can't get enough of her smile!!

 

 

Chicken Quesadillas

 

 

I love the flower arrangements in our hotel! This one was done today.

 

 

When we first received our referral for Caroline, we needed advice, and fast.  We needed to speak to someone who had dealt with a cleft lip/cleft palate.  Bo got in contact with one of his co-workers in Raleigh, N.C.  He and his wife have two girls who are adopted from China.  One of his girls had a cl/cp when they brought her home from China.  We spoke with him and his wife on the phone to see what it actually was that we were dealing with before we submitted our LOI (letter of intent) to our agency. We felt encouraged after speaking to them, and she gave some advice on what resources are available (Facebook groups, Yahoo groups, books, etc.).  Well....in God's perfect timing, they just so happen to be here in China at the same time that we're here adopting Caroline!  They stayed at our hotel for a couple nights, and I got to meet them and their girls.  Of course I had to get a photo of Caroline with these sweet girls!

 

 

 

 

 We are loving getting to know our baby girl.  She's coming out of her shell more and more everyday.  She didn't know what to do with the toys we brought over from America for the first couple days.  Now she is enjoying her stacking cups, books, and rattles.  She's also smiling a lot more, and will hold out her hands for us to pick her up.  This has been so amazing to see first hand.  The Lord had his hands wrapped around us every step of the way, and I know he will continue to guide us.

 

 

We miss these two so much! They love FaceTiming with their Mei Mei! Caroline loves watching other children, and she is going to have a blast watching these two!! We love you so much, Brin and Savy! ~Mommy and Daddy