The Mason Four

Normally Keri posts to our family blog, but since this has been such a long day and there's much news to share, hubby is posting instead. Today was our "gotcha day" for Zoey Faith. For those of you not familiar with the international adoption process, it's the day that you receive your child. You walk into an office building as a family of three, and an hour later you walk out a family of four. Just like that.

The trip has been great so far. Keri, me, Eden and Keri's mom Roberta have all had a wonderful time. Eden tried to instruct us on how to eat noodles this morning, but the results were somewhat mixed.

Then we had a paperwork meeting, which lasted a few hours and where we received all the last minute details. I admit Keri and I were both more apprehensive this time around because Zoey is older than Eden was when we adopted her and we didn't know what to expect. During the paperwork meeting we were advised to "prepare for the worst". 

Next was the bus ride to the Civil Affairs Office. We had five families in our group all receiving children on this day. Other families from other adoption agencies would also be receiving children at the same time. So, a ton of couples, many with children, all converging on the Civil Affairs Office.

The adoption room in the Civil Affairs Office can best be described as organized chaos. Our group camped out in one corner. Our guide hurriedly called us up to the front of the room. Less than 10 minutes after we entered, we squatted down and Zoey was thrust out of the waiting area next door, stuffed animal in hand, wearing a backpack of toys, and plopped down in front of us with a big grin.

So began the process of meeting Zoey--actually Mao Zhonglun, at this point. She just kinda took it all in for a while, repeated some words back to Keri, scoped out the room. About 15 minutes in she let out a big cry. It was all just a little much. I left the room to meet with the orphanage director, where I got some history on Zoey and got to ask some questions. Keri and Eden continued to greet our newest family member while Keri's mom recorded the scene for posterity.

Zoey at this point seemed detached. She would not make eye contact with anyone and we could tell that she was hanging in there, but it will be a long road to bond with her. Since every child is unique, the process will be different than with Eden. She's pretty nervous about new people--including us--and people holding her close. On the bus ride back to the hotel, she took a short snooze on Keri's lap, which is a good sign.

Eden and Zoey had a great bath time tonight and they played on the floor of the room. We had a late dinner of rice and noodles in our hotel room and after guzzling down water and milk, Zoey quickly fell asleep. Tomorrow we have a long day of paperwork and interviews at the Civil Affairs Office, so be praying for Zoey especially with more change and strangers coming her way throughout the day.

Eden is doing super as a big sister. She is very taken with Zoey. Eden has a ton of little girls in our travel group and has made fast friends with many of them, which has helped ease the transition. We are so proud of her--today at gotcha day she was right in the thick of it jumping up and down and cheering on her new sister.

Keri and I covet your prayers for Zoey and our family during these days. We are so blessed by your support and encouragement. Thanks for being a part of our adoption process. We'll continue to post more news and photos in the coming days.

In Christ,
Gene and Keri