Monday June 15th

Today is the day we have been preparing for.  Unfortunately our appointment was set for late in the day.  So we killed time by taking a walk to a local park and hanging out by the pool.  At the park we found people doing Tai Chi, playing badminton, and hacky sack. So Guangzhou is like St. Louis heat and humidity on steroids.

Finally, it was time to load everyone in the van and head over to the adoption registrar to get Liya.  Once in the office we signed some paperwork and then sat down and waited for our turn.  While waiting we watched children brought out from a room to meet their new family for the first time.  Then out walked Liya.  After lots of hugs and kisses she proudly reached into her bag and gave each of us a gift.  We then sat down in a corner and visited with Liya.  She loved the frozen sticker book that Taylor and Jack bought for her with their own money.

Simon had warned me before coming that liya gets car sick. He asked me to bring along some Dramamine.  However we didn't bring it to the adoption center. It was only about a 10 minute drive from the hotel. Mike however thought it would be great to show her videos on the way home. I kept telling him it wasn't a good idea because she gets car sick. Well sure enough about 2 min from the hotel she started puking. Luckily we were prepared with a plastic bag and wet wipes. After we got out of the car she just threw her puke bag away, swished her mouth out with water and she was ready to go!

Liya talks non-stop which is pretty funny because we can't understand  a word she is saying. Simon our guide came back to the apartment with us and also had dinner with us. So we had a lot of time to have him translate for us and explain things to her. They told us she is very shy and quiet.  But from our first 1/2 day with her she appears quite the opposite. Liya asked at dinner if everyone could use chopsticks. We told her everyone but grandma does. So she went over to try and help grandma learn to use chopsticks (pic below)  

Taylor and jack were both so sweet with her and I think it has been such a blessing having them here. It has really helped her feel comfortable with us. They just played together all afternoon. Well it's getting late now and has been an emotional day. Going to hit the hay and get some rest. Tomorrow we head to the registrar office and make the adoption official! Thanks for all the prayers