After breakfast this morning Molly and Justin were busy getting Zeke's provisions ready. Medicine for any occasion--check! Food--check! Clothes--check! Place to sleep--check!
This afternoon, Charlie the guide took us by van on a crazy drive to the child welfare office about 25 minutes away. The pictures don't do it justice.
We waited for a few minutes out in the hallway because it didn't open until 2:00 PM. Once inside, we waited just a few more minutes. It was a nice, but dark office with a long service desk, couches, and foggy windows on three sides. Without any announcement, two ladies entered the long, dark room carrying a baby.
We assumed it was Zeke, but didn't have to wonder long. One of the ladies recognized Molly and immediately handed Zeke to her.
They posed for a few pictures. Charlie and Justin started doing additional paperwork while Molly got acquainted with Zeke.
Justin and Molly had sent the orphanage a couple care packages. One of them included a book with pictures of them, their home, their cat:) Another care package included a disposable camera. Both of them were returned. Can't wait to develop the film.
While Molly was sitting down she started to flip through the book. As she said "Mama" Zeke pointed to her picture. Incredible.
There were some other unexpected surprises as well. The two ladies from the orphanage brought a baby book with lots of information about Zeke (high-quality pictures, hand/feet prints, etc). The also included a typed list of other notes (what he eats, when he sleeps, etc.). Charlie helped Justin and Molly talk through the list with the ladies, translating the notes into English. These were not Zeke's caretakers, just representatives from the orphanage, so they were not able to answer all the questions Molly and Justin had for them. We'll go to the orphanage later in the week (Wednesday, I think), so they should get a chance to find out more information. The last big surprise was that Zeke was part of a joint China-US program called Half the Sky. We're not sure how this impacted his time at the orphanage, but their very personal approach to love and care sounds very good.
When the process was complete, we went back down the elevator with one more person than when we came. He was quiet but very alert the whole time.
Then, another crazy ride home. Not sure about Zeke, but everyone else felt sick.
Molly and Justin said goodbye to Charlie and the van driver.
When we got back up to the hotel, things started to really sink in. It was time to take an inventory of the equipment that came back with Zeke. He came with a bottle, a baby book, instructions/notes, baby formula, and lots of paperwork. For the rest of the afternoon and early evening, Justin and Molly took turns holding and playing with him.
He cried for short periods a number of times, and one long half hour stretch, but that was when I ran out to get Papa John's pizza (yes, you read that right).
By the time I was back, they had laid Zeke down in the crib. He settled down and later both Justin an Molly had turns making him giggle.
Just got word he's out. They say he'll sleep until 7:00 or 8:00. We'll see.
And it was morning and it was evening, the first day. Thanks for praying!
ahhh tears and more tears! Love that little guy and your new family!
ReplyDeleteSo proud of all 3 of you!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, you too Jeremy! ;)
It is amazing that he has done so well with you. I think he was well taken care of. Half the Sky staff along with the orphanage staff were loving to him. God has protected him and given him a good start. Zeke is yours now to continue God's work. He just fits right in! Thank you Jesus.
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