grace led in life: End of Day 2

Tuesday was another day of surprises. As it predicted in his notes, Zeke slept through the night. When I saw them in the morning, Molly and Justin were well-rested. Molly said she woke up every hour or so to make sure he was still breathing:) The first time I saw Zeke he was walking across the floor chasing a ball. So... he walks! He also jabbers and giggles. The hotel has a complimentary breakfast. The food is very good, so we've been trying everything they have. I must confess that the red octopus we sent a picture of yesterday went uneaten. We'll work the courage up sometime. Today I tried Japanese pickles (top) and I'm not sure what was on Justin's plate (bottom).

Back to the real story though. This morning we met Michael, our second guide. He was very helpful and accommodating. He said today we would go back to the child welfare office to make the adoption official. We didn't think that would happen for a couple days, but it didn't matter--Molly and Justin were ready. So, back to the child welfare office we went.

We waited and looked around for a few minutes and then were guided to a room to take the official pictures.

After the pictures, the official ceremony was held in another official-looking room. In the center, a podium, and on the walls, government seals.

There's a "harmonious period" between the day when prospective parents first meet/receive their child and when the adoption is made official. At the beginning of the ceremony, Justin and Molly were asked a number of questions. What is your reason for adopting? Why is your brother/brother-in-law so impossibly good looking? Are you sure you would you like to proceed? Yes!

For a reasonable price, they also offered to provide an official-looking book with pictures and other information about Zeke and Chongqing. The official who ran the ceremony was very kind.

At the end of the ceremony everyone (Mom, Dad, and Baby) had to provide their finger prints on one of the documents.

A police officer then stopped by to give Zeke his Chinese passport (so he can travel in-country) to get his US citizenship/passport.

That's it--the adoption is final! Zeke is now part of the family. If only Zeke and his parents were citizens of the same country.

Back at the hotel, it was family picture time by the Christmas tree.

And finally some down time.

Like the notes from his caretakers said, Zeke love to play with a ball. We spent the rest of the afternoon playing. Molly ordered an inexpensive, but delicious room-service meal. The hotel staff was equally concerned about Molly's gluten allergy and the meal proved to be a good one. Much better than eating packaged foods out of the suitcase.

After that, we needed an adventure. We heard there was an underground Wal-Mart just down the street. Justin wore Zeke like a Koala.

There were many similarities, but it's more fun to focus on the differences. Better to just show you...

That's a customer netting her fish.

Check out the huge pear-shaped and prickly fruits next to Molly.

Sugar cane?

Tomorrow we're visiting the orphanage for the first time. When asked what we could bring, our guide suggested cookies. Can you think of a better way to spend money than on cookies for orphans?

Zeke's night ended with a bath and the blue ball he doesn't easily put down. He was all giggling and smiles.

I've probably painted a rosy picture (and there are challenges ahead), but it was another very good day. Zeke is alert and very engaged with Molly and Justin. He was curious, playful, and even needed Mom to comfort him a few times.

Tomorrow's visit to the orphanage will likely be emotional, but like yesterday, God is good.