We went to the US Consulate and did our oath and got our paperwork that will get Alison into the US. If we had a flight, we could leave now. The room was pretty full with new families. Children of all ages now matched with parents who will love and care for them. It just brings tears to your eyes to see the happiness in one place. What was once a bleak future for these children has turned into a world of opportunity. What was once loveless has turned into a loving family.
For Alison, today was coloring and more Barbies. It is so fun to see what Alison will play with. She colored like mad the first thing this morning and then every time we have been in the room since she has been consumed with doing her dolls hair and changing their clothes. Well, there was that green blob while we were out too. She put that in her drawer and got right back to the Barbies.
Alison likes her space. She plays on her bed. She likes having a drawer in the night stand and our room has open shelving between the bedroom and the sitting area. We have her things (books mostly) arranged on the shelves. It is like she has her own little piece of the world. That is where she spends 90+% of her time.If coaxed, she will lie on the end of our bed to watch a movie but her bed is the haven. She is very neat and puts away her things when she is done playing. I hope she does't lose that habit and take after her mother by leaving things out.
We had our boat cruise on the Pearl River tonight. We were in a very nice boat with tables decked out like for a wedding reception (seat covers and table cloths). The ride was very relaxing and the buildings along the river have colored lights. It was very pretty. Lynn and Olivia (2) were with us. Alison does not know what to think of Olivia. Olivia is such a sweet, touchy child and reached out to Alison over the course of the evening. Mostly Alison ignored her but I just don't think she knows how to relate to a younger child. Very interesting to watch the interaction. The boat trip was quite a treat for Alison. She was out of her chair and into the window. She wrote her name in the foggy window (made foggy by her breath) of the boat. She smiled several times and her whole body changed as she seemed more at ease. At one point Lynn and David decided to go on top (outside) and Alison tripped all over herself to go with them. She just had a great time on the boat.
When we got to the hotel, she rang for the elevator. Lynn was talking to David so she pushed the button several times and it closed. Then we got in and the door almost closed before Lynn got in. He put the bag in the door to keep it open. We all laughed at that one, even Alison. I gave her the key and she scooted ahead of us down the hall to open the room door. I know this sounds so natural but she has only done this once or twice before. Normally, she holds my hand as we walk down the hall and sometimes she will open the door when we get there. She just isn't the carefree child that we all have known. She is timid and shy and just unsure of most everything.
Brooke was at the oath ceremony. She turned 14 yesterday and she is from Zhu Hai. Brooke had to be given to her new parents before her 14th birthday or she is not eligible to be adopted. She just made it by a week. Imagine being willing to be adopted and missing the deadline by one week the other way? Brooke is also very shy with her new mom but when Alison and Brooke are together they banter like two rival siblings. We will be on the same flight on Wednesday. The girls can talk from Guangzhou to Tokyo and then it will probably just be on the phone. Can't imagine not seeming my sisters again ever or only every few years. Such adjustments these children face... such loss.
We have a much happier child that we got a week ago. She still isn't trying any English words but does know a good deal about what we are talking about in this environment. Another adjustment until we get into a routine at home and hopefully soon she will begin talking.
Tomorrow is the zoo. Lynn and Olivia are going with us. I think being with another child is good for Alison as it will help prepare her a little bit for all of the kids who are part of her family now. It has been a good day. My Lynn confessed to Lynn (Olivia's mom) that if we were younger he would adopt again. That is enough confirmation for me that it isn't just me pushing him to do this. I don't think that it is fair to a child to only have one committed parent. But when God gives you a desire, I think He expects you to do His bidding. And the great thing is that He blesses it more than you ever dreamed. A good day...but only one more before we come home... I can't wait. I miss my family at home so much. I haven't seen my own little munchkins for two weeks and I miss them. ... Brenda
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