|
"I prayed for this child,and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him." 1 Samuel 1:27 |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
It's official!
Today was a big day for Hong Hui. After a bit of shopping this morning, we went back to the Civil
Affairs office to finalize her adoption. Because she is more than 10 years old, she had to be
questioned and write a statement about her desire to be adopted. We continue to be amazed at
her composure. She's an amazing girl.
The foster family came with the orphanage director once again. We spent a few sweet moments
with them before saying goodbye. The family was encouraging to Hong Hui, and we anticipate
contact with them in the future. While our desire is for Hong Hui to call us her family, we don't
want to close off her past here in China.
After the paperwork, we headed to Evergreen, an NGO here in Taiyuan. We met up with a
family who serves here with Evergreen and had lunch. YUM! We had noodles and dumplings -
two local specialities. HH loved it, and so did we. The Sterns were great fun to be with - their two
oldest kids are pictured with Davis on the left. We learned a lot and laughed a lot. They were a
great resource in communicating with HH and pointing us to some good local places to eat (even
a good coffee shop) and visit. After lunch, they took us to a Christian bookstore, where we were
able to get several books in Mandarin for HH. (Even "Hinds' Feet on High Places!) She appears
to be a voracious reader!
Before dinner, we went to the nearby Children's Park. We enjoyed exploring it. The kids rode in
a bumper boat, took pictures with their Chinese zodiac animals and listened to a chorus sing. As
usual, we attracted much attention. Davis was gracious when a line of women wanted to shake
his hand.
Now, everyone's in bed. Mimi crashed before dinner was served (see below), and the rest are
asleep now.
Hong Hui seems to be doing so well. She's connected with Davis and Naomi (they were very
territorial of her when the foster family arrived), and her English is improving by the minute. I
think she knows more than she's comfortable speaking. She is also really helpful when we're
somewhere that no one speaks English! Her personality is sweet and charming. We are excited she's
finally a Dodds!
Today was a big day for Hong Hui. After a bit of shopping this morning, we went back to the Civil
Affairs office to finalize her adoption. Because she is more than 10 years old, she had to be
questioned and write a statement about her desire to be adopted. We continue to be amazed at
her composure. She's an amazing girl.
The foster family came with the orphanage director once again. We spent a few sweet moments
with them before saying goodbye. The family was encouraging to Hong Hui, and we anticipate
contact with them in the future. While our desire is for Hong Hui to call us her family, we don't
want to close off her past here in China.
After the paperwork, we headed to Evergreen, an NGO here in Taiyuan. We met up with a
family who serves here with Evergreen and had lunch. YUM! We had noodles and dumplings -
two local specialities. HH loved it, and so did we. The Sterns were great fun to be with - their two
oldest kids are pictured with Davis on the left. We learned a lot and laughed a lot. They were a
great resource in communicating with HH and pointing us to some good local places to eat (even
a good coffee shop) and visit. After lunch, they took us to a Christian bookstore, where we were
able to get several books in Mandarin for HH. (Even "Hinds' Feet on High Places!) She appears
to be a voracious reader!
Before dinner, we went to the nearby Children's Park. We enjoyed exploring it. The kids rode in
a bumper boat, took pictures with their Chinese zodiac animals and listened to a chorus sing. As
usual, we attracted much attention. Davis was gracious when a line of women wanted to shake
his hand.
Now, everyone's in bed. Mimi crashed before dinner was served (see below), and the rest are
asleep now.
Hong Hui seems to be doing so well. She's connected with Davis and Naomi (they were very
territorial of her when the foster family arrived), and her English is improving by the minute. I
think she knows more than she's comfortable speaking. She is also really helpful when we're
somewhere that no one speaks English! Her personality is sweet and charming. We are excited she's
finally a Dodds!
Time in Shianxi
