Today began with a leisurely breakfast: Ellie had scrambled eggs and conge; Caroline had yogurt and French toast; I had dim sum, fried noodles, dumplings (pot stickers), fish balls, pastries and multi-grain bread (I only went through the buffet line once!). Ellie is a good eater. She hasn’t refused anything that’s put in front of her. She so wants to feed herself, but she has yet to figure out the mechanics of getting the Cheerios in her fingers into her mouth.
Our hungers satisfied we left the hotel to pick up our laundry and do a bit of shopping, both of which we did at the same store. One of the interesting cultural nuances of the shops that surround the hotel is that they all offer laundry service and free use of strollers. When you think about it, that’s rather clever marketing; just get the people and especially new adoptive parents into the store.
The shopping adventure complete we made our way back to the hotel and our room. From 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. we needed to stay in our rooms. Today we had our meeting with the US Consulate General, that is to say, Elsie our CHI in-country guide and host had a meeting with the appropriate person(s) to review all our visa and passport documents for Ellie. The last thing Elsie told our group last night was, “No phone call from the Consulate General is preferred. So hope that I don’t call you.”
She didn’t, so we went swimming. Ellie was moderately excited about being pool side.
Today was also picture day. It was quite a spectacle! All six of the girls who came from the same orphanage each had on a traditional Chinese dress and cute shoes. Let’s just say that they were all less than thrilled; the photos say it all. (FYI: here are the names of the girls reading from left to right…Gianna Cai, Macy Bo, Emily Browne, Emmaline Maio, Ellie Bo, and Ella Wei.)
The day ended with the farewell dinner. After tomorrow, most of our group is heading home. It’s hard to believe that it’s all coming to an end. It’s harder still to believe how attached to one another we’ve all become. I really do love these people and their daughters…they are in a sense, Ellie’s sisters.
(Who’s Who: working from left to right…Eric, Jacinda, and Emmaline; Edson, Macy and Megan; Ellie and us; Kerri and Madison [Edson and Kerri are married and have twins, Madison and Megan]; Wendy, ella and Brian)
2 comments:
AHH, Im so happy for you two!!! I was just talking to Grama Betty and Ellie looks like Pastor Brad!!! Ahh, too cute. I can't wait to see you all when you get back=) Im so very happy for the both of you as well. Congrats on a beautiful little girl=)
Jessica Pietschman
Our son is in Nanchang now and received his little girl yesterday. I have followed your diary since April when my son also received his notification about his daughter, Bo Ni. Because she had Bo in her name and was pictured in the same pjs as Ellie, we think she came from the same orphanage. We had hoped that our son and his wife would meet up with you, but you were luckier by 10 days. Also, our baby, who is a month younger than Ellie, may not be potty trained. No one has told them she is. Bummer.
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