Today was our Appointment at the Civil Affairs Office. I was a little nervous about how Hope would do with us going back to the same place we were yesterday. I knew that there would be people there from the orphanage again, and I was afraid that it would upset her again.
Today's meeting was to sign the Adoption Decree.
She did fine going in to the room. There was an older lady there from the orphanage today. This lady is in charge of adoptions at Hope's orphanage. She also said that she was a special friend with Hope and that she would often hold and hug Hope. Today she reached to get Hope, to hold her and Hope would not go to her and would not let go of me. And I sure wasn't going to hand her over. The lady was pretty persistent and tried several more times to hold her, but Hope wouldn't have it. Finally, at the decree signing she reached over and took her from me to get Hope and Hope begin crying immediately. I quickly took her back and she was fine.
I was sad for her but felt as though I had just passed a great test! She's mine, and knows she's mine.
The paperwork today was almost painless. They asked some questions that were difficult to answer. Not difficult because we didn't know the answer, but because we wanted to answer the questions in such a way that they wouldn't offend, yet would help us to shine a light. And as of today, she is officially ours, in the eyes of China and the US.
She was very happy all day. The appointment today and the situation w/the lady seemed to give her confidence in us and in herself.
Thanking God, continually, today!!!
Melanie
Comments
Such and incredibly precious and priceless time. Enjoy every second of it, as I know you will!! What a beautiful miracle you have in your Hope. Can't wait to see what God will do in her life.
In Him,
The Lewter Family
Melanie, I am sooo happy for you guys. I remember when my daughter clung to me like a leech and wondered if she would ever leave my side. It didn't take any time for her to warm up to everyone. My daughter is from India and she is now 21. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. You will feel so blessed and so will Hope.
Love in Christ, Roberta Stanek
How amazing that you're seeing that sweet smile already! Prayers as you journey through Guangzhou and travel home. - Beth
Congrats to the whole Hall family. What an adorable little girl. She is just precious. Oh, the joy you must feel to finally have her with you. God is definitely smiling down on you and little Hope. She is already so loved. And she will experience so much more, back home. And one day, Jesus will reveal His everlasting love to her. Then she will truly feel all His love in her life. Oh, what a wonderful feeling. Thank you Jesus for coming into my life and praying that you will come to little Hope's life and she will know who you truly are, one day. You are the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Savior of our lives. Enjoy her and love her more than she can imagine. How lucky she is to have such a loving family.
His hands and feet,
Dana
I'm reading these blogs about Hope with tears in my eyes. Congratulations Hall family! I am so excited for you! Hope is absolutely precious! I'm so glad she has attached to you so quickly! Praise God for such a wonderful gift!
So very happy for you! We were sitting in that very room....going through the very same things.....just 6 months ago ourselves! Praying your you and your family!
Craig and I are thrilled for you, Mark, and your kids
What a blessing this adoption has been for everyone!
Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from the Lord, they are a reward from Him"
God bless
Love it!! She looks like she was yours for ever!! So happy for you both and so happy that Hope is finally home!
Congratulations! There is nothing like taking your child into your arms the first time! I just brought home my son from Taiwan. It's an amazing journey and only gets better with each day! God Bless You and Your Family!
Oh Melanie...little Hope wanted her mommy.....I am sure that your heart just melted.
And look at that beautiful smile Hope has today!!!!! NO SADNESS IN THAT LITTLE FACE TODAY!
Such great news today.
Barbara
Congratulations! What a great thing to see that she knows you are Mommy (& Daddy) already! Woo Hoo! Makes me tear up just reading your blog. Blessings to you all.