Happy New Years from Beijing

We had a great breakfast at the hotel. We are at a very nice hotel and it is plush. They say heads of state stay here when in town. We then packed gift bags and met our driver for the ride to New Day. It is about a 1 hour ride from the hotel to New Day. We saw some beautiful countryside on the way.

When we arrived at New Day we were greeted by Carrie. She was a wonderful hostess to us. We were taken up to the healing home to meet Maria and her friends. Maria was scared at first as she thought we would be taking her today. Once they explained this was just a visit she got down and played some with the girls. She was a bit skeptical about us at first. After about 30 minutes she was warming up to us. We kept getting closer to her and talking to her and soon she let us hold her hand and play with her. She finally let me pick her up and upon prompting by her caregiver she kissed daddy’s cheek and then mama. Did I tell you how beautiful and smart she is!!!!!!!! She is one of the most beautiful little girls I have ever met and very smart. Her care givers commented about how smart she is. We played with other kids at the healing home and saw the wonderful work they are doing.

We learned today that she broke her leg about 8 weeks ago after falling on the ice. Her cast was taken off about 2 weeks ago and she is doing great. We will have to give her some physical therapy at home for a few weeks but no big deal. Her heart seems to be doing great and she plays like any normal child.

When nap time came we left to tour the New Day facilities and meet more people. They served us a great Chinese lunch and then let us meet with her care givers, doctors etc. We were able to learn so much about her condition and how well she is doing.

We then went back to the healing home after nap time and Maria was glad to see us. We played some more and the girls shared in snack time with Maria and her friends. When it came time to leave, they explained to her that we would meet her on Monday to become her parents. She hugged and kissed all of us and we said good bye for now. That was difficult to leave her behind but we are very thankful for the day. Words can not express what this day felt like for us. We are so thankful that Maria is doing so well and for the love and care she has been receiving. We know that Monday will be a difficult day for her when she is given to us but we also know that the way is being paved for that day to go smoothly.

We talked a lot on the hour long drive back since our driver spoke no English. After that long day we went out in search of a Pizza Hut that was supposed to be up the street, we never could find it but did find Mr. Pizza so ate there. The pizza was good in any case.

We are all wiped out and ready to get some sleep. Tomorrow is a very busy day so better sign off for now. We will post more tomorrow.

Thanks for your prayers.

Check out the photo link at the top for pictures from the day