Meeting Miao

Miao is a beautiful girl!


11/29/10: Gotcha Day or as we refer to it, "Family Day" held a wide realm of emotions for all. While we were filled with anticipation and excitement, Miao was sad, apprehensive and overwhelmed, as to be expected when after 13 years of the same routine, friendships and a foster father, she must leave it all behind.

She came with a suitecase of clothes and a cell phone from her foster father. We asked the guide to interpret that we love her, care for her and want her to be safe, asking her to always stay with us. We must stay together as a family during activities. She was asking to go to the bank alone but through the guide, we explained we must go together as a family. We will help her withdraw her funds, exchange to US dollars and ensure she has all of her money. We will not take any of her money. We were told the money was savings when the orphanage would send a monthly expense to her at school. She never spent it. I'm thinking possibly the foster father set-up the account for her. We don't know for sure only what Miao told us, through the interpreter.

We were at the Civil Affairs office for hours. There were many families meeting their children. After meeting Miao and completing the necessary paperwork required on the first day, we decided best to return to the hotel and have a low-key evening. We at dinner at the hotel and called it a night.

She and I sat in the living room together. She was sad and didn't make much eye contact. I extended comfort by providing her tissues when she started to cry. I wanted to hug her but didn't want to overwhelm her with affection. We were all exhausted from the day and fell asleep by 9:00 pm.