The Big Day

We have our new daughter. While it isn't official until tomorrow, we are now a family of 6. Shortly before 10 AM today a very brave beautiful girl entered a room full of adults and started the first steps to the biggest change in her young life. There were a few tears, especially as her caregiver talked to her. We didn't get a translation of everything that was said, but I can guess some of it. She was prepared to greet us in English and even said, "I love you" in English, but it clearly is a hard thing for her to leave her home and friends. Once we were back "home" we talked a little and found out she has several school friends and she has their phone numbers. She was able to call one friend before lunch and that seemed to help. She is talking to one of her teachers now and we hope to visit her school on Thursday.

Here are a few pictures from our first meeting:

Joy has been wonderful, translating for us and making Alice feel comfortable. Joy thought to ask about some of Alice's favorite foods and learned she really likes KFC. There is a KFC within walking distance from Joy's home so that was where we had our first lunch together. It wasn't our favorite meal of the trip, but Alice clearly loved every bite and ate more than any of the adults!

We had Joy explain the schedule from now until we fly home. We learned that she wants to see the OLD Summer Palace, so it looks like we will skip seeing the Forbidden City to see the new and old Summer Palaces. We also talked about her new name. Alice said it was "too long!" She is happier dropping the English middle name (Renee) that we wanted to give her. Instead she will be Alice (Chinese middle name) (Family name).