Gotcha!

Well I finally have found some time to blog. It's really quite difficult to find this time. I put Haiyan down for a nap, and Elizabeth went to hangout with pop-pop and grandma-Shelley. I titled this entry "Gotcha!", because that is what the day is called by all adoptive parents. This day will be celebrated every year by Amy and I as "Gotcha day".

When I first saw Haiyan I was excited, apprehensive, timid, confused, sad, and happy all at the same time. What makes my experience rare is that Haiyan was never given to the orphanage to wait for my arrival. Most children in foster homes are dropped off at the orphanage 1 to 4 weeks before the adoptive parents arrive in China. Because our notice to travel was so late, the foster home caregiver was present when I picked up Haiyan. I point this out as being important, because I was able to witness first hand the tearing away of Haiyan from her family. I thought long and hard last night of how I could briefly communicate this experience to those reading this blog and feel I have found the right words: I watched my daughter's heart break and it was I who triggered it's start. This statement brings to me the feeling I had while taking Haiyan from the room where the caregiver stood, turning around, and walking away with a child crying desperately.... mama mama. This is all I will say about the experience.

In the next entry, I will post some pictures that my father took. I hope it will not be long before I can post some video.

Thanks you for your continued prayers,
James