Adoption Day! Monday, 2-18-08

This was a big day. We went with our group to the Jiangxi Adoption Center, located on the 26th floor of a typically non-heated municipal building.

All the Bethany families were there as well as many families with other agencies, all doing the same thing: adopting Chinese daughters! The room was small, crowded, noisy, and chilly. We first had our "family picture" taken. Then we waited for our interview....which consisted of a 5 minute Q & A where we had to promise not to abuse or abandon our daughter, tell why we wanted to adopt her, and describe what our educational plans for her might be. We finally came away with the RED BOOK: Lydia Mei's adoption certificate.

After this, we boarded the bus (chartered bus for the Bethany families) and went to the Public Security Bureau to apply for Lydia Mei's Chinese passport. Then we boarded the bus again and went to the Notary office for a brief interview and notarization of documents.

What a long morning! Lydia Mei was a trooper. Nice and cozy in her bunting.