West Lake and the night market

Raining everyday since we have been in Hangzhou but  finally there was a break in the clouds so we were able to do some sightseeing.  Hangzhou is known for its West Lake area.  It is visited by couples on their honeymoon as well as vacationers. We took a boat ride to moon island and walked around.

Later we visited the Night Market area and practiced our haggling. Lots of people, music, street vendors with all types of smells and sights.

An Emotional Day

It was a very emotional day.

We visited Naomi's orphange.  Her class threw us a party for her.  Each of the kids drew a picture and gave it to her, some of her classmates were near tears.  They all then drew a picture together in the classroom with Naomi and we had them all sign their names, a treasure to keep and remember. Then they did a song in sign language for her. None of the children in the classroom are on the list to be adopted so it is very unlikey they will ever have a forever family.    

Then we visted the deaf school.  We were told we couldn't go inside.  However, after a call by one of the guards, our daughter's teacher came out and met with us. 

Lastly, we visited the bus station where our daughter was abandoned 8 years ago.

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17

Adoption Approved by China today

We completed the adoption per China today!! 

We started the passport process.

Mom and Naomi got some valuable bonding time.

We have our new daughter - Naomi!!!

Naomi Xin became part of our family today.  Praise the Lord!!!! 

Sisters :)

As you can see, her brother Joseph, has already made her an Apple fan.

Shanghai Book City and on to Hangzhou

We did some shopping for Chinese books in Shanghai.  I was able to get some CSL (Chinese Sign Language) books for other families with deaf Chinese children in the US.  We also got some Chinese language material for our girls.  All this was at the largest and our favorite book store in Shanghai; Shanghai Book City.
After navigating the Shanghai Train Station (with a multitude of stairs) we caught a bullet train to Hangzhou.  They did have escalators when going up more than a few stairs so it was fine.  It was a great ride and we got to see some of the countryside.

Naomi will become part our family tomorrow morning!!!  We can't wait!

We made it to Shanghai!!

After a 14 hour flight we have made it to Shanghai.  We took a minivan cab to the Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Puxi.  The rooms are beautiful.  We are glad we will be staying here on our way back home.  We went walking around (so that we can get our bodies use to the time change).  We walked by the train station (about 3 blocks from the hotel) where we needed to catch the bullet train to Hangzhou tomorrow.  Now to get some sleep.

Naomi