Day 5 - Maelee's Gotcha Day

Where to begin about today? Brace yourself for a long post about the events.

Let’s start with the main event.  Meeting Maelee.  We left the hotel at 8:15 am to drive to the orphanage.  After an hour long drive through the city, we arrived at the orphanage.  The narrow streets surrounding the orphanage had nice shops on the lower levels.  When we pulled up to the orphanage, we were happy to see many of the children playing outside doing their morning exercise. The big gates opened and our van drove in.  After stepping out of the van we noticed children being pulled in wagons off to the distance on the left.  The kids immediately spotted Maelee.  “There she is!”  Deanna was pretty sure it was her, too.  We were escorted into the orphanage to the second floor conference room.  Deanna was peeking out the window to see if it was indeed Maelee in the wagon.  She looked down and saw Maelee in the arms of her nanny being brought inside. We continued to get cameras ready and unexpectedly the nanny and Maelee walked into the room.  She was so very scared.  Her nanny had tears rolling down her face as she kept speaking to us in Mandarin with no translation.  It was heartbreaking.  It is such a gift to know that Maelee was so loved by her caregivers.  Deanna was trying to understand if she was here to stay.  Our guide led us to believe that she was going back to her room and then will return to us.  After the confusion was cleared up and we were told we could take her, the nanny handed Maelee to Deanna.  The crocodile tears and screams ensued.  She was reaching out to her nanny.  After a couple minutes the nanny could not take it any longer and took her back.  This is so difficult.  There was that part of us that thought we should not allow her to go back with the nanny.  The nanny sat down and we pulled out a doll.  Thankfully, Maelee accepted our gift.  She eventually calmed herself.  Matt was sitting next to her and able to interact.  Eventually the nanny handed Maelee to Matt.  She bolted out of the room as Maelee starting crying again.  The nanny was in the hallway crying, too. We asked that she not leave so that we may ask some questions.  She eventually composed herself and was able to return.  Thankfully when she returned Maelee was calm and sat on Matt’s lap without wanting the nanny. We spent time asking questions.  Then we signed papers that granted us temporary guardianship until tomorrow’s adoption.  The orphanage gave us back the items we sent in a care package in addition to a photo album.  What a gift!  Matt handed over Maelee to Deanna.  More tears came and were calmed down by looking at the photo album. 

Next, the orphanage staff informed us it was time for a tour.  Deanna was thrilled that she was able to hold Maelee.  We started walking down the dark corridor of offices to a stairwell.  We were walking upstairs to see the living spaces.  That is when it happened.  Deanna fell on the stairs.  Thankfully, Deanna was able to brace the fall and Maelee was not injured and she did not cry.  Unfortunately, Deanna braced the fall with her knee.  It took a bit for Deanna to stand.  Her knee was in a lot of pain.  The orphanage graciously offered ice.  Deanna decided it was best to walk it off.  Matt decided he should carry both Hannah and Maelee in case Deanna’s knee gave out.  We were quite the sight! 

We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to tour the orphanage that Maelee has called home.  It was a bittersweet experience. The facilities are large, well cared for, bright and clean.  The staff was friendly and attentive.  The children appeared to be happy, engaged and loved.  There were so many children that need families.  Babies just days old to pre-teens.  Children seeking the love and care of forever families.  We visited Maelee’s room and saw her bed.  Her nanny decided it was time for a diaper change.  As you can imagine, this caused great sadness as she was handed first to Deanna and then to Matt.  She screamed and pointed to her bed.  She cried out, “Mama!”  It was time to get away.  We needed to leave.  No more setbacks.

We made our way back to the hotel.  Maelee did not want to leave Matt’s arms.  Matt needed to go with our guide to the bank which meant she was stuck with Deanna and the kids.  She was not happy about that.  She spent the next few hours crying on and off.  She refused food and drink over and over.  She basically wanted nothing to do with anything or anybody.  She would sadly point at the door asking for her Mama (her nanny). 

Deanna headed to the grocery store after Matt returned from the bank.  Matt discovered that Maelee loved to look out the window.  She had one thing in mind…Mama!  She cried and pointed out the window wanting her Mama (the nanny).  This is so hard!  There is so much sadness, grief, and brokenness.  She wants nothing to do with Deanna at this point.  Deanna has been able to meet a few minor needs, but Matt has been the primary care taker. 

The kids were a bit stir crazy today to add to the dynamics.  They are so excited about their new sister. They are still learning that she needs space and time to adjust.  They want to play with her and care for her.  It is very sweet.  They are learning that plans have to be put on hold to meet Maelee’s needs.  They were disappointed to not leave the room all afternoon and evening.  We have a job and that is to transition Maelee.  The fatigue and jet lag is still a struggle and for the first time they all asked to go to bed.  Tomorrow is new day.  They are hopeful it will include some play time and swim time.

We ask for your continued prayers.

-Praise that Matt was able to share our faith and the gospel with our guide on their trip to the bank!

-Pray for Maelee.  Pray that we will be able to get her to eat and drink.  Pray she will feel safe and loved.  Pray for her heart as she grieves.  Pray she will build trust with both Matt and Deanna.  Praise that she allowed Matt to give her a bath and went to sleep without difficulty. 

-Pray for Deanna’s knee.  She is in pain and having difficulty bending it at times.  She also cut her thumb making dinner tonight.  Pray that the cut will heal properly and have no infection.

-Pray that Maelee’s adoption tomorrow will have no paperwork issues. 

-Pray for Nathan, Micah, Claire and Hannah through this transition.

-We praise God that we are all able to be in China together.  Deanna is thankful that Matt is able to be here.  Pray for Matt to be given strength and endurance.  With Deanna’s knee injury and Maelee only wanting Matt, he is getting little break from taking care of the kids.

Thank you for praying!  We are so thankful for your support.