The morning after we got Max in our arms, we returned back to the Civil Affairs building to complete the adoption. We were given a certificate and shook hands with the man proclaiming in Chinese that Max was officially ours'. Emotional and surreal moment.
Afterwards we headed towards Max's hometown of Kaifeng to apply for his passport and visit his orphanage. This was a 2 hour drive both ways from Zhengzhou. I was sick to my stomach on the way over. Fearful of how Max would react upon return to his home and his nannies. This day was way more emotional for me than the day before, when we met him for the first time. It was a visit to the only world our son ever knew. A small green room with cribs lined up, connected to a playroom. He lived in room #4 on the second floor since we was 3 days old.
I know one thing for sure, our baby was loved there. I knew immediately that my prayers had been answered. His face lit up when he was reunited with his nannies and little "brothers and sisters." I was scared that he wouldn't want to come back to us when it came time to leave, and that would break my heart. Thankfully, though, he did come running back to me, smiling. And, I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. It was beautiful.
Max instantly became a different child. This return to his orphanage was closure for him, absolutely. I am so glad we were able to go.
Pictures from our day:
Outside the Kaifeng City Social Welfare Institution (orphanage)
Looking at Max's crib...
His Chinese name still on the white label at the head of bed...
His soon-to-be adopted friend, "Will".
Before we left Kaifeng, we were able to go to Max's finding spot. This is the location where he was found abandoned and taken to the orphanage. We got out of our vehicle and took some pictures and video so that we can share this information with him one day.
We were so glad to get home that evening, it was a LONG hard day. But one we will never forget.
I know one thing for sure, our baby was loved there. I knew immediately that my prayers had been answered. His face lit up when he was reunited with his nannies and little "brothers and sisters." I was scared that he wouldn't want to come back to us when it came time to leave, and that would break my heart. Thankfully, though, he did come running back to me, smiling. And, I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. It was beautiful.
Max instantly became a different child. This return to his orphanage was closure for him, absolutely. I am so glad we were able to go.
Pictures from our day:
Before we left Kaifeng, we were able to go to Max's finding spot. This is the location where he was found abandoned and taken to the orphanage. We got out of our vehicle and took some pictures and video so that we can share this information with him one day.
We were so glad to get home that evening, it was a LONG hard day. But one we will never forget.
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