This morning, our group was planning to drive to the orphanage to spend a few hours with the babies and hoping our Giving and Receiveing Ceremony (G&R) could be scheduled for tomorrow. Well, the agency called us in the morning and said the G & R was scheduled for 3:30 this afternoon. The babies will arrive at the hotel around 2:30 and we will leave for the local government office around 3:15.
The babies and their caregivers arrive a little early so we were able to spend some additional time with them to get information on the babies. Evan's caregiver was clearly torn with the upcoming events. I think she thought I would be a good parent for him, but she had cared for him for 6+ months (since the day he was abandoned) and was bonded with him.
Evan's caretaker played with him before the ceremony. She wept many tears during the afternoon and even more when she said her final goodbye. With no doubt, she loved him. [Isabel took the picture above.]
We left to do the G&R on time. The ceremony was not in the formal government chamber because the room was in use. We held the ceremony in the office of one of the government officials. It was a little tight, but that didn't bother us. The ceremony was short but meaningful. It was the event when the adoption was signed and finalized. I was declared the new parent of Even and he was handed over to me.
The farewell of Evan's caregiver was emotional. My heart went out to her as she saw him drive away with Isabel and I. While I know she understood he would someday be adopted, handing him over to me was difficult. She blew kisses and waved goodbye as we pulled away.
On the short drive back to the hotel, Evan fell asleep. He did not fuss or cry. When I layed him down, he opened his eyes for a moment, and then rolled himself onto his belly and went back to sleep. I hope that is a good sign that he is able to fall asleep by himself.
After he woke up, he recognized that I wasn't his caregiver and she wasn't around. He let his emotions all out - I'm sure it was a mix of fear, confusion, loss and others. He cried for a good half hour before he settled down. Then for a few hours he played with a teething toy I brought for him.
He and Isabel are now both asleep and grandma is with them as I update the blog. Tomorrow is an off day for us so I'm going to try and get out and see Vietnam outside of the hotel.
4 comments:
Michelle
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Isabel is such a big girl and I am sure having her there will make Evan's journey easier. She is also a budding photographer. Glad to hear that you have your parents along for this journey too. I hope you have time to enjoy Vietnam. Give my best to Thao.
Cathy
What a joy to see your photos and share in this blessing.
Congratulations! I'm sure it makes you feel good to have the Adoption done. The picture of Evan sleeping here is so precious! Thanks for sharing all this with us.
Love, Your Kuz, Laurie
You're a great storyteller, I love hearing about all the details. :-D I'm glad to hear his caretaker was so emotionally attached to him, I'm sad for her and will pray for her sweet heart.
Post a Comment