Tuesday, July 22, 2008

DNA IS SO OVERRATED!!!!!!!!!!!!

DNA is sooooo overrated! We are absolutely so in love with this little cherub that we are out of our minds. How could we love her any more just because she came from our gene pool? WE COULD NOT!

Today was our 2nd day in Nanchang; first whole day with Macy Li; and the day our adoption was finalized!

We woke up early and headed out for 3 offical appointments. The first was back to the Civil Affairs Office. This is where we got her yesterday. Again, our bus pulled up to a building you'd never suspect was "official" in any way. We made our 2nd walk down that "sketchy" looking alley to the entrance and up to the 26th floor again. Outside temperature: 900--inside temperature: 9,000! And we thought Beijing and Nashville were hot! We crammed into the elevators like sardines and went back to where it all started yesterday. What it did to our emotions was impossible to describe. After a little while, we were called back to a little office where we met with an official and had to explain why we wanted to adopt, that we would "never abandon her," that we would always love and care for her. We were asked about our dreams for her, what our educational plans were for her, questions about our own educational background, etc....These people are all business, but the lady was quite nice. She gave "Li Ming" an offical gift, which was a beautiful porcelain vase.

After we left the Civil Affairs office, we loaded the bus again and headed to our appointment with the Notary. Now, a notary in China is nothing like a notary back home. He is actually a judge, and is VERY stern and all business. I was a wreck. He asked us the same questions, kinda glared at us, snapped his questions, and "allowed" us to take a picture. You can see Maggie, our guide, standing at the end of the desk, interpreting every word.

Just a little sidenote about Maggie: SHE ROCKS! I want to take her back home with us. We're begging her to come to the States, and maybe we can coerce her to one day. She, like a Mother Duck, leads the way everywhere we go. We, like little ducklings, follow where she leads! Whenever we get "lost" or wander off, she comes running back to "gather" us back into her little brood. She is an interpreter, but she is also a great advocate. Whatever she's paid is surely not enough. We LOVE her! She works for an agency who contracts with the China Center of Adoption Affairs, and who our agency, America World, contracts with.

Back to our day....Our 3rd appointment was at the Police Station. Much to my surprise, this one was painless, and Macy Li got her official mugshot made.

After the Police Station, we were off to the Nanchang Walmart! SO weird! It was 2 stories and was, again, located in a building where you'd never suspect housed a Walmart. Since Nanchang isn't exactly a "tourist" type destination, there is NO ONE in this city who is not Chinese....So, you can imagine the stares we receive everywhere we go, but especially there!

After Walmart, we went to KFC! Yep, KFC! Strange, but these Chinese people love them some southern fried chicken! Since we've only had Chinese food up until this point, we were glad to get something familiar, and no chopsticks required!

After lunch, we came back to the hotel where we've finally had a chance to "nest" a bit. Macy Li took a 2 hour nap, slammed a bottle, pooped her first, and has been quite effective in letting us no that we are NOT to put her down for one second. She is SO OVER being an orphan!! Attachment is NOT going to be an issue here! This chick knows and wants her family! She's living the good life now, and she's not going to be ignored for a second! Who wants to ignore her anyway! She's the best! She is everything and more! Her little China eyes do "talk" as her Referral papers said!

Well, we're headed to meet the rest of the group in the "playroom" for a pizza party. All the kids are praising God for more American food!

I'm praising God for His indescribable gift!




20 comments:

Denise said...

What a joy to catch up on your day with my morning coffee! What a sweetie pie and yes, she sounds like she was made for you!

And Maggie was our guide, so I know what you mean. She is wonderful! Tell her that Denise and Maggie say hello~

Do said...

Very sweet the hairbow on that round head, the smile on that round face.
You have a daughter, the States gain a new citizen and most of all she has found a family.Thank the Lord.

Anonymous said...

Turned on the water to warm for my shower and have left it for all this time! I raced to the computer to see your post and was thrilled to find it there!

Praise be to God for His indescribable gift.

Both to you and her and all of us.Connie S

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

She is just beautiful....glad to hear that she is adjusting well!

What a memorable time for you all....bask in the glory!

Congratulations and Safe Travels!

Lisa
LID 5/12/2006

Musings from Kim K. said...

Congratulations on your beautiful addition to your family. We were in Nanchang in March to adopt our Josie and it's been so much fun to relive our experience through your pictures. Best wishes.

Anonymous said...

ON my way to work this morning. love the pictures. SHE IS PERFECT.SEE YOU SOON. HAVE A GREAT TIME THERE. I'M GOING TOO SOMEDAY. LOVE YOU LOTS, GOGGIN:)

Anonymous said...

She is the cutest thing I have ever seen!! Just precious!
Suzanne Bechman

Deb said...

Oh what a joy and such a sweet smile! I could not agree more that DNA is overrated! Enjoy your nesting time!

Dawn said...

Congratulations! I love the pics of her and Peyton.!! So happy for all of you. Be safe and we will see you soon.

Love you! Dawn

Kim said...

Praising the Lord with you this morning!

She is a doll!

Talisa Cowden said...

I could not WAIT to get to work to my computer. Yall are better than reading a novel! I woke up at 2:30 then again at 3:30. I just knew I was to be praying for you guys so I did, only to find out that I was to be rejoicing instead of concerning myself about Macy Li's "comfort zone". I think sister has it going on! She doesn't have a clue what awaits her! Looks like you all have adjusted beautifully! Happy Happy Happy!!!!!!
Love from across the seas!
Talisa

Gigi said...

Oh this is so FUN!!!! I love the picture of Macy Li giggling at her daddy. What a blessed, awesome first day and praise be to the Father for His indescribable gift!! Macy Li wears the bow like the true princess that she is. I am so glad your family bonding time is going so smoothly. Thank you for sharing the journey! lots of love,

k.perdue said...

Rhonda,
You put a smile on her face so fast!!! The difference in the pics today from yesterday are amazing...no sadness, no fear, no anxiety....God so quickly answers the prayers of His people!!! She is a Kemp through and through and it shows in these pictures...thank you for sharing your journey with all of us!!! Kathy

Daddy's Girls said...

We cannot wait to get our hands on her, we are so happy that she is bonding so well! I tried to call you earlier but I got voicemail...Call anytime! Love, Sissy

Anonymous said...

She is absolutely precious!! She looks like she is settling in with her new family just fine. I'm so happy for y'all. I cry everyday I look at this!! So joyful!! Love Jennifer (Memphis Cousin)

tara said...

Macy Li is such a beautiful, happy little angel!
Can you believe you finally have her in your arms after all this time? What a blessing! I love that she is giggling and cuddling. And she absolutely knows who her Mommy & Daddy are.
Be safe and we can't wait to meet her in person.

Tara

Anonymous said...

My heart just was FLOODED with absolute joy when I saw that cute little ear-to-ear smile covering her face with that pizza crust proudly captured in her hand! As for me, I'll take a thin crust with some mushroom, pepperoni, and Macy Li all over it! LOVE THE PICS. Keep 'em coming.

Anonymous said...

Hey Rhonda. This is Sha's little sister, Julie. I've been enjoying your blog for a month or so. I'm so happy for you and Phillip and for the precious baby that's now a part of your family. Your stories and pictures have truly blessed me. Congratulations! - Julie

Kim said...

Great pictures...
Sounds like you are having a Great Time..
LOVE all the smiles out of Macy Li...
TOOO CUTE..

Unknown said...

I can't take it. I simply cannot take it. I can't imagine how incredible, how amazing it feels to hold her. She is edible. Pure yumminess. That smile is purely angelic. Oh my word! We are all giddy with joy for all of you. I know Tyler and Nolan are chomping at the bit to get those smiles and kisses from her too!! Not long now!
Give her a kiss from us! Love you,
Renee