Saturday, June 28, 2008
MEDICAL EXAM DAY

It was so much fun seeing all of our group at breakfast this morning with their new children. Most of the children in the group are doing fairly well, but there are a couple of families who are struggling. Our hearts go out to them.

Philip is slowing down on his eating and becoming more and more aware of his surroundings. He is interested in everything that goes on around him. Today was a bit chaotic at the medical clinic. We lined up in a very small hallway with our children in tow; some quietly waiting on our laps, while others spent the time crying and screaming. There must have been around 40 - 50 new families in the clinic at any given time. It was crowded and loud, but the medical staff seemed kind and patient. There were signs on the walls saying “Keep quiet.” We thought that was funny!

Around 3 P.M. one person from each family met in the conference room, and Tracy helped us fill out our paperwork and collect all needed papers for her to submit on Monday morning to the US Consulate for the children’s visas. That was all we needed to do today. The rest of the day was free.

Philip was very good at breakfast and during the medical exam. He struggled with tantrums off and on the rest of the day. Kevin and I feel that not only is he a typical 3-year-old, but also he has endured an awful lot during the last six days. It has been wearing and stressful for all of our children. As much as we all are enjoying soaking in the culture of our children’s country, we are beginning to just want to go home. Kevin and I feel that Philip will even out once he is home where it is calm and we can establish a normal routine. He is a real trooper and is doing the best he can do. We just try to provide him with as much emotional support and love that we can during all of this transition time into our family.

Our group is going on a shopping trip tomorrow, and then tomorrow evening we are meeting with Philip’s old friend Cody (Sammy from Philip Hayden) and Cody’s family for dinner and a play date in our hotel’s playroom. We visited the playroom again tonight, and Philip had great fun there.

We continue to read everyone’s comments in our guestbook and on our e-mail, and they sustain us during this highly emotional and joyous journey. We cannot begin to tell you how much they mean to us. Please keep Philip and all the rest of the children in your prayers as the stress of this transition continues. We are doing well with it all so far and feel that your prayers and love are carrying us through. Goodnight from Guangzhou. We love you all.