Chinese Rollercoaster Ride...

Hello all,
 
We've had a rather exhausting past 24 hours, so I'll be as brief as possible and sign off to get some rest.  We do wish to pass enough details that you can pray with us for Noah.
 
Some of you that have adopted know that these adoptions always include a "grieving process" for the adoptive child.  It varies from child-to-child, but is generally harder for older kids.  Well, Noah hit it last night at dinner.  I think I told you about that yesterday.  I'll jump to today -
 
We had already asked, and planned, to visit the orphanage and meet Noah's "foster grandparents".  Both converged and we were invited to the orphanage where the foster family would meet us.  Noah was very happy to see them.  We were VERY encouraged by the foster grandparents; we immediately assessed their great love for Noah and that he had been under very good care by them.  We visited about 45 minutes; met the orphanage staff, delivered some gifts (400+diapers and wipes), and toured the grounds. We took a few pictures and got a chance to ask the foster grandma many questions about Noah.  She is a very "in charge" lady - and told us that we would need to be "very firm" with Noah, as they had sometimes spoiled him.  At her direction, we got in the van to leave, then she came up last and put Noah in the van; we closed the door and drove off.  It went well.
 
Tonight, however, he began tearing-up again at dinnertime.  I took him back to the room where he began sobbing again.  Robin ended up rocking him in her arms for 40 minutes - until he fell asleep, exhausted.  Madison and Olivia are a bit "rattled", but understand what is going on.  They have joined us in what seems to be hourly prayer for Noah and his foster family.  Robin and I have contacted our social worker (in Savannah) and expect to hear from her shortly.  She has counseled international adoptive familes for about 20 years.
 
To end on a good note - we had some fun times today (the up part of the rollercoaster).  We did get to visit the "Anji Passenger Station" (bus station) where Noah was abandoned on Feb 27th, 2005 (at 14 months old).  He was found in a basket with a note attached - which indicated his birth date.  We were able to snap 2 family pictures at the station, and, later - the orphanage staff provided a photocopy of the note from his biological parents.  We also got a photo album of 8-9 pictures from Noah's earlier years.

Other "up" parts of the day included a walk through the mall (connected to our hotel), lunch (and ice cream) at KFC, and a trip to Wal-Mart, where we bought Noah a suitcase and some clothes that actually fit!
 
Thanks again for following the details and thanks for your prayers.  Naturally, we are rather tired, but the Lord is really helping us.  We have no doubts; we are 100% on this.  We knew it would not be easy, but also know it is something God specifically told us to do.  We feel very Blessed to be given this opportunity.  Thanks for praying with us...we hope you are Blessed too.
 
Adam

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