God-sightings, Grins, & Lots of Giggles

Our first full day with Hannah (Tuesday) brought us a variety of grins and giggles from our sweet little girl, along with a number of God-sightings that we've had so far on our trip.

Jill hasn't been able to share on the blog since her time is filled taking care of the kids.  But, she has been able to share a few prayer requests and praises with a group of friends and family who have joined our adventure by praying with us.  I'll include her praises from our last update here.

• Sunday night before our Monday Family Day was the best night of sleep I (Jill) had the whole trip!  Definitely an answer to prayer with all the thoughts and emotions I had leading up to meeting Hannah.  Joshua has also been sleeping a little more and doing very well during the day even when he’s tired.
   
• Hannah is looking around a lot at all the new people and places she is seeing.  She seems to be trying to figure out what is going on.  But, I also think they prepared her and she has a bit of an understanding that she gets to stay with us.  She is very content and laid back.  Thanks for praying for her little heart and for peace that only the Lord can give!
   
• Hannah warmed up to us very quickly.  A few minutes after we met we pulled out a ball and she started smiling.  She is very quiet and has only said a few words.  We have heard more English (repeating us) than Mandarin.  She repeated “mama, dada, Nathan, Brooke, and Joshua” in the sweetest little voice, which of course we loved!  But, she is able to communicate by pointing and using pictures, and we are able to tell her what’s next using a translate app or gestures.  So she has not been frustrated by our communication.
   
• Though she is quiet, she loves to laugh!  We have heard many more giggles and squeals of laughter than words.  Yesterday we checked out the pool at our hotel which was too chilly to actually swim in.  Nathan and Joshua did build up the courage for one quick jump in and out.  But, we were all able to play in the warm water of the hot tub.  Hannah squirted water from a little toy at all of us, including herself, and laughed and squealed with delight the whole time.  We are praising the Lord for the joy she has and know this is a gift that has helped her through the challenges she has faced in her little life and those that are still to come!

If you'd like to get our occasional prayer emails, let us know.  We're blessed to have so many people praying and loving Hannah and all of us from the other side of the world!

Outside of these God-sightings, grins, and giggles, we also had a few more official appointments with Hannah - including the official interview process and finalization of her adoption (per the government here).  There is a 24-hour "intermediary/guardianship" requirement before the adoption is considered final, and so we appeared before an official at the adoption center and a  notary officer after this period had passed for a final round of questions and interviews.  After answering their questions and having our picture taken (for the official records), we are excited to say that our adoption has been finalized!  Interestingly, both interviewers were curious about our last name ("Is that German?") and were interested in how we pronounced it and tried it out during the interviews.  But they also both commented at how sweet and adorable our little Hannah was, and readily signed their portions of the paperwork.

Finalization Day Family Picture!

Daddy & Hannah having some tickle time

Mommy sneaking some hugs and cuddles with Hannah

 Despite the ongoing appointments, travel, and back and forth from the hotel, our older three kids are looking for every opportunity to love on Hannah and welcome her to the family.  It's a joy to see their excitement and enthusiasm for having another sibling in the family, and how they help Hannah feel more comfortable and truly "at home" with us.  As Jill expressed above, she's quickly picking up their names and enjoying the chance to play with them!

Thanks for your continued prayers, support, and encouragement!  The adventures continue tomorrow!