"Gotcha Day"

Later, after finally boarding our plane to Nanning: We ran through clouds all the way to Nanning. This far away from my home, gallivanting through China to get my daughter, I really had the feeling that God was in charge. I was so far away from all the things that I believed were normal that I had no choice but to trust. It is not a bad state of mind to be in. I trusted the Lord would guide and protect us as we got closer to Kristina. What would the moment be like? How would she respond to us?

Time sort of moved in slow motion. We landed, got in a long line to check in to the city of Nanning. After that, we met Matthew and boarded a small bus for the 45 minute drive to the hotel. As the driver weaved in and out of traffic, I recalled Les stated that traffic laws are not enforced. When you come to a stop sign, it is considered a suggestion, not a requirement.

Slow motion! Linda and I listened for baby sounds as we walked into the Majestic Hotel. Matthew had said we would definitely be getting our babies and they were waiting for us in the lobby. But wouldn't we hear them? Were we going to get to see our babies or would it be considered too late? The tension built. Then we sat down in a meeting room for a brief introduction to this great hotel and soon we were traipsing up to the 10th floor and our room, 1008.

My stomach was in knots. A new baby. On its way to our room. Whew! I sat on the edge of the bed and Linda gave me a few orders. "Better get the video camera ready!" "We've got some questions to ask the caregivers, why not audio tape it?" "Is the camera ready?"

I still remained sitting on the edge of the bed for a few more minutes but every once in a while, I could hear baby sounds outside my door as the baby delivery crew marched down the hall outside to the lucky parents rooms. Would our turn ever come?

"Oh," I thought, "I'd better get the video camera ready...and if I'm going to tape the answers to my 100 questions, I'd better get the tape player ready and get that tape out of the package..."

The best laid plans of mice and men receiving babies do not always work out. The video camera was ready but, as I was struggling with the audio tape player, the door bell rang. Linda said, "Forget the tape player, just take notes."

Our baby was here! This quiet, cuddly, 20 month old baby we had come to know as Yuan Man Lian was here. She did not burst into tears upon being handed over to us. She remained quiet, contemplative. We even changed her diaper, which had to be done, and we were new and awkward at it but still, no whimper came from her.

Though a crib was in our room, we couldn't bear to put her in it. She needed to bond with us and that required closeness and love. Room 1008 consisted of two twin beds. That night, the night of our baby Kristina's arrival, Linda and I took turns sleeping with her and holding her close. It was incredibly beautiful. I did not know so much love existed in my heart to share with this little girl. But then I knew that there was plenty more where that had come from.