Introducing our newest edition: Anna Li

We meet Anna Li at the Notary around 9:30 this morning. Our beautiful girl walked in crying and our hearts just ached for her. After signing all the paperwork, we got a chance to sit down and talk to her and calm her fears. We got our picture made with the orphanage director (on the left) and Rebecca from Christian Action (on the right). Our little girl just sobbed with grief over leaving all of her friends and family at the orphanage. She felt much better after we reassured her that she can and will keep in touch with all of her friends and family. She can write, email, and even call them. After that, she perked up and felt a little better.
I can not thank Papa Denny and Mama Carol enough for paying the way for Bethany to come. It was a huge life saver. Anna Li was so happy she was there.
As we were leaving Anna Li grabbed my arm then held my hand. It was for only a brief second but I literally wanted to get down on my knees and thank the Lord!! As we walked down the steps she grabbed Bethany's hand and didn't let go until we got back to the hotel. They were swinging arms and twirling each other.
Anna Li is already playing the big sister role. She wants to constantly fix Bethany's hair and her glasses.
They have been playing good together and Anna Li seems to be enjoying herself. She just came and put her arm around me and started talking. I don't know if she understands that I don't know Chinese. She keeps looking at me wanting an answer. This is going to be a long road. She is not ready to learn English. We tried to get her to say a few words but it embarrassed her. We will just work on the latter. In the mean time, Chad's Mandarin is getting good!!
She is interacting well with all of us. She is not ready to call us mama or baba. She still refers to her foster family as her family and that is ok. It takes time. We will be meeting her foster father tonight and she is very excited. We have a gift for her to give him. We are really pleased with the way things are going. Anna Li is a sweet girl and she behaves very well. She has very good manners. We couldn't be happier!!