Making It Final

Before

After

Today we have to go back to the Civil Affairs Office.  We have to complete the paperwork and take an oath.

While we were doing the paperwork, the Assistant Orphanage Director came in.  She took Valerie to the side and began to talk with her.  I walked over as they were speaking and Valerie was crying.

I stood there and watched as the tears slowly and quietly ran down her cheeks. 

At first I was angry.  Why did this lady feel like she could talk with my daughter.

 

What was she saying to her?  

I wanted to console her.

My heart ached for her. My tears started to fall. I had to walk away. 

Rachel saw Valerie crying and me crying and she started to cry.

I saw the assistant director stand up and walk to the front desk. I quickly wiped my face with my hands and went over to Valerie.
I sat next to her and put my arm around her, she wouldn't look at me. I handed her a tissue, she took it and wiped her eyes. I held my arms out to her and she turned away.

Michael, our guide, said that the assistant director was telling Valerie that this paperwork was going to make the adoption final. That she would not go back to the foster home. That she would not be living with her foster mom any more.

Then I realized Valerie doesn't consider me her mother.  I am a stranger that she just met yesterday.  She was just told that everything about her life was changing.  It was happening right here and right now.  Everything that is familiar to her will no longer be there. 

We sat there for a few minutes.

 

Then the officials called her name and she went to the front desk.  Because she is older, she must agree to the adoption.  They told her that she had to write a short note saying that she wanted to be adopted.  The lady was very nice and helped her write it and sign it.  

 

 

Then we went into another office to have a short ceremony, take our oath, and take pictures.

My fingerprint

 

Robbie's fingerprint

Valerie's fingerprint

 It is final!  Valerie is a MEADE!

 

 

 

In the lobby before we left, Michael asked us what Valerie's name meant.  
In China the meaning of your name is very important. 

 

Valerie means strong and brave.

That is definitely what this young girl is.