15 - It's a Daughter

7-3 Our morning began at 6am, readying ourselves, gathering laundry, and meeting our provincial guide, Jerome. Jerome works for China Travel Service and is best friends with Barry. He was so excited that we knew Barry and even called to put him on the phone with us. Leaving the hotel, we found a neighborhood laundry; for 300y (8yuan=$1) a full black bag of clothing will be cleaned, folded and delivered to our room.

Then off in a taxi to arrive at the Shanxi Provincial Welfare Offices at 9am. The vice-director, ayi (Mama), and Xiyuan came walking in at 10am! All the waiting and concern about this moment were wasted....in walked the smallest, bravest, girl that we've ever met. She smiled, said Ni Hao Baba, Ni Hao Mama and then walked to me to hold my hand.

We signed four copies of two forms, received a form to complete before tomorrow, presented gifts to the vice-director and ayi. Then we left, with a new daughter.