Monday, March 09, 2009

What a day !









I don't know where to start. I was told that we would be getting Eli at 2:30pm- so imagine my surprise when our guide stopped by at 9:00 am and told us we needed to be in the lobby at 9:30 am !
We quickly threw stuff together, took a few deep breaths and hailed a taxi.
As soon as we got to the Center- I saw him. He was crying already. The Director quickly told me that they had been preparing him but he was very nervous to meet us.
I signed the documents and was taken to where he was standing. He was still really upset. We decided to leave right away and return to the hotel. At the hotel Mr. Li tried to calm him down but he was not liking the idea at all. Finally I whipped open the Eli backpack and handed him the Gameboy Advance. That did it - silence. He was OK for a little while and then became upset again. I did have to call Mr. Li to come back and talk to him.
At that point we decided to walk the hotel. We stopped at noon and had a sit down lunch. It was wonderful. Mr. Li had a long talk with him that was so cute. We could tell by his expressions that he was talking about Karate, soccer, the Yellow Crane.... at one point Mr Li said that Eli just wanted to make sure we would take care of him....
Then Eli asked if we could visit a Buddhist temple ? Well guess what...that is exactly what we did. We walked all the way to some temple and watched the monks chant.
We are now back in our room. Mr Li is coming to do paperwork in 1 hour. Elijah is coloring and we are all so thankful that today is almost over. It truly broke my heart to see his sadness but know that his life will be forever changed.
Please pray that tomorrow goes better.


24 comments:

Amy said...

God bless you! It is so hard. What a big change for him! but he is a beautiful boy! I'm so happy for him and for you!!! He will love America!

Jill W said...

What a handsome boy! I am sure each day will get better. Just wait until he gets home and can play soccer with Keaton!

Chelley said...

Prayers that Eli will feel safe with you!!!

he is so cute!!!

Truly Blessed said...

Wow, what a day! Poor sweet Eli, his world has just been turned completely upside down, in time he'll know just what a good thing that was, but it's gotta be hard right now.

Glad you had your "secret weapon" with you!

Sara said...

Oh what a sweet boy!!! And CUTE!!! Thank you for sharing these most special pictures....Looks like the walk went well :-) We are so happy for your family. Just wait until he gets home and meets the rest of his siblings...he will LOVE LOVE life in America and being a forever part of the Waala gang :-)

Thinking of you....

Unknown said...

I didn't realize you were actually leaving to get him when you accidently skyped me last night. I'm sure you were trying to call Dave ;)

I was watching the clock this morning telling Macie that you probably just got Eli and were heading back to the hotel - and here you had him last night already!

I can't wait to meet him.

God Bless.

The Schneiders said...

WOW, I was crying right along w/ him!
Hang in there.It will be so worth it.
He will fit in perfectly with your family. We are so excited to meet our new nephew/cousin. Our prayers are with you all!

D said...

What a change in his life...I'm sure it has to be so hard! Each day will be better, so hang in there. Kudos for going to the Temple when that isn't your first response...time - and your deep love - will make it get better.

chavafor4 said...

Shelly, That is a day. Eli sounds wonderful. I will pray that he will feel at ease with you. I am so glad Mr Li is taking good care of you. Jenne (AAI group)

M and M Girls said...

We are praying for you all- especially for Eli may he feel all the strength he needs to get through this difficult transition. There are so many unknowns for him- but once some become "known" he will be smiling and laughing. Remember what they say about "adoption day 3" - usually miracles happen on day 3! We are so happy for you and Eli. You are so blessed to have each other. We are glued to your journey.
Diane and the girls

Carrie said...

I know it must be so hard to watch Eli grieve but with time and genuine love he will come around....thank goodness for Mr. Li and I would utilize him whenever possible to help make the transition at least a little smoother for now.

Fther God, I ask that you give Shelly the peace in knowing that Eli was meant for her family and the wisdom in knowing that you see the end from the beginning and turn all things for our good. Protect Shelly, Madeline and Eli as they make their way through these next several days and create a bond between them that is full of your love, peace and trust. Let your words fall on Shelly like a lamp for her next step and a light for the road ahead. He is with you Shelly and I will pray for a better day ahead. HUGS!!!

Bre said...

Yeah!!! I know Eli is scared now but he will soon realize what a blessed little fellow he is to be blending into the Waala family :-) It is so great that his big sister is there with his new "mom" to welcome him and help make the transition from his birth home to his forever home. :-) I can't wait to meet him!!!

The Landes Family said...

How exciting. We have a precious little girl that is from Hubei also. Enjoy your time there. We loved it even though it was so hot. Eli is a handsome little boy. I am sure after a few days he will finally see that Gad gave him his forever family.

Kristen said...

Oh how my heart broke for all of you. I will pray that transitions come quickly and you'll have wisdom to know how to help Eli. Shelly, you are such an amazing woman and Madeline what a wonderful sister you are.

The Shifflett Family said...

Hi Shelly,

Eli is a very handsome little boy. I know it broke your heart to see him cry but he will love you all so quickly and will soon forget he was ever sad. God bless. Doris

Shannon said...

Congratulations on your beautiful new son! Seems day 3 is always magical, I bet you see big changes over these next few days. It is hard as the mama watching them hurt. But it won't be long and he will be home with all his siblings laughing and playing and content. Eli home, doesn't that sound perfect?!

joan said...

If Eli was in foster care, maybe it would ease his mind if you get the name and address of his foster family, so he could keep in touch with them. Just a thought. Good luck.

joan said...
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Teri said...

Peace and love being sent your way. One step at a time. Eli is a beautiful boy and this is a beautiful story to tell. We miss you !!

Valeri said...

Eli is a beautiful boy. The first couple days he will be grieving, no doubt. It will be a difficult transition for him. Luckily for him he's going to the greatest family in the world!!!!!

Difference2This1 said...

Praying Eli feels more at peace every day. What a special boy!!

Scott and Christine said...

Shelly,
What a thoughful boy. I am glad he is so concerned about liking his new family leaving his present life. It shows he realizes what is happening and takes it seriously. Our thoughts are with you.

Ron said...

What an awesome boy he is. Everything will be alright. Once he realizes there is a great family awaiting his arrival, he will do just fine.

Get him home and acclimated to the great games of baseball, football, and hockey.

Congrats again and best of luck. Good days are ahead:) Feel free to email me if needed.

Sherri said...

What a beautiful little boy you have there. I'm just now looking at your post, by looking at the other pictures, seems like things are going ok. He will just love America.

God Bless you and your family,
Sherri in Florida