We have Joel (from Marye)

We Have Joel!!!
Hi Everyone,
Our flight from Beijing to Xian arrived on time -amazingly as we landed to find
we were in a snow storm. While getting our luggage in Xian, flights were being
cancelled. We checked in to our hotel and rested for a few hours then went to
the Civil Affairs Office around 6:00PM. After eight months of waiting the wait
was finally over!! Joel was waiting for us at the government office.
Joel was seriously checking Anna and I out but never cried and let me hold him
without protest. He had a good evening . He is eating and drinking well and
slept most of the night. However he has a cough and ran a low grade temp last
night but today he is much better .
Today , Monday we were back at the Civil Affairs Office and completed documents
for Joel’s passport and to make the adoption official. Joel has been a really
trooper and he and Anna are playing under my feet as I am typing this note.
Joel’s orphanage is about 4 hours by car but the orphanage staff had to endure
a 10 hour train ride to bring us Joel. All the roads are presently closed due
to the snow. We just heard on the news that many trains are not in operation
due to the severe weather. Please pray for the orphanage staff as they are
traveling home tonight.
Attached are some pictures from Joel’s “Family Day” on Sunday. Anna has been
such a big help and Joel adores her.
Of course it has been wonderful to have my mom with me. She is such a great mom
and friend and she has the ability to anticipate what needs to be done
before it even crosses my mind.
Will try to post more pictures tomorrow.
Thanks for all of your prayers
Iris and Gary we love you and wish you were here.
Marye