Nanning Day 3: Adoption Day

Day three in Nanning started out a bit chillier than before, but it was refreshing after heat and humidity. When our guide picked up Justin, Liena and I to attend our adoption proceedings he was shocked at our lack of jackets, stating that people in Nanning were freezing. For us it was still warm compared to the weather we've been having in Washington state. Thank goodness we dressed Liena in pants and a sweater! I didn't realize that mid 60's was cold here.

We rode back to the government building where family day occured to sign more documents, go through an adoption interview, and then ceremony. We started out waiting in an office for the government official who would conduct the proceedings. While we waited Liena played with her teacher and orphanage official, then decided.toneat a snack they had packed for her. It was exceedingly crumbly and I had my hands full keeping her from spreading it all over the space.  

The official entered and spent time reviewing documents and having us sign a few more. He then completed the interview, asking why we wanted to adopt Liena and having us promise to never abuse or abandon her. I felt a bit intimidated at first, as he was very serious. As I began to talk about why we wanted to adopt her I relaxed and his expression became softer. Still, I felt relieved to finish that part. 

We then went into the next room and stood with Liena before a podium. The official stood behind it and in front of the Chinese flag and gave a brief speech including a welcome to Nanning and wishes that we will be a happy family. He then nodded and left, and we posed for a picture with Liena's teacher and other staff member. 

Afterward we all went to a notary office where we were again interviewed with the same questions. More paper signing occured and then it was time to give gifts and say goodbye to the orphanage staff. They said some meaningful and heartfelt words which I have written down. The love they have for Liena(especially her teacher) is obvious and even while we are so happy I feel for the loss they are experiencing.

The afternoon and evening were spent first exploring, then napping, then exploring before. I'll narrate the latter part of the day through the pictures below.

Just after the adoption ceremony!

Waiting for the notary. Liena is so playful and loud, thankfully the notary and other office staff didn't seem to mind.

Liena and her beloved teacher.

Time for lunch! Proud sissy took charge of the stroller.

Hardware store, just because.

Ordering lunch was fun. I took pictures of the menu and zoomed in on the pics of what we wanted, only to be told no repeatedly by the server. So instead we pointed at random to a few items and waited to be surprised by what came out! 

I thought it was delish.

So did Liena!

Nobody else loved it, but they gave it a brave try! We followed up with ice cream, so all is well that ends well.

Waitng for her noodles.

After nap was homework time. Girls teamed up👍

We then took the subway to a steet market and walked to food street.

People keep taking pictures of Aria because of her blonde hair. Most don't ask, but the sweet dad of these two did ask, so Aria agreed to pose. Usually she gets frustrated to look up and see someone pointing or taking her picture.

Busy but amazing day!