While the adoption order was signed many days ago, the Giving and Receiving Ceremony was delayed due to the travel restriction imposed to control COVID 19. Finally after waiting patiently, everything slid into place. We went to Lang Son to finally meet our daughter.
We are at a government building, in a room with pretty tables and chairs. It looked like a formal meeting room, or presentation room, or something. There were 5 officials present from the Vietnamese government (social welfare Center director, justice department and perhaps the local police. In addition there was an assistant present to take photos and ensure all the paperwork was signed and in order. Along with the officials, My (Piper), her biological mother, the biological mothers best friend, another family member (perhaps biological grandmothers cousin). Dat from the adoption agency and the three of us rounded out the crowd.
The ceremony took about 15 minutes. Everyone spoke but kept it brief. At the end we posed for photos. My’s (Piper) biological mother gave her a silver necklace as a gift.
Recording the giving and receiving ceremony is an important step in the adoption. It seems to be the meeting where everyone comes together that has a stake in the decision. In that moment, everyone witnesses the adoption. At the end, we sign the meeting minutes.
If I have one hope for Piper as she reads this blog and hears the stories, it is that she has been a member of our family since we first saw her picture. We have worked tirelessly to bring her home. We have not waivered in our commitment to her, we had done all we can to advocate for her and despite the years of waiting, we always help hope that she would join our family.
Earlier in the day, we were able to meet with Linh, one of My (Pipers) nannys. This is the nanny that has been sending us photos and videos since last summer. We asked many questions including daily routine, Likes and dislikes, fears and favorites. We also learned that she has 3 friends at the Center. Two what’ve an international adoption plan. We know that one will become part of a family in Spain but we don’t know about the other yet. We will use our contacts to find out and keep the kids in contact as time passes.
For now- we will focus all of our efforts on helping My (Piper) take her place in our family and help our family transition to a family of 4.
A bit about her...
She is Strong, funny, determined, focussed on getting her way, she loves her sister like crazy, she is a great eater but it seems hat she has had enough rice to last a while as she never wants to eat it. She probably would have had it three times per day in some form at the Center. She doesn’t like to nap or go to sleep. It takes rocking, singing or just being with her. She is sweet and smart and brave! She has had so many firsts with us and takes each with curiosity. She does not seem to fear anything.
No comments:
Post a Comment