Dear Family and Friends,
I'm writing from our hotel in Xian. Yesterday was our official "Gotcha Day." Our guide from Lifeline met us and took us to the CCCWA offices. Although we were somewhat intimidated about the whole process and about actually being there, the process was pretty casual. The office is temporarily in an upper floor of a museum during remodeling of the CCCWA building. We just signed paperwork in duplicate and answered some questions.
Afterwards, our guide, Sherry, took us to stock up on water and to buy ice cream to celebrate.
Sara from Shepherd's Field was with us throughout the process too. It was sooo nice to have her with us. She is really determined to get answers when she is advocating, but is a a tiny person with a big heart. It worked out for her to stay in our hotel room with us. She was just like part of the family.
It was really hard for Phillip to say good-bye to her. He wouldn't look at her at first and then he practically knocked people in the lobby over trying to get to her to give her one last hug before she caught a taxi.
Phillip, Karl, and I went back to the CCCWA offices for some more paperwork again today. Kyle and Brit had a nice morning in the beautiful hotel. Phillip was like a caged animal in the offices, but the paperwork didn't take too long. We had to go to the police station today as well. Phillip had way too much fun getting his picture and his fingerprints taken.
When we returned, we picked Brit and Kyle up and went shopping to get new shorts fro Phillip. Unfortunately, my guesstimate of his size was way off and he loses his shorts everytime that we transfer him out of his wheelchair.
We're doing well, but are already eager to get Phillip home to some stability.
We love you all! The internet here seems to work consistently. We'll try to update you again soon.
KKPB&J
