We met our guides in the lobby of the hotel this morning at 9:30 am. There are three other Holt families staying here who are on the same schedule as we are. We all boarded a bus together to travel to the medical clinic. As we drove, one of the guides from Holt, Kathryn, stood in the front of the bus and explained to us what what happen and what we should expect. Of course, she is also able to speak Chinese so she took a few minutes to explain to the children what would happen as well. Her explanation to them was much shorter which was probably a good idea! Sometimes less info on an upcoming doctor's appointment is better!
We arrived about 20 minutes later and headed inside.
The clinic was full of adoptive parents and their new children. I saw several children I recognized from the advocacy sites online. It was wonderful to talk with other families and to see how God is moving in the lives of these children. The entire clinic radiated hope...each child had found their family; they were on their way HOME!
Abby's first stop was to get her picture made for the Visa. Easy!
Her second stop was a height, weight, blood pressure, and vision check. She did well....they commented that she was very smart and very cooperative. Her vision seemed to be good.
The third stop was a general check room. They checked her temperature and looked in her ears and throat.
The fourth stop was also a general check. We waited a while for our turn....there was only one female doctor and our guide wanted Abby to see her rather than a male doctor. Once inside, the doctor listened to Abby's heart and documented her special need. She checked the muscle tone in both legs, measured her foot, and checked the length of both legs. Of course, this is what I think she was doing....I could be completely wrong, as there was very little English being spoken!
The last stop was a TB blood test. Parents are not allowed here, so I worried how she would do. The nurse took her to the back. We listened for cries, but heard none. She came back in a few minutes and there had been no tears! She did great!
After that, we were all done and met up with the other families to return to the hotel.
After we got back, we grabbed some lunch at a place called the "Coffee Club". It was a little expensive, but the food was pretty good. The boys, Anita, and I all had grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and fries. Abby ordered chicken nuggets and cheese sticks. When she orders, she simply tells the waitress what she wants instead of the "point to the picture" game that the rest of us have to play! So I never really know what or how much she has chosen until it arrives on the table!
After lunch, Abby took a nap and I headed downstairs to meet with the Holt staff and the other families to work on paperwork. When that was completed, I came back upstairs, we woke Abby up, and went for a walk around the hotel. We found a 7-11 and everyone got an ice cream. We explored the hotel a bit and found the pool and a great play area on the fourth floor.
Once the kids were finished playing, we went back to the room and ordered Papa John's for dinner. Yum! It tasted almost the same as it does in America!
I know Abby ordering for herself and you not knowing what is coming must drive you crazy! Looks like everything is going well and you are getting so much closer to the Big Bird which brings you home.
ReplyDelete