Monday, September 3, 2007

Together at Last!!!!!!




We would like to formally introduce our daughter, "Sarah Qiuyan Bracker", to everyone reading the blog. After a restless night's "sleep", we enjoyed the breakfast buffet before heading down to meet our guide and driver at 9:00.


Here is were things get temporarily ugly and we are fortunate Deb is not being held on assault charges. We were supposed to meet Sarah at 9:30. Unfortunately, the driver and guide apparently didn't know where they were going. So, we got lost, lost, lost. And no, I'm not repeating myself...we got lost at least three separate times (lost as in stopping to ask for directions lost...not just a minor wrong turn). So, we finally arrived at 10:00 to find her waiting there on a coach with other families already having found each other. I wonder what she was thinking while sitting there waiting for us. Fortunately our little girl is a trooper. Her face lit up when she saw us and we ran to hug her.


We've included a few photos taken shortly after we met.One of the documents that we filled out this morning required her American name. We had planned (and told her in a letter) that she would have several options for her name. She could keep her name as is, pick an American name on her own, or have our help. She wanted an American first name but wanted a little help. We gave her the choice of Kara, Sarah, or Lauren. She chose Sarah to go with Qiuyan as her middle name.


One of the highlights was going through her photo album of some photos that she had taken over the past year or two, including a variety of friends, teachers, and people from the orphanage. Some of the pictures were taken from a field trip to Tiananmen Square where we had just visited.While the language gap is a bit of a struggle, we have managed so far. We did a little shopping at Wal-Mart after we met. Some for her, some for gifts for her friends at the orphanage, and also a few snacks. Tomorrow we go in the morning for some more document signing and then a visit to the orphanage.Well, there is probably more to tell, but my mind is overwhelmed at the moment, so I will wrap this up. Let me just say that after spending the day with Sarah, we couldn't be happier to have her as our daughter. We are very lucky indeed. She is a smiling, upbeat girl with a warm and wonderful personality. One little tidbit that we found out was that she performs magic. Of course, we already knew this because she had cast a spell on us from the moment we first found her.

24 comments:

Unknown said...

Hurray! I think this whole story is magical! I'm glad Deb didn't end up in jail, Sarah would have had to visit Mom through the glass divider!! :-)

Calico Sky said...

A big CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am simply thrilled for you. What a lovely family you make, and what a lovely name!!!!

3 Countries 1 Love said...

Oh, I'm so happy to see the three of you TOGETHER!!! Congratulations to all. Sarah is such a beautiful name (for a beautiful girl)!

Keri said...

You don't know me but we are with the same agency and I have been "stalking" your blog waiting to see pictures of Sarah. She is gorgeous of course and you all 3 look so happy. I love that she helped choose her American name. A very big congratulations and Praise God for bringing this lovely family together at last!

Keri

Lesa said...

Isn't she just beautiful!! I'm so happy for the three of you. I was so happy to hear she was getting a forever family. I just found your site through a friend, Shandra,who is traveling with you.
We are with your agency and are LID in June.
Can't wait to hear more.

Lesa Lambert

Mike and Barb said...

Congratulations! I'm so happy for all of you! May the days to come bring much happiness, the needed sadness and closure, and a feeling of growing closer to each other every day!
Barb (Adoption day 2 months ago today!)

Stacey T. said...

Congratulations! Sarah is beautiful, and you make a truly wonderful family!!!!!

Dori's Mommy (Diana) said...

Congratulations! Your union has brought tears of joy to my eyes.

Sarah is a beautiful girl!

Ruth said...

I have been following your blog since before you traveled. I am so happy to see these older children find homes. That's the real "magic" for me. I've probably checked your blog 25 times today waiting for your post of your first meeting. Congratulations to all three of you!

Ruth
Vancouver WA
www.guatemalansisters.blogspot.com

Sylvia said...

I am another one of your many blog stalkers! I've been running to the computer every chance I could find today to check your blog. So thrilled to see that you are all together at last. Endless happiness to the three of you.

Unknown said...

Yeah Sarah Quiyan!!!! What a brave and beautiful girl. And Congrats mom and dad too. I love that mom and Sarah are already matching their outfits for their photos.

God is so good!!!!

The Kopickis in PA

Kristen said...

I am so very happy for the three of you! Congratulations to all of you! Thanks for sharing your story!
Kristen LID 2.8.07
http://thisangelchildofmine.blogspot.com

Karen & Jon said...

Congatulations!! My husband and I have been blogstalkers since you posted your site on RQ. We couln't be happier for you guys. Sarah is absolutely adorable, beautiful,amazing and above all a real blessing. She has inpired us to change the age range for our adoption to include older girls like her. We wish you every happiness in your lives together!

Anne Marie said...

Oh happy day! Congratulations Mama and Baba! I am so thrilled to see the three of you together. She is sooo cute and I love her name -- I love all the choices you helped her with. I'm so glad all is going well so far, and looking forward to reading more of your adventures!

Lisa said...

I don't know you but my heart is full of joy for you guys right now! What an awesome journey you are beginning. Your daughter is gorgeous! Best to you all!!!
Lisa : )

Chairman Mom said...

Whooo! Congrats!!!

Well, don't feel bad. On our way to adopt our daughter in Tianjin province, we got lost and lost and lost, also. Congrats to Deb for not killing anyone. I certainly understand the feeling!!

Big hugs,

Stacey and the family

Heather said...

Congratulations on finally being united with your daughter!!!!!

I have been following your blog for a while. (I found you via RQ.) I became intrigued when I found out you were adopting a 13 y/o. I am in awe of both of you (and Sarah) for doing this. She is beautiful and I hope you overcome the language barriers quickly.

Judi said...

Siting here bawling! Thank you for posting your link on RQ and letting share in this most amazing adventure. Sarah's a treasure, brave and beautiful, as the Kopockis wrote. Can't say enough how courageous she is. Congratulations and enjoy!!
Judi - LID 9/2006 (Skye)

Unknown said...

Oh this is awesome!

Jen, Dave, Leah and Daniel said...

Congrats to all 3 of you! What a beautiful famly!

Mom 2 six said...

Congrats !!
I am so thrilled you are all finally together. Sarah is beautiful. What a blessing !

Sam said...

Wow, i'm in tears of joy seeing the 3 of you together at last. What a beautiful family you have there. What a beautiful young lady you have, she's really pretty and I just love her smile. Thanks for sharing pictures as we have been waiting. And Sarah is a good name for her as she looks like a Sarah. I hope to one day get to meet all 3 of you. Love, Sherri, Todd & Sam

C-05 said...

No one would have guessed the trouble you had getting there if you had just posted the pictures - all three of you are beaming and look so comfortable/relaxed - can't wait to read more of your story.

Snowflowers Mum said...

I love your whole post, especially your last sentiment.

May you have a magical trip and a wonderful trip home!

Hayley