Taiwan Trip Day 4: Gotcha Day

Day Four...Gotcha Day! What a day it was. We were picked up before lunch by Mr. Yeh and Alex (tour guides) from our hotel and made the two to three hour drive to Taichung, Taiwan. The mood in the car ride was definitely up and down, chatty then quiet. Kyle was very quiet the whole car ride while the moms and I talked on and off. We stopped for lunch on the outskirts of Taichung at a travel stop. I did not think I could eat anything but managed to squeeze in a few dumplings:). We then headed to New Hope, the adoption organization, to pick up our translator (Caden) and went on to Cora's foster mother's apartment. I was so nervous when we entered her home! I do not think I had a coherent thought...just a bundle of nerves. The foster mother's apartment was very nice, open, and clean. She went into her room and got Cora up from a nap to meet us. We waited on the couch as she brought her out. The four of us sat in a small huddle until Cora seemed comfortable to go to us. I will never forget seeing her for the first time! She was so beautiful, tiny, and angelic. We were able to talk to the foster mother through the translator to ask questions. We were also given a sheet with a schedule and various tidbits about Cora's personality, eating, sleeping, etc. What a blessing! We could tell that she had been well taken care of. I know that her foster mother was very sad to see Cora go...her eyes were misty but she was also happy for us. We stayed for about 20-30 minutes and then left to go to New Hope to meet Cora's birth mother and birth grandparents. My nerves doubled (if possible) as we entered the room for the meeting. What would they think of us? Would her birth mother be satisfied, devastated, outgoing, quiet??? Overall, the meeting went well. Her birth family held her the whole time we were together, and we were able to talk to them through the translator. Gifts were exchanged and pictures taken. I will never forget this day. What I take from it...is that Cora is loved by so many people. Her birth family for wanting the best care for her. her foster family for nurturing her for ten months, and my family for praying for her homecoming. We gotcha and love you Cora Chieh!