Office of Civil Affairs

After getting in at midnight Sunday night, we had to arise early as we would be going to the Shanghai Office of Civil Affairs to do a temporary custody order so that the families can receive their children. They give families a couple of days in case their child has a medical issue that may not have been explained well. They can then forfeit if the child is too much - but this is only for a medical issue. 

Today from about 9-11am we signed papers and then we awaited the children's arrival. When they came in it was really like a wedding!  They arrived in the door and they announced them.  The parents then walked up and if you had a stuffed animal (recommended) for them you went up to meet them with it. When Hope was announced we brought Mickey Mouse up to her and she greeted us by saying "mama and papa".  They warned us that they may meltdown but she did not.  She came to our table and she colored, very nicely by the way!