We have our little boy!!

Last picture before we head to St. Lucy Orphanage! We pulled up and the very first face we saw through the taxi window was Zachary! He was playing outside and we knew it was him right away! What a feeling - I just can't describe seeing him for the first time. We were told ahead of time that he would be shy. Well, let's just say terrified seems like a better word. He cried and cried when we would try to get near him and clung to his nannies. I was not at all discouraged by this because the longer we were there the more we saw how INCREDIBLY loved and adored he has been by these beautiful women for the last 2 years. This is a gift we could never know how to thank them for. He is extremely attached to his nannies and they said he knew he was leaving them that day and was very sad. I am thankful for every tear he cried (and is still crying) because I know the significance of the great love he has for his nannies. This is no ordinary orphanage, that was very clear!


We kept our distance at first because the closer we got the more he cried! He was the oldest child at St. Lucy. We found out there are only around 30 children there, most of them babies.

We watched the nannies say good-bye to him and try to encourage him that we were his mommy and daddy but he would not have it. We totally understand that it is okay that he didn't come running into our arms, he will grieve for these women he loves so much. They are part of my heart now as well. I just can't say enough about them.

Rosa and Spring Peach trying to tell Zachary that we are the people in the photo album (we had sent him for Christmas) and we are here to take him home. (He also got his beloved pacifier to help calm him down - they gave us 3 extras and also one he had chewed a hole in as a "memory" for us).

Justin finally took him and he calmed down after we went for a walk (they said he needed to move away from the orphanage because he wouldn't stop crying for his nannies if he could see them). I laughed later that his shirt we brought for him says "Mom's #1 Fan" and I am not his favorite person quite yet! =)

first picture with the 4 of us - just need 3 more little ones to make it complete!

Spring Peach had a special gift for him. Justin had to stay outside and walk the street with him so he wouldn't scream for his nannies so I went in and learned about his schedule and received some precious gifts for him. I was told so many things about him that I never would have dreamed I'd ever get to find out. The biggest news (and most shocking!) is that he has a biological sister! We were so confused and wondered how this was possible since he was abandoned. They said a baby girl, one year younger than him, was found at the same location and she looked so much like him a DNA test was done and they found they they are biological siblings! His sister was adopted by another family in America and they want to contact us!! How crazy is this!!!!

This nanny made a beautiful scrapbook for Zachary as well as a handmade scarf. She had the hardest time saying good-bye to him. She said he was her favorite and she loved him so much. She and I hugged and cried and I thanked her over and over.

Another emotional good-bye

One last good-bye as we were loading into the taxi. Many tears...we promised to send pictures as often as we can. I just can't describe how wonderful these women are. Our son has been VERY loved.

We passed his "finding spot" as we left - it was only a few blocks from St. Lucy and we didn't even know that when we were there the other day.

At the train station. He was very calm when Grace or Justin held him. At this point I hadn't gotten to hold him yet because he would cry when I even looked at him. I am thankful he is peaceful and comfortable with them.

We were quite a sight walking at to the train with all of our luggage. Justin had Zac is one arm and pulled 3 suitcases stacked on top of each other with the other. I was the funniest looking with a backpack, briefcase, duffelbag, purse and camera around my neck! =)

Precious boy

He's still not so sure about that lady with the camera (aka mom)

I FINALLY got to hold him at the hotel!!!! It was brief but so wonderful.

LOVE this - oh my heart could burst. She is his comfort right now - thank you God for Gracie.

He is so tired - what a day. Still hasn't left her side.

Now we are settled into our hotel in Taipei and will go to our AIT (American Institute in Taiwan) appointment in the morning. It has been a day I will never forget. A day I have dreamed about and prayed about. I know I will get my cuddle time with my new baby boy but for now I am rejoicing, thanking God, and pondering all this in my heart (thanks Erica) for this gift. If Zachary being scared of us and grieving his beloved nannies means that he has been loved and adored - I am nothing but grateful for God's loving Hand on this boy. Thank you for praying - please keep it up!!