GOTCHA DAY !!!

After breakfast our guide, Helen, escorted us to the orphanage. As orphanages go, it must rank as one of the nicest - absolutely clean, freshly painted in bright colors, kid friendly. We had to wait a few minutes while the staff finished a meeting. While we were waiting we read a note from Andy's foster mother which primarily listed all the foods he likes which include just about everything. Then we were taken to an empty room and told to sit on two stools. The director walked in with Andy and as you can see from the pictures, he was, at first, a little apprehensive. We hugged him, handed him his backpack and he promptly got out the cars and sat down on the floor and began playing with them. We joined him. From that point on and for the rest of the day he has been all smiles. I believe he must have been very well prepared but I am still wondering if he understands this is permanent. We went out to lunch at a nice Chinese restaurant and the boys have played in the room the rest of the day. We have lots of room for balls , giant balloons and the myriad of other toys we brought. They did lay down for a short while this afternoon and watched some of Cars but neither one slept. Andy rarely speaks-when he does, it is with a very deep gravely voice. I am guessing that has something to do with his cleft which is supposedly fixed. Cheryl and Lui Bo both spoke to him on the phone today and he seemed to understand them but only sort of grunted in response. We are headed for their first bath together with lots of bubbles and letters....