Still Waiting

Well, it's been 60 days since I received my referral for Hazel ZiRui and sadly, we are still waiting to go get her.  The process is still moving along (I am moving through it as fast as humanly possible) and we are getting very close...I fully expect to travel to China in November.  I've updated the timeline to show where we are if you'd like to take a look (link at the top of this page).

Meanwhile, Hazel ZiRui is now 33 months old, ARGHHHH!!!! 

Giving Back

Knowing how very fortunate we are (I am and Hazel will be), my sister and I asked attendees at my recent shower to consider giving an orphanage donation instead of a shower gift.  We had an overwhelming response to this and as a result were able to send a large care package full of clothing, toys and lollipops (!) to the QinZhou SWI (Hazel's orphanage), along with some tea for Hazel's nannies.  I received confirmation that the package arrived this week.

I added a small disposable camera with a request for someone there to take photos of Hazel with her friends and nannies at the orphanage.  If all goes well, I would receive this back when we meet her and she will have these treasured photos forever.  Keep your fingers crossed!

Most importantly, donations made at the shower have enabled us to sponsor one of the other children at the orphanage.  The sponsorship will allow for his support in a wonderful foster care program that will help prepare him for adoption (Hazel had the good fortune to be in this program).  We will receive quarterly reports on his progress.  We are absolutely thrilled to be able to do this and really thankful for all the wonderful support!    

The Shower

Been a while since I posted, so I will catch everyone up to date.

Starting with the shower.  My sister hosted a shower for me and Hazel on October 7 at a nearby Asian restaurant (the food was fabulous), decorated for the day with Chinese lanterns,  cherry blossoms and orchids.  It was absolutely lovely attended by about 30 friends and relatives.  We requested that attendees bring their favorite childhood storybooks...Hazel received a wonderful library of books!  I can't wait to start reading with her.

We also requested that attendees consider an orphanage donation instead of a traditional shower gift and we had a great response to this...more about this in another post.

One of our friends who is starting up a custom cake business made the cake, it was both beautiful and delicious.  My sister came up with these custom  shower favors...chopsticks decorated with cherry blossoms and custom fortune cookies that read "Happiness is finding your forever family - Hazel ZiRui Curley 01-11-10".  

The quilt was brought out for all to see...many of the contributors were there.

My sister (with help from my Dad and my niece, Sarah) completely outdid herself...it was a lovely party.  Afterwards, we only wished we had more time to mingle and chat.