Bravery

I don't know any other way to describe the events of Tuesday. We went to the Civil Affairs Office in Nanjing to finalize Jaxon's adoption. Not only was he nervous, but so were Matt and I. Actually I was fine until we actually got to the office. Our guide Micheal did an excellent job of making sure Jaxon knew exactly what was going on and exactly what he would need to do.

When we arrived Jaxon's nanny and other orphanage officials were already there so he immediately when to sit by them. They were teasing him about his new clothes and about being able to go to Inner Mongolia. Once it was our turn we all (Matt, Jaxon, and me) had to sit in front of one of the officials and were asked some questions. Not only did they ask us if we wanted to adopt Jaxon, but he also had a say in it. So, the whole time he was being asked questions my heart was beating. He could have said no, but lucky for us he said "yes!"

Once we were finished with the paperwork and the adoption was final, the orphanage director, and Jaxon's nanny came over to say goodbye to him and get a couple of pictures. That's when I lost it. I was so overcome with emotion at the thought of him leaving everything and everyone he has ever known. I just could not help thinking about how difficult this has to be on him. He has lived in the orphanage for over 8 years. My heart breaks for him. He looked over and saw me crying and Matt had our guide translate to him that I was upset because I was sad that he was leaving his friends and the only family he has ever known. That's when he broke down. He doubled over and began to cry. The word bravery is all I could think about. I don't think I have ever seen so much bravery in one person before. He is a child, plain and simple, and he is doing something I cannot even begin to imagine.



Jaxon signing the okay for his adoption.


Jaxon with the orphanage Director (male), his nanny (shorter lady), and orphanage administrator.


The ride back to the hotel was a very somber one. There were alot of emotions in that tiny little car. Blake was even crying a little. Once we got back to the hotel our guide took us to dinner which helped to lighten the mood. I cannot say this enough, I am SO glad we brought Blake along. There is no way we could have done this without him. He has been a rock for Jaxon. Jaxon is very comfortable around Blake and is not afraid to ask questions nor is Blake. Wherever Blake goes, Jaxon is right behind him.

Jaxon is becoming more and more relaxed around us. He is smiling more and more which is good. He truly seems like a good kid and very smart. We were having lunch the other day and were trying to figure out what the Capitol of Canada was and none of us could figure it out. Our guide asked Jaxon and sure enough, he knew it. He seems eaget to lean English and is not afraid to ask Blake what something is. He is also very tidy which is something Blake could learn from him. All in all, things are going well.

Typical teenage boy in every way.