We traveled to China in September 2005, expecting to adopt Liliana and return to the U.S. as a happy family of three. On the day of Liliana's adoption, the orphanage director told Zhou that she may have a twin sister who was very upset after Liliana left that morning. They wanted to keep the girls together and asked us if we were willing to adopt the other child if indeed she was Liliana's twin. We were excited at the possibility of adding Liliana's beautiful twin to our family. We were just not sure if it would become a reality. Paperwork needed to be adjusted, DNA testing performed, and we were scheduled to return home in a week.

We met Lauren on a bus as we traveled to a Medical Center in Hefei and had a DNA test performed. Zhou stayed with us the entire time. It was amazing how much the girls looked alike. The doctor told us he would try to get the results to us before we were to leave China the following week. We were able to visit the orphanage the following day and spend a small amount of time with Lauren. We had to proceed from Hefei to Guangzhou as if they were not twins until we received the results from the DNA test. It was so hard to leave her behind, but in our hearts we knew we would be returning for her.

The day before we were to return to the United States, Zhou received the wonderful news that the girls were twins. Instead of flying home, we flew back to Hefei and that same day adopted our beautiful daughter Lauren. I can not stress enough how much EAC helped us through this unique situation. The China team was truly amazing every step of the way!

We have been truly blessed with not one but two incredible daughters. Our family of two became three and then four. Life is definitely full of sweet surprises and we have EAC to thank for helping us build our family.

Patrick, Sandra, Liliana & Lauren

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