Gymnastics is my favorite thing
to do right now.
I was easy to potty-train.

My family Easter 2009.

Easter Sunday at my MiMiMary's
and Papa Pete's house with my

cousin Kaden.

Summer Fun!

I'm a cowgirl today. I love to
feed the horses and ride them!

I played dress-up with my daddy
on Father's Day 2009.

The Backyardigans were the theme for my

3rd birthday party.

May 23rd, 2009. I turned
3 years old.

My daddy tells me I'm gorgeous and

I love hearing it.

Now I love to pose for the

camera.

Pink, pink, pink, my favorite color

just ask me. My cousin Kaden was Scooby Doo and I
was little Red Riding Hood for Halloween.

This is Caiyu, Abby's doll she named after herself.

She pronouces it as they would in China.

I loved helping mom decorate the house. I put my own look on it.

Abby and Caiyu dressed alike. Thanks
Mamaw.


Abby's Christams tree in her room decorated with all Chinese related ornaments.

Just having fun playing dress-up.


Blowing out the candles at Sissy and Jonathan's
rehearsal dinner carrying a carmel apple.

Abby and Brooke having wedding pictures made.

I'm the flower girl and Kaden is the ring bearer.



OOne of my favorite books is Pinkalicious. Mom and
I made pink cupcakes just like in the book!

The birthday girl!
Abby and Sissy "Jie Jie"
Her adorable birthday cake

Her pink 4wheeler

Blowing out her candles
Chowing down on cake and icecream

This is her saying, "Abby 2!"

Happy 2nd Birthday

Abby!!

Finally a new Update- Spring Has Sprung!

Santa was here!

She loves her momma!

Handing out stockings

The best Christmas present we could ever ask for!

Her (temporary) Christmas presents- new earrings!

Abby in her Easter dress.

Abby and her cousin and pal, Kaden

Abby with most of her cousins and her brother and sister

Checking out what the Easter bunny brought

Say "cheese!"

Reminding you to stop and smell the flowers every now and then...

At the church Easter Egg Hunt

Abby's first big snow!

Abby and her soon-to-be brother-in-law playing in the snow

We finally had some time to update. As I'm sure you can tell, our baby is growing! She is getting so tall and her hair is finally getting long. Christmas was so wonderful! It was such a blessing to have Abby home with us and to have our family feel complete. This year we still wept hearing the Third Day song, "Merry Christmas" but this time with tears of joy listening to the last stanza-

"It’s Christmas time again but now you’re home,

Your family is here and now you’ll never be alone,

So tonight before you go to sleep I’ll hold you in my arms,

And I’ll tell you from my heart,

And I’ll tell you from my heart, I wish you Merry Christmas."

She must have been a good girl because she was more than well taken care of. Her favorite presents included her new kitchen set, her Rose Cottage tent, and anything to do with her baby dolls. Abby got to experience her first snow in March. She enjoyed playing with her Sissy and 'Jon Jon' but did not like getting snow on her boots. In March, she also started preschool at Park Hill. She loves learning and getting to play with her new friends. Easter was also so fun. She was so excited to see what the Easter bunny brought and we must say she looked like a little princess on Easter! She is getting so big and talking SO much! Our favorite color is hands down pink and EVERYTHING is pink! Potty training is also slowly coming along. Later this month we are excited to celebrate her 2nd birthday (April 23rd) and are planning a ladybug party. We can't wait to post pictures of that soon!

Christmas 2007

Abby's first Christmas!

I like to eat almost anything
More bubbles
I i'm such a diva

Cousin Kaden, Mom, and Abby
Abby and Kaden enjoying fall
Abby, Kaden and Brooke
I love bubbles!

With Sissy at OBU Homecoming
At MiMi and Papaw's lakehouse
My first and hopefully
only black eye Go Razorbacks! With Rita
and Kathrine in Fayetteville

Abby

Playing at a picnic
I love going to church
Happy Halloween
Flying Ladybug
I love my daddy

Growing by the day

Our little Princess at bathtime
Her best buddy...and to think she used to not go to him....HA!

The Schaefer family...our first all together family photo! (minus Fancy and Zoe)

She loves Mickey Mouse.

A future EEE like her sister!

A few photos of China

Mother & Daughter together at last
Our little Princess

Leaving the airport to go home Picture Perfect
Movie Star Playing at Kaden's House
Tummy is Full
American Citizen

Hanging out with Mommy

Pretty Princess got her toe nails painted for the first time today!

We sat in our high chair for the first time today without throwing a fit!

Yummy breakfast! She's such a good eater!

Abby is continuing to make great progress every day! We have been requested by many to continue to put up new pictures so here you go! If you notice in the pictures, we have a nasty bump on our head we got the other night while being too silly. She also had many firsts today too. She ate breakfast in her highchair without throwing a fit and she got her toenails painted. She really thought they were pretty. She also went to the mall for the first timed today with Mom and Sissy. Dad better watch out because she seemed to enjoy shopping just as much as his other girls!

A day of many firsts!

Modeling her new swimsuit!

Unsure at times, but for the most part LOVED it!

Fun times with Mom and Dad

Our cute little fish!

Our pretty princess!

She loves playtime with Sissy! Before our first day at church!

We cannot begin to tell you how much progress she makes everyday! Saturday afternoon, she let her Daddy throw her up in the air and play with her for awhile. Yesterday was her first church experience. While Mom thought she would have to stay in the nursery the whole time, she was pleasantly surprised to see that Abby went right in and began to play. She sat in the nursery during Sunday School and Worship without any problems. We also went swimming for the first time which had to be one of her new absolute favorite things. She took like a fish to water immediately. The funniest moment of the day was when she decided to give her cousin Kaden a spontaneous bear hug and ended up knocking him backwards out of the kiddie pool and landing on top of him. We didn't know whether to laugh or cry in pitty! She also let Mom get a break by sleeping with her sissy last night for the first time so Mom could get a good night sleep. As you can see, every day brings amazing new steps in her progress. Most of all, every day brings our family more happiness that God has given us such a blessing and that she is home with us for good.

Bath time is a favorite now.
Just home for a couple of hours and found her baby doll.

Big sis helping her learn the ropes.


She likes to share toys, but not mom.

Her first birthday cake.

Abby's birthday crown!

We LOVE you Abby!!

The gang all came to welcome them home.

From Sissy....

Things around the Schaefer household are quite different. Sleep is unheard of, the house is turned upside down, cheerios cover the floor, and we love every second of it...well most every second of it! Most all the family met Wednesday night to have dinner, celebrate Pappaw's birthday, and anticipate the arrival of a little girl we had all been waiting on and praying for the past 2 and a half years. I could not stand the anticipation as I waited in the airport and watched for her flight to come in. Then, after what seemed for FOREVER, I caught glimpse of Mom and Dad holding the most beautiful little thing I had ever seen! My eyes filled with tears as I saw the most precious little thing ever. I was so overcome with emotions...I had never had a sister before and instead of 9 months like most, I had waited and prayed for this one for almost 3 years. She won my heart the instant I saw her. She was a little timid at first because if you know our crew, we are a lot to handle! After being greeted by the entire family, we headed to take Abby home for good! The family had planned a surprised brithday party when we got home since we had missed her first. Mom was amazed at how well she did with eating, opening presents and playing with her family. She really likes other kids so she especially took to her cousin Kaden. We were also scared how she would take to our dog, Fancy but I must say she loves her- and Fancy really loves her because she likes to feed her! She is slowly making small strides of progress. She has taken pretty well to me (not to brag or anything... -smile-). I even got up the first morning at 5:20 when I heard noises down stairs. I'm really enjoying the sister role so of course I couldn't pass up the opportunity for playtime! Mom is still shocked at the occasions where she will play alone with me or let me bathe her while Mom gets off to get a shower or do housework. She especially loves for me to hide while she runs after me to find me. If you know my mom, it has been really fun to see our house not be in perfect order. There are bottles on the countertops, fingerprints on the glass, and even toys all over the living room floor. The sleeping schedules are off for Mom, Dad, and Abby too around here so Mom has had to do playtime in the middle of the night and some long naps in the middle of the day.

Still pray for her to take to Dad more. He hasn't been able to play with her much because he has really been under the weather. I know one day soon she will see what a very lucky girl she is to have a Daddy like him...I know I see that more and more every day. I can't begin to express how much it has meant to me to see all the comments on here, have people ask about her, and hear how much she is being prayed for. She has undergone more change the past few days, I can't even imagine! I still find myself amazed that she is actually here! Everytime she smiles, my heart melts and I thank the Lord for such a blessing. I've learned through this all that God's timing is perfect and so is His plan. He knew what little girl needed to become apart of our family. I can't wait to continue to watch her adjust and grow up in our family. I love you Abby!

Missed their flight!

Well after getting stuck in customs, they
missed their flight.They will now be
flying in on North West Airlines #nw631,
out of memphis. It is estimated to arrive
at about 8:00 tonight.

From China to Arkansas

Though the journey is coming to an end,

the adventure is just beginning!

Mark, Laura, & Abby are on their way home.

They will be arriving tomorrow evening

(August 1st) at about 4:30p.m..

What a birthday present for her Papaw.

Please continue to pray for their safe travel.

*They will update the website later.

Sunday, July 29

Abby slept all night and has had a bottle this morning and back to sleep again. I actually got to fix my hair today and put on some makeup. I figure why bother in this heat, as soon as we walk outside it just melts away.

Today is a free day and Abby and I have colds from going in the air conditioning and back in the heat all day. I'm going to look for medicine for me today before this sore throat gets to bad. We have medicine for Abby. Depending on how she feels, I would love to take her to the pool to play.

We are really enjoying Gaungzhou. It is more quaint and clean. We have enjoyed visiting with the shop owners and bartering. Mark does all my negotiating he is good and firm and will walk away if they don't meet his price. We bought new DVD releases for $1.23! Some of them aren't out yet in the U.S.. We also bought Abby some traditional outfits for now and later.

We ate at Lucy's, a western food restaurant. I had a geat burger and fries and Mark had the grilled chicken and said it was also great. Looks like we will be going back there again.

When we got back to our room last night we had a Barbie that is from The White Swan Hotel and Mattel. It is an American mom with a Chinese baby. They also have a play area sponsered by Mattel in the hotel for babies we will be checking out today.

Speaking of the play area, we actually checked it out before we posted today's blog. What a great area for parents and kids to play. It gives them a big carpeted area to get out of the confines of their rooms and mingle with other kids. We were really surprised at how far Abby would roam away from us without looking over her shoulder. Their was one little boy that she walked completely across the room to go interact with for about 10 minutes and never once looked Laura's direction. Other kids really bring her out of her shell. She is just enchanted with them. Kaden may be the only family member she takes to when we get home.

We also made small progress on the dad front today. Although it wasn't her choice she was passed over to dad as we ventured out shopping just to save Laura's back. There was some crying and whimpering but no flailing and kicking. She probably gave Laura a good thirty minute break before she finally wore us down.

Another lunch at Lucy's and a little more shopping and dad is wondering if I will have enough money to get is back home. I need to bring some of these Chinese women home to sell packaging products and we may could retire at an early age. They do not take no very well and will pull you off the streets into their stores.

Laura and Abby continue to fight colds so are major prayer need is for good health for the trip home. Abby continues to blossom but a 25 hour day of travel can be tough on anyone especially a 15 month old heading to her third new place within a week and a half.

I hope you are enjoying the updates and the pictures as we continue to love having you as part of our journey. We especially appreciate the words of encouragement that have been sent to us via the blog site. You are all extra special to us!

The Latest From Abby

July 28, Mark's Thoughts

Although I have entered a few details most of the postings have come from Laura's perspective. I felt it was time to give you my thoughts. This trip could best be described as the best of times and the worst of times. From 2-1/2 years ago I have dreamed of a little girl thought would run up and jump into dad's arms with a big hug and an I love you. As you have heard from previous blogs that has not been the case. I have been relegated to paperwork guy, bottle maker, pack mule(but not for Abby), luggage packer, plate filler, picture taker, and sleep in the other bed person. While these are all vital jobs this wasn't exactly the jobs I thought I was signing up for. I am certainly glad she has bonded with one of us and no doubt Laura has gotten the tougher end of the deal but there have been days I have wallowed in a little self pity when I have seen all the other dads holding their daughters with no issues. I must also remember that what is seen is not always what is going on 24/7 as I know many of the parents have had some rougher nights than us. I have also learned I can live with a little less sleep than I thought (she is toughening me up.) I think I far too often want God to make it easy for me and I guess that is just our human nature. But I told myself going in that if this was God-ordained that Satan would do all he could to make things hard. I have gotten past the feeling sorry for myself and know just pray that she will allow me to hold her for the main purpose of taking some of the pressure off of Laura (especially her back.) Abby and I have made strides as Laura has posted in previous days. We had a great plane ride from Nanchang to Guangzhou. She played with me, continued to feed me, head-butted me a few times, and no longer wipes my kisses off. She likes my singing, unlike many I know, but she still wants me to keep my distance especially when she gets tired and cranky. She had her medical checks today and everything came back great. Her fever went down and there was no ear infection although the plane ride kind of solidified that one for us. The White Swan Hotel is as great as advertised. Laura is very anxious to go try the shopping although it is much to hot to take Abby out and she will not stay with me alone without much crying. We may try some tough love today when she takes her nap and let Laura sneek out on her own. We will just pray that my patience will outlast her crying but she is pretty hard-headed (kind of reminds me of some kids I know back home-fill in the blank.) I wouldn't trade this experience for anything despite some of the issues. We have met some wonderful people, seen a new culture, and had some once-in-a-lifetime moments. I know when Laura and I get back to normalcy we will be able to look back on this journey with much clearer minds and share laughs, tears, and overall some memories that will bond us for life. I still look so much forward to that day when Abby extends those arms for dad to take her and hug her. And that thought will keep me strong through the struggles knowing that things that come hard are that much better in the long run. I covet continued prayers for safety and strength. We miss all of you more than you will ever know and wish you could all experience this first-hand with us. And remember when I return home I may still be looking for that hug so don't leave me hanging.

Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde

Abby playing

We had a rough night. We think Abby may have an ear infection. She got

up to 104 temp last night and scared us. We are getting on a plane today

and that could be awful for her if she does have an ear problem. We are

giving her Motrin right before we board and having her suck on a bottle

on the take off and landing, if she will. We have her medical exam in

Guangzhou tomorrow and they said if she is running fever they will

insist on taking x-rays. If we need to we can go to see a western doctor.

Our guide said it is very expensive, but if she can get relief I don't

care how much it costs. She is now tugging at her ear crying, so it

must be that. When she was feeling somewhat better last night I

took some pictures. Then in the middle of the night she woke up

burning up with fever and was up and down crying and thrashing

about for the remainder of the night. Mark and I are exhausted.

She is now taking a nap and her fever is 100 degrees. Pray today

that she gets to feeling better quickly for us all. I sat and held her

all through the night and prayed for her. Every inch of her is

perfect, she is so beautiful to us. God has blessed us with this

baby girl. We are ready to get her home.

We will leave Nanchung today not getting to see where Abby was

abandoned or anything much of her first fifteen months of life.

July 26, Hot, hot , hot

Things are winding down here in Nanchang as we leave for Guangzhou tomorrow. It has been tough to venture out for long because of the heat. It is 110 degrees here today and not a dry heat We only thought it is hot in Arkansas in the summer. The big event of the day was a visit to the Teng Wang Pavilion. It was so hot Laura broke out into a serious sweat. Of course it didn't help that she had to carry Abby around with a slight fever, she had 102 degree temperature. We have two nurses in our group and they told us not to be too concerned, but it's hard not to be. We haven't been criticized by the Asian women for not haing her covered, I suppose because of the heat. We are stronly encouraged to keep the babies covered with hats and umbrellas. The Chinese women have beautiful skin and we were told it's because they do not get in the sun and they use a beauty cream that has pearls in it. This pavalion is the largest in the province and is six stories tall. They had a lot of interesting crafts for sale and are especially known for their porcelain. We actually made some of our first major purchases and still spent less than $80US. We are collecting gifts from China and the Nanchang to celebrate Abby's gotcha day for her next seventeen years. We got her some porcelain geisha figurines and tea set made here in her home province. We want to get her a pearl necklace for her in Guangzhou.The big question is how we are going get all this home?

Abby is down for a nap and seems to be feeling better after some Motrin. Even not feeling well she wanted to walk the halls. She loves practicing her walking. She is also saying Momma and

the toy we bought her at Wal-Mart she wanted plays Old McDonald Had A Farm and she sings

e-i-e-i-o. It's so cute it melts our hearts which is good because most of the remainder of the time she is so strong willed about everything. We only thought Blaine was strong willed as a toddler.

She continues to tease Mark with feeding him and even playing some peek-a-boo games with us but then just when we think we've made progress she still won't go to him. Today at lunch he ate french fries diped in watermelon and congee (a rice soup of sorts) Abby created just to please her. We even tried making her jealous by him holding another baby and that didn't seem to phase her.I think he would walk across burning coals right now if she would take to him. Keep praying.

Tonight we are going to a fountain and lights show and eating at Pizza Hut. We're actually excited about that. Then we'll finish with a trip to Wal-Mart to pick up some supplies. Everthing here is cheaper at Wal-Mart I guess because it's all made here. I don't know if we mentioned it but what an experience that is. It's two stories and you go from one floor to the next by a magnetic escalator that locks in your cart.

Wednesday, July 25,2007 Nanchang

She loves her Gerber puffs!
The Chinese people encourage you to keep the babies covered out in the sun.
Enjoying a snack.
Our little runway model.

Yesterday was a small step toward bonding. Abby actually fed Mark Cheerios and held his hand for a short time going up some steps and we got a good belly laugh from swinging her by her arms.

Those of you who have been praying for us continue to do so, we want her so badly to bond with both of us. Right now she won't let me out of her sight for two seconds, I can't eat (which isn't such a bad thing) get dressed,or go the bathroom. I just need for her to warm up to daddy.

Right now she is taking a good nap. When she wakes up we are going to get outside some,
maybe try the stroller and no I don't think I can get in there with her. This morning was another step at breakfast, she sat in a high chair for the first time. There are many other things that we are thankful for. She is the only one out of our group that is walking and feeding herself.
Everywhere we go the Chinese people tell us how beautiful she is. I wish we could speak Chinese because she loves when the Chinese speak to her. Most of them can speak a little English and
communicate somewhat, most of them study English in school.

Yesterday we finalized the adoption. All we need now will be her passport. Everyone has been asking for more pictures. We'll take and post some more today after our outing. Thank you for all the comments we have been receiving we need the encouragement.

We are coming around

July 24, A Good Night

up & ready to go
Starting to like her baths
Waiting for mom & dad
Ready for her photo shoot

We made it through our first night with Abby. Unlike me she slept soundly and only woke up at 4:20 to be changed and fell back to sleep immediately. I was already awake at the time, my body clock is still off. I watched her sleep and wondered what she was dreaming about. She looked like an angel as do all babies, but she's our angel now offically. I thought about what she had gone through in the last 24 hours. It must have been tramatic for her. I can't imagine her foster mom's sadness to give something up so precious you have cared for fifteen months.

She just woke up content, but I wouldn't say happy either. We got in the floor and played stacking blocks. She thought it was funny when they fell over but she was determined not to give us a smile. She grinned slightly and we saw the first signs of a dimple. We have another busy day today of visiting the notary and Wal-Mart but maybe rest tomorrow.

Keep praying for her to accept our love and realize that we only want the best things for her. The hard wait now is the anticipation of bringing her home to all of you.

Keep the faith,

Mark, Laura, and Abby

GOTCHA-JULY 23

Final count down!
Father & daughter together at last
Back in the room & settling in
She is already attached to Momma
Pooped out!

Introducing Abby Caiyu SchaeferYes Aunt Debbie's outfit was the first

A long time coming!

What a day it has been! We woke up, ate breakfast and gathered on the second floor balcony to
wait for the orphanage to bring the babies. They arrived about 10:45 carried by the workers and the orphanage director. We picked Abby out among them and as they carried them past us Mark and I recognized that precious little face, she was being carried by the director. They took them to a room where we all had to wait until they called our names to turn them over to us. All the babies were crying and most of the mommies too. We were told a few details about her from some notes they had taken from her foster mom. The rest we are left to figure out on our own. Within minutes she had stopped crying and within an hour she had smiled and was talking and playing with me. She is just curious about Mark at this point. She won't let him hold her but you
could tell by this evening she was talking to him a little bit from across the room. We can already see her personality, she seems to be independant and has a temper. That was confirmed in her paperwork. She has great motor skills and studies everything I do and then tries to mimic me. She took two naps today and has fallen asleep at 9:15 after watching a portion of Nemo which she seemed to enjoy.

July 22, Beijing to Nanchang

To say today was a long day is like saying Brooke likes clothes. We combined a day of touring Beijing with a day of traveling to Nanchang. To do it all you get up at 6:00am and you get to bed about 1:00am in a new hotel. But what a great hotel we are in, The Galactic but more about that later. We had a tour of Tiananmen Square followed by a walk through the Forbidden City. I don't recommend to do either on the weekend unless you like lots of people. There are so many people everywhere you go. The culture is so different here than anywhere I have ever experienced. They have absolutely no manners. I wouldn't say that they

don't like Americans they are just very curious. Our group has gotten a lot of stares, if you are tall or blond they think your a novelty. We have a set of twin boys traveling in our group that are 7 years old and you would think they are Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen from the attention and request for pictures they receive. Some of the things we saw yesterday were the split pants they put on the toddlers they are potty training. They just go potty whenever they feel like it. So we learned to avoid any puddles. It was very hot yesterday while we were at the Forbidden City and our group stopped to by ice cream. One of the women bought what she thought was a lime popscicle and it turned out to be a green pea flavored popscicle. We visited a neighborhood where the Hontung chinese group lives. We took a rickshaw ride and got to visit an actual family living quarters. We also had to ride a bus out to board our airplane to leave for Nanchung and it was like how many people can we fit on a bus game. We have tried to look at everything as just part of the experience when things have not been as they would at home. Thank goodness for real toilets and toilet paper! They say that's just a western thing so I carry my paper with me whenever we are outside the hotel.

Saturday, July 21 Sites of Beijing

The Chinese Acrobats
Mark at the Cloisonne factory
The Great wall of China
Now that's a wall
The Nest, China's summer 2008 Olympic Stadium

Saturday has proved to be quite an adventure. We started with a stop by the Cloisonne factory. From there it was a long trip to the Great Wall as half of Beijing decided to make a trip to the wall today. It got extremely slow once we turned off at Badaling. We rode the sky tram to the top of the mountain and experienced some incredible views of the an amazing creation. Despite a flat on our trip back we made it to dinner which also happened to be the jade market. The trip back to the hotel also included a nice view of the Olympic stadiums and villages. All in all we somehow managed to get back safely with no purchases other than water and ice cream. Tomorrow is Forbidden City and the Square and then off to Nanchang. We get Abby very soon!!! We will keep you updated.

We Have Arrived!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have arrived in Beijing, tired, but no worst for the wear. We had a great massage this morning and have an appointment with the Chinese acrobats this afternoon. Hopefully we will have some pictures to post from that although I am sure some of you would like to see pictures from the massage(yuk!). Will try to have something more interesting before we post again. Love you all!

Mark and Laura

The Journey has begun!

FINALLY!
Laura & Mark made it to the airport on time. They last
checked in before leaving Minneapolis for Tokyo at

about 3:00 (about a 12 hour flight). So far everything

is going on schedule (knock on wood).

Thank God for ambien!

The Night Before

It is the night before we leave. We had a family dinner, minus
our newest. Excited, ready, floating, can't wait. Going to
airport at 6:30am, to head to China. We wont be sleeping
much tonight. We will be flying all day & night, we will update
first chance we get. Thank you all for your prayers.
See you all soon.
Love,
Abbys mom & dad

Pray For the Airplanes

Laura is stressed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Almost Time

7 Days til we leave!

Travel Itinerary

July 19, 2007 Arrive in Beijing via NW11 @ 9:20 p.m.

July 20, 2007 Acrobatic show in the afternoon.

July 21, 2007 Visit Great Wall and Cloisonne Factory.

July 22, 2007 Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Hutong Tour Flight HU7193 (18:00-20:00) to Nanchang. Stay at Galactic Hotel.

July 23, 2007 Receive the children in the morning.

July 24, 2007 Adoption registration and notarization.

July 25, 2007 Free day.

July 26, 2007 Visit Teng Wang Pavilion.

July 27, 2007 Receive all the documents. Flight MU5231 (17:10-18:35) to Guangzhou. Stay at the White Swan Hotel.

July 28, 2007 9:00 a.m. Visa pictures and medical exam
July 29, 2007 Free day.

July 30, 2007 Visa appointment.

July 31, 2007 3:00 p.m. Go to the consulate to take the oath and pick up visa.

August 1, 2007 Flight NW10 @ 8:20 a.m. to Tokyo.

Counting Down

The Journey begins in 22 days!

Our Story

We should make plans—counting on God to direct us.-Prov. 16:9

Have you ever said to God, “okay I’m here, I’m willing, do something big now before I change my mind”? That’s how our adoption story came about. Then God gives us a clear and definite path and we question if we understood him correctly. He wants me to do what?

January 2006 we started the process of adoption from China. The picture was clear we had the opportunity to become new parents again in our mid forties. Our daughter is in college and our son is in high school. We’re not too far from being still fairly young and having an empty nest! But God’s plans are always better than our own, He has shown us that despite our imperfection as parents we could love, provide, and show her Jesus and His amazing love. He choose us to help carry out his plan for a specific child he had picked out. What an awesome thought that was and how it affected our decision.

We have never second guessed our decision to follow God’s will in this matter. It has been a long process and very frustrating. We were told it would take approximately one year as we began the paperwork, but it is now August 2006, nineteen months into the process and we still don’t have our referral. I have learned to have patience. I have no control over the circumstances that have caused so many delays in our journey and other waiting families.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanks-giving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus. –Phil. 4:6-7

We’ve seen God work through all the snags. He has made it possible financially for us to not have a debt after the expense of our trip to China and the adoption. He has worked it out in our son’s mind the concerns he had about having a sister that might not be accepted or be the target of children’s cruel comments because she looks different. Our son knows this firsthand because he is probably different than most. He’s non-traditional in the way he dresses and looks. But he has taught us that you cannot judge a person for what they look like on the outside because that ‘s really not what is important to God. It’s the heart that matters and that’s what our Savior looks at.

My hope also is that through our experience and sharing it with others there will people made aware of the true need for adoptive parents for the hundreds of thousand little angels in China and other countries waiting for families. I want them to know how important each one of them are to their heavenly father. That girls are valuable and God has proven that many times throughout history.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.-1 Pet. 5:6,7

A Journal to Our Daughter

Wed. Aug. 23, 2006
We made our decision in January 2005 to adopt from China. The endless paperwork was completed, translated and sent to China 10 months later.

It has almost been a year since our paperwork was logged in China 10/31/05. The time has gone by quickly at this point in our process. I’ve spent time reading books on adoption and China and learned a lot during the wait. Today I feel is the beginning of the end of our wait. We may be within the last 120 days before we can bring you home. It has been such a long wait, full of frustration and anxiety. What would God’s reason be for keeping you from our love and care? Only He knows and has His perfect plan in place for us all. If you would have came sooner while your great-grandmother was recovering from her broken hip, the family might have felt more overwhelmed than we already were feeling. As I said, we don’t know the reason , but one day we will. The fact is we want you to be a part of all of our lives and begin that process as soon as possible.

I hope that we can make others more aware of the circumstances in your homeland. You are one of many who need a mommy and daddy. We have loved you from the moment we decided to adopt. We thought long about a name. We threw around names of grandmother’s we have loved and names we have always liked, but the one name that we all agreed upon is Abby. It just seems to be a fit. I know you will be beautiful and full of life just like your name. When we get the paperwork with your Chinese name you’ll have your complete new name with a new beginning.

Your room is ready for you. Your sister Brooke and I wanted you to have a magical room with lots of color and fun. We decided on a outdoor theme with the clouds, flowers, bugs, animals, tree, and tree-swing. It’s just waiting for you to come and play.

You are being prayed for by many, each night at the table we all pray for your quick arrival and that until then you through our heavenly father will know that you are loved. You have not only your immediate family, daddy, momma, Brooke and Blaine anxious for you, but a whole lot of grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles and cousins wishing you were here with us.


Love and kisses,
Mom and Dad



Sept. 25, 2006
Abby,
More bad news for us concerning delays. We are told there is now a fourteen month wait for a referral from login date. We were originally told 9-12 month so worst case scenario would be getting our referral around Oct. 31st, the one year anniversary of our login date and then traveling in December to meet you and bring you home. Now it will be end of December or longer until we get our referral and probably March until we can travel. We are very disappointed to say the least and again my heart is heavy. I have full faith in God’s timing and I cling to that. Your grandmother on your dad side has decided to semi-retire after January and will be able to keep you some when we have to go back to work. That’s a blessing to know that has been worked out and God is already making plans for your extended care. The weather in China will be better in March and we can go outside and show you a whole new world to explore.
Another year of holidays without you. We will count down the time until we can bring you home.

Love
Mom and Dad



Sept. 28, 2006
Abby,
One day you may want to understand some of the events surrounding your adoption and the issues the government in China dealing with. China’s overpopulation has become an economical strain on the country. The government has enforced a one child per family law on it’s people. In some rare cases some families are given the right to have two children. Those who are not given permission and have more than one child would loose preferential treatment for food, housing, health care, and education.

China’s long standing traditions of prejudice against females has persisted generation after generation despite the many other advances in their society. Boys are of great importance in carrying on the family lineage and taking care of the elderly parents.

These factors have led to the slayings and abandonment of hundreds of thousands of infant girls. There is over-crowded orphanages with 2-3 to a crib in a rooms of wall to wall baby-beds with only a couple of workers to providing the bare minimum care for survival of these orphans.

There are so many children in China waiting for homes and willing parents waiting for children, but a wall of bureaucracy lies between the two. Some of these children in the orphanages are desperately in need of more medical help than the orphanages provide. These same children could be adopted into families with healthcare benefits and given the proper medical attention.

Many Chinese families try to avoid the stern laws and keep more children by moving frequently from rural area to another rural area. Concealing pregnancy and keeping births quiet. Others struggle with decisions to abandon a child for possibly a better way of life. The mothers of these daughters will never be the same.

Because of the restrictions imposed by the government, there will be a huge shortage of women when the Chinese men become of age to marry. This will lead to girls being kidnaped, raped, victims of incest, or auctioned off like livestock. How can this be happening in today’s world?



November 14, 2006
A few more weeks have passed and the only news we’ve had is that we should get some word in December and maybe travel in March. That seems to be enough information to give us the hope to get excited about the end to this wait finally might be getting close. We wish so much you would be here for the holidays this year. We will be thinking about you though and praying for the day we can share the true meaning of this wonderful season with you. Mark is speaking in church this Sunday in honor of you and National Adoption Month. I am so anxious to here him talk about his excitement about you being part of our family and encourage others to look into adoption as a part of their family. All of our family will be there to hear him. It will be an emotional day for us all sharing how adoption has touched our family through Wesley, Kaden and now you Abby. We will get a copy of his sermon so one day he can share it with you. Again
there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you and pray you will be with us soon.



February 6,2007
Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone and still we find ourselves waiting and praying for the call that will change our life and yours. Never have I felt such a heavy heart, but at the same time an anticipation of a wonderful joy about to happen. This month I am really feeling we are closer than ever to finding out about you. I want to be more excited than I am, but I won’t let myself be disappointed again by unanticipated delays. God is at work in this and he knows our yearning hearts. There are so many people praying for you. We pray for loving families for all the orphans in China. Our prayer for you is that God will watch over you and keep you safe and give you a peace that you are loved and cherished. HUGS AND KISSES FROM MOM AND DAD!!!!!



March 2,2007
We got word a couple of weeks ago our paperwork with information about you would be in the next batch of referrals Bethany would receive. I thought we would hear something by today and no word has come yet. I’ve had tears in my eyes all day with anticipation of any word. Why is it taking so long for us to meet? Every night and every morning you are in my thoughts and prayers. This has been one of the hardest things I have ever been through. The promise God has given us that it will eventually happen keeps me certain that our day will come when it will His time. I hope while you are waiting you are a happy baby. I hope you are a favorite of your care takers. As soon as we know where we can send something to you, to let you know we are you forever family. I just can’t express how much we as a family love you already. I know you are already doing things we are missing, learning to smile, laugh, babble, maybe even crawling or walking and we can’t experience those special moments, but there will be many more firsts of which we will be a part. I’m lifting up many prayers today, most of which I’m pleading with God to put our wait to an end soon. I’m holding on to my faith, but my heart is with you. Love to you and those who are taking care of you until we can.

Mom

P.S. Your daddy’s birthday is Monday, March 5th and it would be such a blessing to get a picture and our referral then.!!!!



April 3,2007,
A new month is here and our hopes of a referral are at an all time high! We have so many people wrapping us in prayers, I believe this is the only thing sustaining me. I am growing so angry and disappointed. I am fighting the constant thought of disappointment each day. God give me peace in knowing your plan is at work and your love is sufficient to get me through this difficult time.

Abby, we know you are somewhere in China waiting for us. I pray that all your needs as an infant are being met. Wait till you get to your new family, you will be smothered in love! Your cousin, Kaden has big plans for the both of you. He has so many fun toys to share with you. We are also trying to plan a vacation for our family to go to Florida where we can all be together without other distractions. That is to be determined by what we find out this week about you and when you might be coming home.

Brooke is sitting on go to buy you clothes for our trip to get you. When we find out your size, she has so many cute things picked out that you will look like a princess.

Bye for now. Know that we adore you already. May Jesus be with you always as we cannot. Hugs and kisses in the wind.

Love,
Mom



Tuesday May 1, 2007
Hallelujah! What a surprise! Today has been so unexpected and joyful. All I want to say is praise God for sustaining us and honoring his promise that a very special child would be ours. He has chosen you especially for us at just the right time. All we have been told today is that you are approximately 12 months old and your name is Caiyu. We are so excited, tomorrow we are going to Bethany to see your picture and learn more about you. It has been so long of a wait. We’re so happy we just want to tell everyone our good news! When your daddy got the call I had just
left the office and when I returned he had Blaine, Papaw, Corbin, Beth, Debbie all surprise me with a “welcome baby” balloon with your name and age tied to it. Beth took pictures to scrapbook the event. Now I can hardly wait till tomorrow, I will get to finally see you.

May God bless you and keep you safe till we can be with you,
Mom and Dad



May 2, 2007
We went to the adoption agency today. Our appointment was at 2:00. I could hardly sleep last night I was so excited. We stopped and ate Chinese food for lunch before our appt. and I could hardly eat because I had such butterflies in my stomach. When we got there we met with Chrissy and she gave us your pictures and the information they received about you. We both
thought you are the most precious China doll we’ve ever seen! We didn’t receive the English translation of your document because China is behind in paperwork and it will come later so we stopped off at our favorite Chinese restaurant and our friend Annie was so sweet to translate everything for us. It sounds as though you are being cared for by a foster mom and we are
grateful for that . Now we wait 10 weeks until we travel to bring you home. We can hardly wait! I’m not praying for patience anymore, I’ve learned that lesson well.

“Thank you Lord for Abby and what she means to us. Thank you for her foster mom who is taking care of her. Let her parents who felt they had to give her up have the peace she will be loved and cherished. Thank you for this opportunity as parents to mold her into a someone you call your child and servant. Keep them safe from all harm. Prepare Abby’s heart
for the major changes she soon will experience. Amen.”



June 5, 2007
We got our travel date and itinerary for China! That’s another answered prayer, we will be able to leave July 18th, a day earlier than expected. With our travel invitation we received a brief update on your current size. We were hoping for a current picture to see how you a growing, but it won’t be long and we can see that for ourselves. We don’t know if your foster mom has told you about a new mom and dad coming to take you home with us forever. All we can do is pray God will prepare your heart for us and all the love we will pile on you. Our neighbors Trish, you will be calling her “T” like her grandchildren refer to her, and Paulette are having us a baby shower to help get some of the things you will be needing. I plan on buying you many things in China so you will always be aware of your birthplace and heritage. We are counting down the days until we fly to meet you. May the Lord keep us all safe and in good health.
Love, hugs and kisses all the way to Jiangxi.

Momma and Daddy

New information on Abby

We have got some information on Abby.
She is approximatley 29.1" tall, weighs 21lbs.
(we figure she is in about a 12-18month clothes),
wears about size 5-6 shoe, & has a total of 9 teeth.
She also can crawl & walk with some support.

Abby we are on our way!

We will be traveling

July 18th 2007

Our first report on Abby!

Child’s Progress Information Report

Name: Yu Cai Yu Sex: F Date of Birth: April 23, 2006
Address: Xinyu City Social Welfare Institution, Jiangxi Province
Reporting Date: Dec. 11, 2006

Yu Cai Yu, female, on April 26, 2006 was found by Liu Jin Lan in the doorway of the Civil Affair Bureau of Yushui. The people immediately reported to the local police station. Because the policeman did not found the child’s parents, she was then brought to our institution under approval of Civil Affair Bureau.
On admission, her physical examination showed: height 50.1cm, weight 3.2Kg, head circumference 33cm and chest circumference 32cm. The umbilical cord did not fall off. Cry was loudly. The heart, lungs and abdomen were normal. The limbs were normal. The doctor diagnosed her as a regular child and estimated her DOB as April 23, 2006 based on her umbilical cord and physical condition. We gave her name Yu Cai Yu.
After entering the institution, she was observed for a week. She cried loudly and had good appetite. She pooped and peeped normally. Routine blood examination showed normal. HBV and RPR negative. On May 1, 2006 she was brought to a foster home. She has regular living schedule in the foster home. She is fed 6 meals a day, each respectively at 6:40am, 8:30am, 10:40am, 2:30pm, 5:00pm and 8:00pm, 100ml at each. She gets up at 6:30am and goes to bed at 9:00pm. She takes a nap from 12:00am-2:00pm. She sleeps sometimes on side and sometimes on back. She awakens 2-3 times during the night. The foster feeds her a little milk and helps her to change diaper. Then she falls asleep.
She develops well. She is strong with a ruddy complexion. She has good motor development. At one month of age, she slept most time. At 2 months, she lifted head on tummy. At 3 months, she turned head to a sound and a moving object. She smiled when the foster mother played with her. At 4 months, she recognized the sound of the person she knew. She giggled. At 5 months, she gurgled. She turned from back to side. She raised upper chest on tummy. At 6 months, she turned from back to tummy. She grasped a toy nearby. She distinguished between acquaintances and strangers. She refused being hugged by a stranger. She understood the facial expression of adults. She understood her own name. She watched TV. She liked busy. At 7 month, she is able to creep, to sit down and to sit up. She can stand holding on to the railings. She can bang hands.
She is in good health. She is an active and energetic child. She is lovely.
Placement person: Li Xuan

Getting our referral May 2,2007

Love at first sight.

Abby's room

These are pictures of Abby's room. Her room is ready, we just need to find out her

size and we can get her outfitted.

May 2, 2007

A picture says a thousand words. We

cried and were overwhelmed by the

immediate love we had for you.
These were the pictures the orphanage sent.

Abby Caiyu, Born April 23, 2006.
Jiangxi Province China.
Pictures Nov. 2006, 7 months.

We have waited so long for some word on

the special angel we have been praying for.

An emotional day for our family. We learned

your name and your birthday.

May 1, 2007

I was very emotional when we received the unexpected news
Abby had been chosen for us.