Wednesday, May 12, 2010

We have her!

Let me introduce you to the bravest person I have ever met, our new daughter!  I do not know if I could ever do what she has done.  Or do it with as much grace, dignity or excitement that she has. 
 
We met our guide this morning at 10:10 and headed to the civil affairs office.  When we pulled in we parked beside a van and all of a sudden there she was!  She hopped out and came to me with her arms opened for a hug.  I said "Hi!  How are you?"  and she answered "I am OK thank you" in very good English.  I turned towards Wayne and said "This is...." and I wasn't sure how to finish.  But she jumped right in and said "Dad" and hugged his neck too.  Then we introduced the girls and she hugged both big girls and was not shy at all.  She helped Sydney out of the van and up the stairs.  It was really cute. 
 
We went in to the civil affairs office and proceeded to do all the necessary paperwork.  She just seemed so happy and excited.  She behaved like she has been looking forward to this day forever.  There was joy all over her.  I was surprised and I guess I just didn't expect that.  But I should have, after all that God has done for us this far!  Oh me of little faith.  And yes, I know that this is purely a honeymoon phase, and we will face more emotions in the next few days, but I am really enjoying this right now.
 
After the adoption business, we went for lunch.  Our guide told us that she loved KFC which we already knew, so we headed there.  The girls were soooooo ready for some American food.  And what do you know, but Abbey will fit right in with our family when it comes to eating fried chicken!  During dinner, our guide told us that she had some business to take care of and pointed out the way to WalMart and then back to the hotel.  And off she went.  Now I do have to confess that I was a bit surprised and alot nervous that we may never see our hotel again.  But with the help of Abbey and our iphone translator app, we made it to WalMart.  (I know, I know, even in China my family heads to WalMart!)  We were able to get a few items of clothing there and some other things for Abbey.  She was able to tell us whether she liked certain clothes or not.  We even had a good laugh over the clothes that Wayne picked out!  He's so cute!
 
We then proceeded to head back towards the hotel.  This included crossing the street about 5 times.  Praise the Lord that the Chinese have finally started some kind of pedestrian crosswalk system.  Although the bikes and scooters are right in the middle of the pedestrians, which translates to us being honked at by about 25 bikes or scooters at each crossing.  I need to get me one of those obnoxious bullhorns and when someone honks at me, I can just let loose with a big AHOOOOOOOGA!  :P  I think I shall invent an app for that.  Needless to say we did make it back to our blessed hotel.
 
Abbey has spent the last 30 minutes drawing pictures for Sydney and is now painting Sydney's nails.  She is so stinkin' cute! 
 
 

9 comments:

Lori at JOY Unspeakable said...

Wow, Leah!! That is so great!! I'm so happy that Abbey is so eager to be with you guys! Woo hoo!!!

I can't wait to show all your pics to Macy!

Sandy said...

Leah...this is so awesome....thank you for posting this great event....
with great anticipation I wait for more adventures and pictures.
God is so Faithful, isn't He?

living4him5 said...

PRAISE JESUS!!!! She is just beautiful! I love how she just came to you with open arms!!!

ENJOY you time with your new daughter!

Many blessings,
Amy <><

Laura Hawkins said...

Wayne & Leah, Ashlyn, Sarah, Abbey & Sydney:

Dale and I were so happy to see your blog this morning. We thank God that the first thing she did was to give you all a big hug. God does work all things out for us. Dale said that he can't wait to give her a big hug and not just a hand shake.

I know that you will take lots of pictures, so be sure to keep us posted.

We love and miss you all.

Dale & Laura

Jerry and Christy said...

This is such a sweet beginning to your life together as Abbey's forever family. Thank you for sharing. It brings tears of joy to my eyes. God has truly blessed you.
Christy

Nancy said...

WooHoo...It's a good thing she likes to draw, lol! Let me guess, Lady Bugs, Butterflies, no wait....Cheerleaders with____!!! LOL...Can't wait until you all come home...Camron doesn't understand that Sydney is brining her sister home from China...he will have to see it before he believes it!

Unknown said...

We are so excited for you all; and we can't wait to meet Abby. Tell Sydney Lorna misses her!

Jean said...

Congratulations!! I am so excited for you!! I can't believe you are in China already and you have her- woohoo!!

Praise the Lord! She is adorable!

Janice said...

Abby we are so excited and can't wait to see you. We have been waiting so long for you at Black River Baptist. You have the most wonderful family.Our prayers are for safe travel and easy adjustments and for the time for you to be home with us to come soon. Love you all so much and so so happy for you. What a work for the Lord. Love Dirk and Janice
P.S. Tell Ashlyn and Sarah not to try to get her to play volleyball until she's home.