Day 100!

Hard to believe that one week ago today that Abby was having her heart surgery.  Amazing the recovery that she has made.

Even more hard to believe is that 100 days ago, Jennifer and I got to meet Abby for the 1st time.  What an amazing journey where God has continued to prove Himself faithful over and over again.

Is this the path that we would have chosen?  No.  Is it the path that Christ had for us?  Yes.  Again, we see Jeremiah 29:11 play itself out.

If you have a chance today, read Ephesians 1-2.  It is an amazing two chapters dealing with how God adopted us and we can have peace through Him (and Him alone).

God adopted us before the beginning of the world.  We did nothing to earn His love and yet He chose us.  It has been incredible to see how that has played itself out with our adoption of Abby.  She did nothing to earn our love yet we love her-through her hugs and kisses, screaming fits, poopy diapers, adjustment issues and when she cries out "mommy" in the middle of the night.  And think, this is just the 1st 100 days!

On top of that, Paul writes that we can have peace in Christ.  This adoption has been beyond difficult.  Without question, it is the hardest thing we have ever walked through as individuals and as a married couple.  Yet during its darkest moments, Jennifer and I could still find peace in Christ.

Thank you Lord for loving us, adopting us and giving us peace and a future in You!

We Are Home in Frisco!

Praise the Lord!  Abby was released from the hospital yesterday (for some reason we couldn't update our blog) which was a day early.  In a couple of weeks we take her in for a check up with her cardiologist.  She was sent home with one prescription to help with all of her fluids she received via an IV.  Can you believe that is it?

Hard to believe that 5 days ago she had her chest cracked open and her heart operated on.  It is amazing how fast a two year old heals.  It is also amazing the medical abilities to fix a hole in her heart.  Without the operation, it is doubtful Abby would have made it out of her teenage years.  Thank you Dr. Mendeloff at Medical City Dallas.

Again, to God be the glory!

Thank you for your faithful prayers, support and friendship.  Abby came into our lives nearly 100 days ago.  What a crazy and unexpected ride with crushing depths.  Jennifer and I are beyond ready to really start our family without the specter of heart surgery always lurking on the horizon.

We are out of isolation but still need to be careful the next couple of weeks while Abby is healing.  We are ready to return to church, our incredible Bible Fellowship class and in general, rejoin the human race!

Room Change (Again)

Our new room is 615D at Medical City.

Why?

I guess we just couldn't settle being in one room for very long.  Or could it be that the new room actually had a hospital comfortable reclining chair vs the couch with wooden slats running through the middle of it?

Even though we are trying to uphold Phil 4:11-13 by being content, the hospital comfy recliner won our hearts over.  We truly hope our next move is back to the casa on Stuttgart in Frisco.

"We're Movin' On Up"

Sometime today Abby will be promoted to the sixth floor.  In theory, we are supposed to be in 604D.  We shall see!

What this really means is that Abby has been released from PICU and is ready for a regular room.  We are waiting for the room to be cleared so we can move in today.  Hopefully we will be there for 48 hours at most.

Please keep praying for Abby, her healing, her adjustment and bonding to her parents.  Please pray for strength and patience for her parents.  We are all PAST ready to start building our family.

Continued Good News

Today has been another good day so far for Abby.  The hospital staff has already removed her chest tubes and nearly all of her IVs.  So she is progressing along according to schedule.

We are probably in PICU for another 24 hours before we will move to a regular children's room.  We then expect to be released on Monday.

Thank you for your prayers and concern.

Abby is Nicely Progressing and a New View

This morning has been a good morning for Abby.  A couple of tubes have been removed, she is allowed water and is having Cheerios again.  Hopefully she can have her favorite beverage later today-milk!

Also we have now moved rooms.  We are in room 558 in Building A at Medical City.  Same floor, same unit but a different view from the window.  We will most likely keep moving around as Abby continues to progress.

Thank you for the prayers!  They are working.

Room Update

Abby has been assigned to her PICU room here.  However, we are asking for no visits until Friday afternoon (see previous post on visitation and the PICU rules).  Abby's is in room 563 in Building A at Medical City.  She will most likely be there for the duration of her stay.

We continue to get great reports from the doctors and nurses.  She is responding well to the surgery and her medicines.  The doctors are even impressed that she seems to be pushing for the next step on the road to healing.

Please be in continued prayer for us.  Tomorrow, during the day, it is promised to be rugged.  Some of the tubes are to be removed, while still semi-drugged combined with limited movement.  For a 40 year old that is fluent in English-that sounds tough.  For a two year old that is new to the US, it promises to be very challenging.  However, not to challenging for the Lord!

Visitation

Several people have kindly offered to visit Abby while she is recovering in the hospital.  In advance, thanks!

We think, as of now, that we should be able to accept visitors after 12p on Friday.  We will most likely be here through Sunday and maybe as late as Monday.

She will be in Pediatric ICU (PICU) on the 5th Floor in Building D at Medical City Dallas.  We don't have a room number yet.  When we know more, we will pass it along.

With Abby being in PICU, there are a few rules for visitation.

• We can only have a couple of people in the room at a time.
• No one 12 and under (if you have a kid 12 or under, you can still visit but not bring your child into the room)
• No visitation between 6a-7a and then again from 6p-7p.

Again, thank you for the touching outpouring of love, support, kind words and most importantly the prayers.

Abby Out of Surgery!

Abby is now out of successful surgery and is recovering. They patched the primary hole which was in the lower part of her heart with a patch about the size of a quarter.  They were able to stitch together a small hole in the top chambers of her heart.  Jennifer and I should be able to see Abby about 12:30p.

We are so thankful for the rash of good news!

Thankfully the Surgery Has Begun

Jennifer and I are excited that Abby's surgery has begun.  The nurse has just updated us that things are going well.  We will post more when we know more.

Green Lights Given Today in Advance of Surgery Tomorrow

Thankfully the doctors are continuing to give Abby green lights for her heart surgery in the morning.  Jennifer and I continue to see this as more answered prayers.

It amazes us that the nurse can take blood from Abby and she just looks on as this is something interesting. I think I was feeling sympathy woozy for her!

The surgery is scheduled to begin in the morning (June 2) at 7:45a and be done by noon.  The doctors think she will be in Pediatric ICU (PICU) for several days and then a couple of days in a regular hospital room.  We are hopeful that we will be dismissed Sunday or Monday.

As the big day draws near, we continue to covet your prayers.  We also appreciate the many kind emails, calls and texts.  We expect the next several days to be crazy so we will continue to use this blog to communicate.

Again, thank you for your faithful prayers and encouraging words of support.

No Sinus Procedure Needed!

Finally, we received some good news!  The doctors told us that Abby's CT Scan looked great so we don't need to do a sinus procedure.

It feels like the first time that we have not been forced on either a pit stop or a detour on the Abby Road.  So as of today, we are on schedule for pre-op work on Tuesday and the needed heart surgery on June 2.

We appreciate your prayers and we continue to need them.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

CT Scan Finished

Or should this have been titled, "Another day, another procedure"?  We are thankful that the CT Scan was completed and the recovery was lightening quick.

We should know soon (meaning in the next day or two hopefully) how Abby's sinus cavities look.  If they are still full then we will have a sinus day procedure involving a balloon sometime before the heart surgery next Wednesday.

I think we have this Wednesday off from seeing doctors.  We see an ENT on Thursday morning.

Jennifer and I are grateful that we are moving through the needed procedures and getting closer to the heart surgery.  However, it is sad to see Abby know which foot to stick out for her hospital ankle bracelet and which foot to stick out for her oxygen monitor.

One interesting thing today is that Abby had two nurses who spoke Cantonese.  Abby nicely smiled when she heard her native tongue but that was it.  She is learning Texas English which is another sign that she is adapting well to her new country (Texas / United States) and home.

As always, thanks for your vital prayers.

Heart Cath is Finished!

We are so excited that Abby was FINALLY able to have her heart / lung cath today.  The doctor came out and verified that Abby has a large hole in her heart (we knew that) but everything else looked good.  We are now here for the next 6-7 hours for recovery and then we head home.

Tomorrow Starts Abby's Hospital Journey

Starting in the morning, the hospital journey begins for Abby.  Here is the known schedule for this next week or so:

• Monday, May 24-Heart and Lung Cath.  We have to be at the hospital in the morning at 10a for the noon procedure.  We won't be home until late in the evening.
• Tuesday, May 25-CT Scan.  We have to be at the hospital at 6a for an 8a procedure.  Should be home mid-afternoon.
• Sometime this week:  Most likely a sinus procedure if she "fails" the CT Scan.  Don't know more than that right now.
• As of now, we are still scheduled for Abby's heart procedure on June 1.  

Jennifer, Abby and I need your prayers for a variety of reasons.  These are really challenging times-to be kind.  We will continue to update this blog when we can.

Most importantly, please continue to pray that Abby can have her heart surgery on June 1.

As always, thank you for walking and praying with us on the Abby Road.

New Day Must Mean New Hospital Schedule

The good news is that Jennifer and Abby went to the lung specialist today and received a great report.  (I am also excited that the Rangers are in 1st place by two games.)  He was very pleased with how clear Abby's lungs sound, that her nose is running and that she is sneezing.  All three were important to him for his own unique reasons.  Jennifer and I are glad that there is no more of Abby's wet wheezing.

As of now, Abby's new schedule is coming into focus and it is a doozy.  On May 24, Abby goes in to the hospital for her heart and lung cath day procedure.   On May 25, Abby goes back to the hospital for a CT scan of her nasal passages-another day procedure.  If that doesn't just go swimmingly, on May 26 Abby goes back to the hospital for her 3rd day procedure in a row.  This one will incorporate a balloon to clear out her nasal passages.  Then on June 2nd, she goes in for her heart surgery.  Wow!

If anyone has suggestions on how to better ease a two year old out of anesthesia, we are all ears.

Jennifer and I are glad that God is in complete control.  Otherwise, we would have already lost our sanity.  The two weeks starting May 24 will be crazy and extremely difficult.  Your prayers are vitally needed.

Thank you for praying for us.

This is Why It is Worth It-Jenn's 1st Mother's Day

Abby's Upcoming Schedule-the Road Ahead

Now that we are home, a heavy regiment of breathing treatments, medicine and doctor appointments have become the regular routine. Also, we are learning how to take Abby out during non-busy times but otherwise keeping her isolated. This is our life for the next couple of months or so.

On the horizon, we take Abby back to the hospital in about 3 weeks to get another CT scan of her sinus cavities. While in the hospital we learned thru the 1st CT scan they are like 98% blocked. All of that jammed up mucus is a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, etc. If her sinuses are not substantially better, then we will have to have a day procedure on her sinuses. The doctors will run a balloon thru there to get everything cleaned out. We are obviously hoping this does not have to be done. If it does, we are praying they can knock Abby out once, perform the CT scan and immediately do the balloon procedure.

Right now, the week of June 7 is when the heart and lung cath and the open heart surgery is scheduled to happen. Of course, we can't set an appointment because the hospital is still not at full power yet so it is affecting their scheduling system. (Can you hear me silently screaming?) She will be in Pediatric ICU for about 4 days and then have two more days of recovery before being released. Then about 3 weeks of home recovery and Abby should be raring to go.

In all of this, we continue to covet your prayers. Jennifer needs the most of them right now because she is responsible for administering all of the breathing treatments, medicine, etc. And yes, please keep praying for a complete healing for Abby, no more viruses and that the surgery can happen on this new schedule. Also, pray for my mom and Jennifer's mom. Once Jennifer has to go back to work on May 24, they will be sitting with Abby Mon-Thu during the day. They will need patience and endurance.

We are home!

Yeah!

Update on Abby for May 3, 2010

It looks like we are going to be dismissed from the hospital in the next 24 hours.  Like everything else, it could be tonight or in the morning-challenging to plan anything with that type of certainty.  Oh well.

We did have a good discussion with Abby's heart surgeon.  We also received guidance of when the procedure could take place-likely mid-June.  We then had a good discussion with Abby's lung specialist doctor.  We learned that Abby has incredibly stuffed up nasal passages, lots of bacteria, white blood cells and a warrior of a spirit.

All of this means that Abby is going on a strict regimen of breathing treatments, antibiotics, doctor visits and a pretty tightly controlled season of isolation.  We may have to have a day procedure toward the end of May to clean out her sinuses if she doesn't make significant progress toward squeaky clean status.

We were blessed today by what James MacDonald wrote on his blog about trials and how to handle them. Check out this link:  http://blog.harvestbiblefellowship.org/

Please continue to pray for Abby and her healing along with patience and wisdom for her parents.  We continue to appreciate your prayers and words of encouragement.

Another Frustrating Detour on the Abby Road

Late today we were informed that Abby's heart and lung cath for tomorrow and her heart surgery on Wednesday have been cancelled.  Something came back on a virus scan that has stopped everything.

As of now, it appears that Abby will be in the hospital until Tuesday.  The doctor is ramping down her breathing treatments to something more "home manageable"-whatever that means.

We have no idea when the needed procedures will be rescheduled.  We are very, very frustrated right now.  All of this in the midst of being in a hospital who chose this weekend to upgrade their power systems.  The hospital is running on backup power.  This means no lights in Abby's room and the hospital is issuing flashlights.  Then today, they had a major fire breakout so there is no estimation when the hospital will have power.  Crazy.

Once Abby comes home, the doctor is putting severe restrictions on Abby and to a somewhat lesser degree on Jenn and me.  We will have to wait and see what that means and how it plays itself out.  With the three of us being social creatures, the term "isolation for May" is a scary term.

A positive note, Abby is no longer wet wheezing while breathing.  We are thankful for that advancement.

Abby Visitation

Jennifer and I are thankful for the many kind emails that contain encouragement, prayers and offer to help.  We need both the prayers and encouragement-this is rugged.  We will be taking up your offers to help once we are out of the hospital.

On the visitation front, please let me be clear and kind.  Right now, we are asking for NO visitors.  Abby is in a critical phase of her treatment and needs to be kept in isolation except from family.

Once she is done with her surgery on Wednesday, we should be able to accept visitors.  We appreciate your understanding with this.

We do love getting your emails, texts, Tweets and Facebook posts.  We most cherish your prayers.

Upper GI and MBS completed

This morning Abby had the joy of drinking bubble gum flavored barium so the speech-path (under the very close inspection of Abby's speech-path mom) could do the MBS and Upper GI.  These procedures were needed to verify that Abby was able to swallow and was not aspirating on anything.  All of the tests came back good.  We are thankful.

Thank you again for your faithful prayers and encouraging words.

New Twist on the Road

We found out late this afternoon that the doctor has ordered an upper GI and a MBS (modified barium swallow).  This is now scheduled for in the morning.

With Jennifer being a speech-pathologist, she will actually get to observe the MBS.  Mom and I will be in the waiting room.  Thankfully she does not have to be anesthetized.

All of this is due to Abby "tossing her cookies" three times in the last 24 hours.  The doctor thinks it is due to the bodily stress from the procedure.  So this is more of just to make sure.

Please pray for Abby's procedure in the morning.

Abby's Medical Journey Has Begun-Early

Yesterday, Jennifer and Abby went to see the lung specialist to get a progress report.  They did it because of her rescheduled heart and lung cath that is on Monday.  The doctor was not pleased at all with Abby's progress.  So I am sitting at Whataburger enjoying a grilled chicken sandwich and fries and Jennifer calls and tells me they are on the way to the hospital!

What happened is the lung specialist had a free afternoon due to everyone else taking TAKS and the hospital just happened to have an opening (is it just me or do you see God working through all of this?).  So, Abby was admitted to have a bronchotomy which is basically a procedure to vacuum out her lungs.  So at 3:15p the procedure began and had a good ending 45 minutes later.  The doctor was stunned at how much mucus was in her lungs.  She had so much and for so long, she had learned how to repress coughing.  We then had the joy of experiencing a two year old coming out of anesthesia.  (We get to be with Abby as she comes out of anthesia two more times next week.)

Now Abby is in the hospital and will be in there until she has recovered from heart surgery which has now been moved up to May 5. She is in isolation so she doesn't get anything between now and her procedure on Monday and her surgery on Wednesday.  Isolation means she can't leave her room.  Imagine having a two year old unable to burn off energy.  Mix in how no one gets sleep from the constant flow of nurses and other caring professionals to check her out and give her therapy.  Then she had a fever from the bronchotomy that had to be broken so we had a cavalcade of folks streaming in every 15-20 minutes last night.  To say the least, it is challenging right now and only to get more so over the next week.

Obviously, we need your prayers!

Please pray for Abby that she will not get sick between now and her procedures.  Pray that Abby will have a God-given sense of calm.  Pray that she "passes" her procedure on Monday and will be able to have the needed surgery on Wednesday.  Please pray for Jenn and me as we start on this roughly 10 day journey.  It is not how we would have chosen to celebrate our first mother's day.  We are hoping Father's day will go smoother!  Pray for Jenn's mom and my mom as they rotate throughout the day to give Jenn and I a periodic break.  Pray for our health as we are both suffering from allergies and coughing consistently.

As before, we will use this site to communicate.  As of today, we are not sure when we will be released but we will communicate.  When we are released, meals would be welcomed.

Right now, we are asking for your prayers over visits until at least the heart surgery is finished on May 5.  Visitation means you have to wear a mask, be in GREAT health and not bring any children under 13.  In light of all this, we are trying to keep Abby as isolated as possible so she can have her procedures next week.

We are trusting God through all of this.  We are also hoping and praying that June will be the beginning of normalcy for Abby.

Abby and Dr. Paul

Abby had a chance to see her dentist again today-Dr. Paul!  The needed work was done so we are through this hurdle on the road to a healthy Abby.

It was also good to see my old friend today and have a chance to visit.  I remember when he was building his first office that closes tomorrow.  It was a really cool office.  Plenty of things to keep even a 40 year old interested.  I wonder if my dentist would put cool things on the ceiling, heat sensitive drawing areas on the wall and allow me to wear cool Wayfarers (sad that my song references are now nearly 25 years old) to shield my eyes from the bright light?  Tomorrow they move to new facilities which I am sure Abby will see plenty of times between now and 18.

The other piece of good news is that we don't think she will need braces!

Aaron

Follow Up Information

We found out this afternoon that Abby has a bacterial infection that is not helping us to get the crud cleared up so she can start having her procedures.  Now that more medicine has been prescribed, her lung specialist thinks that we can have Abby breathing properly (and not the wet wheezing she does most of the time) in about two weeks.  We are praying that means Abby can her testing procedure done the week of April 26.  We are also praying that her heart procedure can be done very quickly after her testing procedures is concluded.

We know that "God never runs late, seldom early but alway on time" (quote from Dr. Mac Brunson).  However, we feel that God is cutting this close according to our plans.  Jennifer's FLMA runs out May 23 where she has to go back to work.  We hear the clock ticking and are tapping our feet.  So we are learning more patience and waiting for His timing.  Please continue walking with us in prayer about Abby's crud clearing up quickly, the testing procedure being done on the 26th and the heart surgery being completed soon after that.

Thank you for faithfully praying with us.  Hopefully soon, we won't be taking up so much space on your prayer sheets.

Aaron

Abby Survived Her 1st Dentist Appointment

Seeing the dentist is just another needed step on the Abby Road.  Jennifer took her today to a friend, Dr. Paul Rubin, for her 1st checkup.  Really neat guy that is amazing with children.

We knew some work was needed but the report back was not as bad as we feared plus no cavities!  Some follow up work needs to be done next Wednesday.  Yet we rejoice that is all that is needed.

The other good thing is that her teeth are far enough apart that she doesn't need to worry about flossing right now.  Glad neither one of us have to teach her the joys of flossing to a 27 month old, head strong growing girl.

Please be in prayer for Abby next Wednesday as she gets her follow up work done.

The Road Stretches Onward

Just heard from Jennifer about Abby's appointment with her lung specialist.  The crud is breaking up but not enough or fast enough.  So that means Abby's procedure has been delayed again.  We will call the specialist on Friday to give a progress report.  By then we hope that the pediatric cardiologist, pediatric cardiologist surgeon and the lung specialist will have visited and can give us an updated schedule for Abby.

Please continue to pray with us for Abby, Abby's recovery and patience for us.

Update on Abby's Medical Journey Today

Today was a frustrating day with Abby in regards to her medical needs.  We arrived at the hospital before 6a and were dismissed by 10a to go see a chldrens lung specialist instead of having her procedure.  Abby has crud in her lungs (most likely from her time spent in China) and we need that gone or greatly reduced before we can proceed.  Thankfully we were able to get Abby in to see the doctor this afternoon.  He has put her on a heavy dosage of medicine delivered through a nebulizer to try and get this reduced quickly.

The challenge is that the heart procedure that Abby has should have been treated before she was 9 months old.  She will be 27 months old next Monday.  There is most likely some lung and heart damage but hopefully small enough that the heart surgery can be done.  We are hoping it can be done before the end of April.

If things go well, the growing numbers of doctors and specialists think Abby can have this test done either next Monday or most likely the following Monday.  If she is capable of having surgery, it should be done within a week or so after the 1st procedure.

We continue to need your prayers for Abby in general, patience for us, and wisdom on how to proceed on this front along with our faith, finances, when Jennifer should return to work and at what capacity along with many, many other challenges.

Thank you for your prayers.  The Abby Road is very rocky right now.

Aaron

The New Road with Abby-Prayers Needed

Back in November when we received our referral for Abby from Gladney, she was classified as special needs.  Jennifer and I never really got into the details of this with anyone outside of family because it is Abby's story-not ours.

Abby was classified as special needs because she had a 4mm opening in her heart.  Several cardiologists examined the information given to us by China.  Their opinions were that she most likely would outgrow this and would never need surgery (so again why expose this part of her story?).

On Tuesday, we took Abby into her pediatric cardiologist for a sonogram and what we thought was a clearance of all is fine.  We were wrong!  Abby doesn't have a 4mm opening but a 10mm opening.  This was never disclosed by China.

The result of this is that we have to have open heart surgery on Abby sometime in April.  On April 5th, Abby goes in for a day procedure to verify that her lungs can handle the surgery.  Abby's cardiologist thinks that there is a 99% chance this will come out fine.  When it does, very shortly after that, Abby's surgery will be scheduled.  It will require 10 days in the hospital to recover.

This is obviously not what any of us wanted to hear.  However, we are grateful this has been diagnosed.  If Abby was in China, she wouldn't have made it out of her teenage years.  Thankfully Abby is completely covered by Jennifer's insurance.  We know that God is in charge and this is for His glory but we are really challenged by this.  It has rocked us completely.

We will again use this website as our primary means of communication.  As we know more, we will pass it along.

Please pray with us during this really challenging time.  We covet your prayers.

Special Thank You

A special thank you needs to go out to a really good friend-Kent Jones.  When we got to China, our blog hosting company was blocked (along with Facebook, Google, Twitter, etc.)  We where in a panic about what to do.

I contacted Kent and he graciously agreed to update our blog.  Nearly every day I would send him our post and pictures.  He quickly turned it around for us.

Kent is truly a friend indeed.  Jennifer and I count our blessings that we have a friend like Kent and his sweet family.

Thank you Kent!

Yes, We Are Home!

Several people have emailed asking if we ever got home from Hong Kong.  We did-finally.  Our plane touched down at DFW at 11:30p on Friday night.  Was it ever great to see Texas once again.

It has been crazy busy since we have gotten home.  We are now going to several doctors appointments to have Abby checked out and start establishing a baseline for her.

Please pray with us for Abby.  She is adjusting to her new environment, home, Dallas time, US food, etc.  It has to be very traumatic for her.  Also pray that her doctors appointments go well.

Enjoying Hong Kong

Jennifer, Abby, my mom and me are now sitting at the Hong Kong International Airport.  Nothing like getting an email yesterday that our flight has been delayed by four hours-which means missed connections in the US.

Thankfully, Continental has worked with us and gotten us a connection at the same NYC airport and on the same day.  So instead of arriving mid-evening back in Dallas, we now arrive LATE evening on a different airline back at DFW.  However, we are getting back to Dallas tonight.  Yeah!

We might even experience late night Taco Bell in Little Elm.  None of us have ever been this long without Mexican food.  I think my hands are even shaking as I type this due to massive withdrawal pains.

We are ready to see the USA.  We are ready for Abby to become a naturalized US citizen.  We are ready to see our friends.  (Even ready to see Daisy.)  We are ready for home.

Final Days

Today we took the oath of citizenship for Abby.  So when we touch down in New Jersey on Friday-Abby is automatically a naturalized US citizen.  Yeah!  The journey is finished except for that small little plane flight to the US and then onto Dallas.  (We are so missing Mexican food-even Taco Bell sounds good now!)

Tonight we had a great going away party for the three Gladney couples who have been in China for the last several weeks (seems like months).  Since the party was in one of the other family's room, I suggested a slumber party.  The idea almost went over.  Anyway, it was sad saying good bye but it means home is right around the corner!

Pray Requests
1) Safe train ride then flights home
2) All transfers be made
3) Smooth sailing thru the immigration line at Newark
4) Patience for Mom and Dad

Here are several photos from our trip to the zoo and then the party tonight.

Abby and Jennifer feeding a giraffe at the zoo

Abby already being lady like (she is eating a egg roll in a unique way-she eats the inside first then the outside)

Abby sharing some cake

Abby enjoying some cake

Abby checking out the scene

Things are going just fine

Today Jennifer had the chance to visit the US Consulate in Guangzhou.  She had to sign a form and then have it notarized.  What was the form?  At this point who knows but it is needed and now done.  

Tomorrow we all (Jennifer, my mother and me along with the star-Abby) go back to the consulate for her swearing in ceremony.  Then on Thursday, we get her paperwork and take a train to Hong Kong.  It appears that we get to meet a good friend in Hong Kong.  What a surprise and a lovely chance to visit about our surging Dallas Mavericks.

Please keep praying that all goes smoothly.  There are many details that are falling into place but they all need to continue to fall into place.  What a pleasure to serve our God who majors in the majors and in the smallest details.  We are trusting Him to work it out!

We are beyond ready to see Dallas again. 

A week ago today...

Wow, a week ago today, we were meeting Abby for the first time.  God has been incredible to us with Abby.  We want to be incredible back to her.  We are very thankful for how God is blessing us.

As an update, Abby passed her TB exam today-so all is good.  Over the next couple of days we will be going back and forth to the US Consulate here in Guangzhou to finish up her American paperwork and getting her visa.  Today we received her Chinese passport.

Thankfully we are seeing more and more smiles from Ms. Abigail.

M&Ms

Today Abby enjoyed discovering M&Ms.  She enjoyed sucking the color shell off of the candy and spitting out the chocolate center.  Tonight at dinner, Abby discovered Oreos.  She enjoyed scraping off the filling with a spoon and eating it.  Afterwards, she would lick the chocolate cookie and hand it to Jennifer.

Abby today also reminded us of an M&M.  She started coming out of her shell!  It first started by her talking her dialect of Cantonese and then out came some English words!  She started smiling and interacting with Mom and Dad.  It was a beautiful sight to see Abby start coming to life.  

We all had a blast today at a mountainous park in Guangzhou.  We started off riding a cable car to midway up the mountain.  We then walked to the top and enjoyed spectacular views and some cool breezes.  All of the Americans were sweating and the local Chinese were dressed for a good winter day.   After reaching the top, we started down the mountain again.  It was a long walk with beautiful views of the city and amazing flowers.  What a joy to be humming "Amazing Grace" while looking at some of His handy work.

Tonight we all enjoyed a traditional Chinese meal-McDonalds!  Abby had some chicken nuggets and corn.  It was fun watching her discover her food.  It is also fun discovering Abby. 

Supposedly the last batch of paperwork was signed today for Abby.  On Tuesday, if all goes as planned, I get to swear Abby in at the US Consulate here.  This means as soon as our plane lands in the US, she will be an American citizen!  

On Sunday, we are going to the safari park.  We get to see pandas (yes-at the safari park) along with many African animals.  It has given Jennifer and I a chance to visit with our guide about our friends in Kenya and Zimbabwe. 

In China, we are learning new logic.  It is no longer surprising that pandas would be at a safari park.  Why not?  Yesterday, we discovered that the office supplies were next to the toys.  Why?  Crayons lead to markers which lead to pens which leads to paper which leads to notebooks.  See?  Now you are learning!

The Manley Family at the Park

Abby smiling!

Another day in the Journey

Today was the day Abby went to see the doctor to get measured, weighed, poked, examined, tested, etc.  Not the formula for a fun day at all and it wasn't.  However, it is done and then a nice day in the park was had.  

Tomorrow we all go look at a mountain.  None of us are totally for sure what is involved but it is supposed to be an all day activity.  Should be a fun day with the three families that are here.  Sunday involves a day of safari.

Thank you for your many thoughts, prayers and comments.  We are ready to come home but we are working our way through the necessary process.  The long, long flight to the US will be here soon enough.

Buddhist Temple & Museum

Today was an enjoyable day viewing a Buddhist temple, a carving museum and hearing about "all of the religious freedoms" here in China.  We enjoyed having hot tea while it was really steamy outside.  I was entertained by a frog holding a coin that changed colors when hot water was poured on it.  We also saw jaw-dropping carvings and embroidery.  

One of the things we have seen and heard over and over is about all of the good luck things in China.  Jennifer and I have discussed numerous times how thankful we are that we do not need luck or believe in it.  We are so thankful for Romans 8:28 and for God's sovereignty.  What joy to be able to trust in God, know He is in control and He gives us the freedom to roam while safely walled in by the Bible.  We were not expecting this trip to have such a spiritual aspect but it is increasingly becoming so.  

Tomorrow all the children go see the doctor to make sure all is ok (Chinese requirement).  Abby, because she is over 2, has the joy of getting pricked by the doctor.  Trying to look forward to those screams!  Saturday we go on a "safari" where we get to see pandas and a variety of wild animals.  

Keep praying for us.  I think we have adjusted to the food.  Plus the Starbucks next to the hotel is quite soothing!"

Prayer Request

Abby-has some type of upper respiratory "crud" that is kind of responding to her medicine.

Picture:  Hard Day of Touring Completed

The Police Station

Nice, catchy title eh?  Today, we go to the local police station to get Abby's passport to come to the US.  It just means one day closer of bringing Abby to the States.

Afterwards, we go shopping.  Abby, Mom and Grandmother are excited about this.  The shopping mall across from the hotel has a grocery store, an appliance store plus a Tiffany store-a unique mixture.  Abby and I had a wonderful conversation about contentment and her husband should be buying her Tiffany jewelry-not Daddy!  We also worked in a little Philippians 4:11-13 about contentment.  Not for sure how much she understood (none) but it is never to early to start!

Also yesterday, with signing some Chinese paperwork-according to China, Abby is officially ours!  Next week we work on the American side.

Jennifer and I are very appreciative of the nice comments and the many prayers.  We are all bonding.  Until tomorrow....

The Manley Family

We have Abby!

Abby is now sound asleep.  An astounding day bringing Abby into our arms.  She has bonded tight with Jennifer.  Me-she isn't so sure about yet.  Lots of looks when she doesn't think I am watching.  

We will try to post a picture or two soon.  In the meantime-she is beautiful!  We are trying to teach her how to say "y'all" along with momma and dadda.

Tomorrow we start working our way through the Chinese system.  Early start but done by noon.

New prayer requests.

1)  Abby-she will continue to bond tightly with us

2) Jennifer-for strength and endurance

3) Aaron-that Abby will bond with me soon

A Few Hours and Counting

It is now nearly noon in Guangzhou, China (or anywhere else in China).  We expect by mid-afternoon to see our Abby for the first time.  She is either here in Guangzhou or will be arriving shortly.  We are so incredibly excited!

This morning at breakfast, we set outside by a beautiful man-made waterfall in the warm, humid air-joyfully discussing Ephesians 1:3-11.  We may not understand what God is up to, the challenges of living in a fallen world or many questions of why.  However,  we do know that God is in control, predestined us for adoption and is working all things for His glory.  What a beautiful way to start March 1-the day Abby comes home!

Beijing Day 2

On the way to the Great Wall, we had the chance to drive past the "Birds Nest" and the "Bubble" from the Beijing Olympics.  It was unbelievable to see in person some of the buildings that mesmerized us so recently.  All the ladies in the mini-bus recounted, in amazing detail, about Michael Phelps (not once was "gold medal" mentioned or the amount of medals!). 

The section of the Great Wall that was  chosen for us did not have gondola rides, escalators or elevators.  It was conquered by human power.  It was breathtaking and breathtakingly cold!  Jennifer and I made it up to the second tower after many rests.  Even my mother was a trooper-she made it to the first tower.  It is hard to describe how steep the steps are or how mountainous the area is. 

We then headed to an old part of town where we were taken by a rickshaw into old Beijing.  We were not expecting much beyond a pre-packaged "how wonderful everything is" tour.  We were wrong.  We all had a chance to visit with a retired artist who was proud of his work and family.  It was a really nice chance to visit with an older gentleman about Beijing.  It felt odd however sitting in his home without sharing Christ.  Thankfully God gives us prayer so the three of us all prayed silently for the man that he would know The Artist!

We also had a chance to visit a jade factory and visit a "unique" acrobatic show.  We are exhausted but having fun.

Tomorrow we leave for Guangzhou.

Here's a few prayer requests we would appreciate you lifting up...

1) Safe travel to Guangzhou
2) Our hearts and minds would be prepared for meeting Abby on Monday!
3) A lady in our group named Elizabeth is feeling very ill (she ingested some water).  She is not adopting a daughter but is here with her sister who is.

Olympic Venues

The Great Wall

Beijing Day 1

We spent the day touring Beijing with two other Gladney couples.  One couple is from Cincinnati and the other is from far south Louisiana.  Sweet people with similar stories.  We are becoming tight quickly. 

We went to Tian An Men Square , the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and ended the day with a Kung Fu show.  It was busy but helpful to fight jet lag.  

I think Jennifer and I enjoyed the Forbidden City the most.  It just goes on and on and on.  Each gate crossed seems to open a whole new vista of buildings.  The place is even surrounded by a moat.  The moat was frozen but it is a real moat.  The Temple of Heaven was beautiful.  Sad due to the misdirection but still interesting.  It is round and built without one nail.  Wow.  Tian An Men Square was interesting because of the historical settings.  Who could forget the man stopping the tank?  When there, you have a chance to see the crystal coffin of Chairman Mao.  An elderly lady was openly weeping in line.  

Beijing is an interesting city that is teeming with over 17 million residents and growing all the time.  Not as crowded as I expected, very clean (not the air) and the traffic isn't too bad. 

Today, we go see the Great Wall amongst the snowflakes and rain.  We are all wearing long johns and still expecting to freeze.  My Texan blood just doesn't run that thick.  Plus we get to drive by several of the Olympic venues and see an acrobatic show.  Should be another fun day.  Best of all, it means we are one day closer to Abby!

Hello Beijing!

We and our luggage arrived yesterday afternoon in Beijing!  God was gracious to us.

Our ride to the airport happened after the sun had set but we could easily much neon and a bustling city.  One thing that struck us was the lack of churches.  As you drive anywhere in the US, you see numerous steeples everywhere.  Here-none at all.  We are not in Beijing even 24 hours and this has already begun to burden the three of us.  Yet we know that God is at work here in amazing ways.  We need to continue to pray for China.

Today we visit several of the major cultural sites that Beijing has to offer-including the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, etc.  Tomorrow we go to see the Great Wall and will pass by many of the Olympic venues from 2008.

Jennifer and I discussed several times about how our life is about to be excitingly different.  As we left DFW we commented that we leave as two but will return as three.  As we flew over Gnome, Alaska late yesterday, it was fun to comment that the next time we see the US (even from the plane) our family will be different.

We are excited to see Beijing but ready to get Guangzhou.  

Aaron

The Journey Has Begun!

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!  And let all the people say, 'Amen!'  Praise the Lord!"  Ps 106:48

Abby's Room-ready to go

Psalms 105

One week from today we have Abby!  Jennifer and I stand amazed at what God is doing in our lives.

Thankfully I was raised in a home where the Bible was lived out and taught.  Sometimes though the amazing stories in Genesis become more like fairy tales.  It is wonderful when one of the stories come to life even though I am now 40 and rapidly graying.

Recently I read Psalms 105 in my devotional time.  The Psalmist talks about how even though Joseph was sold into slavery-God had a plan.  Years later, that same Joseph was 2nd in command in Egypt, was given the wisdom to collect grain during the good times, was able to provide food for his family during the promised famine and then provide a place for them to live and flourish.  During all of this God was faithful.  I knew the story but don't don't think I had ever put together the pieces like this.

What I learned is that God was faithful, is faithful and will be faithful!  Joseph may not have seen it while in the bottom of the dry well or sitting in jail after being falsely accused.  Yet God was faithful.

Jennifer and I do not understand what could lead to Abby being placed on the steps of an orphanage or why we were not able to have children.  And yes, we are scared out of our minds and so excited that we are barely sleeping.  Yet we know that God is moving and bringing us together.  We know that God is in control and can't wait for the next few days to go by so we can get our daughter.

Please keep us in your prayers.  Even more important-please pray for Abby.  She is about to go through some crazy transitions.

The Joy of the Checklist

Yesterday the checklist goal was to get the furniture delivered, setup and filled.  Mission accomplished!  The room is looking like it is ready to be occupied.  The poor dog is so confused.  Her room has now been painted green with an overlay of daisies and tulips (or TULIP depending on your view of things), lady bugs, butterflies and dragonflies.  Now it has furniture and toys that are not available to her.  Does she understand the major changes coming her way?  Do we?

Today the checklist said it was time to meet Abby's pediatrician for the first time.  It was 45 minutes of learning and getting ready for an incoming two year old.  We are thankful that God led us to her.  She has a great amount of experience working with adopted Asian children.  I have never been in an office so brightly painted.  Wish my doctor would do the same thing!  It would make those long waits much more visually interesting.

Ready to go NOW but waiting, waiting, waiting!

Travel Itinerary

Late yesterday, unexpectedly our travel itinerary came in via email!  We were hoping to receive it Friday but most likely next Monday.  In the adoption journey, you learn to rejoice over every victory.  It was great to learn about the touring opportunities, the hotels and to see that it looks like we get to meet Abby on March 1.

The days are counting down fast-but not fast enough!

Travel Information

Over the weekend, several people have asked what our travel schedule currently looks like.  Thanks!  If you are ready for the crazy ride, here we go.

On February 24, Jennifer, my mother and I leave early morning (one last chance to get caught in a traffic jam for old times sake) from DFW on American and fly to Seattle.  We have a several hour layover where we can stretch our legs, eat one more American meal and then catch a mid-afternoon flight from Seattle to Beijing on Hainan Airlines.  The planes are all new Airbus 330s but they have a wild paint scheme on the outside.

After a few days in Beijing to tour, climb the Great Wall and adjust to China and its 14 hour time difference, we will fly to Guangzhou.  We will spend the rest of our time in Guangzhou until we depart for home. We think March 1 is the big day where we finally get to meet Abby!

The week of March 1 is dedicated to working our way through the Chinese government side of things.  The next week is spent working our way through the American government side of things.

Then on March 11th we take a train to Hong Kong and spend the night.  The next morning we fly out to Newark on Continental.  Spend a few hours going through immigration and customs and then head to Dallas late that night.

Yes, Abby's first exposure of the USA will be New Jersey.  Hopefully this will not lead to years of counseling down the road.  :)

If you think through all of this, it will not be hard to figure out when we return to DFW.  We are clearly asking that you respect our privacy when we return and not meet us at the airport.  We will all be exhausted and Abby will simply be overwhelmed and exhausted.  Exhausted two year olds tend not to be tons o' fun.  As we get acquainted with Abby, maybe we can change this.

As promised, a crazy ride indeed.  Again, thanks for asking!

We are crazy excited.  We covet your prayers.

Travel Authority and Other General Information

Now that I have posted my first ever blog post, I can start posting more updates.  So...

Today, we received our Travel Authority (permission to travel to China to pick up Abby) and our passports with our China visa (meaning we are allowed in the country).  This is the last step before we board the airplane and go to China.

We first go to Beijing and then to Guangzhou (Canton).  Our time in Beijing is designed to give us some cultural insights.  It will also help with cultural adjustments (food, smells, sights, etc.).  Then we go to Guangzhou and the real fun starts!

We are excited about the opportunity to tour Beijing, climb the Great Wall and trying to find creative ways to stay warm.  After we are done in Beijing, we will travel to Guangzhou to start the process of getting Abby.  From our understanding, we should get Abby three weeks from today and then start the process of completing paperwork-both for the Chinese government and the US government.

The road to Abby has been interesting.  We continue to enjoy the journey.

1st Ever Blog Post

Three weeks from today we expect to be holding Abby for the first time!  Just the thought of this is making me tear up!

We can't believe that after two years that God is moving in such amazing ways.  As usual, He is moving in ways that only He can get credit for it.  Jennifer and I would not want it any other way.

We plan to use this blog as our primary way of communicating with you while we are in China.  Each day something has to be accomplished.  Short time requirements (in theory) but we can't proceed until we get it done.  We continue to need God daily in all of the details.

We will try to update as we have a chance.  Hopefully we can post everyday.  Maybe with pictures. Maybe even some short video (the updated version of the dreaded slide show).

Please keep praying for us.  We are excited about our upcoming journey down Abby Road.