A few years ago Candi and I had a non-Christmas Christmas… I had preached on Christmas morning at First Baptist then immediately following we traveled 9 hr. in the car to Hendersonville. Our Christmas dinner was an Arby 's roast beef sandwich because they were the only ones open.

Well, from Nanjing ~ we feel about the same as we did then.

Christmas Eve ~ started a little ruff. Abby was very withdrawn from morning up until 2 PM. She would go from a smile to tears in a second. (Bless her little heart --- only God knows what is going on in her mind.) As for Mom & Dad…we were about the same!! We both felt very tired ~ and a little ill at heart. Finally some time after noon we had another moment in the Word and prayer and God gave us a recharge.

Note: If anyone asks if you want to go site seeing on Christmas Eve always…I mean always say, NO THANK YOU! For us, that evening the families boarded the bus to go to the gate of the city and a temple. Granted it is not everyday you get the chance to see some 600 year old gate, but when you have a 4 year old child who is upset because her entire world is upside down plus tired, hungry, & cold…SKIP THE GATE!

So, once we were at the gate the tears began to flow. We boarded the bus to attempt to calm her down. We then leave from the gate towards the temple, but first we make a pit stop to see a jade store - which no one buys, but we got to hear some Chinglish that sounds exactly like the guy on the movie "Father of the Bride" I think his name was Franze. Ha ha

Ok - once we reach the stop for the temple - Abby is cranked up… we have got to get back to the hotel. Brother Kevin had a card with the address of hotel so Larry, our guide, stops a taxi and we zoom off into the sunset leaving the rest of the group behind…as we passed by them I motioned to them "Pray!"

So there we were - Chris, Candi, and Abby at the mercy of a taxi cab driver in Nanjing. No Problem…no problem…after zipping through lanes and swerving back and forth to avoid hitting bicyclists and buses we made it to the hotel. As soon as Abby stepped out of the cab the tears stopped.

Ok, this girl knows how to play us! But on Christmas Eve, without any lunch and tired and it is 6 PM we could care less. Ha ha ha

Candi and Abby go up to the room and I go the front desk and order a pizza. About an hour later I return down to pick it up and there in the lobby is none other than the one, the only, Jackie Chan Santa Clause surrounded by a couple hundred screaming children. WOW!

After our meal…Candi attempts to put Abby to bed, and I lay down on the other bed not intending to sleep because I was wanting to talk to Emily via web cam ~ but I was out like a light not to move again until my Asian wake up time 3-4 AM.

When Candi woke up on Christmas morning she told me that she could not believe I slept through all the noise…Abby crying out!!!


Christmas Day - Began 76.3% better than the day before. Abby was full of smiles and a playful spirit and Candi and I both felt some better although it was so very rough being away from Emily!

I had brought Candi's stocking and put in it a pair of fuzzy socks Emily bought for her. I also put some of the things we brought for Abby…coloring book & stickers.

After a joyful and filling breakfast we returned to the room and talked with Emily for a little while…thank you Lord.

At 10:30 AM I met the other dads to pick up our laundry. It was all there! Termite's son, Treagan, was wearing a pair of shorts because he gave all his clothes to be cleaned to his dad two days prior….we all thought that we were going to the laundry mat…no, not in China. So, all Treagan had to wear was a pair of shorts and one shirt.

While standing on the corner in front of "Lucky Lucy Laundry"(all rights reserved on phrase and can not be used without permission) , one old man walked by and reached down and slapped Treagan right on the leg! It was so funny. In fact by the time we all got our clothes he had got a total of three slaps by passer-bys.

Ok back at hotel - eat lunch then...
Note #2: When someone asks if you want to go site seeing on Christmas Day always…I mean always say, NO THANK YOU! Larry, said we would go to the Nanjing museum, located adjacent to the hotel. No problem…if we get ready to go just walk down the sidewalk and bam you are back at hotel.

We get on board the bus and drive to another place first. It is a park that has the tomb of the Ming Dynasty. We all get off the bus and start walking. Little Abby - who shuffles when she walks needs some help. I carry her first but then she wants Mommy to carry her. Once Mommy has her she does not want to return to daddy. For 2 miles of walking!

We make it almost to the tomb. Abby is crying, cold, and tired -- ready for nap, and here we are trying to see some sealed tomb that still contains the remains of some old…anyway. We turn back leaving the group for the bus. And get this - we walk back the same way we came through a maze of paths with several crossroads, each bringing us to debate on which way?!/?

We finally make it back…I told Candi that every good dad always knows how to leave a trail and follow one:). But the thing was as we arrived back the entire group was already there. How you might ask? Well it seems that as we walked all over this 600 year old park we were just steps away from the tomb to begin with!!! How funny.

Once we made it back to the hotel we were again exhausted, Candi's arms looked like Popeye the sailor man after carrying Abby for 30 miles or so it seemed. I ordered us - yep - Pizza for our Christmas dinner.

We then were able to talk to Emily as we were about to go to bed here in Nanjing…Emily was telling us all she got for Christmas. I had to get up - because of tears.

Merry Christmas - it was. That night as I saw Emily talking about her gifts with excitement and us although exhausted had with us a little girl, our girl, I was reminded of what God spoke to my heart about earlier that day around 2 PM…we may not be able to touch this city for Christ, but we can touch one. That is Christmas!

Thank you Lord for coming that we might have life!

Merry Christmas all!

Christmas Eve Day

Just having some fun in the room!

What is going to happen today?

That was the question pressed in our hearts as we faced our first full day with Abby ~ Yi Ya. Our agenda for the day was to return back to the civil affairs office sign documents give a load of money over then find a local Wal-mart.

Our departure time was set for 8:30 AM, so at 6:30 AM I nudged Candi out of deep sleep so she could be ready. After a shower, Candi wakes up Abby - we both could not believe our eyes…she pops up from sleeping with a big smile…SHE IS A MORNING GIRL! Ha ha, this means that Candi will not have a chance now once we get back home!

Candi had packed a couple outfits - so today's fashion statement was a "multi-colored sweater with ruffled cuffs then covered with a girly pair of denim overalls with pink buttons." When on, Abby acted almost as if she was modeling her new duds…classic.

Once down in the lobby we were blessed with a grand breakfast - large selection, but no biscuits'n gravy . Abby tried some hash-browns and a little fruit, but then I found the rice and there was no holding her back.

Following breakfast it was back on the bus for the civil affairs. On the way there, Abby sat on my lap by the window enjoying the close encounters of cars. It was funny to watch her as she would show more excitement at the newer cars would pass….this means not only does she like fashion, but the fancy cars as well. (Oh, my!)

Back in the civil affairs office each family would sign two documents both including a fee, then each would give the orphanage director a "donation." (side note: The other families had read the fine print on one of the many memos received leading up to our coming to China that stated bring gifts for the notary and register - notice I said, "other" families…some how we missed that one.) So, when Larry, our city guide, called us up we sat down at the desk and answered the questions from the register and signed the document and then the man said, "congratulations" - I said, thank you and shook his hand.

Candi was so embarrassed!!! The other families gave gifts we give ---- a hand shake!

We then had to wait for our turn at the notary's desk…while waiting off to the side, Larry, comes up and says did you bring any gifts??? MMM, no we did not. He assured us that it was ok. (but he may have just been saying that.)

When it was our time at the notary's desk the same thing…I almost had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing at myself. The lady says, congratulations…Candi, gets up and exits quickly - and I give my HAND SHAKE!!!!

The only thing left to do is hand over our "donation" -- Honestly I felt like a mobster carrying all the loot and was happy to get rid of it!!!

OK - let's go to Wal-mart… not really, but equivalent. Just a few minutes away. There we were able to purchase some drinks and other goodies for the room to try to offset the food expense. We also bought Abby another outfit and PJ's. Again she was so happy! She looked like she was at Disney, eyes big and bright and a smile that would not fade. Thank you Lord!

After making it through the store we were the first to check out. We then waited for the other families at the KFC (that's right - we do chicken right) located in the same building. This is where we would have lunch…much cheaper. Again thank you Lord.

Throughout the day, as each minute passed Candi and I saw Abby opening up to us more and more. Her little personality shining bright with joy at her new surroundings and family. God is so good to us all. The joy of walking in obedience to God's calling is unmatchable and unbeatable. I thought late last night of a what if question - "what if we had said no to God's leading?"

Our lives would have continued…yes, but so much would be missed!

(As I write that final statement on this post I am once again driven to tears @ 4 something AM. Knowing that in just a few minutes from now another day is going to begin for us here in Nanjing, and yes our day is going to begin with that - What is going to happen today - question!"

Thank you Lord!

gotcha day

journey
Monday, December 22, 2008
3:11 PM
Today we are sitting the Grand Park Hotel, Nanjing ~ China. The time is 4 AM. This has been the first night with Yi Ya, Abby. Even while writing, it seems like a dream.

We arrived in Nanjing at 10:30 AM, Monday morning. After picking up our luggage we traveled straight to our hotel. As we are in route to hotel, Larry, the local guide gave some instruction for the day as to our check in at hotel and time we will go to the civil affairs office where we will pick up our children.
Our group --now four families in total -- are simple overflowing with excitement and shock that this day has finally dawned. Trying not to break down in a river of tears ~ we all continue to cut up with each other as we get closer and closer to seeing our little ones for the first time.

(In traveling through the city, we noticed a great difference from that of modern Beijing. Nanjing has a population of close to 7 million and in the providence some 25 million. It is one of the six ancient cities of China.)

As we reached the hotel, above the front entryway we could not help but notice the Santa Clause and reindeer…it was the same ones from the National Lampoon's Christmas movie -- yep, the one that got blown in the sky…it landed in China, hahaha.

The place is beautiful and the rooms are very spacious, our first thought was this will be perfect for our families during these first days together. All four families are on the same floor - 10th and are beaming with joy. Our departure time is 1:50 for the civil affairs office, this gives us about an hour and a half time frame for unpacking and lunch.

By-the-way, lunch was great!!! After 8 meals of noodles, rice, duck, and other things - a big burger with fries was welcomed!

Ok, it is time… we are all in the lobby, waiting to get on board the bus. We have our gifts for the Nannies, passports, initial toy for our child, and rapid beating heart…we are ready! After boarding, one family is told that their daughter will be late in arriving because the car broke down. Kevin, Gina, and two teenage boys - Jeffery & Jay. (our new neighbors in TN. Who live less than 1 mile away as a crow flies.) Because of the delay, Kevin offers to take pictures of us with Abby, since we are the only family out of the four alone. Kevin also, led us all in prayer on the bus…note in praying: Brother Kevin said, "Lord, after all the thousand of prayers already offered for this day - we just want to say thank you!"

Well, so much for holding back the tears!!!!

The bus stops and we hear Larry say, "OK, you are here, this way please."

Hallelujah! We are here this is it…this is the moment we have been waiting for the past three years. God is so good and so very faithful in not only leading and prompting our hearts to walk in His steps, but providing all things necessary to complete the journey.

When we stepped off the bus, there was some construction going on right there on the sidewalk. So picture it - gravel, and men working, and a bunch of noise coming from some kind of compressor running ~ very loud!!! After crossing through the hazard zone we are in sort of an ally way and there is a building on our left with a large window on the first floor. As are walking we can see a few people in the room, and in my gut I thought, Oh, this is where she is. We entered the building and turned to the room immediately to our left. As we walked in we could see several adults and yes… several babies.

The first child, Candi and I saw was our Yi Ya. At first we were both hesitant to approach her, waiting for assurance of Larry. But just a second or two, he said, "Ok, family 1, Hayes family - here is Yi Ya."

Yi Ya was sitting there all bundled up in a yellow winter jacket and pants eating some crackers. Her Nanny was sitting next to her with a big smile on her face. As we bent down in front of her I knew in my heart that she would be just fine, and that God had prepared her little heart as he has prepared ours for this day.

With a cracker in one hand and a death grip with other to her Hello Kitty doll we had sent in a care package was our daughter. "Lord, how great you are to plant within our hearts such a desire, thank YOU."

Our first moments were amazing - a couple of smiles and her trying to avoid eye contact was so precious. We had brought a soft Panda with us - which resulted in a big smile. I was taking a few photo's and then played them back for her - she loved that, being able to see her self on the camera. After a few minutes, Larry, came over and helped translate a little for us with the Nanny. She told us her nickname was Ya Ya, and that her diet was good and that she had been a wonderful child, very easy. We were then introduced to the orphanage director… he had brought a couple of books filled with notes about Yi Ya's growth and even had pictures of her from the past four years. (This will be a treasure for many years.)

From the books, we noticed several pictures of her painting and coloring. We had brought with us a magna doodle in hopes of giving her something to occupy her. When she saw what it was and how it worked it was bye-bye to the Kitty:).

We gave them the gifts we brought and took a couple of pictures then they quickly left. As they left, Yi Ya was just fine… her eyes now fixed on Momma.

In the room, the other families from our group, was all in tears as they too were greeting their new additions. There was also a family there who was from Sweden, adopting their second daughter. I could not say much to them, but we did exchange a big "Merry Christmas!" After a few minutes or so passed we had a family photo taken which will go on Yi Ya's passport. After which I noticed that Gina was holding a baby…they did not have to wait after all! Their new daughter was in the room when they arrived.

Before departing to go back to hotel Candi and I had to sign some paperwork. After doing so, Yi Ya was standing there in the middle of the floor then, (get this), opened up her arms to Candi said, "Momma." Only God!!!!!!

We all soon departed to go back to the hotel - Yi Ya all the while never a tear or whimper. Around 7 pm we got online and were able to introduce Emily to her new little sister. At first, she did not know exactly how to react, but she did great. Before we got off, Emily said, "You know what the greatest gift is this Christmas, my little sister, Abby." Thank you Lord again.

We were so very tired by 8 pm it was lights out for the Hayes family! Candi slept holding on to our second daughter offering that comfort that only mothers give.

So for right now, it is early, early in the morning and as I have been writing this post the tears have been flowing.

God bless and keep praying,
Chris

Nihao from Beijing China!

We arrived in China safely after many hours in the air!! By the time we arrived at the Beijing airport, Chris and I had only slept maybe 3 hours since Wednesday. We didn't even know what day it was...we totally missed Friday, the 19Th!!! Needless to say, when we stepped off that plane, we were certainly in a different world!! I can hardly believe that we actually here!! I feel like I am in a dream. We have been praying for so long about our adoption and it is hard to believe that in just two days Abby will be in our arms!!



Today - Saturday, has been nonstop! We started with a tour of Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Imperial Garden, and shopping at a pearl market. We then had lunch-authentic Chinese cuisine. They just kept bringing the food!! Most of it was delicious, some of it we could not decide what it was..Chris tried it all, I passed on just a few - possibly squid??? After lunch we toured the Summer Palace. (By the way, it is freezing cold here today and we may see some snow tomorrow!! Chris is about to freeze in just his little hoodie!) Everything is absolutely beautiful and interesting. We also saw the different buildings were the Olympics took place. We then went to a silk museum where they showed us how they make the silk blankets. After that we were promised pizza..we did get pizza after about the sixth or seventh dish they brought out. I got to try duck for the first time and I really liked it!



The other families that are here with us are all great! We have quickly become friends. One family is from Ooltewah, TN where our new home is going to be. They live only about 2 miles from us! I never cease to be amazed how the Lord works and how He brings people together! I am constantly reminded by Him that even when we don't understand sometimes what He is doing or why, His timing and plans for our lives are always perfect! I praise Him for His sovereignty.

Some Mandarin that we have learned: Nihao-hello, xie xie-thank you, bu yao-no thank you, I don't want any!

One More Day!

Tomorrow we leave for China!! I can hardly believe that this day is finally here! Our journey for Abby started almost three years ago. It has been a hard journey, but I thank the Lord that His timing is always perfect. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6. I have been clinging to this promise from His Word for so long!! Thank you Lord!