Sunday, January 21, 2007

GOTCHA Day!!!

The time has finally come!! We got our sweet little Hannah Grace today. Words cannot even explain how much joy we are filling right now! We were able to meet her foster parents. That was a true blessing! They are Christians and have been teaching Hannah Grace about Jesus. They were such wonderful people and they have taken such great care of our little girl. We arrived in Guiyang around noon today (Sun., Jan 21) and met our guide, Thomas. He is such a wonderful guide. After we settled in our rooms, we took a stroll to the market to buy some drinks. That was very interesting. It was about a 15 minute walk and I don't think I have ever been stared at so much. The population of Guiyang is about 3.5 million. I really believe that we are the only Americans in this city. We caught a taxi back to the hotel. My dad and I were in the first taxi and we arrived at the hotel a couple of minutes before Stephanie, Martha and Thomas. We were unloading the taxi and this lady walked by with a child on her back. She was an older lady and she was accompanied by an older man. They were looking at me, along with everyone else, but there look was a little different. I immediately teared up (just like I am doing right now!) and told my dad that I just knew that was Hannah Grace. I could feel it!! Stephanie's taxi then arrived and I told her that I thought that I just saw Hannah Grace. My heart was racing and I told Thomas. We walked into the hotel lobby (I am now crying and typing at the same time) and there was our little baby girl. How precious she was! I could not believe it. We were able to spend about 2 hours with her foster parents. That was an incredible experience. One that I will never be able to explain in words!! The experience of a lifetime. When they left the hotel, they were both crying and it was a very emotional time. They gave us pictures of HG from when they first got her at 14 days old. What a blessing!!! I thank God so much for this wonderful day and this wonderful blessing that He has given us. I must stop typing now before I drop a tear into the keyboard and it shocks me or blows up. We send our love to each of you!!!

In Christ,

GREG

10 comments:

Lisa said...

Thank you so much for calling! I am in awe of how God has his hands all over this adoption. How priceless that you were able to spend time with her foster parents. God has truly blessed all of you. We can't wait to see photos.
Love ya'll,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Now you have me crying too ! Praise to our amazing God; you have your precious daughter in your arms.
Wow.
Love you guys ~ Kristy

Doug and Melody Kemp said...

WOW!! I am speechless, which as ya'll
know is rare. :) What an incredible day! I am so Happy for all three of ya'll. We can't wait to see your beautiful angel.
Praying for a speedy & safe return.
Kiss Hannah Grace for us!
Love

Doug & Melody

Pandamonium Mom said...

oh wow - I cried reading your post! What an amazing experience. God has had his hand on Hannah Grace from the very beginning! Can't wait to see what happens in her little life from here on out!! Congratulations!!
love DeEtte

RIta S. said...

AWESOME!! I am so glad that you can now hold Hanna Grace in your arms! Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

Lady Godiva said...

Yay!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!! We're keeping the prayers coming full force until you're safe back home in the US with Hannah Grace!!!

Sonya said...

AWESOME JUST AWESOME!!!!! GOD IS SOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!! WOW!

WHOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO we are praising God in Decatur Alabama for ALL of His blessing!!!!

Keeping you in our prayers.

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THOSE PICTURES!!!

Dave Miller said...

Just thought you should know that I printed off your email and blog and copied them, front and back, for everyone at church this evening. LOTS of smiling faces and tear-filled eyes at your grand news.
You must know that there are hearts awash with joy and relief . . . and gratitude to our awesome God in His delivery into your care after His provisional care in the foster parent's home. We lift them up as well, for it no doubt is difficult for them. We need more words and pictures, of course.
Love and blessings,
Big Dog
P.S. Has she learned "Roll Tide" yet? Rick and Jeff want to know.

Unknown said...

God is Good - All the Time! It was wonderful to hear the news and to know that you and Steph were finally holding in your arms what you had held in your heart and prayers for so long. Can't wait to hear from you both and see the newest member of the family. Love y'all -- Brother Bo

Kaye Hendon said...

HI GUYS!!! I can't tell you how moved I am and excited for you. I remember all the emails we received from my neice when she got Abby. She cried when Abby wouldn't warm up to her and then cried again when she did!! And she did...rather soon actually. Patience is the key. She will grow to love you two more than anything she has ever had or known. I can't wait to meet her!! I pray for your safe return home.

Love to you all THREE...Kaye Hendon