Thank You

I don't know if I dare post without new pictures, but here goes...

I was able to spend some time last night and this morning going through the posts from Ron while we were in China and was able to catch up reading all of the comments and e-mails I missed. I just have to thank everyone so much for all of the encouragement and prayers you have given us. We have so many incredible people in our lives and all three of us are so blessed by you all. Thank you!!!! I am completely in awe.

I can't believe that we've been home for a week and 2 days already. Hope is doing so great. We have moments of frustration, but that is part of normal parenthood, right? (Though I'm sure our parents had a totally frustration-free time of raising their children, right, Mark?) ;)

Hope has taken some great big giant steps toward building her comfort and security with her Dad. Ron is SO patient and gentle about nudging Hope's curiosity and as I type now, they are snuggling and she is sort of in and out of napping. It is beautiful.

The other part of my morning has been a little tearful. We were given some CD's with pictures of Hope from her orphanage and from the Grace & Hope for Children (organization that sponsored Hope's foster care). I just finally had a few moments to look through the photos and they are so priceless. We can see a bit of Yulin (city of her orphanage and foster care), her foster parents and grandparents, and a small glimpse of what she looked like before we met. There aren't many early pictures, but a few. It is so clear that she was loved cared for very well. Another blessing! OH WOW - it was emotional to see her through those photos. I think I may have to put them away for another day.

After lunch we're headed out to pick up our computer. Remember our technical difficulties in China? YUP - new hard drive needed and nothing retrievable. Which leads me to a request...Our laptop had our up-to-date address book on it. So, I'm sorry to be a pain, but when you have time could you please e-mail us (br.heut@gmail.com or at our home address) with current contact information (address, phone, and e-mail address). We'll update our computer address book in the office and then print a hard copy. AH, the lessons we've learned.

Thanks everyone. Have a great day!

Beth