Monday, January 12, 2009

We have a beautiful daughter - Praise God!!


Princess Bethany Hay arrives!





Well, today was the big day, and wow...what a sweet little blessing that has entered our life!! She has done very well with the adjustment so far. We were immensely blessed to have met the head nanny as well as the orphanage director that she knew before she went to her foster family. They were very helpful in providing information and also gave us two memory books that have been put together with alot of love and care. It includes pictures from before Bethany had her first surgery. We learned alot from them and can tell she was well-loved and cared for before coming to us. She came with the clothes on her back (which we can't get her to take off yet!) and that was it materially, but she came with a good foundation on love in which we can build on.






The orphanage director who Bethany calls wayaya when she sees her picture.


After she left there was an initial moment where Bethany wondered where the familiar faces went. We distracted her momentarily but eventually followed her to the hallway. She looked and and seemed to wonder where she went but no tears. Later after we returned to the hotel and showed her some toys and books, had a snack and played a bit Bethany got very sad and teared up a bit. She seemed to realize something big was going on. I can't even imagine what she's thinking right now. She is happy and chatty now but I'm sure that we'll have more of those sad moments as her world changes.




This pictures includes Glenn (our guide, the director and head nanny from the orphanage).



Within the memory books that were provided she took great interest in pointing out faces and saying names of those within the pictures. We are thankful that our prayers have been answered long before they were even prayed that she was taken care of and loved by those she was entrusted with until we could bring her home.


It's been a long day with much more than we've posted here. We hope that you are all doing well and appreciate your continue prayers as we try to understand our little lady. We hope for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow we have another big day as we do alot of paperwork to get the official adoption process completed.


Blessings on you all,


Dan (& Becky)


12 comments:

Alan & Julie said...

Wow, what a sweetie! I cannot imagine what Bethany is feeling but I too praise God that she has been loved and well taken care of. Continuing to pray for you! Love, Julie

Anonymous said...

Yes - Praising God for Bethany and your dreams fulfilled. I tear up imaging the emotions you both must be feeling and Bethany, too, and ask god to give you peace and patience and rest for the trip home. Yes, thanks also that Bethany was loved and well cared for before you received her. We can't wait to meet her!
Love, Roxy and Tim

Anonymous said...

I agree...WOW! What a blessing it is to know that Bethany has been loved and well-provided for. I guess you better go clothes shopping today for her. God Bless you all! Can't wait to meet her!

Tim & Roxy

Sherri said...

What a little cutie she is. Congrats!
Sherri

Aunt Jill said...

God is so good... all the time... and everywhere! My heart goes out to all of you as you begin to connect with Bethany, as Bethany connects with you, and as her previous caregivers let her go. God is all knowing, all merciful, and all loving. I am confident that He will shower you with that knowledge, mercy, and love as you call upon Him. Please give her an extra smile, hug, and kiss from her Aunt Jill. I love her already too. Welcome to the family Bethany!

Dori's Mommy (Diana) said...

Congratulations on your beautiful daughter!

Cyndi said...

Dan & Becky,

Congratulations! Finally you have your sweet, precious girl in your arms! We cannot wait to get together for a play date in Guangzhou. We miss you guys.

God is good!
Cyndi B

Anonymous said...

Hi Dan & Becky,
Due to gaps in communications we have not seen our two different comments posted on your blog. Bethany is beautiful and we can't wait to get our arms around her and be a part of her home coming. We continue to pray for you both and all that transpires during your negotiations and required final arrangements. Bob says you phoned them yesterday so all is well there. Same here and anxious to see you. Love, Mom & Wendell

Unknown said...

We're excited for you! God is good. May He help both you and little Bethany adjust to your new life together.

Tom (& Angie)

Anonymous said...

What an exciting and long awaited day! I can't imagine how awesome it must be to finally get to hold your precious daughter. She is adorable. Congratulations to you all!
Love,
The Haugens

Anonymous said...

Good Morning From Grandma/Grandpa Putnam. You cannot immagine how thankful we are that you continue to update us with beautiful pictures and sharing your experiences. Tears included. We are tearing right along with you. It sounds like Bethany is becomming more comfortable with her new mommy and daddy. Our hearts and prayers are right there with you. We love you, Mom & Wendell

Anonymous said...

Hi Beautiful family of ours,
Thank you again for sharing your adventure, especially the ability to view the video. We cried along with you as you were first introduced to your daughter/our grand daughter. Our daily prayers are being answered as we see the daily transitions in the face of Bethany from bewilderment to acceptability of her mother and father. We will be leaving Saturday morning for Sioux Falls to take the boys home Sunday. We are looking forward to loving on them until you return. We love you, Mom & Wendell