Ni Hao Everyone!

Today was super! Abbi decided that she would keep both of us today. She "allowed" her Daddy to do lots of things for her. He fed her the morning bottle, fed her the congee at breakfast, and "let" him push her in the stroller. She kissed him, and he swears she said, "Da Da." He has worked tirelessly for these little bits of attention and he is winning her over more each day. She is such a precious baby. She was playing in a little group of babies today and was the only one doing the playing. The others just sat back and watched her. The parents said she was a little ham. I thought....that's good, I know a few more of those at home.

We went to a beautiful park today called the "Green Mountain Park". I know I'm using the word beautiful a great deal, but it truly is beautiful here. It is so lush and green. We visited a Buddhist Temple there.

Our guide explained what the people were doing and what we were seeing. The only thing that kept going through my mind was they don't know the Risen Savior. This guy died under a tree, my Savior arose from the dead! I'm so glad Abbi will have the chance to know Jesus! He will hear her prayers and answer them. Their religion says that they should be good so they will have a good life in their next life. They don't want to end up a pig or a dog next time. My Heavenly Father is taking care of me right now! He has certainly answered our prayers about this trip. Abbi is a doll and is bonding with us so wonderfully. Our guide has said more than once: "She is doing so well," and, "She is such a happy baby!" Palmer and Stephanie said that they prayed Hannah would have dreams of them and know them when she saw them. We did the same and I'm convinced it made all the difference!

We walked to the top of a nine story pagoda at the park. Big mistake for me. I'm so out of shape, I didn't think my legs would ever stop shaking. Abbi "allowed" her Dad to carry her to the top. I know he was exhausted. We fed some beautiful, large fish. Abbi wanted to eat the fish food, but we finally had her throwing some to the fish before we left. She loved looking at them.

We had lunch with our guide at a rice noodle fast food restaurant. They were pretty good, Abbi loved them. We could tell she had had them many times before. She got so sleepy on the walk back to the hotel. She started doing that thing with her mouth....holding her dress to her lips (It's so much fun getting to know her little habits).

She was ready for a nap when we got back, and went to sleep incredibly easy.

When she awoke we were outside in the hall talking with new friends. We are meeting the nicest people. So many of their stories resemble ours: infertility treatments, IVF, failed domestic adoptions....they're all here. She's getting braver and will walk further down the hall from us now, but she always looks back to see if we are still there. She's smiling and laughing and showing off her personality to everyone.

Someone showed us a really neat toy from Wal-Mart, so we had to go get it this afternoon. We had McDonalds for supper and a good cold coke. Abbi loves coke....this could be a problem. Brian has already scolded me for giving it to her. This girl knows what tastes good.

Back at the hotel after our excursion, it was bedtime. We decided we would try the tub again. This time I put in all her toys and let her stand by the tub and play with them. I then stood her in the tub. She liked stomping the water and throwing the toys. After a while, she sat down for a minute. The only time we saw tears was when we washed her hair. She was ready for a bottle and bed afterwards and went to sleep with no fussing! It was great!

I just got out of the shower this morning and had to clear all the toys out. I felt like I was back in Mobile. For those of you who do not remember, 15 years ago yesterday, Vicki and I were married. I can not believe it, either. Who would have thought she would have put up with me this long. I am definitely the most blessed man on the face of the earth. It is going to be hard for me to top this anniversary present. A trip to China and a new baby girl!!! TOP THAT Y'ALL.

The first day we were here we saw a New Testament for sale in a book store. I have always heard how non-Christian tolerant they are. There have been some major changes in the culture. Every morning while giving Abbi her bottle, I pray over her and our family for God to heal all the bad things that have happened to her, and been said over her before we received her.

Just 5 more days until we go to Blue Rabbit Paradise!!!! You will have to show Abbi the ropes. We are proud of you. Mamaw told me that you have been a good boy. Make sure you go by and feed Suzie and play with her for a few minutes. We miss you and we will be home soon.

Please continue to pray for us....we love y'all!

Brian, Vicki and Abbi