Prayers for Salem

I don't even know what words to use to break the following news to all of you reading this blog. We received the news this morning that after much discussion and debate over our Letter of Intent, we have been denied the Pre-Approval to adopt from China. In May of 2007, the CCAA issued new regulations concerning those eligible to adopt from China, and we met the regulations according to the interpretation published. However, some of the top officials have said that the interpretation published was different than the meaning of the rules and will not allow us to adopt from China.



I am so sorry that I have to share this news with all of you. It hurts so bad!!! We have had so much support and I can never thank each one of you enough for all you have done. The encouraging and excited words you have spoken to us, the kinds acts, the love you have shown for us and for a special little two-year-old half way around the world, will never be forgotten. Please continue to pray for her. She has become a part of our hearts and we want her to have a "forever family." We are hoping that our agency can keep her file and find her a family soon. I feel comfort in the possibility that Stefani and her staff, with Children's House International, will find her a family that can love her and cherish her as much as we did and would have in the future. She has taken a portion of every heart who has followed our story and concering her future, I know she will have many prayers going up on her behalf.



Please pray for Richie, Issac and me. We are searching for answers we may never find. I pray that God will heal many broken hearts and once again give us the peace we need. Help us in sending much love and prayers to our precious little Salem.

Happy 2nd Birthday Cassi!

The following is a very special poem written by Marcy, Anna Mei's mom, in honor of Cassi's birthday.

Happy Birthday Cassi

We'll sing a little song today
though you are not here
to wish you Happy #2
and a very special year

For this year will be so different
from any one before
you'll finally met your family
that couldn't love you anymore

So Happy Birthday Cassi
from across the Pacific blue
Let's celebrate this day with her
For Bobbye's baby is turning 2!!!!

Marcy in KY (very proud cousin)

This was posted to the agency's waiting kids yahoo group in celebration of Cassi's birthday. We spent most of her day, out and about, thinking about her and enjoying the relaxing time off work. I can't help but think how different next year will be.

We did receive our approval from the USCIS in the mail on Christmas Eve and I took it and had it notorized and authenticated today. We are ready to finish up the authentication process and hope we have our PA very, very soon so we can send our dossier to China.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. We sure did!!!!!! I'll try to get some photos on here soon.

Sending birthday love, hugs and kisses to a very special two-year-old!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

For all reading this, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! We just celebrated our Christmas at home and Issac seems to be very happy. He is in his room now watching the Santa Claus 3 movie and putting away his other things. Yesterday was spent with Richie's dad, step-mom, his three sisters, and their spouses and children. We are very blessed to have large families with lots of children, but the only thing is we don't get to spend as much time with them as we wish we could. I got to play "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?" with some of the kids and we won a million dollars. (Now I guess I just wait for the check to come in the mail. ha ha)

Today after attending our annual Christmas breakfast at church and enjoying the children's Christmas program, we celebrated with Richie's mom, step-dad, his other sisters, spouses, nieces, nephews, and children. We had one celebrating his first Christmas this year, 4-month-old, Alexander, and everyone was oooohing and aaaahing over him. We played the Dirty Santa game, and I drew the #3, which is not a good #, so I went and got an ink pen out and changed my # to a higher one. Of course I had to confess after almost getting away with it, but it was worth a laugh.

Monday and Tuesday we have more family gatherings and will be quite busy, but we are spending time with family and that is what the holidays are all about. When we contacted the agency last week to ask about our PA, they told us they hope to know something by Monday, so we are hoping for a Christmas miracle. After all that has happened over the past 5-6 years, and then two years ago when I received the CD with the Christmas song "All I Really Want for Christmas," on Cassi's actual birth day, nothing would be more fitting than the actual PA from the CCAA saying that we can move forward with the adoption of the birthday girl.

Take a little extra time this Christmas to be especially thankful for your family and children. There are so many little ones that never celebrate special occasions with a family of their own and the sad truth is, there are so many of us that never even think about it or realize it. Until we adopted Issac and then had the burden for other children, I just had gone through life without really thinking about how I can help change the life of other children. Every child deserves a family to call their own and we can all help in some way. Whether it's supporting a family that has made the step of faith to adopt or foster, or maybe you realize that you have room in your house for another, do something to make a difference.

Once again, thank you to everyone who has been and are continuing to be so supportive in our life changing journey. Your thoughts, prayers, kind acts and words of encouragement mean more than you will ever know. Tonight and for the next few days, Cassi will especially be on our hearts and minds. I may not have the time to post again until after Christmas and her birthday, but please keep us in your prayers. Love your family and have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Getting ready for Christmas!!!

Nine days 'til Christmas! Is everyone ready besides me? I could not get in the Christmas mood until we returned from vacation, and then sickness strikes. I went Christmas shopping for the first time on the 4th and did a little and planned on having last weekend and Tuesday (my day off work this week), but sweet little virus bug came to visit last Sunday morning and finally left the house on Friday. So far, Richie hasn't been sick and seems fine, but Issac and I have had a rough week. Due to that, shopping was put on the back burner until yesterday. After spending from 7:15 am - 2:30 pm at Issac's basketball games, Richie and I were able to go Christmas shopping. Crowded, cold, very wet, but shopping just the same. We knocked quite a bit of it out and I should be able to finish up on Tuesday.

In case you are wondering, yes, we are STILL waiting for our PA and our I171-H. We did receive word from our placing agency that we are one of three families that had to go through a second round of approval (ours being due to a medical question from our basic information) and standard procedure on those are that the director of the CCAA must sign the preapproval also. Due to it being the end of the year, training, and visiting the orphanages the director has been out of the office some and they are on his desk for approval. Our agency facilitator is leaving on Tuesday for China on other agency business and I'm hoping she brings home or sends our PA.

As far as the I171-H, this past week we started contacting our congressmen asking for their help in getting this paperwork completed. What started out as a 45 day wait, turned into an 8 week wait and now we are beginnning our 11th week of waiting. Apparently, the Memphis office of the USCIS processes at a slower rate than some offices of the USCIS. I really need the I171-H in order to go through the authentication process and be ready to send our dossier to China as soon as we receive our PA.

I hope everyone reading this continues to life us up in your prayers. This Christmas season is exciting but there is a feeling that I cannot describe. Knowing there is a little girl half way around the world who we have grown to love and are counting the days until we can make her a part of our family that must spend one of the happiest times of the year with no family is hard. I want to enjoy all the celebrations to the fullest, but can't help and anticipate next year when she will experience Christmas for the first time.

Sending a Christmas kiss to a button nose many, many miles away....

We're back and still waiting

Well, we're back and we had an absolutely WONDERFUL time!!! The only thing that didn't go as I had planned was we didn't receive our PA while in front of the castle in the Magic Kingdom or while in the Chinese world showcase in Epcot. Bummer!!! I had thought one of those two places would have just been the perfect spot, but we will get it when we are supposed to. The stress of waiting is not fun, let me tell you. I know alot of you are feeling the stress of the wait also, but we have NO control and I am not a good one at releasing all control (maybe another lesson I am supposed to learn).

Now, back to Disney World. Perfect weather, great company, relaxing (some days), lots and lots of memories, what could be better (except receiving PA while there)? My 87 year old grandmother, who was only going to the Christmas party, went to every park we went to for the entire day until the very last day. She was completely exhausted on Friday and spent the day in bed. We all had so much fun and the memories that our four generations made will last a lifetime. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience and I am so thankful we were blessed to enjoy it.

While in FL, I received another email from Cassi's foster mom and brother and they told me she was about the size of 12-18 month old. Short but very chubby. When they arrived at the orphanage to visit with her, she was pushing another little girl around in a little red wagon. They also said that her hair is a bit lighter than the average Chinese child but darker than when she was in their care. They also said that she is very healthy and in really good hands. I am so thankful for the orphanage she is in. It is a small one and they have very good comments from all families that have ties to it.

Please continue to pray for us to receive good news SOON!!!! It really should be any day from both CCAA and USCIS. Until then, please pray for our direction in all steps leading to bringing Cassi home.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I was feeling an urge to contact Cassi's foster family in China and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving and I received a wonderful surprise. They are unable to read our blog in China because it is blocked and they had asked me to keep them informed on how things are progressing. I had not updated them since September 30, so I emailed them on Tuesday night. Lori, the foster mom, responded by telling me that two of her children, daughter, age 19 and son, age 15, had visited with Cassi at the orphanage the day before she received my email. They were within one hour travelling distance and decided to stop in and check on Cassi and 3 others they had fostered in the past. They had a really good visit with her and she didn't want the son to put her down. I had been told in previous information on the foster family that Cassi had a bond with the older sons and because of that, I am hoping she will bond quickly with Issac. Lori said that because of the way Cassi was with her son, she should be quite ready to bond with Issac. I was so thankful to hear this wonderful news!!! She continued to tell me how sweet Cassi was. When I pulled the email up, Issac was sitting at the computer reading it with me and the look on his face was priceless.

I am so thankful Richie and I have finally, after years of being unsure of where God was leading us, started down this path. We can feel His hand leading and we hope that we will do exactly what He wants, when He wants. As I have said before, me sharing our journey does not stop with that. I am hoping there is someone reading this blog who will listen and follow God's leading in their lives.

Don't forget to give thanks during this season and remember the reason we have this special time of year. "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms."

Anna Mei turns 2!!

Friday night we went to the birthday celebration of Anna Mei Yi Gross. If you have been reading my blog, you know she is the daughter of Rodney and Marcy, and the beginning of many things that fell into place at just the right time that led us to Cassi. I am so thankful to her parents and the journey they shared that convinced two reluctant individuals to follow the direction God was leading. We celebrated her first and second birthday and it was a very special occasion enjoyed by family and friends. Happy Birthday Anna!!!

I am hoping so badly we will get some good news this week. I was hoping to have our dossier in the hands of CHI - our placing agency - by Thanksgiving, but that is pretty much impossible the way things look now. There are so many different agencies, organizations and individuals involved in preparing the needed paperwork and some of them are just not in as much of a hurry to bring Cassi home as we are. They don't have a stake in the process, just paperwork to them, and it's just a job. In some states, they are receiving their I171-H in just a matter of days. We started the process on July 28th, didn't have fingerprints until September 28th, our homestudy was sent in on October 5, and I inquired about ours this past week and they will not even look to see where we are in the process until we have reached the eight week mark. URGH!!! I just have to believe there is a reason for the waiting. If nothing else, it's to learn a lesson in patience.

Help us pray we will receive the good news of our Pre-approval this week. Once we have that from the CCAA, I think I may be able to handle the wait better. I'm probably kidding myself to think that, but I'm hoping. I hope the next time I post the title will be, "We have our PA!!!"

Basketball pics

Here is a picture of Issac in his uniform like I promised. He's in the 7th grade and hasn't had his growth spurt most boys have in Jr. high yet, so he'll be spending time on the bench during most Jr. High games. He starts for the 7th grade team and they had their first game Monday night and won by 2. YEAH!!!

The next picture is of Issac and Jon-Thomas (my nephew) after the pre-season tournament last Saturday. The team took the 3rd place trophy and somehow it got into the hands of these two. It did make it back to school in one piece. And that's a great accomplishment when you put the two of them together.

I hope to post soon with news of our Pre-Approval!!! Keep us in your prayers.

Our Trick-or-Treaters

Busy, busy, busy...

Sorry I haven't posted for almost two weeks. We are still waiting for the Pre-Approval and I171-H. Our agency anticipates we will hear something within a couple of weeks. I was able to have all but 3 documents authenticated on the county level this week. I did feel a sense of accomplishment when I completed that task and I also faxed all of our documents to the placing agency so they could check and make sure all things are in order for the authentication process. We just need to finalize a couple of things on a medical form and we are ready to authenticate.

Life is getting alot busier in our house. The Jr. High basketball season officially started this past Tuesday night. Issac looks so cute in his uniform. Of course, if he reads this blog, he will be upset with me for referring to him as "so cute," but, oh well, I'm his mom and he was. I was so proud of him. I took pictures of him in his uniform and on the bench and I'll try to post some as soon as I get a chance to get those downloaded.

Richie has been in California this past week and will be home tomorrow night. Issac and I will be so glad to have him home. He has been travelling for work alot lately, but hopefully that is going to slow down until after Christmas. While in CA, out of six men taking the class he went to, one guy was from China. He lives in the same province as Cassi's orphanage, and he and Richie rode to and from the school together. He gave Richie his info and told Richie to contact him when we find out we will be travelling. He said he would take us to see some of the sights and take Richie to see the facility where he works. What a "coincidence."

Please keep praying for us, but say a special prayer for Cassi. She is unaware there is a family half way around the world thinking about her constantly and longing for the day we can hold her. Pray God will wrap her in His arms and let her feel the love we are sending.

The "Vintage" Couch

To everyone donating so that you will not have the "vintage" (ugly) couch delivered to your front porch, we thank you. For those of you who do not know what I am referring to, let me explain.

Two weeks ago, we had a yard sale with all proceeds helping to offset adoption expenses. My cousins, Marcy and Rodney (Anna Mei's mom and dad), said they had an UGLY couch that they would donate to the yard sale and if we labeled it "vintage" we might spark curiosity in some folks and be able to sell it. Well, needless to say, people were curious, but not enough to buy. So my Aunt Darla called, as a joke, and asked my mom if the couch had sold. My mom told her "no" and that she would be glad to deliver it to her that afternoon and leave it on her front porch. My aunt told her that she would make a donation of $20 if my mom wouldn't deliver the couch to her. That is all the two of them needed and the "fun" began. They have a list of people they plan to deliver the couch to and the first that does not donate to bring Cassi home will have a "vintage" couch on their front porch. They are, of course, being very cautious with the list of "deliverees" as not to offend anyone and only including those with a great sense of humor. If you fit into this group, look out for the "vintage" couch. In one day, my aunt was able to raise $100. My family has always been known to have a warped sense of humor and this just confirms that. I think it's a great idea, especially this time of year. Trick or Treat!!!

God is continuing to bless us with prayer support from so many. I have been able to testify of His working in our lives and I feel our story is a testimony of what God can and will do in other's lives. In talking to others who have considered adopting, as one of our fellow group members said, "There are a million reasons not to adopt, but there is only ONE reason to adopt." Just look at Cassi's face. That's reason enough for us!!!

Waiting for our Pre-Approval

The time continues to pass and when I look back, it is passing quickly. We are still waiting for our pre-approval from the CCAA and our I171-H from the Department of Homeland Security. Those are the last two pieces of paperwork we need to finalize everything in order to send our dossier to China. We are really hoping to have everything complete and out of our hands and in the hands of CHI or possibly the CCAA by Thanksgiving.

We leave the day after Thanksgiving for a family vacation to Orlando. We have 17 family members going including my parents, siblings and their spouses, nieces and nephews and my 86 year old grandmother (she just decided this past week and we are thrilled). We are excited about the trip and hope we will have things completed so we can just enjoy the company of family and holidays. I know we will constantly think of Cassi while we are there and wonder how she would react to all the new and exciting things, but we can look forward to the next trip when she will be able to join us. Including Issac, we have seven children going on the trip ages 15, 13, 12, 11, 3, 10 months and 8 months. I can't wait to see the faces of the smaller ones. We have experienced Disney World with the older four but watching the younger three will be such a treat. Our older ones are as excited about watching the younger ones as they are about going themselves.

We have so much support in this process. Several weeks ago, I decided to have a yard sale and use whatever proceeds for the expense of the adoption. Some family and friends found out and we had so many donations that we had sales two weekends in a row. We did change locations, so we would have a different crowd, but I know the people in our subdivision had to wonder where in the world all that stuff came from in our house. How funny is that. When growing up, if my mom mentioned "yard sale," I would run the other way, but I had a ball pricing all the donations for Cassi's sake. Thank you to everyone who supported our sale and the donations.

Please continue to pray for Cassi daily. I can feel all the prayers going her way.

"Be anxious for nothing,...

but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phillippians 4:6-7.

I have to admit this past week I have been a little anxious, but this scripture has spoken to me in a very special way. Nothing is in our control. God does and will continue to control all things related to this adoption process. This is a stressful process and anyone who says that adoption is the easy way, has never experienced it.

With Issac, I held him in my arms, but had the anxiety of possibly someone deciding they made the wrong decision and wanting him back. With Cassi, I look at pictures of her but can't touch and hold her, but know that the Chinese government must approve us to be her parents. This is a roller coaster ride that we are on and we need your prayers. God has been so visible to us through this time. He continues to speak to us through people and circumstances. There is a song that has been spoken to us by three different individuals who know nothing of our past and limited information about our present, but they have had the same message. "Joy comes in the morning." I'm waiting for my joy.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers. In my Bible, concerning the scripture above, it states "supplication is more than petitioning God. It is fully transferring the burden of one's soul into God's hands. Prayer and peace are closely connected." Our prayers are for our "Peace."

Just an update...

On Friday we had our fingerprint appointment with immigration and our last bit of bloodwork needed for the medical report that is part of our dossier. Today we received Richie's passport that we had sent for correction (the first had his name spelled incorrectly). Now we just wait some more.

We had a great weekend with family and friends. Friday night we went to the local high school football game (my neice is a cheerleader). Saturday we just stayed around the house and then after church on Sunday, my family went out for my brother's birthday. There were 17 of us, including my 86 year old grandmother, at a Japanese steakhouse. She had never been before and that was definitely an experience she won't forget soon. She really seemed to enjoy it.

We have a large extended family and all of them are counting the days until we bring Cassi home. We have a lot of love to give to this little girl. I went to my sister's house for dinner tonight and Cassi's picture is hanging on her refrigerator door. I asked her why her face looks so dirty and she said because that is where my 2 year old nephew has been kissing her. Our other nieces and nephews are carrying her picture in there purses and wallets everywhere they go and can't wait to get there hands on her.

I know God is preparing her for her forever family. I feel a peace and comfort in knowing she is in His hands. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare the needed documents. I don't want her to have to wait any longer than necessary for her family to come after her.

Sending a special prayer to Cassi tonight....

LOI in China

Our Letter of Intent has officially arrived in China. It was signed for at 3:21 pm on September 26, 2007, in Beijing, China. Now we just have to wait for a reply, which is the Pre-Approval. Our fingerprint appointment is Friday at 1:00. Things are happening, just not fast enough some days.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace.......

That was a song from worship service this morning and guess what I immediately thought of?

I haven't posted in several days and I only have a few updates. We have our fingerprint appointment this week. After that, we will be waiting for our I171-H from the USCIS, which takes about 45 days. We are also waiting for our PA (pre-approval) from China. Hopefully our Letter of Intent has been sent or will be the first of this week. The PA usually takes around 40+ days from LOI, also.

We continue to receive word from our placing agency, Children's House International, and LWB that Cassi was loved by all who have provided care for her in the past. From the surgery techs, directors of the programs, foster family and doctors, Cassi is a very special little girl, loved by many. And she hasn't even come home to the forever family who will smother her with love. Everytime I see a picture of someone holding and loving her, I just want to do the same to them for all they have done for her.

We just started our Parents in Process Training Classes with our homestudy agency, Miriam's Promise, this past Thursday night. When we attended the classes 13 years ago, preparing to adopt Issac, most of the couples were about the same age with very similar circumstances. We were all adopting domestically and still have a strong bond with some of the couples we attended classes with. This class, however, has a very diverse group of individuals. Getting to know the different couples and their individual stories was so touching. We are all so excited and I enjoyed it so much. Issac asked why we were having to go to classes and I told him we had to learn how to be a Mommy and Daddy (just kidding). He thought we should be fine since we had almost 13 years experience. The classes are actually to prepare you for the adoption journey itself and internationally. Adoption is not just a one time experience, it's a life long process. Bonding issues will be different. I was in the delivery room when Issac was born, so we started the bonding process immediately. With Cassi, she will be over two years old, and we will have a lot of time to make up.

There will be other issues and questions she will have over time and Issac is right in the fact that we have some experience. We have shared Issac's adoption story with him since birth and have answered all questions openly and honestly. We plan to do the same with Cassi. Their stories will be different, but our answers will always be the same, honest. We will do everything to ensure them that adoption is a great sacrifice on the part of the birthparents and is usually done out of a great love for the child. Circumstances leave the birthparents feeling this is the best option for the child, and we, as adoptive parents, have a great respect for their decision. There are other options they could have chosen, but they gave them life and placed them where they could be cared for.

Please continue to pray for us. I know there are so many of you out there doing so and we really appreciate it. We are getting anxious, but we still have a time of wait we must endure. While God is preparing our hearts and home, I know he is also preparing Cassi.

Check out my Slide Show!

New pictures of Cassi....

Last night we received these new pictures of Cassi. They were taken at the
orphanage on Monday by a couple visiting China to pick up their little girl. We were amazed at how big our little girl looks. Apparently, she loves bananas!!! The placing agency's response was, "For a little girl who didn't thrive, she is certainly thrivin', and then some!!!" We were so glad to get these new pictures.

I sent our Letter of Intent to the placing agency today. This is the first official document that will be sent to Chinese gov't. Hopefully, we will have a PA (pre-approval) soon and then our dossier can go to China.

Patiently (haha) waiting for our Cassi!

Cassi's story.....

Qing Zu Qiao was abandoned at the entrance of Sanniao Market of ShiJiao Town, Qingyuan City on 2/26/06. She was sent to the Qingyuan County SWI and at her entrance weighed 8.5 lbs and was 18 inches long. She was diagnosed with a cleft palate II and was given a birthdate of 12/26/05 according to her development. The name she was given at the SWI meant Pretty Ancestor.

In May of 2006, a team from Love without Boundries, located Cassi in the SWI and along with facilitator, Zhang Ming, worked to have her moved to a foster home. She needed one on one care and this is something that the caring but busy staff at the SWI could not provide. She was moved to foster care on June 15, 2006, and the foster family provided care for her until the LWB team could return in October to perform her cleft palate surgery. She received the surgery on October 31, 2006, and it was a great success.

If you visit http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/ and go to their blog, you can see a picture of Keren, as they refer to her, on October 31, 2006, with two of the staff as they were reunited with her before her surgery. They have sent information through our placing agency that "she was LOVED and prayed over for a long time." Heidi Reitz from the US and Julie Flynn Coleman from Ireland are the two ladies holding her in their arms.

After recovering at the hospital and then with the foster family, she returned to the Qingyuan County SWI in February (we think). At that time, the CCAA started preparing her records in order to make her available for adoption. We are so thankful to the LWB team and the Brehm foster family for all their love, prayers, and care given to Keren, our little Cassi.

Cassi's medical record now states that she is generally healthy and positive. She has a good appetite and is not particular about food (unlike her brother). She has developed normally in body and intelligence and now she can toddle alone. She is described as an independent little girl and she likes playing with other children. She screams loudly when her toy is taken away by others and if that doesn't work, she begs you to help her. (how sweet!!!)

She eats and pronounces words normally and except for the operation, has never had any other serious problems. At 15 months, she weighed a little over 21 lbs and was 27.75 inches tall. We may not receive any updates on her medical until we travel to bring her home, but if we do, we will definitely post them.

Paperwork is coming along slowly it seems, but we are doing everything we can as fast as we can. We hope to get some updated pictures in the next few days. We will keep you posted. Sending our love to Cassi......

What is the meaning of "Salem Cassidy ZuNei"?

I have been asked by several people about Cassi's name and I want to share with everyone why this will be her name. "Salem" means peace in the Bible. It is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18 and then later in Hebrews 7:2 where the author interpreted "Salem" to mean "peace." If you have read my earlier posting, this was very significant in God's leading us to our little girl and we have grown to love this part of her name.

"Cassidy" was a definite part of the name because we will call her "Cassi." That was a request from her 12 year old brother, Issac, when he was only about 6 years old. He has prayed for and wanted a little brother or sister as long as he has been able to talk. One day we were going down the road and he told us he wanted a little sister and he wanted to name her "Cassi." We said ok and he said that was his name spelled backwards. So ever since then, when a little sister has been mentioned, her name was "Cassi."

"ZuNei" came about in two parts. "Nei" means peace in Chinese and we wanted her to have something Asian in her name. We thought this was a pretty name and went well with "Cassidy." Later after joining the Qingyuan County SWI Yahoo group, we found out that "Zu" was the first name for all the children in this particular orphanage. It means "ancestor" and that is a link to her brothers and sisters from the orphanage. Alot of the families include "Zu" as part of their name, and we wanted to do the same, so that is how "ZuNei" came about.

I know that "Salem Cassidy ZuNei" is a long name for a little girl, but we have grown to love it. Maybe she won't dislike me too much when she goes to fill out paperwork when she gets older. But, oh well, I'm sure at some point in her life, like most children, she won't like her mom anyway.

Please join us in praying for our little girl. These next few months will be difficult. We are able to look at her picture but not able to hold and say her prayers at bedtime, give her good morning kisses, make sure she has plenty to eat and the list goes on and on. But she has been in God's hands from day one. He has been preparing her for us and us for her. Thank you God for your awesome presence.

Labor Day Weekend

Well, we enjoyed another Labor Day weekend at my parent's house. We started a tradition of camping out with the little ones in the yard between my parent's and aunt and uncle's houses about ten years ago. Some years we have large crowds with extended family and friends and some years there are just a handful of us there. Either way, we always have a great time!

This year, we had some family members that couldn't make it due to illnesses, but we still had between 35-40 people. We had lots of baby time there because my sister and brother both have babies under eight months old. Everyone there knew about our little Cassi before we gathered, but I got to share our testimony of how God led us to her with several people.

Before going to my parent's house, we visited with my husband's family. His sister just had a new baby the previous week and we had not seen him since the night he was born. She brought him to Richie's moms and we had some baby time there, too. They are all excited about Cassi and had lots of questions. I was glad to share the story with them as well.

We are hoping to get our package from our placing agency tomorrow. It has some very important paperwork we can't wait to get started on. The sooner we get everything completed, the sooner we can bring Cassi home. It's hard not to wish your life away when you are waiting for a such a special event, but I want to live each day to it's fullest. We have so much to get ready to bring our little girl home. Please help us pray for a speedy paperchase.

Our Story

My husband and I have been married 21 years this past June. We knew from early in our marriage that our children would be added to our family through adoption. Our son, Issac, was born in February of 1995, and it was one of the happiest days of my life. I was in the delivery room and he has been in our care from his first moment of life. Since then we have talked, prayed, discussed, disagreed, and talked some more about whether we would adopt another child.
For different reasons, we were not in agreement on the decision until this spring. After watching my cousin and her husband's journey to their little girl, Anna Mei, we were in agreement. We started our homestudy paperwork and began collecting information on placing agencies. We were very interested in the waiting special needs children because our son and many of our nieces and nephews would have been considered special needs children. We prayed about our decision and asked God to lead us.
On Friday, August 17, we opened a file and there she was. We looked into the eyes of our new daughter. There were two very special things that drew us to her. The first was her birthday. It was the day after I had received a Christmas CD titled "All I Really Want for Christmas" by Stephen Curtis Chapman. He is a contemporary Christian artist who has adopted three little girls from China and is an advocate for China's children. The gift was from my sister. She knew how I longed to adopt but also knew that due to circumstances from three years prior, my husband was reluctant to put his family's hearts out on the line.
In May of 2002, we had been contacted by a birthmother about adopting her unborn child. We said yes and two weeks later we were handed the little boy immediately after delivery. We provided complete care for him for the first five days of his life with no contact from either parent. Then on the fifth day, his birthparents decided they could not follow through with the adoption and we returned him to them. This was devastating, however God gave us an unexplainable "peace" through the whole process. On his first birthday, we put a stone in our landscaping with the word "peace" inscribed on it.
The second reason we were drawn to the little girl we call Cassi, was her assigned name from the agency. It was Salem and Salem means "peace." We know God led us to her through a series of events. We were so torn at the process of finding a child on a waiting list. How do you choose? We could have taken any one of them and been their parent. They are all precious and need a forever family. But God will lead and direct your path if you only ask and let Him. And He did.
We are so anxious about having a very special gift from God join our family. The reaction of our extended family, church family and friends has been such a blessing. They are almost as excited as we are. Issac, our "long awaited son," can't wait to be a big brother and we are anxiously waiting for our "peace."