Monday, September 18, 2006
IT'S GOTCHA DAY!

     Today began very early at 4:15 a.m. as we needed to be packed and on the bus by 5:30 p.m. to get to the airport in plenty of time to catch our flight to the Guizhou Province (approximately 3 hours). Three of the families are with us and the other six are on their way to Hunan Province. We will all meet up together again in Guangzhou on Saturday, September 23.     
     We arrived in Guizhou at noon, checked-in at The Miracle Hotel, gathered paperwork and then at 1:30 p.m., prepared for the arrival of Alivia Grace Li Goens in the hotel conference room. We waited patiently as our guide, Michael, informed the families that the babies’ arrivals would be delayed by about 15-20 minutes. It seemed like an eternity. But then shortly thereafter at 1:50 p.m. we could hear them coming down the hall.      Words cannot express the “joy” that filled my soul the moment I saw Alivia when she came through the door. As the caretaker placed Alivia in my arms she only cried for a few seconds and then she just sat in my arms quietly. She is so perfect! So beautiful and so innocent! She is a precious child of God!      
     She is a very content, quiet baby. She doesn’t want to be put down. She will let Jennifer hold her which helps me out a great deal. The only time she wasn’t held was when I placed her in a highchair at dinner. Boy, does she love to eat! Rice, custard and watermelon are her favorites so far. She is a “watcher”. She watches everything and is just taking it all in. I’d love to know what she is thinking. I believe Daddy got his melancholy baby. Lucky, Daddy!    
     Thank you to Jennifer for being here with me and helping me with the whole process. She was able to video tape the meeting with Alivia and took several pictures. For that I am grateful.     
     I am filled with much emotion. This is so utterly amazing! From day one, I have called this a journey of faith as this could not have happened without much faith and trust in the Lord. I truly believe God had ordained this adoption from the beginning and I give Him all the glory and praise for this blessed, life-changing experience. You are an AWESOME God!!!!                     
     At 8:30 p.m., Alivia went to sleep in her crib by herself. She is sleeping peacefully. She is so very beautiful! Oops! Already said that, but she is absolutely precious. I cannot wait for her Daddy, big brother Dougie and big sister, Mary get to see her and hold her. Along with all our family and friends. Must close for now as I better get some sleep, too.         
     Have a MAGNIFICENT day in the Lord!  God bless all of you.     
     Til tomorrow, Love, Lisa, Jennifer and Baby Alivia