One hour until Cece is with us in person!!!

It has been along road that has brought us to these few moments that will result with our dear sweet child in our arms. At times it seemed like time was going so slow, but the journey has been so wonderful. We have been touched by the generosity of so many friends and family. This is what it is all about, in this world we must be here for each other. Whether it is to give a child a home, help with a move, encourage each other, or just to utter the words, "I love you and am so blessed to know you", life is so short and full of moments to reach out and help each other and even others who we do not yet know.

From China, it is easy to see just how similar we are as members of the human race. Each of us are given the ability to smile, to touch, to love and to be loved. I wish that you could all be here with us. The people are so wonderful, so accepting, so encouraging, so amazing. Each of them, that we have spoken with are so thankful for what we are doing for Cece. They in turn are amazed when we tell them about the others who have helped us to accomplish this monumental act of love.

Thank you does not begin to communicate what I would like each of you to know. You each hold a special place in my heart and my prayers. Yet again, you each have touched me at a deeper place in my heart and have shown me the depth of the human ability to give, serve, and love.

I can't wait until this wonderful child can show you that your support, your faith, and your trust and selflessness have been returned a hundred fold just by the smile and love that she will give. It is moments like this that I am blessed to see the hope that exists even in a country so far removed from the that we live in. So for now I must end this message with the growing anticipation of holding my newest child in my arms and watching her grow into the child that God intended her to be from the beginning of time.

I love each of you and hope someday to repay you in some small way for joining Karen in I in believing that this child will be worth the sacrifice, time, and patience that it has taken to get us to this moment.

May God bless each of you with the knowledge that you are loved.

Rich

PS - Cece, Daddy and Mommy are ready for you to walk through that door and into our arms!