Special thanks to the Gregoires!!

We'd like to give a very special thanks and introduce this family who invited us to their home last night.

Meet the Gregoires. Keith & Roxane and their children Brooke, Mallory and little MaKenna (on her sister's shoulders). MaKenna became part of her forever family September 19, 2005.

This wonderful family is friends with Brandi's 1st cousin. They were excited that we were adopting from China through AWAA just as they did. Last night they opened their home and family to us and it really was a special night for me and Brandi.

First of all, we were excited to see MaKenna so happy and well adjusted to her forever family. She was playing, smiling and interacting with her family. She even managed to send a couple smiles and giggles to me and Brandi. It was very encouraging to see first hand how blessed that little girl is to be with such an awesome family who was meant for her. Mallory and Brooke was great with her and helped out mom and dad the whole time we were there. It was good to see a family working together serving each other the way God intended.

Next, they let us watch the "Gotcha Day" video when they saw MaKenna in person for the first time and got to hold her. The whole family got to go, mom, dad and the 2 girls. What an awesome trip for the kids. They'll never forget that experience. Both girls are ready to go back and get another sister.

We got the inside information on what to bring, what not to bring. What to wear, where to shop, what to eat, what NOT to eat, what to expect and what not to count on. They really removed the element of the unknown, which of course is the primary source of fear. It was really a good time for me and Brandi.

An interesting note: The Gregoires are one of three families IN THEIR SUBDIVISION who adopted from China through AWAA! We met one other littler girl, Sidney, who found her forever family in their neighborhood too. Sidney was also obviously well adjusted, happy, outgoing and lovable. They told us there were only two families in the whole state of Nebraska that have adopted from China and they have 3 in their subdivision. That's pretty neat.

So again, thanks so much to the Gregoires!