Good morning, precious friends and family, it is 5 a.m. here in China and we are all awake and ready for a new day 
Haven slept pretty well, thank you, Lord.
I have so many feelings and emotions happening, so many things I want to share with you all. Yesterday, at the Civil Affairs office where we got Haven, we had to sign a document giving us custody of Haven for 24 hours. What? In Nanchung, where we adopted Hannah-Claire, she became ours the day we received her. We were told that we had a “harmony period” with Haven….24 hours with her to decide if we wanted to keep her or not. What in the world?! We told them that she is our daughter and no matter what is wrong with her we will NEVER change our minds…let us just pay the money, sign the papers, and leave with our daughter. They would not budge, they insisted that we have some time with her to think about it. Oh my goodness, there is just no way we would EVER change our minds. Poor nannies went out of their way to tell us about Haven’s lack of speech and how needy she is…they probably think we are a little crazy. By the end of our time together yesterday, I think they finally “got it”, they were so grateful that Haven has finally got a family, they KNEW that she is stuck with us forever
As you all know, Haven was legally adopted two years ago, the family only kept her for a few days, and then returned her to the orphanage, feeling like they could not handle her needs. She was diagnosed with “Closed Syndrome”, or Autism and we know it. It is fairly unknown here. When she got back to the orphanage, the staff were afraid of her “condition”, they were afraid that if they touched her, they would catch it too. As a result, they told the other kids NOT to touch her either. So, our sweet girl has had very little physical contact from anyone for over two years now! My heart breaks. I am amazed that she is even reaching out to us and allowing us to touch her at all, but she is. Can only be God. I am getting a glimpse into how God has protected her, how He truly has held her heart in His hands. I am so in awe Him this morning.
Thank you so much for all the love and support we have received, thank you for your very kind comments. We are so blessed to have such special people in our lives. I know that God hears every prayer that has been prayed for Haven. We are seeing the power of prayer right before our eyes through our daughter. Thank you for all the prayers for Anthony too. His shingles is getting worse, the rash is spreading. He feels awful. The doctor did tell him that it would get worse before it starts getting better. He is going to try and get stronger drugs today.
Good to hear from you. We too had to sign 24hr custody papers for Autumn, in Hubei. It did make the process a little longer. Amazing that Haven is even remotely interested in touch after 2yrs of not having hardly any. I am so terribly sorry about Anthony’s shingles and the pain. Still praying. Love, Dawn
Hey guys! We are so excited to hear about everything! Adeye, you are missing out on our “extra” summer here. It was 85 today!!
It seems like the boys and Bampie are always gone, but I’m sure they’re having a blast. Ant, mom had the shingles when she was pregnant with me so she empathizes with you. We hope you are feeling better. We’re praying and can’t wait to see you back across the street. Love, E,C and Suella
let’s pray that the kids don’t get chicken pox from Anthony’s shingles…
Hey there. My highlight each day is logging on to find out how the Salems are doing
Wow guys - how awesome to see Jesus at work in your daughter before your very eyes!! How comforting for you to know that no matter how much you love her - He too is busy “loving her whole”! Please tell Ant that we are praying for him too. Ag no man!! Shingles?! That is so terrible. Love you guys. Janine
Your heart must have broken for Haven when you heard what the nannies had to say. Once again I was crying reading your blog. I can’t believe the nannies came back to your hotel, that is great. The whole 24hr custody thing sounds crazy, there is certainly never a dull moment when you are adopting!!! Being flexible is defienetly the key. I feel awful for Ant, we are praying for him. I’ll have the boys call your boys later this week. LOV Rach
So wonderful to hear that you have Haven. Once again the tears have been flowing here at work as I have read all about your trip. We just keep praying and I also praise God that He has give Haven such a special family. Oh and just one thing, don’t worry about the tinyness, it may just be her build. Rachel is almost 9 and some of her clothes are still for a 2 year old. Most that fit her best around the waist are 4-6. We just pray that it is just her build. I will keep reading. Love Janelle
Oh my precious friend. What an exciting and emotional journey for you! I have been crying reading your blog. You have been in my heart and prayers so much. ( I hope you got my sms?)I am so pleased you have you beautiful Haven with you and I do hope that she settles more and more each day! Poor Anthony- sending our best wishes and hoping for a speady recovery. Sending you lots and lots of love and strength during this very special time. All my Love as always, Jo
Haven Salem is such a precious little Girl, and God has taken you and Ants on a long and hard road so that He can bring to fulfilment His plans and purposes that He has for Haven. I just see how quickly she is going to become part of the Salem family. She is very precious and I am very proud of her parents, Anthony and Adeye. God made a very good choice, even before the foundations of the world was laid, this moment was in God’s heart. You are blessed to have Haven. Love, Kenrick