Maddie Wright here.  Thought an update was in order.

We have added to the family:  a little three-year-old boy from Kenya, Africa, who was in desperate need of a home and a family.  He came last week.  He is absolutely beautiful!

Our newest child is named Emmanuel Thaddeus.  He was born without legs; otherwise, he is perfectly healthy.

We had wanted to adopt a second child ever since we adopted our daughter Korina Grace, who is now five years old, from Vietnam, nearly two years ago (time sure does fly by quickly, doesn't it??).  We wanted to add another boy, so our son wouldn't feel so alone, with all the girls surrounding him.  LOL

We started the adoption proceedings a year ago.  We found out that a boy was in need of a family.  When we saw his picture, we knew instantly that little Emmanuel Thaddeus was the one for us.  He was perfect; we instantly fell in love!

Now he's arrived into our home; everything is in a state of disarray.  The children fight over whose turn it is to take care of him; meanwhile, little Emmannuel cries practically nonstop:  everything is still so new, unfamiliar, strange to him. 

We feel that in time he will adjust; until then, we will have to learn to take things slowly, one day at a time.

I am happy to say that Kensington, Khristmas, Kaylie, and Korina are doing well.  They all love school, and are enjoying all of their classes (not to mention, their teachers).  I pray this continues.

I'm also happy to say that none of them have come down with the flu.  I know it's bad; every day on the news we hear of more kids dying or ending up in the hospital because of the swine flu, and it's really scary!  I pray the kids don't come down with it, especially the kind that affects the lungs!

Every day I pray to God to keep my family safe from sickness or harm.  It seems to be working.

My sister, Gloriana, who lives in Valdosta, is adopting a child too:  a girl from China she plans to call Lilyanna Xi Lin.  She is the same age as little Emmanuel.  Lilyanna is also disabled:  she has Down syndrome and heart problems.  In fact, when she comes to America, the first thing they are going to do is get her heart straightened out; it's that serious.  Without the surgery, she could possibly die.

I am happy for Gloriana; on the other hand, I am scared for her child.  Heart surgery is major news; it's nothing to be taken lightly.  I will hve to do some heavy-duty praying in the weeks/months ahead for Lilyanna!

So I will be getting a new niece from China.  How exciting!!

Well, Emmanuel is crying again, so I have to see what he wants.  I will write in here again soon; until then, this is Maddie Wright saying so long and God bless!

~Love, your friend in Georgia, Maddie.  :)