we recently returned from michigan and were delighted with the news about your new family. will be anxious to meet max..many congratulations...we understand the journey you have been on to create your family--many, many congratulations...gail

You guys will be fine on the flight home. Don't stress and remember that you are almost there. We're praying for you.

We are so happy for you guys. Barb and I were amazed at how tedious and trying this has been for you guys. Glad the end is in sight, even if it may cause you to not want to travel any time soon with Maxim! I imagine home seems like a dream place a million miles away. Looking back a few months from now, the trip home will seem that way. HANG IN THERE! Mike & Barb Kimps

Hi Christy and Byron. Max is a cute little guy and I share your happiness that you have your son. You have had such a difficult, exhausting, emotional time, and I know you cannot wait to get home. You both will be wonderful parents. Thank you for sharing your journey. Take care.

Phil

I think you had too small of a send-off party. Let us all know when you will be arriving home, so we can all welcome him(& you 2)home. I know I'd love to be there......The pictures are great!!! Much Love- The (other) Stanleys

Yipeee! So glad you will be returning soon! Will be out of town until July 6th late...Words of advise...with his cold, be sure to have a bottle handy at all times so take off and landings will be comfortable on his ears. Hope Lil' Max is feeling better...see you as soon as possible! Traveling mercies and gaurdian angels around each of you! Love, Cin and Bern

Christy & Byron: Chills of excitement rolled over me this morning as I was reading your update. I have been following your journey through the adoption process and admire both of you for what you are doing. Max sure has some awesome parents! Looks like Prince Max really admires the Queen. Congratulations to both of you and I wish you nothing but joy in raising your son! I have already congratulated Grandmother Dale. I get a kick out of calling her grandmother. Way to go! I know I am all the way in Texas, but if I can do anything for the Bright Family, please let me know. Congrats!

Byron and Christy,

I am SOOOOOO excited for you! I can't wait to give all 3 of you a big hug! Hopefully we will see you very soon. I love you!

Scotta <><.

Hey Guys,

I just wanted to let you know, how happy we are for ya'll. We can't wait to meet "Max" ! He looks adorable. I can't wait for ya'll to get home, so we can love on him.

Everyone here are so excited for ya'll ! You have been in our prayers and our hearts. I miss you guys ! ! ! The three of you make a beautiful family ! ! ! I hope ya'll have a safe flight back and hopefully Max will be good for ya.

Love ><.>
Sabrina

Well, congratulations! I think Bassett is a wonderful middle name, and I know you're all three probably very excited (and exhausted) right about now! We're keeping Max's aunts (Macey and Mandy) this weekend, but I've told them all about Max, and they're anxious to see him when you're all in Florida soon. I''m sure you're tired of traveling right now, but we hope you'll bring your little of bundle of joy to visit us in Texas really soon!

God bless your new family!

Love,

Lizabeth & Gerry

My heart is dancing!!!!!!!!! Rich and I have been in Virginia Beach since Thursday, attending a wedding, and this is the first opportunity I've had to be at a computer to check the progress of Max's official placement into your family. I will FLY up to the hotel room to share the news with Rich! We will waiting with open arms when you arrive. Just tell us when. We love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have just arrived home (and can't wait until you three do the same!) We had an awesome week at camp, and although we were out of touch most of the time, I did get a couple of updates. We were so excited to hear that the adoption was final and that you three were beginning the journey home. Hopefully it will be a peaceful trip and just the beginning of an awesome journey! I can't wait to see you - let me know what the visitation schedule is like so I can plan a weekend to come down. Nathan and Amy will be in Navarre Beach until Thursday...they are sure hoping to get to see you before they return home, so keep me posted on your schedule and I will stay in contact with them. I will be jealous, however, that they are meeting my nephew before I am but I will try to deal with it! Be safe and call me if you need me!
Love, Nikki

Congratulations on being parents. We know it is has been long journey but it is worth it.

Best of luck and send pictures

Mark & Kim Hoelscher

Words can't express how thrilled I was to hear the good news tonight. Everyone in the stands at the softball game cheered when Cindy shared the announcement that Max is part of our church family. He is loved by many!!

The joy in your hearts right now is only going to grow as you fall more and more in love with this precious child. I can't wait to watch the three of you together.

In Christ,
Tracy

How blessed you are!!! God is so good!!! Welcome Maxim --- Cindy came to the game tonight and told us all it is official!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! We are all SO happy for you and can't wait to give him a hug when he comes home. Take care and know that our love is with you all, Bright FAMILY ---- GOD'S BLESSINGS --- Mama Love

Congratulations guys,
So glad to hear the good news about the 10 day waiver. Now you just have to hurry back so we can see that beautiful baby. Our prayers will continue for your safe and speedy return home.

Wes & Sue Norton

alleulia!!!!!God Bless "our Max" is comin' home! alleulia!!!! We are so happy for you three, we have goose bumps ! Going out of town Wed-Tues, but will call/come over asap!!! This child has more family that he will every fully understand! Traveling mercies and angels all around! Love, Cin

my heart aches to think of all that y'all are going through. i pray that God will answer your prayers in a greater way than you have ever imagined.there was a time in my life that i truely feared that i would not marry or have children...and i truely longed and hurt inside for this to be a part of my life. well, God has blessed daily and richly and i know that he will take care of you and your dreams for your family. you are in my thoughts and prayers///and i have asked my children to pray for you too///love to you both and a warm hug/trish

Hi, So glad to read that the 10 day period was waived. And, we are smiling to know you will soon be on the way home. Can't wait to meet Max. And to know that you are all safely home. See ya soon!. Lizz & Earl

Hey Guys! Just wanted you to know you are in my thougths and prayers and that I've been checking in to see what your up to. We are so excited for you. Keep the journal going. it is so nice to have a way to get updates. We can't wait to meet Max! We love you!

Just received this email from Byron and Christy:
Hey Babushka (Russian for Grandmother!)

It's official . . . We are the proud parents of Maxim Bright! We had court today. It was about 4 hours long and very stressful. They asked us all kinds of questions. In the end they approved us and they also waived the 10 day wait. (yeah). Now we are waiting on the birth certificate and other documents to be translated. If we are lucky, we can leave tomorrow at 5 pm for Moscow. If not, we will leave 8 am Saturday. We don't have Max tonight. We pick him up at 1200 tomorrow. So this may be our last night of peaceful sleep for the next 18 years.

We are very excited and exhausted. We have to pack tonight, so I probably won't post a journal. Just pass on to everyone that we are doing great.
Love you,
Byron

Christy & Byron,

It's Jenn Smalley, I work at K-C with your mom/mother-in-law. I've really enjoyed reading your journal while you're in Russia. This is an excellent way to keep in touch with your friends and family. I'm very sorry about the hardships that you've encountered during your visit there, but it sounds like things are beginning to work out for you. Max is absolutely adorable! He looks like he's already a part of your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope the three of you have a safe journey back to the US (makes you happy to pay your taxes, doesn't it?). Good luck to you!

This is so exciting! I am crossing my fingers and toes and praying as hard as I can that I DO NOT hear from you all for the next few days...I bet I speak for many others when I say I can not imagine if you had gone to Russia without the website. I would have gone crazy wondering and worrying about you all.

Love Ya!

Malisa

Hi, It has been interesting keeping up with you through your journal.And we love seeing the pictures you post. Isn't technology wonderful? I would love to see that feeding experience. I am sure you will have it down in no time at all. You are still in our prayers and hoping that you get to come home soon and bring Max with you. Keep smiling okay. God Bless. Lizz & Earl

We are so excited for you two. Sounds like things started off rough but have had a remarkable turnaround. I hope this works out and you are home soon. You are in our prayers! Take care and keep the photoes coming. Max is adorable! By the way work still SUCKS! Miss you.

Hey Guys! I'm having withdrawal pains with no new journal entries for a couple of days! (Like you have absolutely nothing else to do except keep us updated!) Seriously, I do hope that the reason there have been no postings is that you're busy visiting Max and making arrangements for bringing him home. Rich and I leave early tomorrow a.m. for a wedding in Virginia, so we will be out of touch for a few days. Will be back on Sunday, and will be ready to hear the news and to do anything we can from here to help. We love you, we love Max, and we're so blessed to have you as friends. What a beautiful family you guys are!

Max is darling!!!!!! I am so excited for you. Debbie came in Sat night with Max's picture...got in my keppsake trunk, but could not find baby name book. Thanks for updates! Love, Cin

Byron and Christy: We are so happy that things have finally seemed to turn around for good. You have been in our prayers and we have been in constant contact with your web site. I am familiar with the Russian way of life, as I have traveled to similar countries. Scary... You have our hopes and dreams for a wonderful success with your adoption and trip. I know it has been hard, but that just makes Max all that much more worth it. We are thinking and praying for you constantly.

Love, The Hoelschers

WE JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT ALL OF THIS. YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THE FAMILY COMMUNICATES. HA HA.
I'M SO PROUD OF YOU GUYS. BYRON, YOU'RE GONNA MAKE A GREAT FATHER AND BECAUSE YOU CHOSE CHRISTY SHE'S GONNA MAKE AN AWESOME MOM. JUST STAY IN GOD'S WILL AND YOU AND YOUR SON MAX WILL BE HOME SOON. NOW THAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE JOURNAL WE WILL BE KEEPING UP WITH YOU. WE LOVE YOU AND STAY SAFE, AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR PRAYERS DAILY.

Max is adorable--you will make a darling family. I hope everything goes well for the 3 of you--I will keep my fingers crossed!

Hi Byron & Christy!
Whew! I've just read your journal and I'm amazed at the determination and faith that you both have. Max is adorable! When he gets older and reads all of this, he's going to realize just how much you both were willing to go through for him. Just remember that God's plan and timing is always perfect. I'll be praying for you all!!

Had to check in before going to bed to see how ya'll are doing --- know that you are in my prayers --- what a sweet little guy Max is - May God continue to hold you all in the palm of His hand --- know that He has a special plan for each of us...love and hugs, Mama Love

That's quite a journal and quite a journey you've had. Sounds like you could use strength, discernment, and maybe a shot of vodka. Remember Romans 8:28. Best wishes.

Okay....we think that MAX is a good name, and would certainly be a welcome addition at "our" house...Marvin, Margot, Matthew, Michael, Marshall, Moses (the cat), Missy (the dog)....should I continue?
Love you! M&M

I am crying and then laughing and crying again at this experience. My heart goes out to both of you and I know that in the end this is going to work out for you. Keep your faith, your strenghth and your smiles.

We've been praying for you and keeping up on a daily basis. We pray that all goes well with Max.

I've been checking your journal the last few days and am so thankful for the turn of the tides for you. It sounds wonderful. I'm praying for you all every day. Max is a beautiful baby. I liked the suggestion of adding the name him Jonathan. Godspeed

Hey guys,
Glad to see you guys are hanging tough. Sounds like it has been a tough week, but things seem to be looking up for you. For what it's worth, Sue and I have been poring over some names, and we both agree with Deb in her suggestions for Bennett as a middle name. The meaning is really nice too. We also liked Ian, or Iain also. We hope and pray for things to keep going your way and hopefully, soon you will be returning with your new child. Not to jinx things, but maybe more for good luck, I'd like to wish Byron a Happy Fathers Day.
God Bless you both,
Wes & Sue Norton

I think you should put Dale in his name. You both know in the Bible it says "do it to the least of my brethern and you do it unto me". You are providing and caring for someone who cannot care for themselves and God knows all.

You both look so happy in your pictures with Max and he looks so happy with you guys too! So glad to hear things have taken a positive turn for you. I have no good ideas for names, but it looks like there are many good suggestions already. Best wishes and hopefully things go fast so you can show Max his new home.

Could we be so lucky & be the first to wish you your first official, "Happy Father's Day!" I hope we aren't being too presumptuous. We are thinking of you often.... Love- The (other) Stanley's

You guys look happier that you have in a very long time! It is so great to see that sweet baby sleeping in your arms and playing on your chest. What a wonderful day you must have had! I am so proud of you two for having the strength to hang in there...God is so good!!! Lots of love to the three of you,
Nikki

Hello Christy and Byron, Supper club met tonight and we sure missed you both. Deb filled us in on Max and I have since looked at all the pictures and poured over some baby names on the web. Here are just a few for your consideration.
Charles: free man
Johnathan: God's offering
Alek: Russian name, defender of mankind
Andry: also Russian, strong & manly
Christian: A follower of Christ
David: Beloved
Bryce: quick moving and alert
Andrew: manly
Freeman: Free man
Truman: Faithful man
My favorite tonight was Charles that I came up with at supper club. Another man who was there also liked Charles. Then I saw Johnathan and meaning God's offering I thought Mmmmmmm! Anyway, these are a few for you to ponder. Keep us posted on how it's going and you are all still in our every prayer. The pics you sent are great. Especially love the one of Max sleeping on your shoulder Christy. So sweet. And good to hear you are a little more up beat now. Love & prayers, Lizz & Earl

Okay, guys - I'm taking this SERIOUSLY! I'm here, poring over baby name websites, looking for something that I think you'd consider and that has special meaning. (And, yes, I'm sure you've already searched the web and chosen the perfect name, but . . .) There are SO many - here are a few: Matthew/Nathaniel - Gift of God; Rich suggests "Christian"; Bennett = blessed little son; Evan/John/Jonathan = God is gracious; Ian/Iain = God's gracious gift (and my personal favorite - spelled with the extra "i"); Samual = Asked of God; Timothy = Honoring God; and JUST FOR FUN, Galeno = Little Bright One! Love to you!

Brights - The Supper Club met tonight, and Max's photo was the delight of the group. You and Max were lifted up in prayer, and we played a game to see who could come up with the best name to suggest to you. We all agreed, however, that this child should have a name that means something very special, and, having no baby name book with us, we just didn't feel we could offer you anything worth considering. However, since we ALL want to babysit, we're all trying to be the first to offer you something to consider!!!

We are so thrilled that your journey has taken a happy turn, What a beautiful boy! I'll run for now, because I'm staying up late tonight to search for the perfect baby name! Love you! - Deb

I have checked the web page everyday from work. This is the first time I've had an opportunity to sit down and write. I have tears of both sorrow and joy for the experience you both are having. I love you guys and I pray that God renews your strength everyday. I like the middle name Gabriel or joshua. Chris my heart is with you and I know that things will work out. You know God has a funny way of blessing you and I. (with much love keisha) p.s. the party is in the works, because I know that you will have a baby boy in your arms when you get off the plane.

We are so excited to hear that things have taken a turn for the better. Since you asked and I would love to babysit...I have a suggestion for the middle name....

Maxim Alek Bright...Alek is a Russian form of Alexander which is why it caught my attention.
It means defender of mankind according to babycenter.com.

We love you so much and we pray for you all every day.

Love,

Michael, Malisa and Mindy

Just a short note to let you guys know that I've been thinking of you and continue to lift you up in my prayers. Hope today is great day for you guys!

Max is adorable. That picture of him up in the air is priceless - he look so happy and so healthy! The two of you look so much better, too. You look more rested and more relaxed than in the previous pictures with Max. I love you all three and can't wait to welcome you home! Take care and enjoy your time together.

Love and prayers!
Nikki

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Dear Christy and Byron,

Becky shared with me your website and I have been reading from your journal about the trip to Russia. I am thinking of you and praying for you in your "adoption journey." I was reminded of a recent Bible study course I took. There were two highlights: God is who he says he is and God can do what he says he can do. When God closes one door, he always has another door and a better plan for you. I am praying that you will experience and feel God's encouragement at this particular time.

We sure wish you well and God willing you will find the child he would have for you.

steve & debie deValcourt

Good Morning -
We received an email from Nikki Coull.
She found our website about our Russian Adoption and informed us of your adoption and website.
So we had to check it out. Great site! Please feel free to check out our website.
We've been in your shoes, if we can help you with questions, please feel free to email us.

Best of luck to you both.

Hello you two --- just got the word from Jim and Nancy Ross tonight at our church softball game about ya'll being "over the water". I just wanted to wish you all the best and to tell you we will all be waiting to hold the sweet bundle that God puts in your arms. Keep your faith and will will all pray that your trip will soon be over --- know that we are sending you love and hugs to give you strength. God's blessings --- love, "Mama Love", Becky Edge

Christy and Byron - It is WONDERFUL to hear that you're feeling better (amotionally and physically) and that lodging conditions in Russa are comfortable. Hopefully you're sleeping well, being well fed, and each day is bringing you renewed strength for the experiences you're facing. Thank you, again, for keeping us posted. We all love you.

I found this and it sounded very fitting for your situation. I didn't notice until after I had copied it that it was a Russian Proverb...
Pray to God, but continue to row toward shore.
--- Russian Proverb
I think you two are praying and rowing pretty hard - Hang in there!

I love you!!!
Nikki

Hang in there! I will keep you in my thoughts and in my prayers. Take care of yourselves and know we are all thinking of you.

Mel

We are thinking about you and praying every day....we love you!

We love you, we are praying for you, and we know that God has a wonderful plan for you. Please know that we will continue to pray for you and we wish you the best.

I am writing this note to let you know that your are blessed. Everything happens for a reson and as long as you hold on to God, it will all work out. God gives many gifts. Sometimes the gift is for us and sometimes it is for the other guy. Sometimes the gift is tangible, sometimes it is intangible. Perhaps these angels you have met are not your gifts, perhaps just meeting them is your gift. Perhaps you are their gift. Perhaps just meeting you and receiving a little bit of your love is their gift. Everything works out the way it is supposed. Love, Cheryle

Christy and Byron,
First of all I love you!! We've been absent from each other as of late, but you know you are always in my heart, thoughts and prayers. You have consumned my thoughts since our last conversation and I look at this webpage almost everyday.
I know this is a very difficult journey for you but please do not lose the faith. The Lord has the perfect child for you and Byron and it will happen. Just try to stay diligent in His word and in prayer. God will honor that. The Lord desires for you to be happy so you will have your happy ending. I will be a prayer warrior for you over here! You and Byrron are amazing people and you already have an amazing testimony and it continues to develop. Just think about what kind of an impact you will be able to make for the Lord thru this.
I pray that you were able to have a good day of rest. You need your strength. If you have your Bible or access to one, look up these verses.
Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 26:3, all of Psalm 18, Psalm 62:3-6.
I hope these words are some sort of encouragement. They are meant to be. Until tomorrow.

Love,
Scotta <><.

Christy & Byron-
There are no words to comfort you, except,to let you know you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and keep the faith- believing God has a planned purpose for you in Russia. We are all here for you two. Love- The (other) Stanley's

Oh my, Christy and Byron, our hearts go out to you. We know God has a plan for you. And we feel HIS plan will soon be evident. Our prayers are with you. Don't give up, whatever you do. Trust in HIM and it will happen. Do take care of yourselves okay. Love and prayers, Lizz and Earl

Prayers are with you. Don't give up . . . God led you to take this jourmey. He will see you through it. Thank you for the courage you show in continuing to update the journal. We all feel privileged to be part of this experience with you. Thank you for sharing it with us. We love you.

I was reading my Bible this morning and immediately thought of you when I read this verse:

Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

My Study Bible had a note in regard to this verse, it said: To persist in prayer and not give up does not mean endless repetition. Always praying means keeping our requests constantly before God, believing He will answer. When we live by faith, we are not to give up. God may delay answering, but His delays always have good reasons. As we persist in prayer we grow in character, faith, and hope.

We are praying for you guys, He has you there today for a reason. God bless.

I Am very sorry about what happend with Will, I would have loved to have held him and played with him this summer.
I Know God has a plan, but I find it confussing right now.


Just remember "There is often Joy in Times of sadness" Someone who was looking to adopt may stummble across your website and learn about Will, and they may be perfectly equipt to adopt him and it would be thanks to you that they do!
You may find that there is a child there who is perfect for you, and then it would be all thanks to Will! You just never know how God will work, but Gods will be done.
I can't even imagine how you fell, but remember,I will keep you in my prayers as always and I will help in anyway I can. I love you all and wish you all good luck!

Completly off the subject, Thanks for your gift!!
Love,
Blakeley