FINAL Beautiful.ai - Scarlett's Adoption Journey.pptx

Adoption from China Story

1. The Red Thread: Scarlett's Adoption Journey Our heartwarming story of how we adopted my daughter and welcomed her into our loving family.

2. “The Red Thread of Fate tells of an invisible red cord connecting those who are destined to meet. The gods tie this cord around the fingers of people meant to be in each other's lives—true loves, family, or soul-deep friends. Though the thread may stretch or tangle, it can never break. It defies time, distance, and circumstance.” THE RED THREAD: THE ADOPTION STORY OF SCARLETT ANGELA YOUMIAO KRAEMER

3. The Calling to Adopt In 2016, Salene felt a strong calling to adopt a young girl, despite the challenges and uncertainties. She began the long process of paperwork, home studies, and emotional preparation.

4. Preparing for the Journey Rushed trip to Walmart for baby supplies Just days before leaving for China, the presenter had to quickly gather all the necessary baby items, as it had been nearly a decade since there was a baby in the house. Received a grant from the Gift of Adoption Fund Three days before the trip, the presenter received a call informing them that they had been awarded a grant of $12,000 from the Gift of Adoption Fund, which helped offset the adoption costs and provided financial breathing room. Felt like a divine message and a vote of confidence The unexpected financial support from the grant felt like a sign from above, reassuring the presenter that they were on the right path in their adoption journey. Salene’s preparation for the adoption journey, including the hasty trip to gather supplies and the unexpected financial assistance, served as a divine message and a vote of confidence, solidifying their commitment to providing a loving home for Scarlett.

5. Beijing Heritage Tour The Great Wall of China A majestic, serpentine stone structure stretching across the mountains. The Forbidden City A sprawling imperial palace complex with vibrant red walls and golden roofs. Exploring Beijing Navigating the bustling streets and markets of China's historic capital. Cultural Performance Witnessing a captivating Chinese acrobatic and dance performance. 5

6. Bikes, Blossoms, and Busy Streets

7. Markets & Craftsmanship

8. Modern Architecture & City Life

9. Climbing the Great Wall The steep stone steps of the Great Wall were a true adventure. We climbed alongside people from all over the world.

10. A View Like No Other Panoramic views stretched for miles, with mountain ridges rolling endlessly into the distance.

11. The Majesty of China Cherry blossoms peeked through the brush, and the Wall snaked below us. Beijing was breathtaking!

12. Endless Wall, Endless Wonder From every tower and turn, the Wall winds like a dragon across the land—ancient, proud, and powerful.

13. A Popular Path We shared the Great Wall with fellow travelers and marveled at the scale of this historic marvel.

14. Imperial Doors & Legends Beijing's doors are adorned with art and guardians, opening into stories of dynasties and emperors.

15. Spring in the Forbidden City The Forbidden City's gardens bloomed with vibrant magnolias, adding color to imperial elegance.

16. Courtyard

17. Home

18. Hidden Corners of Beijing Tucked between busy streets, old alleyways (hutongs) whisper tales of everyday life in Beijing.

19. Lush Corners and Old Charm From blossoming cherry trees to quiet hutongs, Beijing offers both beauty and history in every street.

20. Modern Beijing at Dusk The city's skyline sparkled as the sun set, blending tradition with sleek, modern architecture.

21. Jinan, Scarlett's Hometown After a heritage tour in Beijing, the presenter traveled to Jinan, the city where Scarlett was living in the Children's Welfare Institute, a large orphanage housing 600 children. It was in Jinan that the presenter met Scarlett, also known as Wu Youmiao, for the first time. Scarlett, whose name means 'hope for health and blessings', was born without her right ear, and her birth parents had entrusted her to the care of others, likely hoping she would receive medical attention abroad.

22. All the Adoptive Families Jinan Memories -

23. Jinan Memories – A forever moment ❤️ First hugs, lifelong bonds 🤗 Exploring Jinan together 🚲

24. A Glimpse of Daily Life Side streets filled with people, food, and culture.

25. Modern Meets Historic Jinan’s skyline rises above ancient arches and courtyards.

26. Our Adoption Journey Begins Capturing love, purpose, and beautiful memories in Jinan.

27. Peaceful Parks Locals relaxing under shaped trees and tiled rooftops.

28. Neighborhood Strolls Hidden alleys and rich culture around every corner.

29. Tea Houses and Parks

30. Daily Rhythm The nurturing routine of care and love.

31. Bridges and Boats Traditional charm by the lake in Daming Park.

32. United at Last

33. Guangzhou, Finalizing the Adoption Guangzhou: The Final Step Guangzhou is the city where all international Chinese adoptions are finalized. Completing Paperwork The presenter and Scarlett completed the final adoption paperwork in Guangzhou. Bonding with Other Families The presenter and Scarlett had the opportunity to bond with other adoptive families in Guangzhou. Exploring the City The presenter and Scarlett explored the sights and culture of Guangzhou, including museums and parks. Guangzhou was the final step in Scarlett's adoption journey, where the presenter and Scarlett completed the necessary paperwork and had the chance to bond with other adoptive families while exploring the vibrant city.

34. Gotcha Day Joy The first night as mother and daughter—forever begins.

35. Red Ribbons

36. City Streets

37. Arriving Home in Pittsburgh April 18, 2019 Scarlett and I flew home from Guangzhou, China. 1:30 a.m. Arrived in Pittsburgh after a 30-hour journey across 3 planes. 15 people greet us at airport. 3 a.m. Keira and Jackson, now 15 and 17, stayed up to welcome their new baby sister. Easter Weekend Scarlett devoured her first American meal - mac and cheese and cherry pie. 52

38. Scarlett's Adoption Journey Scarlett's adoption journey was a deeply meaningful and divinely-timed experience for her mom, who felt a strong calling to Scarlett many years prior. Through the various stages of the process, from the paperwork and emotional preparation to the cultural immersion and final bonding, the Kraemer’s completed their home in LEBO with baby Scarlett! Thank you, in part, to The Gift of Adoption Fund.