From China with Love

Dossier to China...almost

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14


I'd be lying if I didn't say I am a little disappointed. I know the timing in this adoption process is never precise and can often take much longer than expected. I should really have no expectation at all, but I did. I really hoped our immigration papers would be authenticated and back to our agency by the end of this week. I just learned that it is nowhere near being done, probably because of the holidays.

I know God's timing is perfect and I believe there are reasons we may never know as to why at this point in the process things are moving slowly. It is very possible other parts of the process will go more quickly, but for now, we will just have to busy ourselves with other things.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE
January has become one of my favorite months of the year! What was once a cold, depressing, post holiday season month, God has made a month of celebration for our family!

• On January 16, 2003, atop the Grand Canyon, Larry asked me to be his wife. 
• One year later, January, 17, 2004, he made it so when we were married at my home church 
• On January 17, 2006 we moved into our first (and only) house!
• Next week we will celebrate 12 years of marriage doing one of our favorite things: Home renovations!! Stay tuned for before and after pics! 
• This January I hope we will also experience an exciting family event:                                 Getting our Dossier to China!!

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  January 16, 2003

  

  January 17, 2004

  

  January 17, 2006

WHAT'S NEW WITH THE GIRLS?

Olivia is currently getting over a nearly two week stint with Pneumonia. This is certainly the sickest either of my kids has ever been, and it has me thinking of our daughter in China and the many sons and daughters there yet to find their forever homes. So many of them experience sickness as an every day reality. Can't wait to see her little face and give her the name we have prayed over and chosen for her, that she may walk in its blessing for her!

Olivia is a very resilient child who does not want to slow down one bit. She lives in denial of any and all limitations put on her. I love her spunk and can-do attitude. Almost nothing gets this kid down. I have enjoyed laughing with her through this sickness. She is a blessing to me. This week we bought new bedding to go on her and Little Sister's bunk beds. She is super excited about the upcoming home renovations, but even more excited about having a new sister!!

Trying out her new "China buns" with her new baby on Christmas day

Mackenzie turned 9 years old just after Christmas and is growing into an incredibly beautiful young lady, inside and out. She is full of poise and kindness and models great responsibility. In case you haven't already heard, this is the year of the Panda at our house. Mackenzie has begun collecting all things Panda and enjoyed many Panda-themed gifts for her birthday and Christmas, as well as a very special Panda birthday party. As I write this blog, Olivia and I are watching Kung Fu Panda and anticipating the release of the 3rd film at the end of this month. Of course all these Pandas make me think of our daughter in China. Mackenzie, who was hesitant of the idea of adoption just 6 months ago, is now really looking forward to meeting and loving her new little sister. She loves helping make plans for her sister's bedroom and is insistent on picking out the perfect toy box with Little Sister's name on it.

Meet Mackenzie's pandas: Cookie, Muffins, Mandy, Bamboo, China, Fortune and Tau Tau

UPCOMING ADOPTION STEPS

January 31: final grant application

February: Home renovations/ reviewing files of children

March: Crossings adoption training in town

April: Yard Sale fundraiser

And Little Sister makes T

As we enter the NESTING season, I look forward to the day when I can tell you not only that our dossier has gone to China, but that we have been matched with our forever daughter!

Thank you for journeying with us.