Wednesday, July 26, 2006

All of July in July?


With only a few more days left in this month, I am still praying that the CCAA will release referrals for all those logged in last July. If they will only get through more than half the month it will be a Godsend! What anticipation, what frustration, what helplessness we feel not knowing anything but bits and pieces from across the globe. Disjointed morsels of information that the CCAA has told to select individuals. Rarely any public statement.
Our family is doing well though. I try to keep the moments of insanity to a minimum as-far-as the wait is wearing on me. I'm the only one on the internet, so they rely on me to tell them what's going on. Everyday I give my husband and kids the same story, "looks like we may hear soon" or "rumors are flying the we may have all of July done in July." One thing is for certain, it took a almost a whole year of a rumored CCAA move before it actually occured. Last October or so, people heard that the CCAA was scheduled to make a physical move to another building across town (Beijing). All year long we've speculated when, where, how, what? Finally, this month, the month that the wait has reached 13 months for many, they've moved. No word from anyone, only those that are actually seeing boxes packed. Yes, it has put things behind schedule but we don't know for how long. Some families have been waiting for Travel Approval since June 28th!
Still our family is doing well. We speak more and more of Mia. Will she be afraid or calm? Will she sleep? Will she laugh at Ethan's antics? Finally, I've cleared our closet in our Master Bedroom and our dresser. Mike and I will share our walk-in in our bath and I placed two small chests in there for us. Ethan donated his toybox and I've got it and a few other things in the closet ready. Now for the crib and linens. I'm ready to start packing.
School starts next week for me and the kids go back August 7th. If we get our Mia's referral in September we will probably travel in November. Peking turkey Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

He's the Lily of the Valley



Today I mailed the last of my quilt squares. One of the ways we ladies (maybe even an few guys) help pass the time. It's supposed to be a Chinese tradition to piece together 100 squares given by family and friends along with a good wish to the child. So, now I have almost 100 squares from all across the country from people that are in various stages of adopting from China. The fabrics are varied, colorful, coordinated and unique. The wishes are well-worded blessings and scriptures for our family and our new child along with small remnants of the fabric swatches so we can match them to the quilt. I will put the blessings together in a scrapbook for Mia to see. This is the scripture and blessing I sent to the remaining families on my quilt swap list.
Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” But “seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:27, 31 (NIV)
May the LORD, our Abba Father, grant you peace and joy through this wait. May the God, El Roi, who sees and knows all things be with your family especially upon returning home with this little one from China. Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. (Psalm 55:22)

I couldn't live a day with out Him! He's the Lily of the Valley - the Bright and Morning Star! The Fairest of Ten Thousand to my soul. Some days I just feel like singing.