So my prayer for all of July in July wasn't answered. But I know that God has a plan for our child. Our turn will come when it's our turn. My prayer is that I will be able to enjoy this time and be prepared for our Mia when she is delivered to us.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
The future's not ours to see
So my prayer for all of July in July wasn't answered. But I know that God has a plan for our child. Our turn will come when it's our turn. My prayer is that I will be able to enjoy this time and be prepared for our Mia when she is delivered to us.
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.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
A little more confident
This was announced early this morning from China and has me feeling a bit more optimistic that we'll be traveling before Christmas. I don't mind the waiting. It's just the not knowing - not hearing anything except rumors and speculation. If they told me we would be matched in November that would be fine - then we could plan. Well, this mornings referrals leads me to believe it's possible we could be referred between early September and early October and travel between November and December! Yeah!!! because our paper-work (orphan petition with the U.S. Immigration office) will have to be re-done in January. I'm excited. Now I've got to get busy. A baby's on the way.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Getting Ready for a little Girl!
I've decided to focus on the positive aspect of this wait. If there's a little girl entering our household before the year is out (yes - Lord-let it be so!) I must prepare for her. But first, I have to make some decisions! Where do I put her? Will she want a crib? Will I spoil her if I put her in our room? Will I tramatize her if I make her sleep alone? This is why I've not done this quicker. With my pregnancies it was easy - I loved preparing a nursery/crib area. Elliott was our first born and I spent many hours painting and finding just the right theme, blue and brown and teddy bears! Ethan, poor thing, came during our "famine" years, when we were struggling with our new business and lived in a small space. We made his spot in our bedroom, but still I went to lengths to prepare his spot and find the right accessories. Next came our princess Michaela! What a room plan! I even wrote about her nursery and took pictures. So what do I do with our sweet Mia? I need some advice. My first-born is now moving into a college dorm. His upstairs room will only be used for visiting, but no one wants it, Ethan loves his recently redone room. It's definitely masculine and I'd hate to try to change it so soon after we've just painted it a year ago. Michaela's afraid to stay upstairs alone and I don't think it wise to put a baby upstairs. I'd have to walk a long way at night and I'm afraid she would feel isolated. So what about Michaela's room? It's girly - and I could streamline her stuff and put a crib on one wall. But will Mia be able to sleep? Would Michaela be able to sleep? Would we have enough room for her stuff. So....that leaves Mike's & my bedroom. Plenty of room - we have an extra closet and an extra dresser. But will she become too dependent on us and not ever be able to sleep alone? This is my quandry. Can someone give me some advice so I can get busy?
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Just over the Sunset
Well we're nine months pregnant and counting! Days pass and still no word from the CCAA since May 23rd. The Rumor Queen http://www.chinaadopttalk.com always has some information for me to absorb. Alot of the talk is negative and it would be very easy to get really depressed - if it weren't for the beauty of God's handywork. As I see God working - knowing that as the sun sets here - it is rising in China. Our daughter is just over the sunset.lake at sunset
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Praying for a miracle
Today came the news. No referrals for our AWAA this month. The referral news came early this morning - those families logged in through June 15th have been referred. The stork will be landing before weeks end and we will begin seeing pictures of these beautiful babies. How exciting for these families. I am happy for these blessed families but for all the ones that come after - we are facing increased wait times. This month may mark the end of referrals within a years wait. Rumors are flying than it may increase upwards of 18 months. Please pray for a miracle.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
We're in the Matching Room!
The China Center for Adoption affairs in Bejing has kept us (America World adoption families) on edge for 3 months now. We haven't seen any referrals since January 25th and the tension has been unbearable. This is all the information we've all been starring at, some many time a day.
"The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before September 30, 2005.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before June 6, 2005."
This simple statement has had many in tears. For us it means that our documents have passed review (our application documents were dated Sept. 9th) and are now in the Matching phase. Yes! The next few months (I'm thinking 4) will hold our future, or should I say...Our future is in His hands.
"The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before September 30, 2005.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before June 6, 2005."
This simple statement has had many in tears. For us it means that our documents have passed review (our application documents were dated Sept. 9th) and are now in the Matching phase. Yes! The next few months (I'm thinking 4) will hold our future, or should I say...Our future is in His hands.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Korean Choir tours U.S.
This is the second time in one year we've been able to host member of this talented and inspiring choir. Elliott, Ethan and Michaela really love spending time with and getting to know them. They actually did not sleep at all but had fun talking all night. The next morning they were like zombies but knew they were going to sleep on the bus. We, however, were pooped.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Our Sixth Month of Waiting
For the first time in many months I've got exciting news! The group before us has gotten official word from China that they are finished reviewing their documents and are ready to be matched. That means our group (September 2005) is now being actively reviewed. I know, it may not sound like much to you, but for this depressed woman it's a step forward.
Winter has never been my most productive season. I tend to burrow down and hybernate. The dreary February days have rolled on into bleak, windy and unpredicatable March. March is almost gone and our household has gotten almost comfortable with the wait. But for me it has been like silent screaming. We know that the adoption will happen, but it may take upwards of another six months. Everything I understand points to a slow-down in the next few months so I'm trying to prepare myself for the possibility of a September referral. Why the lengthy wait. From all I read it stems from many factors like; 1) the numbers of abandoned children have decreased - this is good news for the children. 2) the number of domestic adoptions have increased - this is also good news for the children. 3)the number of paper-ready children has decreased - this sounds like bureaucratic red-tape - not good for kids. 4)the increase number of people wanting to adopt from China - again, good! 5) the investigation of possible illegal baby traffiking in Hunan province - its good that there is a thorough investigation! 6) the CCAA - China Center for Adoption Affairs has been disrupted because of moving it's facility - maybe they'll speed up once their system is set up. All of these things I read about and understand. It doesn't make it any easier, but I know that China has a reputable adoption program. I am now feeling a little easier knowing that our file isn't just "floating" around the hallways somewhere in China, but now I am really anxious to see how big this next group of referrals will be. Please pray with me that the group from June 2005 will get babies this next week. I hope you'll pray that we all stay encouraged during the wait. My next goal is to post of few updated photo's - if I can get my camera and family to cooperate. Happy Spring!
Winter has never been my most productive season. I tend to burrow down and hybernate. The dreary February days have rolled on into bleak, windy and unpredicatable March. March is almost gone and our household has gotten almost comfortable with the wait. But for me it has been like silent screaming. We know that the adoption will happen, but it may take upwards of another six months. Everything I understand points to a slow-down in the next few months so I'm trying to prepare myself for the possibility of a September referral. Why the lengthy wait. From all I read it stems from many factors like; 1) the numbers of abandoned children have decreased - this is good news for the children. 2) the number of domestic adoptions have increased - this is also good news for the children. 3)the number of paper-ready children has decreased - this sounds like bureaucratic red-tape - not good for kids. 4)the increase number of people wanting to adopt from China - again, good! 5) the investigation of possible illegal baby traffiking in Hunan province - its good that there is a thorough investigation! 6) the CCAA - China Center for Adoption Affairs has been disrupted because of moving it's facility - maybe they'll speed up once their system is set up. All of these things I read about and understand. It doesn't make it any easier, but I know that China has a reputable adoption program. I am now feeling a little easier knowing that our file isn't just "floating" around the hallways somewhere in China, but now I am really anxious to see how big this next group of referrals will be. Please pray with me that the group from June 2005 will get babies this next week. I hope you'll pray that we all stay encouraged during the wait. My next goal is to post of few updated photo's - if I can get my camera and family to cooperate. Happy Spring!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
"The Sound of Silence"
January is supposed to be a reflective month anyway, but this year was ridiculous! Last year we took the family on the Carnival Cruise to contemplate this adoption and the whirlwind began. We were extremely busy getting all the mountains of documents ordered, prepared, and authorized. Now .....nothing....silence. Except........the clatter of my fingers on the keyboard. My nightly ritual is now to check the message boards of yahoo to see what's the latest news. You see, I'm on about 5 yahoo groups. We talk about how we are preparing for this baby, we give and listen to advice, we share news stories and photos of our nurseries. The ladies and a few gentlemen even open gifts on "cybershowers" we oooh and aahh over this months referral pictures. This months referrals! What an awesome time it is as child-less couples are greeted by fed-ex with these little ones they've long for for so long! I'm now good friends it seems with a blessed Christian woman named Edi. She shared her story with us all how her relative prayed for her to marry a Christian man only a few years ago and as he prayed a blessing for God to bless her with a man he prayed also that she be blessed with children. Edi is now the proud mom of a two year old daughter that was conceived around the same time as this prayer was voiced. You can see this same story at http://www.christianadoptionmoms.com/article_godsredthread.html I am just overwhelmed at the blessings I am receiving from these groups. Our agency received 39 babies (ages 7 mo. to 23 months - Edi's). We are praying that referrals will begin to speed up after Chinese New Year. It seems that this holiday goes on for about 2 weeks and closes everything down. Please-Please pray that AWAA groups 214 - 219 will get referrals next. We are group 230 and if the groups stay together by months we should know who our baby is by May or June! The sound of silence is deafening!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Our "State of the Family" Address 2006
What a year! Full of blessings and trials. Our Elliott is in his final semester of High School. We are so proud that he has decided to go to Mississippi State University in the Fall. He has been accepted into their Honors program and dormitory. His Spanish III class has been planning a Senior trip to Mexico for over a year now. He's will be going on an 8 day trip to several cities in April. Mostly he is excited because it will be his first time to fly! This summer will mark his fourth year with the Mississippi Baptist All-State Youth Choir and Orchestra. He plays the piano for our church youth band and also fills in for our worship services. We are so proud that he has such a passion for music. He's grown up so fast.
Ethan, who turns fifteen in February, has found more favor with his older brother this year as he has joined him on the Math and Science team at school. Eliott actually has discovered that Ethan does know this trivia (we all thought he made up his "facts")!Ethan is busy writing a novel - something to do with the Roman Empire. He is busier now than ever as Santa brought him a laptop. Already he has settled his mind to attend a Christian College close by - maybe William Carey but probably University of Mobile. He's still a little fickle. So time will tell.
Our little Michaela has grown so fast! She is reading extremely well but has had a challenging first grade year. She would rather work at the store with her Daddy and Nana or help Mamaw cook and sew. Michaela absolutely loves babies and is really good help for me every Wednesday night in the Church Nursery. She is so excited now about being a big sister. Maybe she'll even learn to sleep in her bed!
As many of you already know, we're in the process of adopting from China. During the last week of August we completed the last of our "paper chase" (quite a grueling process), and sent our dossier to China (via America World Adoption Agency in McClain, VA). It was mailed to China the Friday before hurricane Katrina hit. That was a miracle alone that it was able to get there before the storm. If it had not we would have been delayed much longer. As it is now, we are waiting. We know that our child is most likely already born and either in an orphanage or in foster care, but we do not know her identy yet. If everything keeps moving along like it is now we should have a referral (consisting of a biography, photo and health information) in April or May. Upon our acceptance of this referral, Mike and I both will travel to China some 6-8 week later to bring her home. We are praying that our travel will be in June but it could be later.
This has been and will continue to be a demanding and yet rewarding process. When we receive the referral, we will most definitely want to share our excitement with you. We're so grateful for everyones support and encouragement and we await Mia.
Ethan, who turns fifteen in February, has found more favor with his older brother this year as he has joined him on the Math and Science team at school. Eliott actually has discovered that Ethan does know this trivia (we all thought he made up his "facts")!Ethan is busy writing a novel - something to do with the Roman Empire. He is busier now than ever as Santa brought him a laptop. Already he has settled his mind to attend a Christian College close by - maybe William Carey but probably University of Mobile. He's still a little fickle. So time will tell.
Our little Michaela has grown so fast! She is reading extremely well but has had a challenging first grade year. She would rather work at the store with her Daddy and Nana or help Mamaw cook and sew. Michaela absolutely loves babies and is really good help for me every Wednesday night in the Church Nursery. She is so excited now about being a big sister. Maybe she'll even learn to sleep in her bed!
As many of you already know, we're in the process of adopting from China. During the last week of August we completed the last of our "paper chase" (quite a grueling process), and sent our dossier to China (via America World Adoption Agency in McClain, VA). It was mailed to China the Friday before hurricane Katrina hit. That was a miracle alone that it was able to get there before the storm. If it had not we would have been delayed much longer. As it is now, we are waiting. We know that our child is most likely already born and either in an orphanage or in foster care, but we do not know her identy yet. If everything keeps moving along like it is now we should have a referral (consisting of a biography, photo and health information) in April or May. Upon our acceptance of this referral, Mike and I both will travel to China some 6-8 week later to bring her home. We are praying that our travel will be in June but it could be later.
This has been and will continue to be a demanding and yet rewarding process. When we receive the referral, we will most definitely want to share our excitement with you. We're so grateful for everyones support and encouragement and we await Mia.
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