Waiting.....
I simply cannot believe that we are STILL waiting on our I-800A approval. Cannot even believe that I am typing these words. It seems that our case worker is quite thorough and that there was a slight oversight in our paperwork that was sent to the federal government. Though it was all corrected and re-sent on Thursday, as of Friday at 4pm, it still had not been approved. It takes several business days to make it here (in the mail) so we simply must wait and wait and wait. Once receiving this final piece of our dossier, we will then overnight it to DC then overnight it to our agency and have our complete dossier mailed to CHINA!!!! A HUGE STEP that we will most certainly celebrate in some huge way. It has been quite stressful and there have been moments when I turned to God in disbelief and wonder as to why so many seeming roadblocks and moments of heartache. BUT, it has affirmed our love for Norah and our faith in the ONE who made this all possible.
Our prayer today is that our federal government has mercy and decided to approve us yesterday (they just forgot to call) and that it is already in the mail on the way to us. Also, we pray that all goes smooth with our other paperwork already in DC getting authenticated. Though we can request an extension in China -we had really hoped to make our requested deadline of March 15, 2010. Something about setting a goal and being able to accomplish it - I love that feeling. But a lot has to fall into place for us to have everything in China within 13 days from now. Thankful our God can and does move mountains - He can make this happen and we believe that and trust that and put our hope in His perfect timing.
Happy Saturday!!
Still waiting....
For our paperwork approval from the federal government (800A). It has been a long few weeks while waiting on that simple stamp of approval....well, what we thought would be simple. It seems that there was an oversight on our home study and we are backtracking to get that fixed and then we can move forward. It has been a roller coaster of emotions and to say we are bummed about this hiccup would be an under statement. Please join us in praying that this step would go smoothly and quickly. We had so hoped to have our paperwork in China within a week or two, but now it will take a miracle. However, we know a God who can move mountains and we continue to praise His name even in the midst of this trial. To Him be the glory.
Longing to be a family of 5
We are currently waiting (not so patiently) on our approval from the US government before we can proceed with our paperwork and dossier completion. Then, it is OFF TO CHINA and we then wait 2-3 months to travel. I know this time will be but a blink of an eye "someday", but right now, as I sit and type and recall the past 7 times I've tried to contact our case worker who has not yet approved our paperwork, it's hard. I am resting on the promise that God's timing is always perfect....always. He loves our sweet Norah more than we do....He wants her here with us and we know and trust that He can and will move mountains....in His timing.
Please join us in prayer.
The year of the TIGER
We celebrated Chinese New Year and Valentines Day all packed into one. These precious girls are all from China, 3 of them coming home from the same province at the same time. We enjoyed getting to know 3 more families who have had similar journeys. Naomi was the youngest of the sweet group - the oldest being almost 5 (Sophie - to the right of Naomi in March and Rachel - middle in the top row in September). We shared lots and lots of yummy Chinese food and laughter as we shared stories, blog addresses and phone numbers.
Naomi is such a joy to our family. She is a lot more expressive lately - sharing a lot of laughs, attempting more words (at least sounds) and even starting to sing a little bit (Jingle Bells - Ji-Ba-Ba, Ji-Ba-Ba), Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (up-abo). We are trying our best to prepare Nate and Naomi for Norah. We talk about her as if she is already here, we pray for her daily, we have her picture everywhere - but can we really fully explain to them what is to come?
Kids are home today - lots of snow on the ground. Nate is loving it and chomping at the bit to go outside - which means we will all venture out. :):) Here's to warm gloves and hats and lots of yummy hot chocolate :)
Bidding farewell to a great man...
Thomas W. Buford
Tuesday, February 9, my grandfather passed way - unexpectedly. He was a great man - and we shared a passion for Jesus and music together. I am honored to be a part of honoring his life at the memorial service on Friday - playing violin and singing a hymn (with my brother). Death really makes me reflect on life....and how important it is to surrender to Jesus and all He has to offer - most importantly, eternity. So thankful Grandpa Tom is sitting at the feet of Jesus right now - able to walk, talk and simply be made "whole" again.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Norah!!! We love you!!!
Our Nater-Bug
WOW, SO hard to believe that 6 years ago this week we sat across from a wonderful, articulate, beautiful, sweet, kind-hearted, Jesus loving young lady - who was expecting. Our conversation was natural, loving, nerve-wrecking :):), and Christ-honoring. Answering the most important question we were asked in the conversation - "What is the most important thing you want to teach Nate?" - we answered "to show him the love of Jesus, praying he finds Him as his savior one day." With the answer given, we were chosen to be his adoptive parents. WOW - what a moment!!!!!!! One we will never forget and always cherish. We are so thankful for M and her bravery and obedience to the Lord - whom she felt led her to place her son in our arms. We love keeping in touch with her and are so thankful the Lord has blessed her with a loving husband and beautiful baby. God is good. We love you Nate!! :)
Bath time for our sweet girl.......
Where is your nose????
