A few more vacation pictures to share. As I have the chance to work on more, I'll continue to post them. :)
Happy Memorial Day!
posted by Joel and Lee-Anne at
4:39 PM
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Monday, May 31, 2010
A few more vacation pictures to share. As I have the chance to work on more, I'll continue to post them. :)
Happy Memorial Day!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
We were given a gift....a gift of a vacation with dear friends. A week away - from everything. The beach was remote, very little population, a small grocery store and beauty all around us. We spent our days on a remote beach and at a pool, making our meals, having breakfast on the dock, dolphin watching, making sand castles, fishing for our dinner and just "being." What an awesome week, one we needed as a family. The kids had a blast and so did we. It was a sad drive home at the end of the week.; we are so grateful to have been given this opportunity, one we would not have done on our own this year - with the adoption costs and upcoming travel to China.
In adoption news - we are waiting our our US gov't approval - and hopefully will get that Tuesday!!!!! Then we wait for a few more steps then TRAVEL APPROVAL then we book our flights shortly after that date. Possibly late July, likely August!!!!!! WOWzers, I need to start working on the girls' room. :):)
posted by Joel and Lee-Anne at
8:24 PM
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Tuesday, May 18, 2010
LOOK WHAT WE GOT!!!!!!!!!
I absolutely LOVE getting e-mails from our agency coordinator - Xiaoq*ng. My heart skipped a beat as I read over the e-mail, read about her new stats (very similar to her last ones, she is a little peanut like her momma) and saw that sweet face :) Her hair is growing and her lip looks beautiful. We are thrilled and now, more than ever, I want to jump on the next plane!!! Come on 800A approval, cabling, and TA!!!!!! We are ready.
This past weekend I enjoyed a 3 day retreat in Tennessee with some dear friends/adoptive mommas. We shared about our experiences, our children, our fears, our hopes and dreams for our children. We prayed over the adoption ministry we are forming and started the leg work to bless many adoptive families in our community. This is only the beginning of a vision we have to minister to orphans around the world, adoptive families, and the adoption process. It was super refreshing to have a few days to myself, away from the daily tasks of mothering, to think, process, pray, eat, sleep, hike, eat some more, sleep some more, etc. I was so thankful to come home a new momma. Now to get to work and carry out the vision God has given us.
Currently we are waiting to receive our approval from the US government (800A), then we get "cabled" to China, then we receive our travel approval (TA), then we book our flight once our consulate appointment is scheduled. 12 weeks-ish.
I absolutely LOVE getting e-mails from our agency coordinator - Xiaoq*ng. My heart skipped a beat as I read over the e-mail, read about her new stats (very similar to her last ones, she is a little peanut like her momma) and saw that sweet face :) Her hair is growing and her lip looks beautiful. We are thrilled and now, more than ever, I want to jump on the next plane!!! Come on 800A approval, cabling, and TA!!!!!! We are ready.
This past weekend I enjoyed a 3 day retreat in Tennessee with some dear friends/adoptive mommas. We shared about our experiences, our children, our fears, our hopes and dreams for our children. We prayed over the adoption ministry we are forming and started the leg work to bless many adoptive families in our community. This is only the beginning of a vision we have to minister to orphans around the world, adoptive families, and the adoption process. It was super refreshing to have a few days to myself, away from the daily tasks of mothering, to think, process, pray, eat, sleep, hike, eat some more, sleep some more, etc. I was so thankful to come home a new momma. Now to get to work and carry out the vision God has given us.
Currently we are waiting to receive our approval from the US government (800A), then we get "cabled" to China, then we receive our travel approval (TA), then we book our flight once our consulate appointment is scheduled. 12 weeks-ish.
posted by Joel and Lee-Anne at
3:28 PM
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010
I had a wonderful mothers day. Though Naomi was not feeling well with a fever, she was in great spirits and Joel and I relished the cuddle time we got. She typically is on the move, so having her snuggle up to us with her "patis" and blanket was nice. Nate and I went to church together then Joel and Nate went to his moms for lunch then Nate and I went to my family's get together. A lot of tag teaming but it was worth it. Joel and the kids surprised me for dinner and we went out - a huge treat these days. We then headed over to the airport to welcome home some friends who returned with their son from Ethiopia. It was emotional and got me all pumped up about our trip and our own "airport moment" when we got off the plane and see our kids and family and friends (with Norah in our arms) for the first time!!! If you cant see it (which I doubt you can) my necklace was a birthday gift from my mom -it was handmade and has all 3 kids' names on it. I love it!! It was made by Lisa Leonard Designs on Etsy.
Today we mail back our Letter of Approval (LOA) then that will start the process for more paperwork - THEN 8-10 weeks later we will receive our Travel Approval and board that plane!!! Soon and very soon :)
posted by Joel and Lee-Anne at
2:15 PM
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3 comment(s)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Why are we so happy that we are licking our window????? WE GOT OUR LOA!!!!!!!!!! The next BIG step is OUT OF THE WAY!!!!!!!! Norah here we come sweet girl!!!!! (After, if course, we receive our Travel Approval and Consulate Date - a few more hurdles and months to wait). SO thankful for answered prayer and peace in the waiting.
posted by Joel and Lee-Anne at
5:09 PM
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Thursday, May 06, 2010
Today we had a playdate with some new friends. Sweet Sophie and her mom had us over to play, talk and encourage one another. We have all 4 come home with our sweet girls within the past 18 months. Each girl has been such a blessing and has also had a few things to work through - eating, sleeping, sharing, etc. It was so nice to be able to share honestly about our struggles and desires for our girls. It was also adorable to see them all playing together. We are planning to meet every other week and include others as they come home with their sweet girls soon.
Sophie, Caroline and Lydia - Naomi loved meeting you today!!!
Sophie, Caroline and Lydia - Naomi loved meeting you today!!!
posted by Joel and Lee-Anne at
1:40 PM
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