oh well.....

We found out today that they only matched up to September 8th this month. No major speed up. We can now return to our regularly scheduled program of "Sophie, we'll see you late next year". *sigh*

That's ok...now I have more time to paint and clean again!

May as well take everyone on the ride.....

Well, this morning we starting seeing the first rumor of this referral batch...and it's the first good rumor in about a year! Early rumblings are saying all of September ('05) will receive referrals this batch. (We are December '05).
While obviously great news for our Sept friends, it's good news for us too. We knew for our rumor of a Feburary referral to be anywhere near true they (CCAA) would have to start matching full months again....and that's what this rumor is saying will happen!!!
So, lets all hope on the happy train and hope and pray that we are seeing the start of some really exciting months ahead!
And since I know everyone is dying for a new Sarah picture, here's Sarah and her camping buddy Joel:


And here she is fine tuning those fishing skills:

Some hopeful news about Sophie

I'm not big on clinging to rumors but maybe Thanksgiving has me feeling a bit more optimistic.
The newest rumor is that we might get a referral in February (read: get her picture) with travel in April-ish. This leads to two pesimistic thoughts :)....
1) Of course we'd travel in April...that's just close enough to our May expiration of our I-171 to cause us to waste $1000 or hope for the best and end up in a real pickle. (Read: Murphy's Law)
and
2) FEBRUARY!!!!?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's like....RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!!!!!! I'm not ready!!! The room isn't painted...I'm sure there are a million things I haven't done yet...EEEEKKKKSSSS!!!!

ok, enough of that. OBVIOUSLY, I'd adjust and happily take "the call" if it were tomorrow!

So that's the what-ifs. The fact is this: Sophie is out there RIGHT NOW somewhere in China. Right now God is looking down at her and smiling with all that he has in him knowing that soon Sophie will have what he wants every one of his children to have...a mommy and a daddy that love them and will teach them about her very precious Abba.
My prayer for her right now is that she is warm enough, that someone has looked in her eyes today and made her feel loved, that God has placed in her life a precious friend to hold her hand and giggle with her and be the "Jesus with skin on" that we all need sometimes. Her life now is all she knows and I pray it is full of baby-joy and baby-contentment and that when she is still and quiet she feels the Almighty Arms that are holding her tight and cheering her on. Cheering her on in a race that is just beginning. These early days are something she will never remember, but her spirit will have to come to terms with what it all meant. I pray that she is able to embrace the good, believe in the good, and not be defined by the labels of the world.
I love her so much already...my heart is 11 months pregnant!!
So, if you made it this far....say a prayer for Sophie.

Even the dog is ready for Sophie to get here!!!!!

Yes, it's official...the dog is now anxiously awaiting Sophie to arrive too! Poor Sarah is dying to have a tub mate and Katy was the only one the right size for the job. You can see by the expression on her (Katy's) face that this was not the highlight of her day. And as you can see by Sarah's face...just about anyone will do!
Hurry home Sophie!!! Hurry home!!
p.s. that's purple water, not dirty water.

Happy Famliyversary!!!!!

2 years ago today I experienced the reality of things hoped for that I really never thought I’d see. The years that preceded the reality of our trip to China were one faith step after another. One prayer of “I’m ready Lord, send me” knowing only that I knew in my heart my heart was bound to the girls in China. The idea that God might entrust one to me for life never crossed my mind!! Until one day…one day when He felt the ground work in my heart was fertile soil, and then He planted the seed of hope. And there was no turning back; I knew my daughters were in China. Everything about our journey to Sarah is amazing. From dates to specific prayers for her personality and life…she is everything I prayed for and then some. And I’m so unworthy of such a special gift…but I am forever grateful.
So as I think about this special day 2 years ago this is what I remember…waking up that morning and packing that diaper bag one more time and hoping we had clothes that would fit her. There were no anxious feelings; I remember thinking that was odd, only total peace. I knew God had done an amazing thing. On the bus ride to the government building I remember wondering what her morning was like…was the routine different? Would she sense the dramatic change about to happen? And, my prayer “please Lord let her like me”.
I remember the moment her bus passed us and I saw her immediately. I knew my daughter. And looking at her through the bus window, I knew it would be the last time my daughter would look at me and not know who I was.
I remember that kick she did…it was so…Sarah. She does it every once and a while now when she’s excited and man! Does it take me back!
I remember her breath smelling horrible and wonderful all at the same time! It was the rice crackers. I think I’ll give her one today just to remember. J
I remember her crying with her hoarse little voice and somehow feeling totally fine about it. She was letting me comfort her and that was important to me. I was thrilled that she felt safe enough to have what ever emotion she needed to.
And I remember the cheerios that exalted us to royalty status in her eyes. And the way she found peace in my arms as she feasted away.
I remember the exact moment that I finally really understood the term “Velcro baby” and confess there were some moments of fear as I pictured this situation 8 years from now!
I remember so much from those precious moments in China; sites, smells, feelings, and a closeness with Jesus that can’t be described. That which He plans, He brings about. Blessed are those who wait on Him.
Today is a special day indeed!!!!!