After 14 months of preparation we finally have dates! My caseworker called us yesterday and told us the words we have been waiting for. We have a confirmed Consulate appointment for February 22nd! Praise God!
Here is the run down. Depart Pasco Feb. 9th. Gotcha Day Feb. 13th, Consulate appointment on Feb.22, pick up Visa on Feb 23rd, and return home Feb. 24th.
I am unable to find the words to adequately describe how wonderful I feel. In a couple short weeks, I will be meeting my beautiful daughter for the first time.
As we travel check in often because I will be updating daily!!!!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Second to the Last
Monday morning, February 23, I was sitting at work pondering what kind of celebration the orphanage may have had for the Chinese New Year. This holiday is the most important in Chinese culture. The beginning of the "Year Of The Dragon" silently passed in my world here in Kennewick Wa. There were several local celebrations to go to but for some reason I felt unmotivated to attend because it was just another reminder that the child I love so deeply is still a world away.
I have heard so many times in my life that God always has perfect timing. I believe through faith that this is true, but must admit that at times in my life evidence of personal doubt has manifested itself in the form of worry, stress and complete and utter restlessness.
In this adoption journey, I have had these moments of faithlessness, but God is so good and He continues to remind me that ALL of HIS truths are just that...... TRUE. I have had the greatest peace knowing that we are so close to traveling to China to meet our beautiful God given gift. And once again God has revealed himself to me in a magical way.
January 23 is the New Year, so there would be no word this week on our Travel Approval. All Chinese Government is closed for at least two days, but staffing is limited during the rest of the week as families travel home to celebrate with their loved ones. My case worker informed me that if we didn't hear by the 23rd, we probably wouldn't hear until at least the 30th. So, there I sit at work dreaming of our daughter, at total peace knowing that our travels will most likely be the latter part of February.
My phone rings and Lauren (my case worker) tells me that we have Travel Approval (or TA). She then goes on to tell me that the tentative date to pick Josie up is Feb. 13th, and suggests that we fly out on Feb. 9th. What? Totally unexpected this day and such an amazing and perfect gift. This is like 17 days away!! I am in such shock and total wonderment. What??????? It's the 23rd? I thought.... then I can't help to laugh. I thought. I thought. Just when I begin to believe that I know what to expect, God gifts me with the unexpected. He is so awesome!
We are on the second to the last step. All we have to do now is submit our 5 picks for consulate appointments and wait for confirmation. We submitted Feb 20,21,22,23 and 27th. As soon as we get our consulate appointment (or CA) we can book our flights and get outta here.
I am so blessed, so happy, so much in awe. I give all glory to God!
I pray that soon, I will be able to blog............. Flights are BOOKED!
I have heard so many times in my life that God always has perfect timing. I believe through faith that this is true, but must admit that at times in my life evidence of personal doubt has manifested itself in the form of worry, stress and complete and utter restlessness.
In this adoption journey, I have had these moments of faithlessness, but God is so good and He continues to remind me that ALL of HIS truths are just that...... TRUE. I have had the greatest peace knowing that we are so close to traveling to China to meet our beautiful God given gift. And once again God has revealed himself to me in a magical way.
January 23 is the New Year, so there would be no word this week on our Travel Approval. All Chinese Government is closed for at least two days, but staffing is limited during the rest of the week as families travel home to celebrate with their loved ones. My case worker informed me that if we didn't hear by the 23rd, we probably wouldn't hear until at least the 30th. So, there I sit at work dreaming of our daughter, at total peace knowing that our travels will most likely be the latter part of February.
My phone rings and Lauren (my case worker) tells me that we have Travel Approval (or TA). She then goes on to tell me that the tentative date to pick Josie up is Feb. 13th, and suggests that we fly out on Feb. 9th. What? Totally unexpected this day and such an amazing and perfect gift. This is like 17 days away!! I am in such shock and total wonderment. What??????? It's the 23rd? I thought.... then I can't help to laugh. I thought. I thought. Just when I begin to believe that I know what to expect, God gifts me with the unexpected. He is so awesome!
We are on the second to the last step. All we have to do now is submit our 5 picks for consulate appointments and wait for confirmation. We submitted Feb 20,21,22,23 and 27th. As soon as we get our consulate appointment (or CA) we can book our flights and get outta here.
I am so blessed, so happy, so much in awe. I give all glory to God!
I pray that soon, I will be able to blog............. Flights are BOOKED!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
February Travel!
I knew when I created this blog it was going to be a challenge for me to keep you all up to date. I can't believe that I let the holidays pass without at least wishing each of you the most sincere and heartfelt wishes of peace and love as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! I do hope that Christmas brought you all warm memories and cherished time with loved ones!
Jason and I received one of the best gifts ever this Christmas. New pictures of Josie!!! We were able to send a package to her through Red Thread China and the orphanage staff sent us several pictures! My heart was melted instantly by this precious sight!!!
Josie and the most beautiful cake ever made!
Josie and the most beautiful cake ever made!
Josie with her new ma ma and ba ba pillow
So, tomorrow is a big day for us. Prayers are appreciated. Tomorrow, January 5th is Jason and my 8th wedding anniversary AND our Article 5 is scheduled to be picked up at the US Consulate in GZ and forwarded to the CCCWA in Beijing. After the Article 5 is received we will get our travel notice within a few weeks. Then a couple weeks after that, we receive our consulate appointment! It looks as if February is our month of travel!!! I promise to keep you posted more often at this point. God bless you and Happy New Year!!!!
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