Hot off the press!

Dear Family and Friends,

Just got word from Living Hope that my travel approval has returned from China! That's the go-ahead for the agency to start making appointments and travel arrangements!

The agency is trying to get a U.S. Consulate appointment for January 17 which would have us leaving for China on January 9!

I'll write more when I get details!

Blessings,

Chinamom

"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."

Proverbs 25:25

Christmas Day

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas!

For me, it's a time of mixed emotions.

There is joy at the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At the same time there is sadness and disappointment that I am not able to spend this Christmas day with my daughter.

We will, however, have a celebration when she comes home. I do thank my family and those of you who acknowledged my new family with your cards and gifts. It meant the world to me and I have saved them to share with her one day.

May the peace of the season and the gift of salvation be yours today.

Blessings,
Chinamom

"Now there were in the same country sheperds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Ant this will be a sign to you: You will find the Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. "

Luke 2: 8-14

December showering!

Dear Family and Friends,

Today the families who were part of my original LID group have left for China. Believe me when I say that I hope to be in China before they get back! It's not that we would catch up with them there, they would likely be at the end of their journey by the time I would be leaving, I just want to get there! Again, we waiting for my travel approval to come in so we can get this travel show on the road!

On Monday evening, I went to my friend, Lisa's, house. She and another friend, Kim, helped me to cut out cardstock paper for some adoption announcements I want to send out when we get back from China. While I was there, they showered me with some gifts for Sophie! Check this out:

Lots of fun things for bath time! Momma is especially excited about the side tub seat! Her old knees just are not what they once were! There's even a little Dora the Explorer doll in Chinese clothing! I didn't know Dora was in China too! Guess I need to get up to date on my children's television!

Thanks Lisa and Kim! You are the best!

Blessings,

Chinamom

Catching you up....

Dear Family and Friends,

So many things to get you caught up on.

First of all, I won't be leaving for China this week with the rest of my original travel group. My travel approval has yet to arrive. It needs to come in this week for there to be any chance of my spending Christmas with Sophie in China.

I'm very happy for my original travel group who will be leaving on Wednesday morning, but of course am sad for me for not being able to be with them.

On Thursday I was able to meet with Sophie's new pediatrician. I was happy to have him give me information about the things I had in my mind to talk about - and that was without my asking the questions first! I am very comfortable that the group has quite a few internationally adopted children in the practice so the issues I may be bringing to them is something they have experience with!

When I left the pediatrician's office, I went to mall. I was only going there to look!! I really was! (at least that's what I told myself when I pulled into the parking lot!)

I went into JC Penny's (someplace I hate to shop at - too confusing with the layout in these kinds of department stores! I can never find the department I want, then I can't find my way out of the store!). Anyway - I found myself in the children's department and saw a dress that I couldn't leave at the store! It is so cute! I decided Sophie would need a dress for Christmas regardless of if I were there with her in China or for when she comes home and we celebrate it at home together! I don't want to give it away so I won't describe the dress, but be assured the blog will be plastered with photos when available.... good thing I'm renting a phone in China to call home with... I think I see a pair of black patent leather shoes in the future - couldn't buy them the other day as I really don't have a clue on shoe size for her!

Yesterday was exciting for me also. Sophie's crib arrived! My brother in law brought it over late in the afternoon . My brother's children came over for the evening while mom and dad did Christmas shopping and thanks to Jared and Gillian, we were able to put the crib together without too much difficulty! It looks so beautiful!

Tomorrow evening I will be going to my friend Lisa's house to start cutting out the pieces for my adoption announcements!

Trying to keep busy but finding the wait to be excruciating!

Blessings,

Chinamom

Still waiting...

Dear Family and Friends,

Still no word on my travel approval.... if it doesn't arrive by Friday, there will be no traveling for me next week. But..... as my adoption agency is quick to remind me, miracles do happen and tonight in prayer meeting, my prayer group included my friend and church mentor, Chris, who has adopted twice from China. He and his wife have been such wonderful supports to me in this and they are now praying for a speedy TA arrival!

I went out to look at Christmas dresses for Sophie. I hesitate to buy anything because I don't know what size to buy! I do so want her to have a special dress for the holidays... maybe tomorrow I'll splurge and buy one anyway - even if we aren't home in time for Christmas, we WILL be celebrating the birth of Christ together at some point this year - so I want it to be special for her.

I did put up my tree last night. It was hard to think like a Mom here. You really look at decorations differently when you know a baby will be with you! All those lovely glass ornaments stayed in the box and out came the wooden and crocheted ones to fill the bottom of the tree where little hands are likely to grab on to! Oh its the most wonderful time of the year!

Blessings,

Chinamom

The Coming Messiah

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. " Micah 5:2

My original group is getting closer...

Dear Family and Friend,

Just to keep you in the loop, those people who actually got their referrals on November 5th, those in my LID group, got their travel approvals back from China today! That's huge for them because now Living Hope can start making appointments for them in China and they should know their travel dates by this Wednesday!

Why is that important? Well, obviously, some of these people have become my friends over the last year and I'm very excited for them! They will be seeing their babies very soon! The second reason it's important is that my travel approval (TA) is about 8-9 days behind them. If I should get my TA in the next week or so, there is a chance I could still travel with them! Once MY travel approval comes in, the agency will contact the American Consulate in Guangzhou to see if they can get me an appointment on the same day and perhaps I'll be able to squeeze in before the end of the year!

It's getting exciting!

Blessings,

Chinamom

Getting ready

Dear Family and Friends,

I am THRILLED to report that it was highly productive here this weekend in Massachusetts - thanks in LARGE part to my friend Maria!

She came over on Saturday and we attacked each project until it was finished!We cleared out all the "junk" in Sophie's room and rearranged the furniture so the room makes sense - as soon as the crib gets here I'll take pictures and post them - it's so cute!

Then she helped me re-arrange the front storage closet to fit more storage boxes (we moved the boxes with things like dishes, to the basement (no small feat since I live on the third floor!)She wrapped my Christmas presents while I cleared my dining room table and printed out the completed pages of Sophie's life book I created on the computer.

Finally - and most importantly in so many ways - she helped me re-pack my suitcases! I decided to cut back on some of the baby supplies like diapers and wipes. I'm only bringing 4 outfits for her and found a recipe for a powdered Pedialyte that I will talk to the pediatrician about on Thursday when I meet with him.

I am taking the advice of people who have traveled to Nanchang before me and will ask the guide to direct me to the Walmart there so I can stock up there. (I'll have more suitcase room after I deliver the orphanage donations)

One of the doctors I work with at the hospital is from Nanchang and she said it's much cheaper there than Guangzhou (where her sister lives).My check in bag weighs 42 pounds and my carry on bag is 25 pounds -no lightweight, but technically should get me through the airports!

I feel so much better - I still have things to sort and organize (the pantry, my bedroom....) but I don't feel as overwhelmed at I did before!

Anyone out there preparing their homes for a China adoption want to rent my Maria??? I thought I might be able to raise some money for my possibly outrageous airline tickets! LOL She is FANTASTIC! Thank you so much, Maria, you are such a blessing to me!

Blessings,

Chinamom

Getting ready

Dear Family and Friends,

So much to get done and so little time to get them done in! That's the story of my life these days. I still have no firm idea on when I'll be traveling, but if I do get to travel with my original group, it could be as early as 2-3 weeks! That seems so very close and I started to panic last night! I had spent Sunday afternoon trying to make sense of Sophie's room and thought I had done a decent job of it. When I got home last night, I realized I still had mountains of things to get done! Soooo I did what any crazy person looking for a dose of sense would do... I phoned a friend! Thanks, Maria! You are an angel! I got so much done even when on the ph0ne! Who knew you could take apart a day bed one handed??

I'm still trying to figure out what to bring - it's not that I don't have an idea about it, it's just that everything seems so essential. But, with a limit on how much luggage we can bring, I need to cut even more out and it just seems impossible. Thank goodness Uncle Paul is bringing a big suitcase! I think I'll make him bring the diapers and formula!

I hope to have news on travel approvals soon and will keep you posted!

Blessings,

Chinamom

Giving Thanks

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving.

It's that time of the year that our nation celebrates Thanksgiving. Over the years the meaning of the holiday has been lost. It's become a day of feasting and football. There is a time with family and friends but that too is not the true purpose of Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims of old used this time to give thanks to God for His provisions in their lives. He gave them food, protection and provided them with new beginning where they could worship Him openly and without persecution.

Thanksgiving is a day for giving thanks to the One who owns all the cattle on the hills. He provided for our needs and gives the free gift of salvation to all who sincerely ask Him for it.

This year, I want to take a few minutes and thank my LORD for His gifts. I thank Him for providing me with the gift of the Lord Jesus. For bringing people into my life who shared the Gospel with me and brought me to the foot of the cross 7 years ago tonight. I thank Him for my family at Grace Baptist Church and those who are my brothers and sisters in Christ, who prayed for me then, and continue to pray for me now as I prepare to become a mother to Sophie Joy Xiucheng. I am so thankful for the gift of my daughter.

I thank Him for my family who have been supportive and so loving in my lifetime. I have wonderful friends, both old and new who mean so much and bring such joy in the day to day things. My prayer for them is that they would see the true meaning of Christ and ask Him to be their Lord and Savior. I pray they would freedom that comes from living a life where Jesus guides them in a personal relationship. I am thankful that the LORD has tarried so that they still have an opportunity to come to that saving knowledge.

This year I am especially grateful to God for answering my prayers for my child.

Thank you LORD for giving me a beautiful daughter and I ask that you would help me to be a Godly mother to her.

Blessings,

Chinamom

More information has arrived....

Dear Family and Friends,

I got Sophie's medical information on Saturday afternoon. My agency didn't even wait for everything to be translated before they sent it out. The medical stuff is both in English and Chinese and is primarily checked off boxes as to what is appropriate for her.

Being the nurse, I looked at her lab work results, her developmental results and other available information and have found nothing there that concerns me. With that in mind, I signed the document accepting the referral and sent it back via next day delivery to Living Hope! It should arrive there tomorrow morning!

From there, they will send this back to China to process the travel approval which is my invitation to travel and bring Sophie home!

I asked Living Hope what the chances were that I might be able to travel with my original LID group who got their referrals on November 5th. They are very hopeful that I will be able to do that!! That would amazing since I am about 2 weeks behind them in the process!

If everything goes well, there is a chance we could be in China before the end of December! Keep praying!

Thank you all so much once again for your unending support and prayers!

Blessings,
Chinamom

Did I hear you say you needed more pictures??

Check out that cute little dimpled cheek!

Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Dear Family and Friends,

I got the MOST amazing call yesterday morning! I have my referral! Yes! Yes! Yes! Praise the Lord for answering all your prayers!

She is ABSOLUTELY the most BEAUTIFUL baby in the world - don't you all agree???? OK, those of you who are parents don't have to agree 100% but pretty close, huh?

Her name is: Xiu, Cheng
She is from: the Xiu shui County Social Welfare Institute in the Jiangxi Province.

She will be one year old in just a few days!
I don't have a whole lot more but will add it as I get it.

Blessings,
Chinamom

"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of Him"
1 Samuel 1:27

Things are looking brighter.....

Dear Family and Friends,

Since you all have been so kind to keep me in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, I wanted to give you an update on what happened today with my missed referral.

I spoke at length with the director for my agency today. Their Beijing employee was able to meet with the matcher for my agency. They did find my file (thank goodness for that answer to prayer!).

They were going to put me in with my agency's next LID group for a referral (the next LID for us is January 2006). The agency pleaded with the matcher to reconsider and to expedite my referral since there was no reason for my waiting that because of anything I did - all my paperwork is in order - it just got misplaced when my special needs adoption fell apart back in December 2005.

Once the matcher heard this she did reconsider and agreed to work on matching me this week! As a relief as this news is to me, I won't be half excited until I actually see this happen. The best case scenario is I would hear next week. Of course I won't be completely happy until I leave China and pass through the immigration line in the good ole USA!

My agency kept trying to reassure me that nothing else could go wrong, but I've been there too many times in the last few years to believe that one!

Anyway- things are at least looking brighter than they did last week!

Thanks so much for your support!

Blessings,

Chinamom

Maybe more news on Monday

Dear Family and Friends,

I spoke with the co-director for my adoption agency yesterday afternoon. She had their China employee go directly to the CCAA on Friday morning to find the person who handles my agency. It turns out this woman is on vacation this week. They do expect she will return to work on Monday. My agency is having their employee go back there in person on Monday morning to speak with the CCAA directly.

I have been assured that I will eventually get a referral but the timing is very uncertain. My agency will try to get things expedited so perhaps I can still travel with my group. I have told them if that isn't possible, I don't want to have to wait until the next group for my agency (their next LID group is January 2006) as that would mean at least another 3-6 months of additional waiting time.

I will keep you all up to date as I hear news.

Blessings,

Chinamom

Wish I had news....

Dear Family and Friends,

I was hoping by now to have at least an inkling as to what happened in China but no such luck. The person assigned to my adoption agency at the CCAA has been out of the office all week and without her looking into things there is no answer.

Please continue to pray.

Blessings,

Chinamom

“And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness, most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Still nothing new

Dear Family and Friends,

Still no news on what the problem is in China. I have heard from the adoption agency (the director's wife has called me daily) but unfortunately the person at the CCAA who they need to talk to has not been in the office this week. The agency will call again tonight and call me in the morning with an update.

It's hard to be pessimistic about this but those awful thoughts do cross my mind. I know in my heart that this is probably that old Satan using his time tested tools to make me doubt, but it's hard not to fall for his tricks. Please continue to pray him out of this situation.

I'll keep you posted on what happens.

Blessings,

Chinamom

As my stomach turns

Dear Family and Friends,

I had been hoping to be writing you all with wonderful news about my baby, however, as has been the rule rather than the exception in this journey, the call I got from my agency on Monday started with: "We have some bad news for you".

Seems to me I heard that from them once before - when they called to tell me that I would not be able to adopt my son, Adam.

Sure enough, this news is just as devastating. Everyone in my group got their referrals except for me. No one knows why - it just wasn't in there. No explanations. Nothing.

The agency is trying to reach the officials at the CCAA to sort this out but, of course, the person they needed to talk to was not in the office. Same old story.

I'm feeling very defeated right now. I don't hold out much hope in all of this.

For those of you who know Christ as Savior, please pray that God will show His perfect will in this mess. If He is closing the door to adoption for me, please pray that He will give me the Grace to get through it because right now I don't think I can handle this.

Blessings,

Chinamom - or maybe not.........

Almost at the end....

Dear Family and Friends,

Someone just reminded me that I haven't written an update in a few weeks... I wish there was something to report but unfortunately I'm as much in the dark as you all are.

I did go out to buy a car seat about 2 weeks ago. I bravely pulled it out of the box this weekend but have not done anything to secure it in place.... Don't want to rush into anything, you know!

I also spoke to my adoption agency about where we would be staying while on the last leg of our China trip. All American adoptive families end up in Guangzhou (this was once called Canton), where the United States consulate is located.

Many adoptive families stay at the White Swan Hotel while they are there.

Our agency allows us to choose between the White Swan and The Victory Hotel which is a few blocks away.

After talking things over with my traveling buddy, my brother, and getting some feedback from adoptive families who stayed at these hotels, I decided we will be staying at The Victory Hotel. I hope to be able to access a computer while we are there and update you all with pictures!

Here's the link to the hotel if you are interested in where we will be staying:

http://www.vhotel.com/gdvhen/default.asp

I hope to have more information for you all by this time next week about when we will see baby's first pictures!

Blessings,

Chinamom

Nothing new - just keeping busy

Dear Family and Friends,

Nothing new to report from China but I've been keeping busy trying to prepare my house to become a home. I'm being overrun by baby things! Who knew one little person could require so much space? How did my parents do it with 4 kids??

This has nothing to do with China, but I have to share one of the funniest videos I have ever seen - I think I've seen this 25 times and just when I think it won't be funny anymore, I laugh once again. My apologies to the young lady for laughing, but thanks just the same:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=_drPPcHtZNk

Blessings,

Chinamom

One more month

Dear Family and Friends,

Although the workers in China are still on their week long holiday, it is pretty apparent that they did not get beyond the November 2005 date for the month of October referrals. The only good thing I can say about that (at least for now) is thank goodness that November is finally DONE! It took 6 months to get through that month alone! Never in a million years did I think we would be approaching another set of holidays and I would be childless still. I again must lean on the strongest arms available, that of our heavenly Father.

Blessings,

Chinamom

My nerves are frayed

Dear Family and Friends,

This has been a most unusual month for the China adoption community. VERY limited in the rumor department - the only thing that is reasonably sure is that the CCAA will get through November 30, 2005 dossiers.

If that holds true it would be extremely disappointing since the last processed date (November 25) was a Friday in 2005 and that means 2 days, of the currently anticipated 5 total, would include a weekend! Very discouraging. I know I told all of you not to get your hopes up for an October referral, but I'll admit I was so hoping for it myself. But, God knows what He's doing and I take comfort in that.

The next few days will be torture. Waiting for either the CCAA website to update or for the rumor boards to pick up on who will be included or even if the CCAA sent out referrals at all, is a nail-biter. If the CCAA didn't mail them out already, then it will be another 2 weeks before we hear anything - China has a national holiday this coming week. Unlike most countries, when China has a national holiday, it's not just for one day, it's the whole week!

Oh well. Time to get ready for church.....

Blessings,

Chinamom

Another weekend down...

Dear Family and Friends,

I wish I had some good news but I'm afraid there is still no news at all! I've never seen it get so close to referrals and there not be any rumors at all about what dates might be included! I hope this is a GOOD sign, but can't be sure about that.

I'll post again as soon as there is an inkling of news....

Blessings,

Chinamom

Unusually quiet

Dear Family and Friend,

It has been unusually quiet on the rumor front this month. I don't know what to make of this - I'm hoping it's because the CCAA workers are busy as bees and can't take time to talk to their adoption agencies and that they are matching many days worth of LID's! There is a Chinese holiday at the end of the month which will close their offices for several days so the thought is that they will try to get their packets of referrals out by the end of next week!!!!

Last evening I had a visit with my social worker to do my LAST update of my home study (this is my second update during this wait!). It was odd talking about post placement visits when I still don't have a referral! But, it makes everything real all of a sudden. Thanks to my sister Terry, to Tricia, Michelle and Nannette for writing references!

I'll let you all know what happens as the rumors start coming in....

Blessings,

Chinamom

Keeping busy

Dear Family and Friends,

It's the middle of the month. That is always a difficult time when your waiting for news. The excitement of referrals from the beginning of the month is over and it's too early for the next group of rumors that might give some suggestion of how far the CCAA will get for the next batch of referrals.

I've tried to keep busy. I continue to clean and organize my home. It is so easy to collect things you would normally not keep when you have a bit of room. I've found this to be the case over the last five years since moving to this apartment. It certainly should be big enough for one adult and one child, however it seems to get smaller on a daily basis as more baby things are collected. Today I staring sorting out old school books that I haven't looked at in nearly 10 years - time to get rid of them!

Anybody want some old law school books??

Blessings,

Chinamom

"Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm27:14

Remembering....

Dear Family and Friends,

This week I was writing to a woman from my adoption agency's Yahoo group who was discouraged by the ever lengthening wait, and I relayed the story of my son, Adam LinXiang.

I think of him often. Usually at the very beginning or end of the day. That's because with the time difference, he is likely going to bed when I'm leaving for work, or will be getting up to start his busy day just as I'm winding down from mine.

I wonder what he is doing. How is he growing? Is he well? Does he have parents who know Christ as Savior?

He is 3 1/2 years old now. Talking. Walking. A little man.

I am still amazed that I could have fallen so in love with little more than a picture that I held close to my heart for 9 months. Amazed at how I'm still brought to tears at the knowledge that I will not hold my little boy in my arms.

I know the Lord is watching over him and my prayer for Adam is that one day I will see him in Heaven. My little boy - a man who feared the Lord and had an intimate relationship with the Savior.

Blessings,
Chinamom

Referrals are in for September

Dear Family and Friends,

The results are in..... The CCAA has processed a total of 4 days worth of referrals in the last month. We are now up through 11/25/05. Ten more days of paperwork to get through.

Although I had expected something like this, given the large numbers of people logged in for those dates, I'm still a bit disheartened. I do so want to be to China and back by the end of this year - now that is tenuous at best.

I covet your prayers that God will give me that extra measure of grace to get through the next few months.

Blessings,
Chinamom

Same old, same old....

Dear Family and Friends,

Nothing more concrete to add... I am anxiously waiting to see what is coming in from china and hope to have better news for you by this time next week....

Pretty boring for you all, I'm sure! But, thanks for keeping me company!

Blessings,
Chinamom

Something to think about....

Dear Family and Friends,

I saw this video several months ago and it touched my heart. It spoke to me so strongly that it haunts me. I often wonder if this isn't how my own child's mother must have started that heartbreaking journey for her that will bring me such joy. It's strange how something so painful for one can be such an answer to prayer for someone else.

Please pray for those orphans who are left behind. May our Father in Heaven give them comfort.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iC2rmCRQRKQ

(it somtimes takes a minute or two for the video to load, please be patient - it's worth the wait)

Blessings,
Chinamom


"A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families..." Psalm 68:5-6

Nothing New

Dear Family and Friends,

Since I've emailed you all my blog address it occurs to me that one or two of you might actually be checking it from time to time for updates. I regret to say there are no new rumors worth reporting out there since my last update.

I've been keeping a close eye on the rumor boards and as soon as I get notice of how far along the CCAA got with matching babies, I'll report back in. My guess would be that by this time next week we will have a pretty firm idea how close they got to my December 5, 2005 LID.

Blessings,
Chinamom

The Rumor

Dear Family and Friends,

Here we are on the roller coaster for the month of August!

About 2 weeks before the China adoption community sees the next batch of referrals, there is a period of time when the rumors start to fly.

Yesterday I was rather distressed to see that the first rumor was that the CCAA was only through November 24, 2005 LIDs. This was upsetting because if true, that would mean there were only 3 days processed for the month! Fortunately, I've learned through months and months of experience that first rumors are usually not very accurate.

Today's news was a bit improved in that it appears some agencies are hearing their November 25 LID families will be included as well. With another week or so of matching to go before referrals are mailed out, this could well take us to close to the end of November!!

Now THAT scares me! After nearly two years of waiting, the thought that I may be part of the "next" group (after September) is almost frightening! You start having second thoughts about things...although I hear this is not unique to adoptive parents and that expecting moms also have moment of panic as their pregnancy comes to its end!

Please don't get your hopes up about an October referral. I really don't expect to hear anything until November. The last few days of November early December 2005 were very busy days for documents being logged in. It's doubtful they will have enough "paper ready" babies to process all those days......

Here's praying He gives me the strength to get through the next 20 years!!

Blessings,
Chinamom

"Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west" Isaiah 43:5

Getting Closer

Dear Family and Friends,

Just a quick note to update everyone on the latest news from China. Although not on the official website for the CCAA as of yet, it appears the referrals that came in this week take us through November 21, 2005! Two more weeks of paperwork to process and I will have news about my baby! If they keep up this pace, I could have my referral as soon as October, however the last week of November 2005 and my log in date, December 5, 2005, appear to have lots of families logged in on those dates. This could slow things down a bit so I'm not counting on a referral before November of this year. This way I might be very pleasantly surprised if they DO stay on track for and October referral!

This experience has become rather surreal. That expression "so close and yet so far" takes on a whole new meaning when you are adopting. Every day is a bit closer but is has been at such a snail's pace that you don't feel like you are any nearer to the goal no matter HOW many days they are able to process.

But, I do take comfort in knowing that everything that has happened in this journey has been orchestrated by Someone who knows what is best. He had a plan for my life and my child's life as well and He has been faithfully working out the details. I look forward to seeing how this all comes together in the end....I think my family will also be relieved to get this over with too!

Blessings,

Chinamom

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:... A time to weep, and a time to laugh: A time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 4 NKJV

Welcome

Dear Family and Friends,

Welcome to my first attempt at blogging! For those of you brave enough to continue, I am keeping this as a way of remembering my becoming a mom for the first time through adoption.

My daughter is somewhere in China. I think I can safely say she is alive and waiting for me to bring her home as my LID or "Log in Date" with the China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA) is December 5, 2005. As of today, the CCAA has processed all documents up through November 14, 2005. This means that although there are only 3 weeks worth of paperwork to process, this could take another 3-5 months of waiting!

I hope to be able to keep everyone up to date with what is happening both before and while I travel to China by using this site.

Again, welcome! and thanks for coming along for the ride!

Blessings,

Chinamom