Three Simple Letters

Yep, just three little letters that mean so much to me right now - LOA. Let me set the stage for this story. I have been cranky lately, just not a nice person to be around. This waiting in adoption is really tough for me. I believe it is because I am a control freak - and yes, God is working on me with that one. Anyway, our wait for LOA has been approximately 71 days. Not as long as some, but long none the less.

Last night, we had a meeting with our church's adoption ministry. These are some amazing people. At the close of the meeting, I asked them to pray for me. I explained to them how I had become tired and weary from the wait. They layed hands on me and prayed some wonderful words of encouragement. When I got home at about 11:00 PM, there was a message from our adoption agency. She asked that I call her if I was still awake. Still awake - I could not dial the phone fast enough!!! She let me know that our LOA is on its way!!! It was mailed from China earlier this week and they should receive it either today or tomorrow. PRAISE GOD!!!!

So, lesson learned - when I finally turn it over to Him - great things happen. I will probably need a reminder of this lesson again - soon.

Till later,

My Travel Buddy

I started this post with a different title. I was going to lament about our wait - 64 days to be exact - but I decided to change the title. Me being frustrated about the wait will not change the situation. I do appreciate all your prayers.


Instead, let's talk about my travel buddy for China. Terry and I came to the conclusion this week that due to Tessa' medical concerns, he would not travel to China with me. So, I talked with my mom and she has agreed to go with me. I have to say, I am sad that Terry cannot share in this with me, but if he can't then my mom is the next best thing. She is a very special friend to me. I love my mom so much. I think we are going to have a great time. I also think this is a very special opportunity for her to bond with Tia. My mom is also one of my favorite shopping buddies, so look out China - here we come!!!

More later...

LOA PRAYERS

I would like to ask for your prayers in regards to our LOA (LSC). Let me first say, I know our 59 day wait is nothing compared to the wait other have had. My concern is with our travel. As I just read on a blogger friends site, there is a Ch*nese holiday and a Trade Fair during the month of October. If we do not receive our LOA VERY soon, we would not be able to travel until late in October.

So, friends I ask that you pray - pray that God will show His mercy and grace on our adoption timeline. Also, I believe in praying very specific - my prayer is that we receive our necessary approvals and are able to travel in early September.

Thank you all so much for your amazing support!!!

Yunnan Update

We just received an update from our agency regarding the earthquake. The China facilitator contacted the orphanage and they said they did not sustain any damage. PRAISE GOD!!! He is protecting our baby while we wait to bring her home.

Also, and update on our LOA. The CCAA said we are in the review room. They needed us to change ONE sentence in our paperwork. I made that change and the revised document is on its way to China. Our agency feels we should have our LOA shortly. We are still praying for September travel.

Thanks for all your prayers!!!

Please Pray

We just learned that an earth quake has hit the province where our baby Tia is waiting. The preliminary reports are saying it was a 5.7 - 6.0 magnitude earthquake in the Yunnan province. We have contacted our agency to see if they can get us any details about Tia.

Please pray for her safety. I feel so helpless being a world away from my child and not knowing if she is safe.

I will post more later...

Tia's Birthday

On June 21, we celebrated Tia's first birthday. It was a tough day for me. I know I will get to share every other birthday with her, but this first one was hard. The kids helped bake cupcakes and we had a little party.

Happy birthday baby, we will be there soon.

Love mommy