We are here!

We are in Changsha! After a very long flight (14 hrs) a 10 hr layover.  We made it to the hotel in Changsha about 0200 Sun morning ( 1 pm Sat (chicago time)).  We are so blessed to meet up with some fellow Americans at the hotel and have met some great fellow Christians who are also adopting a beautiful little girl.  As my friend, Nneka, told me before we left "God, guide our steps".  The food has been quite interesting but we are enjoying the experience.  Today (Mon in China) we meet Lily! I am already tearful!  We pray for her right now!

In all the excitement!!

In all the excitement, I forgot to also post that my sweet boy is graduating from High School tomm!! Congrats dear Zach!! So proud of you!!  XXXOOO

TA !! TA!! TA!!

Two little letters never sounded sweeter!! We got our Travel Approval today!!  Our agency said we will probably meet Lily on June 20th and then Consulate Appointment on either June 26th, 27th, or 28th (hopefully).  Short post!! I've got a ton of things to do! Leaving in 3 weeks!!

New photos of our Lily!!

We received 2 new pictures of our Lily today!! So excited but bittersweet because she has grown so much since we started this process!  Nevertheless, hopefully we will be meeting her in about 1 month. 

We are finally on our last step and waiting travel approval so we can go get her!  We are hoping to go the 3rd week of June.  Here is her pretty little face! Cant wait to see her.  Please pray for a smooth transition for her as she apparently is being well taken care of and loved by her dear foster parents.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ORPHANS EVERYWHERE!!

.In my own little world...... I had no idea this is happening right now......Please read the following letter from a Sudan orphanage
With the howling winds of rainy season blowing gale force in the background, Lual Atak just called me from the north-south border of Sudan, home of our 550  orphans called New Life Ministry. He has been on the phone alternately with generals in Abyei or Juba all day long  tracking the war.
Our children have watched wide-eyed and anxiously through our chain-linked  security fence as thousands of southern soldiers (SPLA) have trekked past, on  their way to the front line this week. More than 15,000 SPLA troops gathered to  protect Abyei, the oil-rich town only 40 minutes away.
 The radical Islamic regime who has seized control of northern Sudan unleashed a  furious attack this morning, flying in Antonovs, gunships, and helicopters to  attack and bomb Abyei. After a futile day of fighting (we do not have a death  toll as yet,) the 15,000 southern soldiers have been defeated, and Abyei is now  completely controlled by the Islamic North.  The GOS (Islamic soldiers) are parading in the streets screaming, Allah Akbar! Allah Akbar! (Praise Allah!) Meanwhile, Lual Atak continues to work with the  SPLA as to if and when we should evacuate our children. We have a large lorry of food and supplies ready to go, but if we are forced to evacuate, our children will have to literally run through the bush. If this happens"the very painful reality is we know we would lose some.
 I am asking you to pray a hedge of protection around them, and for wisdom for  the MWP’ leadership team as we discern our next steps. I will keep you abreast of any developments as I know them.
Kimberly Smith
> President
Make Way Partners
 PO BOX 26367
 Birmingham, AL 35260

PLEASE PRAY NOW!!

I800 approval!!!

Another major step in our journey to adopt Lily.  We finally ( after 76 days) received our I800 approval today. (This is the Petition to Classify Adoptee as an Immediate Relative).  The I800 usually takes about 3 weeks to be approved but again we have had some snafus.  We have exceeded all timelines in EVERY way and not in a good way.  It will be interesting to see why God has made us wait this long!!  If everything goes according to plan we should travel in June! I just recently read a prayer about patience and waiting and Gods perfect timing. Here it is if you need it today:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I have been waiting for ________________ for so long now, and I come before You today to ask your help. I pray that You will increase my faith and patience so that I will put my whole trust in your perfect timing and plan for my life. I will put my complete trust in You with confidence and eager expectation of Your answer, whatever that answer may be and whenever that answer may come.

Thank you that you are always with me.

Thank you that You hear my prayers and will answer in Your time and in Your way. You, Lord, are without limits.

Thank You for Your unfailing word and that You always keep Your promises to me.

I believe with my heart, mind and soul Your plan for my life is the best one possible and I thank You for Your answer.

Being in Your will is the safest place I can ever reside.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL!

On Wednesday, we received an update on Lily which was quite disheartening.  It seems that she may have a diagnosis that was not listed in her initial paperwork or mentioned on an update from July.  When we received this new information we were sad and frightened.    What if we couldn't take care of her?  How would this affect her future and our future?  We did not sign up for this!!  After crying and praying,  I talked with Mom, I went to RQ (china adoption forum) for education and support, and I educated myself regarding her new diagnosis.  I asked God for some kind of sign to let me know what to do, and shortly after He reminded me of this song I had not heard for quite a while....
"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul."
I feel that whatever my lot.... Lily is going to be alright, we are going to be alright....It is well with my soul!
So Devil...you are still trying.....but We are still going to China!!  It is well with my soul!!
(Thank you Mom for your support and guidance... I know it is well with your soul too!)
(Thank you RQ for your uplifiting stories, education and info!)