Sending CD of Music to MeiLi

Today is the day our agency will send our special CD and songbook to China for MeiLi. Allie, Jenna, Emmi and I put together a CD of nursery songs, sung by children, in Mardarin. SO CUTE! It includes "The More We Get Together", "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes", "Happy Birthday", and more. Her birthday is soon, so hopefully they'll play that one for her!

Another song we included was Phil Collins "You'll Be In My Heart". The lyrics to that song are so beautiful . . .

For one so small,
you seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

You'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

We made a songbook to go with it to include the lyrics for all the songs (except Phil Collins) in both Mandarin and English. Here's what the cover looks like . . .

Please pray that in God's mysterious way, MeiLi will begin to know in her heart that she is chosen, accepted, loved, and that her life is significant.

Oh, and please pray for our travel plans as well. Our estimated date is some time in July!
(I'm a little teensy bit nervous about flying.)

God's economy

Last summer we took a class where we met 3 other couples who were beginning the process as well. We connected - and decided to get together on a quartertly basis to share our stories. Last night was our 3rd event.

These people are a wonderful blessing, because we have people we are walking side by side with through a shared experience.

Last night we were discussing people (such as you who are reading this and have left encouraging comments either on FB or here, or have contacted one of us - or supported us through prayer, emotional support, or materially.) I am thankful for all of you as well.

A scripture came to mind for me -this is the King James of Matt 10:40-41.
40 He that receiveth you receieveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receiveth a righteous man's reward.

In other words, you, who support and receive us (adopting parents) in the name of Jesus will receive an adopting parent's reward when you get to heaven. Because of your support, encouragement, acceptance, it will be for you as though you adopted yourselves. Our God is overwhelmingly generous.

Passed Next Big Milestone!!!

Happy Easter!!!

I do believe the songbirds are singing more beautifully this morning! Gratitude overwhelms me. Jesus has won the battle over death and hell FOR US!!!! We can be together for eternity in God's presence . . .

. . . do you know that yet, MeiLi? I'm praying that Jesus speaks to you today.

Yesterday we received provisional approval for our "Petition to Classify Adoptee as an Immediate Relative". There are only 3 more steps to go before we get our date to travel!!! In fact, we are essentially done with our paperwork (until we travel).

A few days ago, I re-read a packet of materials Holt sent us called "While You Wait". It includes info on what it's like to travel to China and in China, advice about the culture (like: how to cross the street - no kidding!), and much more. It also included suggested packing lists! The thrill and anticipation is escalating!

Our group of "Parents in Process" met yesterday evening. It is so amazing to hear each story. We are 4 couples in 4 different stages of the process, encouraging and praying for one another. Please pray with us, that God will supply all our needs, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus - while believing that He Who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it!!!! One of the families is "on hold", (even though they already have been matched with a beautiful little boy in Ethiopia), because of some governmental policy changes. Please pray specifically for them that they will bring him home as soon as possible.

It's a rare day today - not only because it's the time of year we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead, but (and not comparably) also because I was up before the sun. (Thus, the songbirds . . . ) I'm just that excited! Now I just have to wait for Doug to get up so we can hide chocolate eggs for the big hunt this morning.

Happy happy Easter!!!

Sent a letter today!!!!

Here's the letter Allie and Valda Hsu translated for us to send to MeiLi!  How cool is this??!?  In the letter, we're telling her how excited we are to come for her soon. Our agency will send it to her orphanage and one of her caregivers will read it to her.

CHINA SAYS YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is Allie's 19th birthday, and it became our L.O.A. day too! 

We just received the phone call from Holt's home office in Oregon!

Happy Birthday Allie

and

Happy LOA Day MeiLi!

L.O.A. stands for Letter Of Approval (from China). It's a really big step that means

China has agreed to allow us to adopt MeiLi!

Next we apply for U.S. Immigration to grant her citizenship and then we apply for our visas.

Travel often occurs 3 months after receiving LOA, so we'll probably be

 flying over the north pole

some time in

July.