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.

Your book is on its way!

Dear MeiLi,

For the past 3 days, we've been working on putting together a book to send to you in Changchun, China. It's going to be your first introduction to our family. There are pictures of all of us, and some pictures of you that we've gotten from your caregivers. There are pictures of our pets and the house, and your new bedroom too!

We were told by the people at Holt International that your caregivers may have already told you about us - we can't be sure, but we want you to have this special book as soon as possible! We hope that it will reach you some time next week.

We pray that you are encouraged by seeing actual pictures of your forever family, and that Jesus will be with you, helping you to understand how much your life is about to change. Hold on, dear one, we'll be with you soon!

中文课! (Chinese class!)

Dear MeiLi,

When we (your sisters) first learned that you were coming into our family, we decided to try to learn your language so that we can talk to you right away - so that your transition to America might be less difficult for you!
Last fall, I (Allie) took Mandarin Chinese 1 in college, and learned so much that Jenna decided to take it this spring! While she is taking Chinese 1, I've gone on to Chinese 2, and we are so excited to talk to you!! 
Since Emmi is too young to take college classes, Jenna and I are helping her to learn some of the things we've been learning! Our college Chinese teacher is a very good friend of ours, and is also very excited to meet you!

We love you so much, and we can't wait to meet you and learn more about you.
Allie, Jenna, and Emmi

While we wait . . .

Ni hao MeiLi,

One of our biggest challenges while we wait to come for you is to create a small photo album for you to see as soon as your caregivers tell you about us - your "forever family". What will you see? What will you be thinking? I WISH we could be there when they tell you that there is a family who wants you and is waiting to come to you and bring you home! (I know it may be a little scary!)

In our little photo album for you, you'll see your Daddy, Mommy, Allie, Jenna and Emmi for the first time, and you'll see pictures of our family's dog Nick (who will adore you), kitty Ginger, our horses Dakota and DJ (whom you'll get to ride!), and a cranky little parrot named Goose! But most of all, I want you to see the love and excitement in our faces as we come closer to the time when we'll meet face to face.

We're also making a CD of songs just for you, for you to have while you're waiting for us - we've found a song called "You'll Be In My Heart" sung in your own language!!! Also, we've found some sweet nursery songs for you in Mandarin. We think it would be very cool if your caregivers played it for you (especially at bedtime) until we come for you, then we'll continue to play them for you when you come home. We're hoping it will help you feel more comfortable when you get home!

On the paperwork front, we were required to file a supplement to our original immigration application. The USCIS had raised their fee to do this by $20, and I didn't catch it. They sent my supplement application back so I could write a new check. Needless to say, I whipped that check out & got it right back in the mail!

Your sisters are going to write you a note today too, telling you how well they're doing learning your language!! We're very proud of them as they work hard to be able to speak with you right away!

Wo ai ni!
Mommy

What's in a Name?

Dear MeiMei -

We received our "Acceptance Packet" last week, containing several more forms to fill out, getting us ready to come to China to get you.  It was a surprise that 2 of the forms had a blank for your American name. It seems that most adoptive parents give their international child a new name when they bring him/her home. We were hesitant, because you are losing so much - losing your name, as well, seems so sad.  I had the opportunity to ask an adult adoptee from China if she was renamed and how she felt about it. She said she liked having a new name because Americans probably couldn't pronounce her Chinese name, let alone spell it! We wanted a name that is understood in both languages - we chose to give you the name that means "beautiful" in Chinese. Plus, we wanted you to keep your given name as a middle name. So on our forms, your American name is:

MeiLi ShiQiao Aldridge

愛  美丽  时俏

. . . pronounced "MayLee".


P.S. Friends: Her given name is Shi Qiao. Just for grins, let us know how you think you pronounce Shi Qiao - write it out phonetically so we can all laugh at you. (jk)


P.S.S. Our nickname for you right now is still MeiMei, because it's the first syllable of MeiLi, and it means "Little Sister". We've been calling you MeiMei since we began our process. Even our friends call you MeiMei! You're beautiful, and we love you.

Kids. are. so. important. Wow.

"“Internationally adopted children feel more strongly and dramatically than other children the pressure to be good and do what is right because deep down they still fear that they did something wrong that resulted in their relinquishment.” (Raising Your Internationally Adopted Child by Patty Cogen).

Adopted children often feel it was their fault they were "given up" - that they weren't good enough to be wanted. I've heard this said about children of divorce too. Kids, poor things . . . because the adult world is a mystery of grand authority and power, they assume that adults always do the right thing. Therefore, who else would be at fault but little, powerless, mistake-prone me. (I speak from my own experience of being adopted.)

Ohhhhhhh, if we could constantly wrap our minds around the immense responsibility we carry for raising our children in truth and love. Reminding them always that they are immeasurably valuable, accepted, treasured, and forgiven. Because this is how our heavenly Father and the very Master of our design views us - and that acceptance and love need to be passed on out of gratitude. These little critters are right now in the process of replacing us here on earth. WHAT could be more important? What greater purpose could there be?

Thank God He made them cute, right? Ha. But while we do the best we can with our "own" children, the rest of the children of the world need His Love as well. Pray for them, my friends. And if a little critter crosses your path in the coming days, send a pulse of love his way - he probably needs it. Smile with a little extra genuineness, spend a few extra moments listening to a little person - heck, I don't know . . . just make goofy faces at the little kid in front of you at church! (That's what I did yesterday - nothing like a 9-month old baby girl grinning back at you!)

Happy Valentine's Day!