Thanks While Waiting...

Well, we are at the stage where we get to put our best waiting skills to the test; however, while we are waiting, and waiting, and waiting (perhaps I need to work on my waiting skills : )  ), I want to make sure that I thank all of you who have been praying for us or have even contributed to our adoption costs. We have been so touched by the many neighbors, friends, and family that have helped us with our costs, many of whom didn't even know we were fundraising. I love to see God answer our many prayers for provision for this whole process. We just sent in the first of our large agency and orphanage fees and were so grateful that we were able to come up with about half of it ourselves through contributions to our fundraiser. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The other half was lovingly lent to us by my always so generous parents. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you as well! Please continue to pray for us as we await our court date. Your prayers mean so much to us!

Happy Chinese New Year, Jing-Qi!

Well, I know she can't read this yet, but she is in my thoughts this Chinese New Year. It has been fun to learn about a holiday that is probably quite special to her. I went to a chinese market to purchase a hong bao (a red money envelope given to children on New Year's day) and was excited when I could pick out a couple words in Mandarin from other customers. I could recognize the word for hat and the word for computer. OK, so I have a long way to go. At least, I will be able to better empathize with her struggles learning a new language when she comes. I filled the envelope with 8 US coins that amounted to 88 cents. I hear multiple eights are good numbers in Taiwan. Sam tells me that 8 is the number for new beginnings. How perfect! Having just signed the adoption agreement a couple days ago, this Chinese New Year is an interesting time to reflect on the year's possibilities. I so hope to have our daughter home soon, and to my Jing-Qi, I hope she will discover the unconditional love of family in the new year. Please continue to pray for our adoption process. I, of course, am hoping for a fast judge, but it is comforting to know that my Lord knows the future and will bring our daughter home to us at just the perfect time. Happy new year everyone!

Finally...Paperwork with my daughter's name on it!

I'm so excited! We received the adoption agreement from Taiwan and signed it yesterday. I was thrilled to see my daughter's name for the first time on the adoption agreement. All our dossier paperwork came in at the same time, so we were able to turn it all in and send it off to be authenticated. Next, I think we go to the Taiwan courts and wait. More waiting. This doesn't get any easier, not only for me, but for our youngest daughter as well. Her prayers only seem to get more earnest and more frequent as she hopes to have her sister home with us soon. I love to hear her pray for her sister. I'm hoping maybe I can send something to her for Chinese New Year, but I'm waiting to hear. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. I'm hoping for a fast judge. : )