Stepping Out in Faith

Not a lot going on this week.  I'm gathering some pictures to post for part of the dossier.  Last night I realized that our birth and marriage certificates HAVE to be issued no later than 1 year ago.  SO...I had to order new copies.  It was a little aggravating as I thought I had pretty much everything ready and waiting for authentication.  We have to divide the dossier in 3 different parts and send to 3 different states because each notary's seal needs to be sent to it's own state.  Confusing, I know...


We will need about $6,000 to complete this step.  So far the Lord has provided most of it by donations and raffle.  It blows my mind when I think about that.  I've never put my faith in anything so earnestly.  When I think about how much more I will need, I still get nervous even though I have seen His work thus far.   Crazy, isn't it?


This entire journey is more than I can emotionally grasp.  When I take a step in faith, not sure exactly where to place my footing, He provides a path.  One that is safe and is confirmed for me in some way.  Even when doubt creeps into my mind.  Sometimes I will think 'What am I doing?  What am I thinking? Will he be happy here?  Will I love him as much as my other children?  What if I can't get him to understand me?'...But God always confirms my original intent, and again I am refreshed in my thinking.


Hopefully, the rough draft of the home study is sent to me by next week.  Everyday I almost run to the mailbox waiting for SOMETHING!!  lol


Thanking God for ALL of you reading,


Shannon

What's In a Name?

Well, a lot for me...I love to have a real meaning with a name.  While considering names for all of our kids, we chose the names that have true meaning.

We chose the name :  Jace Jovanni for Chen Chen Fang.

Jace (pronounced 'Ace' with a J) means 'The Lord is my salvation', and Jovanni (pronounced 'Jo-vahni') means 'God is gracious'.  I pondered over keeping his original name, or using it as a middle name.  However, this name was given to him by the institution and not by his birth parents.  In fact, all of the boys in the institution have the same surname.  I do like that Chen means strong, but the name we chose means much, much more.   Also, I know he will be given a sign name in the deaf community, so I wanted an original name for that too!  One that is short yet meaningful.  I will make it a point in his life book to post his institution given name for him, as I know it is important.

Can't wait to post his picture for you all!!!!!  He's beautiful!!

Anxiously Awaiting,

Shannon

Update...

I received an update today from our account manager at CWA.  Special thanks to Andre and his family for their generous donation!  We'd also like to thank Gloria and Melodie--all these hearts beating together for our son--and he doesn't even know it!  Can't WAIT for you all to see him!!!!!  
Love,
Shannon and Ron

Perfect Strangers...By Chance? Or of God?

To all our Walmart ticket purchasers:  THANK YOU!! Because of you and others like you, we are able to pay for our next step in the process!!!!!  Bless you!!!  Thank you Lord, for bringing these people-perfect strangers- and their hearts to us!


Also, Barbie, Matt, Chique Studio girls, Nancy Marchildon, Mary Welzenbach, and all their friends and family...THANK YOU!!!  Without you we wouldn't be this far!! I wish I could personally thank all of you, but I don't even know some of you!  That is SO encouraging!  And humbling!  


For those who didn't know, Ron and Alex have been standing outside of Walmart (with permission) for the past 2 days selling raffle tickets.  We have sold about 45 tickets out there.  They're only set-up from about 4-7 pm.  We have one more day, Wednesday to sell, so c'mon out and see us!!  


We have some other angels out there selling tickets who we haven't heard from yet.  Believe me, as we get their feedback we will be just as gracious and thankful! 


We are bringing home this boy!  This is coming to fruition quickly! ' Thank you' isn't enough.  It just isn't.  And you know what else?  We pray before everything we do.  God has been faithful to us!  How did it take me 42 years to really see the Lord at work in my life?  My eyes have been opened!  What seemed impossible will be here in months!  Praise God!!


Updates to follow....

Happy Birthday to Nick!

Nick turns 4 on Monday, but we had a little family party tonight.  I SO wish Chen Chen could've been there!  I wore a pin made of red and yellow ribbons symbolizing China's colors.  So, in spirit he was there.


This week has been uneventful as far as the adoption goes.  Really, my hands are tied until my home study is finished.  I did receive some medical forms from the agency in Chinese, which was cool.  The reason they gave them to me is because I am to take them to China for whatever reason...Still, it was cool to get them from UPS...makes it feel like it WILL eventually happen!  I can't wait!!!!!


I'll keep ya posted...

China says....

Yes!  To our pre-approval!!  Oh, I am ecstatic!  I figured they would, but still, this is HUGE!!  What a relief to hear!  In fact, I was suffering today with TMJ--so much that I took a pain killer and a nap because  I was cranky from the pain... I happened to check my voice mail at 9pm this evening, only to hear Mei, my Chinese case manager, congratulating us!


Now I need to focus again.  It's so funny that God will send a glimmer of hope when you are almost at your worst point emotionally-just to recharge you!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!


WooooHooooo!!

1st Home Study Visit...

is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 10 am.


I am a little nervous, but more excited than nervous!  Excited to be moving along so quickly.  All I am waiting on is our medical paperwork and copy of the home study before I send everything to be authenticated.  Ron wasn't able to get into see the dr until the 27th of October.  Everything else is ready to be notarized, authenticated by US, then authenticated (AGAIN)by Chinese embassy in DC.  Sigh....Isn't it crazy what we have to go through to adopt children who lay in a crib day in and day out begging for love?  Ugh!


Thanks so much for everyone who is selling the raffle tickets!  Looks like people love a good raffle!  Later next month we are going to try to sell some outside of Walmart.  We just got approval for that.


I'll keep you posted as we progress!!  Still waiting to hear from China about 'pre-approval'--I am thinking we MAY get a new picture of him.   If we do, I will ask if we can post it because he is ours!


Many Blessings to ALL!

A Bigger Blessing

The yard sale pulled in about $465.  That was very good, but I have an even BIGGER blessing to share...

I have written about speaking to a very devoted local teacher who works with deaf and HH kids, named Brynn.  Byrnn has set me on a path filled with resources in order that I can research the education that our new son will need.  After speaking with her, I was ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.  She really was THAT encouraging.

Saturday afternoon, after a long day of selling, I was very tired and a little cranky.  It was at that time a young, bubbly woman came up to the table and asked if I was Shannon.  After I confirmed her suspicion, she introduced herself as Brynn.  She handed me a card and was eager to meet my family.  My entire mood swiftly changed as I listened to the things she said to me.  The sweet words she delivered were clearly from a heart dripping with compassion and love.  The heart of Christ was in front of me, not just encouraging me, but reassuring all of the doubts that swirled about in my mind. 

After she left, Rebekah and I just looked at each other smiling.  I took a deep breath that left me with a refreshing new hope.  Thank you, Brynn for bringing a release to me from the One who sent you.  

In that card was a beautifully written heartfelt note and a very generous donation. Again, love and support from a woman I've never met before Saturday.

It wasn't just my heart that was touched on Saturday.  Rebekah's was too.  She was also encouraged and regained a little excitement in her day as we spoke of the boys we were about to bring home soon. 

Joy always comes in the morning...  Well, in this case, afternoon.

Outpouring of Love

My case worker, Mei, told me today that she submitted the paperwork for the pre-approval to China.  It may take longer than anticipated because of the Chinese holiday, but that's ok.  I am still overjoyed!!

I continue to be blown away by the outpouring of love, support and encouragement by friends and friends of friends.  People who I've never met are donating, praying, thinking, encouraging....

Thanks to my cousin Kristen (and her generous friends) for sticking by me when others don't understand why I would do this!  Thanks to Paula and Tommy for spiritual encouragement.   Thanks to Rebekah who is truly my sister in Christ, and the God given reason we are at this place!  To Kim and her family, thank you for the yard sale stuff!  Barbie and Matt-no words will ever describe the gratitude I have for you and your boys! All the friends from past and present----where would we be without you?  My sister Char, my sister-in-laws, my co-workers....the list is endless!  All of Ron's friends on Facebook who stay connected!  Joe and Lorna....This is truly a blessing!  For all of us!!  And, of course, all the others mentioned from earlier posts are precious as well.

It is a LONG road ahead, but I am just stopping to smell the roses!  Even as I awake throughout the night, I thank God for you all--naming you individually!  How could I not?