Off They Go...

... to CWA then to China!

Quick delivery document prayers were answered! YAY! No more copying or faxing--for now. I have to keep busy while I wait, wait, wait, on a travel date to get our little boy! I am told it will be sometime this summer. I was hoping for much sooner, but more of God's timing...

We will be praying for opportunities to continue to raise money--we are no where near completing this step, but I have faith that the funds will be provided in some way. I have picked up business at work, so that helps a little. I am now part time at two different salons hoping to help Ron out with all the expenses.

I can't wait to see Jace!! I can't wait to show you all his picture!! I can't wait to post to you all from China! But for now, more of the same-WAITING!

1st Embassy Documents HERE!

We just need to get those embassy docs from New York this week and off to China goes the dossier!! Meanwhile, I am busy making SO many copies...

Ron really went above and beyond the call of duty with TWO trips to DC Department of State, then to the Chinese Embassy. You can imagine traffic in DC, right? He had to go back a second time to pick them up. With all of the paperchase stuff I am doing, I am so HAPPY that he could do this part. I would still be in DC...lol

Please pray for quick delivery of those docs...In the meantime, I'll sniper the UPS guy.

Waiting on The Embassy...x2

Well, everything is off to the required embassy's--one in DC and one in NY! Whew! I hope to receive everything back by next week. As soon as I get them, off to my case manager and China they go! I can't wait to be done with that part! We really have come a lot closer.

So for now I am continuing my reading and following blogs by some other awesome adoptive moms while they are in China! It's fun seeing there progress and pictures that they post.

Nicholas is begging me everyday for Jace to come home!!! I love that!

A high school friend of Ron's named Paula sent us a donation to help bring him home. Thanks, Paula! We appreciate your generosity and the Lord's prompting!

I'll keep ya posted!

USICS APPROVAL!!!

Can you believe it???? I got the approval?? And what is so cool is, that I had ordered something online that had 'mother' written in Chinese ( I copied off my buddy Rebekah who was gifted one in Amharic) and it arrived at the same time! Thank you, GOD!!!

He is so good to me--and I am so undeserving! You may read what I write and think I am doing such a good thing, but what you don't see is the real me. The me that is unrefined. Sure, I can write about my feelings and how excited I am. Or the books I read or the plans I have for our future with Jace. But I never share the bitterness I harbor day-to-day, or the way I talked sharply to my kids--or even to my husband. And then there's the 'potty mouth' I tend to have when I am angry! I never share the 'nasty' thoughts I have about something--or even some'one'. God sees passed my sin-the very sin He knew I'd commit, despite my love for Him. To know He loves me no matter what-- THAT is unthinkable to me. Incomprehensible. I ask myself why? Why would God choose me for Jace's mom? Why would He trust me? I am certainly NOT the most patient person! Ask my kids, they will tell you! On second thought, better not ask my kids, because they WILL tell you...

My point is, I pray over EVERYTHING I do for this adoption and I trust Him to bring it to completion. I tell myself 'if something doesn't happen the way I want it to, too bad! God is in control'. Why should God make this happen for me? Why should He answer all my prayers when I am not giving Him anything in return? Especially when I am breaking promises to Him, or I am willfully sinning against Him?

This is what comes to my mind--Because He has started a work within me. A work that only He can begin and bring to fruition. This adoption wasn't MY idea. It wasn't Ron's idea..it was God's idea! Only God can refine me. Only God can bring patience. Only God can bring LOVE. I love Jace--I have NEVER met this little boy. What could possibly make me love him like that? It is a love that only God brings to Jace through me. Thank you, GOD!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JACE!!!!!!!!!

Today is my youngest baby boy's birthday. Today, Jace turns three! Today, he waits in China for his family to take him home. Today, my heart aches to hold him, to kiss his cheek and tell him that 'today is the day we celebrate your very being'! Today is the day I wish I was baking his birthday cake and helping him blow out the candles...

Still no word on USCIS. I am hoping to get that next week at the latest! I have been praying over that approval everyday! I know that God's timing is perfect, but it is definitely not easy...smile. I am also a little concerned about getting a travel date from China because the Chinese New Year begins in February for two weeks. If their new year is anything like our 'deer season' I am in trouble (haha). There are also a few weeks throughout the next coming months that CWA recommends not traveling for whatever reason I am not sure. I just hope that doesn't delay us longer. Once again, God knows that but it is still bothering me.

I wonder how he spent his day. It is bedtime for him as I am only beginning this blog entry. I wonder if his caregivers recognized his special day. I like to think so. I try to imagine his little face lighting up as he sees his birthday cake and watches in silence as others celebrate with him. I wonder if he even knows what a birthday is? But he will very soon! Very soon he will be wondering lots of things! I can't wait to see through his eyes what he wonders. What he discovers. What he likes and doesn't like. Soon, very soon, he will be home!!

Today I blow you a kiss, Birthday Boy. Today I thank God for saving you for me...

Check out the video

Still waiting on USCIS. We will try to get our fingerprints finished earlier than Friday, January 15, which is our actual appointment AND Jace's birthday! I hate it that his birthday will pass without recognition! Anyway, I am told that if we go earlier than our scheduled appointment, they may take us and it expedites everything!

I posted this video link because it pulled my heart strings a bit as I listened to the words of this beautiful song. The little girl in the video is deaf and she is precious! It brings me hope!

Hope all is well with all of you...please pray for God's will with our paperwork! My heart just aches to go and get Jace! This waiting is disheartening!

God Bless!
Shannon

Happy New Year!!!

So much fun this weekend! We needed that! A weekend at the beach with Ron's family. It's not often that we get to see his dad's side of the family~~but when we do it is ALWAYS a good time. We went to OC on Wednesday and used Ron's free Marriott points (oh yeah)...Ron and I worked out in the fitness center as the kids swam in the pool. We also took a trip through Assateague Island..it was pretty uneventful, but to watch the kids faces in anticipation of finding a pony was cool! We saw some on the horizon, but none very close to us. The time as a family was priceless!

I thought about Jace and what he'll be like next year for the celebration. He turns 3 on January 15th, my grandmother's bday. She died years ago, but now he shares her birthday! I wonder if they even celebrate his birthday there in China or if it's just another day. Oh well, I know his birthday next year will be huge! I can't wait to bring him home!

Happy New Year!!!

Shannon