Update to Travel

We are leaving on July 20th and returning on Aug 6th...I still can't believe it is here--FINALLY!

This is were I will post everything while over there, so be sure to check it out! You will be able to see our first encounter! I'll post lots of pictures!

Too many things to still do--my thoughts are tied up right now...will keep you updated!!!

xo,
SHannon

Somebody, PINCH ME!!!!

I can't believe it! I really can't!!! TRAVEL APPROVAL IS HERE!!!!


Thank you for ALL the prayers!!!

I don't know when yet. I will know by Thursday when the Consulate Appointment is verified by my agency! I know I will be in China in July at least!!!!! Could be 3 weeks, could be 4 weeks from now!!!!

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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Hope...

For a new week and good news of travel approval from China. I just don't understand how China works. So many others have received travel approval with the same timeline as mine! Maybe they work by agencies? Maybe by institutions? I have no idea. What I do know is that my Jace is over there-on the side of God's earth-and needs to be home with us!

Praying for good news and quickly--like tomorrow!!

Just for Fun

This was posted just for fun. I hope you all know by now that I do not in any way trust in anything other than God. I am growing impatient waiting for the travel approval, yes. But I do know that God is ultimately in control here. Sigh...just hard to know Jace is sitting in that place when he could be home with his family!

So...back to my nesting...

As Far As Travel Approval Goes....Praying...

Happy Father's Day, Ron!

We had a great Fathers' Day. It started with a nice pancake breakfast for the kids' at the kitchen table. Ron and I stuck to our 'clean' eating plan with egg white omelets and cream of rice. The kids' gave Ron their gifts and we talked and laughed. I love when the whole family is at the kitchen table. I am blessed to have such a tight family. Even our teenager enjoys days like this. Of course it helps that Ron is so funny. He keeps us close with his gentle, fun-loving ways. The kids love to be around him. Not just my kids. ALL KIDS. We always have kids at our house--teens, cousins, neighbors, friends...doesn't matter. They love him. I swear it is because he is like a kid himself. I always tell him that he is a 6 yr old boy trapped in a man's body.

Happy Fathers' Day to you, Ron

No More Freaking Out

My case manager told me that nowadays a copy is fine. Thank you God for answered prayer!!

Back to the waiting for TA....

Freaked Out!

Ok, so I am going through all of my documents tonight--getting things ready as I wait for TA (travel approval). In fact, I learned today that 2 people (with my same dates) received TA Friday! That is TA in only 5 days! Surely, I am next!

So, back to my reason for this post...

As I am gathering documents, I notice that I do NOT have an original document that I need to take to China. I only have COPIES of this document! This is NOT good. I am to take the original to China, but I must have mailed that original to one of the many places I have sent docs to. I am so confused right now. I tore this house apart looking for one piece of paper!! Now, I need to mention that I am normally meticulous about filing these important papers! You've seen the file box! I've posted pictures on here proving my diligence in methodically keeping these records safe! But if I am being perfectly honest, I can remember a nagging thought throughout the last month reminding me to check on that original. My guess is, I was too filled with pride in my filing expertise that I ignored the nagging thought entirely. So here I am, sitting on my bed, unable to sleep at almost 1 am!

Those of you that know me, know I have some issues with anxiety anyway. Let me tell you...this takes the cake! Thankfully, I have a group of very SUPPORTIVE adoptive moms praying for me! They tell me to relax. To breathe and trust God. This is hard for me to wrap my hard head around. So please...if you are reading this...please stop and say a little prayer that this is resolved quickly! I really covet your prayers! I read on the USCIS website that in order to obtain a duplicate, I will have to pay another $670 fee. Please Lord, let this NOT be the case!!!

All because of my stupidity!! Grrr......**BIG SIGH**

Well...

My case manager emailed me on Monday to tell me that CCAA got my paperwork and will be sending travel approval. She tells me this comes in 2-4 weeks. I have heard it to come as early as 1 week-and as long as 4 weeks. Who knows what God has planned, but I am hoping for sooner, of course! Ava's bday is July 29, so I really don't want to be in China then...

Until then, I am concentrating on learning ASL and making the best of the summer with the kids!

Updates to follow...