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?