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