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

Waiting...and waiting...and...

Merry Christmas!!

Still waiting for the USCIS approval. I sent it 12/4, but I am reading that it takes as long as 6 weeks. I will take a trip to Harrisburg tomorrow to get the state seals needed for 2 last documents. Md and Va documents were authenticated a little over a week ago (thanks to Ron). Sigh...so close in the paper process, and yet FOREVER away from traveling to Jace. All I can tell you is that I will have him by the summer...

Please pray for me to have the focus I need to get through the paperwork. I am spending HOURS gathering and copying, mailing and faxing...let alone READING everything 100 times to make sure I get it. Thank God for the seasoned adoptive parents in my life that give me advice. I have 'met' some really sweet people on adoption blogs that have been more than helpful (and patient) with me.

Please also pray that Ron will make the right choices relating to this adoption travel. Whatever God would have him do is fine with me. Sorry for being so vague, but I believe God will understand those prayers perfectly.

Thanks to Lynn for her donation at Christmas! We needed that blessing!

Happy New Year!!
xoxo
Shannon

Standing in Awe...

All of you who have supported us in one way or another are my gems. I can't thank you enough for all the prayers, words of encouragement, reading of the blog, financial support and more. When Ron and I started our adoption, we didn't expect any financial help at all. We certainly didn't ask for it for prideful reasons. Ron's salary is a comfortable one. Yes, we have debt that we aren't proud of, but we're comfortable living paycheck to paycheck. In our minds, we would sell our land and our home, pay for the adoption, and downsize. God had a different plan.

I've told you that I didn't know why God wouldn't allow our property or our home to sell so that we could have the funds for this adoption. I believe he has answered me. I think He wants to erase every ounce of pride within us in order to fill us with humility so that He may somehow use us?? Or maybe because I am just so darn stubborn that He wants to break that spirit in me to rebuild me.

It is my prayer this day that you all would know Him as I have grown to know Him-and even more. That you would stand in awe as I do today....


xoxox
Shannon