My baby girl is growing up.....

Madison is officially done with Kindergarten. Today was her last day of school, I can't believe how quickly the year has flown by. It seems like yesterday I was dropping her off for her first day, and me crying like a baby as I drove away. Knowing that I set her out into this great big world alone (well away from me for 7 hrs a day), and rely solely on God to protect her. Thankfully He has.

I also have been thinking alot about Maria Sue Chapman, Christian singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman's 5 year old daughter who was adopted from China, passed away in a terrible accident, you can read about it here

http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/inmemoryofmaria/

Her brother was backing down their driveway and ran her over. My heart just breaks for their family and has since I heard of this terrible accident. Their testimony/story back in November of 2006 is what sprouted the seed that had been planted in my heart about adoption.

We take so much for granted and you really never know from one moment til the next what our life has in store. We need to hug our children today, and be thankful that we are blessed to have every single minute we have with them. That tragedy makes me realize every moment is important.

Bible verse for this week.

Philippians 4:6

Do not worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

I just read this bible verse on another blog and it really stirred my heart. I have been worrying about the cost of our flights and now we'll have to pay for a hotel (the guesthouse will most likely be full) and how we are going to come up with the rest of our travel money. Jamie is trying to sell his motorcycle and we thought we had a buyer, but turns out we don't.

Not to mention the timing, if we get our travel call in a few weeks (which I WOULD LOVE) but that only leaves us 1 payday each. Or if we don't have our travel call then we will have another payday, but the circumstances won't be as great for my time away from work.

Anyway, that verse reminded me that God is in control of this situation, and He will take care of all our needs. We have been listening to His voice this whole time, and He will work it out for His glory. Also, I need to be thankful for ALL He has given me so far....My life, my salvation, Jamie, Madison, Noah, my family, a smooth, and quick adoption process. My health, my friends, my job, our church family, my freedom, which allows me to openly serve Him, and attend the church I want. I do have SO much to be thankful for.....

Logged IN/OUT!!!

Well we're two steps closer. We were logged into the National Visa Center 5/21 and logged out 5/23! They forwarded everything to the Embassy in Seoul. Only 2 more steps until we get our Travel Call. Still praying for a mid June call! Will keep everyone updated!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

we received our I 600 approval today from the US Citizenship and Immigration department! That form is the last approval we needed on our (US) side. It's the petition to clasify and orphan as an immediate relative.

What that means is that they forwarded it to the National Visa Center, and the Embassy in Seoul to get Noah's visa and immigration permit ready for him to come to the US.

The lady at our agency said to expect a travel call in about 4 weeks! Which is right at the time I have been praying about! I would LOVE to be able to leave on 6/15 Father's Day! I will definately keep you updated as our time nears!

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers that the Korea side of things continues to go quickly and smoothly!!

Verse for the week 5/19!

Hebrews 11:1

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.


히브리서 11:1

믿음은 바라는 것들의 실상이요 보지 못하는 것들의 증거니


Well this verse keeps jumping out at me, 3 times this weekend I have seen it at different places and different times. I hope it brings everyone who reads it (along with myself) comfort! Have a great week, and I hope I will be reporting our I600 approval by the end of the week. Please keep us in your prayers!

Verse for the day.

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."


This verse really helped me feel a little better the other night. I was reading my bible and came across it. It reminded me that even though I think I know what's best, GOD'S timing is always perfect, and his plans are always greater than my own, and no matter what I think is best for me, He knows far more than I.

We interupt this blog for.....

A pity party! Today has been a really hard day for me. Not sure why, maybe its because my sister had her baby yesterday, and when I held my nephew I felt the ache in my own soul, that Noah's not here, and doesn't even know how much I want him home. Maybe it's because this Mother's Day I felt that a piece of my heart is missing, (or in Korea). I just want to have Noah home so I can hold him, and feel his little heart beating against mine and not have to worry so much.

Or maybe it is all the horrible stuff going on in this world right now, and I can't even attempt to protect my son. That horrible earthquake in China was felt all the way to Pakistan and VietNam. There is an outbreak of Bird Flu in Seoul right now, and they think there have been terrorist attacks in India today. I could go on and on.

I understand that I brought this on myself, I mean I didn't HAVE to adopt, I chose it. (Or well we feel that God chose it for us!) But regardless, adoption isn't for sissy's. It is the hardest thing I have ever had to go thru in my life, (and that includes childbirth!) A friend of mine said that I need to think of Noah not being home like being pregnant and it isn't time for him to be born yet BUT the difference is he is here already and in this horrible world. He is not being kept safe like a child in the womb.

Seeing his picture the other day was bittersweet, I am so thankful that we received it. And seeing him in that outfit that we sent him, that I touched, and picked out for him, and knowing he got the pictures of us, and a blankie that I slept with and had my perfume on it is overwhelming. Just knowing that he is touching something that I touched makes me feel a little closer to him. I knew going into this, that this part of the wait would be hard, but knowing it and feeling it are completely different.

Added to all of that and we still don't have our I 600 approval from the US Dept of Citizenship and Immigration. This Friday will be 6 weeks. =( If I don't have it by Memorial Day, then most likely we won't get to travel mid June like I had hoped. We have to have that approval BEFORE Korea can finish it's side of things. That is an added stresser, because although we have found help to cover for me at work while I am gone, I was hoping that it would fall during our vacation days so I wouldn't be gone as long and make it easier on my co-worker. The guilt of being off work vs. taking the time that Noah needs, (and I need) to adjust, bond, and attach is hard also. I know I am blessed that he will get to be with me all the time at work, but it is different than being at home. Ok attachment will have to be another post. At a later date.

Hopefully my next post will bring more positive news.

Ecclesiastes 7:8

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is
better than pride.

Psalm 37:7-9

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret
when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to
evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will
inherit the land.

Psalm 40:1

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

Early Mother's Day Present!

We got an updated picture of Noah today! I am just floating on cloud nine! He is so cute, and he's wearing the outfit that we sent over. My heart is just swelling....And check out his hair!! ANyway will post more later.