July 2009

Happy 4th of July!
May your celebration find you happy, healthy and thankful to all who maintain our safety and freedom.
We have updates to share. The question you are probably wondering is what date are they at now? March 21st is next.Predictions are that they may get to June 7th by the end of the year. Keep those prayers coming. The Lord has a plan for us, one that continues to make us stronger and carry out his work. That plan includes helping take care of one of China's Preemies. We have been sponsoring a little girl through Love Without Boundaries who has been growing beautifully each month. That plan also includes working with a new agency. We received a letter last week stating that our agency can no longer sustain itself financially. Therefore, they made an arrangement for us to work with CCAI (Chinese Children Adoption International). I have changed the links to take you to their website if you are interested in checking them out.
Dave is starting work on a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and the first course he is taking is Multiculturalism and it will take place in Thailand. Yes, we will be spending three weeks in Thailand visiting schools, the Ministry of Education, and being adventurous. Again, please keep us in your prayers. (Photo from Lori and Greg's backyard last year)

Chinababy's Daddy

What he's done in his idle time.

April 2009

We have reached 34 months of waiting... Thank you for being there for us and all of your love and prayers. Everyday we are thankful for our faith, and realizing the good that has happened as we patiently wait. As of yesterday, the Chinese Center for Adoption Affairs has matched children with their families logged in through the date of March 8, 2006. If you are curious to see some of these beautiful children, check out the links under April Babies.

You might be adopting from China if ...

... you know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways.

... you've been expecting a baby for over 3 years.

... you understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the world.

... you've "paid for" 3 immigration approvals, but never brought anyone into the U.S.

... you know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Dillards or dishes.

... your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4).

... you never know how many days next month will have.

... you know that babies come in batches.

... you've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime.

... you automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl.

... you own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big).

... you look twice when you see a ladybug.

... you're more interested in what will happen in March 2006 than in March 2009.

... you know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 5 day months.

... your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years.

... you know who the Rumor Queen is.....AND you don't know who she is.

... you know that forecast doesn't have anything to do with the weather.

... you've waited so long, they re-checked your fingerprints to see if they changed.

... trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles.

... when you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CCAA updates & referrals.

You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all your heart.

Author Unknown

I just read this on another blog and just had to borrow to share.

Now at...

The Chinese Center for Adoption Affairs has made referrals through March 2, 2006. We have approval from the US government to enter the US from China with an ophran(s)through May 7, 2009. Therefore, we are resubmitting yet another request (with an updated home study, supporting documents, and fees) for a third time. To add to that our passports are also being renewed since they expire in June. Thanks for all your prayers and support.

Year of the Ox

We have now entered the Year of The Earth Ox. Those born this year are resolute, enduring, motivated by patience, is focused and genuine.

2009, the Year of the Ox, is represented by two elements -- double Earth. The energetic characteristic of Earth element is one of patience, harmony and charity. Like a garden, which Earth element symbolizes, hard work, persistence and patience shall yield dividends in harvest. Similarly, an ox steadily and methodically plows away in the field, producing and sharing what the earth produces with those less fortunate than us are the features of the year. My advice this year is for us to return to the basics and, literally and figuratively, reconnect and take care of our planet earth. It is a time for healing and rebuilding from natural and manmade disasters and breakdowns, and to peacefully bridge cultural, religious and political divides internationally. It will require enlightened leaders in the world to come together to accomplish the difficult tasks ahead as the financial storm and global warming have touched every part of the world and affected every person. But through cooperation, dedication and commitment there is nothing that is impossible, although we need to temper our expectation with patience. (Dr. Maoshing Ni)