Thursday, March 21, 2013

Soooo close!!



Praise the Lord!  We have received our Article 16 and we are so incredibly close to having Ellie in our arms!!  Today we mailed off our I-800 (immigration documents to be approved saying we can bring her into the country).  Our agency says it should take about 3-4 weeks to receive word on that, and then its just a matter of time before we get "the date".  That date tells us when we will appear as a family of 4 (heck yeah!!) in front of the Thai Adoption Board.  We will need to be in country at least a week before the date of the board meeting, and with our plans to visit the babies' home where Max spent his first 3 years, its likely we'll be there even sooner than that.  So....all that to say that our agency told us we could be on a plane in as little as six weeks!  SIX WEEKS!!!  I am on cloud nine!  I just want my girl in my arms.  But, also the all too familiar feeling of "holy cow I have soooo much to do" has set in just like it did when we were preparing to travel to bring Max home.  But, I tell you....its the best kind of stress ever!!!



We will likely have a very short notice for booking our flight and hotel which is a bummer financially, but hey we'll do whatever we need to!  Please be praying with us over the next couple weeks as our final documents are processed here in the U.S.  And most importantly, if you could be praying for our sweet girl, we sure would appreciate it.  Our experience with Max taught us so much.  Our children are so strong and have endured more in their short lives than anyone ever should.  But, our God is faithful and so good, and just as He has with Max, we know He will work in an amazing way to heal those hurts in our little girl's heart. 

So excited for this part of the journey and so thankful you all are in it with us!!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Sweet Mammaw

This weekend we made a whirlwind trip to Michigan to love on our Mammaw (Stephen's grandmother).  Her health is declining and they are considering placing her on hospice.  We don't get to see her nearly as often as we would like so we wanted to make a special trip to hug and spend time with her while she's still able to enjoy visitors. 





So thankful God has blessed us with such AMAZING family and equally thankful for a little more time with her!