Room Update

I finally got the bookcase and bins painted.  Here they are before we filled it with books.

And here it is after it's filled......and over flowing.

And here is the closet:)  Little more pink than the last resident.  (This used to be Ash's room, He was the one boy that told me..."mom don't ever buy me a pink shirt, cause I won't wear it")

Wren Again:)

Another family visiting the orphanage sent these pictures and wrote:

Got to hold sweet Dayu's hand today...but just for a moment :)  She was all smiles, but didn't want too much attention when she was eating. I took one pic of her at lunch and then as I was walking out was gonna take another and she shook her head "no". I think she was like, enough already :)  When I put out my hand to her in the hall way, she responded with a touch and a smile but then pulled back a little. So she may be shy around strangers (which is understandable) but I bet it won't take long for her to warm up! Such a sweet smile!! See pics attached! :)  These are three of the sweetest words to a waiting parent:)

Wren's Cake Pictures!

We received these pictures of Wren this morning.  They just celebrated her birthday because of the Chinese New Year Celebrations going on there.  The country literally almost shuts down during this time!  Crazy! We are hoping to get Iley's from her foster family soon.  They always take a little longer.
 

I'm thinking if these tiles are 12" tall.......she is about 39-40" tall:)  (at least with shoes on).

I800 Approval!

We got our I800 Approval!!  YAY!  One step closer.  For those of you......like me......who all this paperwork completely confuses.....here is a person who understands its' version.

Once you know that your I800 application has been approved, you are ready to move on to the National Visa Center!

After approving your file, your officer will mail your approval to the National Visa Center by 2nd Day UPS Air. However, the approval isn't always mailed out the same day it's approved, so applications can take up seven days to arrive at NVC. Upon receiving your approval, the National Visa Center (NVC) will enter your information into their computer system.

Within 1-3 business days, the NVC will "cable" (basically emailing/sending electronically) your file to the US Embassy in Guangzhou, China. This is approval of your visa petition.

Upon doing this, the NVC will then mail you a letter stating that your petition has been forwarded to the Embassy. Your agency needs this NVC letter in order to proceed with your adoption! Unfortunately, this letter can take up to a few weeks to arrive in the mail. So instead, ask the NVC to email you the letter as a .pdf attachment.

So of course I emailed them right away, requesting this pdf attachment.........now we wait again to hear from that.  This is one big HURRY UP.....and wait........HURRY UP.........and wait process!  :(  Can we just HURRY ALREADY!  sigh...

More Pictures of Wren

Here are a few more pictures of Wren from the same lady that took the last one with her in it.  She is home and settled, at least partly, and sent me these extra pictures!  Thank you Gretchen!!  The visiting parents have a very limited time at the orphanage, and are trying to take pictures of all of the kids for the waiting parents, while asking about their own child.  It is chaos! and a sacrifice! and we are SO grateful to each of the parents who take the time to do this for us!  I hope we are able to do the same for those still waiting when we go.

Now what is this look for???  She can't hear him, so it can't be "would you please be quiet"  Maybe it's a "quit touching me" look!  Or maybe she's just practicing for her big brothers. Ha Ha!

Prayers and Thanksgiving

Praying for our little Wren tomorrow on her Birthday!  She should receive a cake from us, and we are praying she is well, and has a fun party to remember as part of  her orphanage memories, and that she feels special and loved.  We also sent a cake to our little miss Iley, even though it's not her birthday.  I pray it makes her feel special and loved as well.   We are praying she is HOME on her birthday, so went ahead and sent her one too.  We also sent a photo album to both of the girls with pictures of  all of us, the outside of the house, the living room, kitchen and their bedroom........oh and the dogs. (hopefully they aren't terrified of them)  So I am praying that the pictures will bring them comfort, and not anxiety, and while I know that looks are not everything, and Love is all that matters.......since they don't love US yet......I hope they like the looks of us:)LOL!  We are also praying we get some really good pictures of both of them too!!!!  I'll post them as soon as I get them if I do.......never fear:)

Rejoicing today!  We just found out that we were awarded a $3,600 grant from the JSC Foundation!  YAY!   God is faithful!  We are getting close to having enough to cover all of our expenses.  This is due to the amazing out pouring of love and generosity of many people~  friends,  family,  and even folks we've never met.........but I hope I can thank all of you personally, some day when we meet in Heaven! 

Yes Lord

I wish I had some wonderful news to impart on the adoption progress!  But alas all is silent.......we just wait.......and wait........and wait.  Have I mentioned before.....I DO. NOT. LIKE. TO. WAIT! sigh.........

On a more edifying note.......I read this really good article.....same author as the last post, so if you enjoyed it, read this one.  As soon as I get some more information on the girls,.....or pictures, I will let you all know!  Until then let my motto simply be........Yes Lord.

http://www.lorimccary.com/2012/01/yes-lord.html