In record time, which is SO not typical for China, we got our confirmation for our consulate appointment in China!! We officially leave May 19!!!!! And it turns out we won't have to wait to know if we get her on the 22nd. (Read the post before this one for that story.) Our confirmation said, "Sun, May 22: fly from Beijing to Nanchang, you will receive your children today."
Speechless.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
You want us to leave WHEN???
Oh my goodness! I think I didn't breathe for at least 10 seconds when I opened the email today. Not long after our referral, we received an email that gave us an estimated travel date of June 10. Brian's sister is getting married this weekend. Things have been crazy, to say the least, getting ready for it. I have been working overtime monogramming and crafting (which of course I love to do). So we had it all set in our minds that we'd get back home and have a nice, looooong six weeks to prepare to leave for China.
So back to that email today. When you send China your letter of acceptance, they send you a travel approval. That's when you get your second tentative, but much more likely, date of travel. Imagine my shock when I scrolled down and saw our itinerary that said "Departure: May 19"! WHAT???? Hence the lack of breathing. I was stunned! So now we don't have six weeks. We have a VERY short 3 weeks to prepare!!!
In the midst of all of the chaos, I still see God's hand on it all. Had I known about that date while I was preparing for the wedding, I just might have needed to be committed. Ask my friends. I was not fun to be around. I was stressed, but to throw prepping for international travel on top would have sent me over the edge. My precious Father, always knowing just what I can handle, withheld that from me until the stress of wedding plans had passed. Don't you just love the subtleties that show His love for us?
There's one more "kiss from the King" that just might give me more than I can handle. We won't know till we get there. But our itinerary says we'll receive Abby Kate on the 23rd. However, some families will be meeting their babies on the 22nd. Oh, I hope that's true for us. You see, that is the day 11 years ago that our precious Miller, our first child, went to Heaven. What an amazing circle of events. "I saved this little girl for you. If you'd had it your way, you would have adopted years ago, but I let you wait, sanctifying you more and more through the process, so you could have HER. And I'm blessing you with her on the anniversary of the day you thought your heart would stop beating." Again, I just love the way He works.
So back to that email today. When you send China your letter of acceptance, they send you a travel approval. That's when you get your second tentative, but much more likely, date of travel. Imagine my shock when I scrolled down and saw our itinerary that said "Departure: May 19"! WHAT???? Hence the lack of breathing. I was stunned! So now we don't have six weeks. We have a VERY short 3 weeks to prepare!!!
In the midst of all of the chaos, I still see God's hand on it all. Had I known about that date while I was preparing for the wedding, I just might have needed to be committed. Ask my friends. I was not fun to be around. I was stressed, but to throw prepping for international travel on top would have sent me over the edge. My precious Father, always knowing just what I can handle, withheld that from me until the stress of wedding plans had passed. Don't you just love the subtleties that show His love for us?
There's one more "kiss from the King" that just might give me more than I can handle. We won't know till we get there. But our itinerary says we'll receive Abby Kate on the 23rd. However, some families will be meeting their babies on the 22nd. Oh, I hope that's true for us. You see, that is the day 11 years ago that our precious Miller, our first child, went to Heaven. What an amazing circle of events. "I saved this little girl for you. If you'd had it your way, you would have adopted years ago, but I let you wait, sanctifying you more and more through the process, so you could have HER. And I'm blessing you with her on the anniversary of the day you thought your heart would stop beating." Again, I just love the way He works.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Unexpected
I think I mentioned yesterday at how hard it has been to think about Abby Kate and her leaving her only family she's ever known. I have been very surprised at the unexpected heaviness of my heart in the last two weeks. For over 5 years, we've anticipated the day we'd get to see her precious face. Everything was building to that joyous moment. But now that we've seen her, I've found my emotions taking a turn in the opposite direction. Obviously, we are still ecstatic to be traveling to bring her home. But that excitement has been overshadowed by the grief I know she will feel and the sadness I'm feeling for her. I don't think I've ever let my mind go to that place. The story of her being left, abandoned, became so much more real once I saw her face. Before it was just, "It's tragic that people abandon their babies." Now it's changed to my heart being broken at the thought of MY daughter lying alone in a box or on a step to a police station. Even as I type, I'm listening to a song by Meredith Andrews that reminds me of God's tremendous love for and faithfulness towards Abby Kate. "You're not alone for I am here. Let Me wipe away your every tear. My love, I've never left your side. I have seen you through the darkest night. And I'm the One who's loved you all your life. All your life." Praise Him that He has been with her all along. That He gave her life. That He protected her when her parents felt they either couldn't take care of her anymore or didn't want her because she wasn't the boy they'd wished for.
While I was so thrilled to hear that she's been in a foster home, now my sadness returns as I heard today that we probably won't get to meet them. I want so badly to hug their necks, to let them see how much we love her, to thank them for the gift of life they've given my daughter. I know it would be gut-wrenching to meet them and take her away. She would be devastated. So I know it's probably best. But it still remains something I want very much to be able to do. I'm praying now that God would allow us the very rare privilege to meet them, but only if that would be healthy for Abby Kate. I have to put my feelings aside, as do all parents, in the interest of the well-being of my daughter.
Our case worker at our agency said today that we can expect some major grieving on Abby Kate's part. That pierced my heart to hear it. I don't want her to hurt! She said we may have to stay in the hotel room for the majority of the first few days, away from crowds, to help Abby Kate in her healing process and to aid in her journey of bonding with us. What sweet time that will be, though. Uninterrupted, completely devoted time to loving on her and letting her learn to trust us. After 5 1/2 years of waiting for her, I think that sounds pretty nice.
While I was so thrilled to hear that she's been in a foster home, now my sadness returns as I heard today that we probably won't get to meet them. I want so badly to hug their necks, to let them see how much we love her, to thank them for the gift of life they've given my daughter. I know it would be gut-wrenching to meet them and take her away. She would be devastated. So I know it's probably best. But it still remains something I want very much to be able to do. I'm praying now that God would allow us the very rare privilege to meet them, but only if that would be healthy for Abby Kate. I have to put my feelings aside, as do all parents, in the interest of the well-being of my daughter.
Our case worker at our agency said today that we can expect some major grieving on Abby Kate's part. That pierced my heart to hear it. I don't want her to hurt! She said we may have to stay in the hotel room for the majority of the first few days, away from crowds, to help Abby Kate in her healing process and to aid in her journey of bonding with us. What sweet time that will be, though. Uninterrupted, completely devoted time to loving on her and letting her learn to trust us. After 5 1/2 years of waiting for her, I think that sounds pretty nice.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
She has 3 mommies.
We got our translation packet emailed to us yesterday. I just found it in my junk mail. So glad I checked! My heart is heavy for Abby Kate right now. I want to get to her so badly. I'm her mother, the one God has ordained to raise her to know and love Him. But I feel so sad for her other two moms, too. Yes, two.
I'm amazed once again at the way our Father cares for even the tiniest wishes of our hearts. I began praying years ago that Abby Kate could be raised in a foster home. I knew she would be held every day, loved, and cared for much greater than in an orphanage with dozens of children. I knew she'd have better development both physically and mentally. As I read the translation of her referral, I was so thrilled to read that she's been in a foster home since she was only 3 1/2 months old. God is SO good!
So now I add yet another mother to my prayer list. I pray for Abby Kate's birthmother, that she would somehow know her daughter is safe, healthy, and loved. I pray, too, for Abby Kate's foster mother, for her heart to not be broken as we take Abby Kate from her. She will have raised our daughter for almost a year. She can't help but love her. I love her and haven't even held her yet! I pray also for these two women to know Jesus. That would be the most amazing thing ever--to meet them one day in Heaven.
This all presents new issues and concerns to pray for now. Being in a foster home was definitely best for Abby Kate's growth, but now we have the possibility of some VERY serious grieving on her part. This family is all she knows. She has no memory of their not being there. It would be no different than someone coming and taking Caleb from me and taking him halfway across the world never to return. Oh how my heart breaks at that thought. So I pray, as I have been, for God to prepare her heart to receive us. I pray for her not to grieve for too long, but to somehow know that we love her immensely and want to give her the world. I pray for our hearts, too, to be understanding and patient as she transitions.
I don't know if we will be given the opportunity to stay in touch with her foster family. What a gift that would be! How wonderful for her to have something of her past to hold on to as she gets older and can understand her story. I pray that for her!
Would you join me in praying over these things in the coming weeks as we prepare to travel? Our God is so faithful and hears us as we bring our petitions to Him!
Philippians 4:6--Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Below is the translation of her referral packet in case you would like to read it.
Growth Report on Hong Min Ying
Hong Min Ying, female, was born on April. 8th , 2010. She was sent to the orphanage on May 8th,2010 by the local police. There wasn’t a note was found with her ; her birthday was estimated according to her physical condition and she was given a name by children unite of Welfare Home. Her measurements were 54cm for height, 3.7kg for weight, 35cm for head circumference, and 36cm for chest circumference.
She was one month old as first enter into the orphanage. At that time she was tiny and could not suck strongly, appetite was small; she would take 50-70ml milk each time. She lived in the infant room. Because of the good care by Ayi, she eat more and more, suck strongly; her face started turn to red. In order to give her better care , we found a foster family for her. She entered into her foster family on July 23, 2010. At the age of 2 months, she had Strong limb activities. Her head could turn to left and right when she was 3-4 months old; her eyes could follow the subjects; her hands could hold toys and could look at her own hands; she also could pronounced “Yi—Ya”. Her hands became more Flexible and tried reach toys far away her; she was a little afraid of strangers, loved be hold by foster families. She like the adults play with her and talk to her with baby words like “wo---wo”, she would be happy and laugh. When people call her name she would give response quickly. She could sit well by herself at the age of 7-8 months. She could pass the toy from one hand to another; feed her cookies by her own; could craw; had sense to imitate like shake her head like mom. She likes toys with music and playing the game of hide and find. The brother from the foster family is her playmate; he plays this game with her since he off school; she likes brother to hold her. Min Ying is 9 months old now, her skin was white but now is brown for mom takes her out every day for have sun bath. But she looks healthier and lovely. She is not afraid strangers any more, smiles a lot, lovable, family members and neighbors love to hold her up and she enjoys that also. She craw so fast and can stand long time under an assistance, takes her walker to all of the places she wants to go. She likes fresh toys and listening music. Her body will move follow the rhythm and seems so cute.
The main foods her are porridge, noodle. There are three meals a day for her. She takes half bowl each time. And take milk, rice bread, egg, and fruit juice as supplementary food. Her health status is great, hardly sick. She sleeps well and bowel movements and urinate are both normal.
I'm amazed once again at the way our Father cares for even the tiniest wishes of our hearts. I began praying years ago that Abby Kate could be raised in a foster home. I knew she would be held every day, loved, and cared for much greater than in an orphanage with dozens of children. I knew she'd have better development both physically and mentally. As I read the translation of her referral, I was so thrilled to read that she's been in a foster home since she was only 3 1/2 months old. God is SO good!
So now I add yet another mother to my prayer list. I pray for Abby Kate's birthmother, that she would somehow know her daughter is safe, healthy, and loved. I pray, too, for Abby Kate's foster mother, for her heart to not be broken as we take Abby Kate from her. She will have raised our daughter for almost a year. She can't help but love her. I love her and haven't even held her yet! I pray also for these two women to know Jesus. That would be the most amazing thing ever--to meet them one day in Heaven.
This all presents new issues and concerns to pray for now. Being in a foster home was definitely best for Abby Kate's growth, but now we have the possibility of some VERY serious grieving on her part. This family is all she knows. She has no memory of their not being there. It would be no different than someone coming and taking Caleb from me and taking him halfway across the world never to return. Oh how my heart breaks at that thought. So I pray, as I have been, for God to prepare her heart to receive us. I pray for her not to grieve for too long, but to somehow know that we love her immensely and want to give her the world. I pray for our hearts, too, to be understanding and patient as she transitions.
I don't know if we will be given the opportunity to stay in touch with her foster family. What a gift that would be! How wonderful for her to have something of her past to hold on to as she gets older and can understand her story. I pray that for her!
Would you join me in praying over these things in the coming weeks as we prepare to travel? Our God is so faithful and hears us as we bring our petitions to Him!
Philippians 4:6--Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Below is the translation of her referral packet in case you would like to read it.
Growth Report on Hong Min Ying
Hong Min Ying, female, was born on April. 8th , 2010. She was sent to the orphanage on May 8th,2010 by the local police. There wasn’t a note was found with her ; her birthday was estimated according to her physical condition and she was given a name by children unite of Welfare Home. Her measurements were 54cm for height, 3.7kg for weight, 35cm for head circumference, and 36cm for chest circumference.
She was one month old as first enter into the orphanage. At that time she was tiny and could not suck strongly, appetite was small; she would take 50-70ml milk each time. She lived in the infant room. Because of the good care by Ayi, she eat more and more, suck strongly; her face started turn to red. In order to give her better care , we found a foster family for her. She entered into her foster family on July 23, 2010. At the age of 2 months, she had Strong limb activities. Her head could turn to left and right when she was 3-4 months old; her eyes could follow the subjects; her hands could hold toys and could look at her own hands; she also could pronounced “Yi—Ya”. Her hands became more Flexible and tried reach toys far away her; she was a little afraid of strangers, loved be hold by foster families. She like the adults play with her and talk to her with baby words like “wo---wo”, she would be happy and laugh. When people call her name she would give response quickly. She could sit well by herself at the age of 7-8 months. She could pass the toy from one hand to another; feed her cookies by her own; could craw; had sense to imitate like shake her head like mom. She likes toys with music and playing the game of hide and find. The brother from the foster family is her playmate; he plays this game with her since he off school; she likes brother to hold her. Min Ying is 9 months old now, her skin was white but now is brown for mom takes her out every day for have sun bath. But she looks healthier and lovely. She is not afraid strangers any more, smiles a lot, lovable, family members and neighbors love to hold her up and she enjoys that also. She craw so fast and can stand long time under an assistance, takes her walker to all of the places she wants to go. She likes fresh toys and listening music. Her body will move follow the rhythm and seems so cute.
The main foods her are porridge, noodle. There are three meals a day for her. She takes half bowl each time. And take milk, rice bread, egg, and fruit juice as supplementary food. Her health status is great, hardly sick. She sleeps well and bowel movements and urinate are both normal.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Referral Pics!!!
Following our Journey
Many people have asked me (Emily) if we had a blog they could follow for our adoption. I've been posting things on Facebook, but thought this would be a better option since not everyone uses Facebook. Hopefully I can keep up with this. I'm notorious for starting things like this and not continuing them. I have a little more motivation this time though. :)
Here's where we are right now. As I type, I'm anxiously waiting for the Fed Ex man to ring my doorbell. We got our call confirming our referral from China on Friday, April 1. The packet we're waiting for today has all her information, better pictures, and paperwork from our agency. The next step will be for Brian and me to send our Letter of Intent to China stating our desire to adopt Abby Kate. After that, we wait for our travel approval which comes from China with the exact dates for us to be there. After that, we travel in about two weeks. All in all, this is a 6-8 week process. And I have a feeling it's going to fly by! We have so much to do!
So over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing info about the latest in our journey, as well as prayer requests for our trip. And hey, if you see me slacking off, send me an email and tell me to get on it! :)
Here's where we are right now. As I type, I'm anxiously waiting for the Fed Ex man to ring my doorbell. We got our call confirming our referral from China on Friday, April 1. The packet we're waiting for today has all her information, better pictures, and paperwork from our agency. The next step will be for Brian and me to send our Letter of Intent to China stating our desire to adopt Abby Kate. After that, we wait for our travel approval which comes from China with the exact dates for us to be there. After that, we travel in about two weeks. All in all, this is a 6-8 week process. And I have a feeling it's going to fly by! We have so much to do!
So over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing info about the latest in our journey, as well as prayer requests for our trip. And hey, if you see me slacking off, send me an email and tell me to get on it! :)
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