18 Months & Counting

Today it has officially been 18 months since our dossier (big packet of info all about us) was logged in with the Chinese Center of Adoption Affairs. This basically began our waiting in line, though, the thought of Abigail was planted much further back in time - which is why it seems like it's already been years of waiting. We've been praying from the very beginning that the wait time in China would decrease, but it has done nothing but grow longer. It has been very frustrating and discouraging on some days. And other days we just become more determined to wait for our Abigail who is of Chinese descent. We find great JOY, comfort and strength in these living words:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

It's amazing to realize all that Abigail has already brought to our lives - how the Father has worked so much in our hearts and minds in so many different areas all through her. We look forward to the day that we can finally see and hold her. As we wait, we find great peace and calm assurance in knowing:

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD;

he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

Proverbs 21:1

How great it is to know that all things are in the hand of the LORD - even governments at home and abroad. We wait on Him alone to act on the behalf of children and families that long to be united.

So, how can you PRAY for us? Here are few things we pray for:

• The safety and provision for Abigail and her birth family
• For God to change the hearts of those in charge of adoption in China - that children would not have to grow up in orphanages when families wait to bring them home
• The Lord has graciously provided for us throughout this journey - and as it extends with more expense we humbly ask Him to continue that provision
• That we will know Abigail when we see her in a referral
• That the Father would bring us together with Abigail this year

Thanks for joining us on this journey. We are very grateful for your interest and prayers.

Surprises in the Mail Box

It's always fun to find a package full of gifts in your mailbox! Back in March I joined a swap group that is made up of other America World moms, most of whom are waiting like us to go get their daughters. So, my first swap to participate in was for April - it was a Spring theme "Shower in a Box." I wish I had taken pictures of what I chose to send because it was as much if not more fun to shop for a gift as it was to receive one. Here's a look at the generous gift that my thoughtful swap partner put together!

Gotta love a jack-in-the-box...especially such a brightly colored one!

Look at that beautiful Spring theme in each item!

Such cute little outfits...love 'em!

A final look at those great Spring themed selections!

If you're reading this - Thank you sooo much Karen!

I am so excited to have joined this group...lookin forward to more surprises at the mailbox and sending out some of my own!