Prayers and Praise

This week has been quite intense and its only Wednesday night.

Prayers: Jeremy's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer yesterday. She is having surgery on Friday and begins a 3 week radiation next week. They found it early and it has not spread so the surgeon feels confident in removing it entirely.
My mom had shoulder surgery today. We need a speedy recovery for her as well! Praying her rehab goes as smooth as possible and recovery goes quickly.

Praise: We received our letter from NVC today! I emailed it to Karla and she sent it to China. She said our Article 5 will be dropped off tonight in China and will be picked up in exactly 2 weeks. At this rate, we should see TA (travel approval) by the end of Sept. I believe we are still on track for mid Oct travel.

Much love,


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I'm behind!

My life has been a bit on the chaotic side the past few days. In the midst of my chaos we received good news! On Wednesday we received our I 800 approval. Now we are waiting for a letter from the NVC and then we move on to the Article 5. Almost there!!

THEN this morning I woke up to a fabulous email :) We received 4 updated pictures and some information about her.








1, We usually call her Jie Run.

2, She likes all kinds of food. She is not picky at all.

3, If she is upset, play toy or game with her, then she will be happy again.

4, If she cries, pick up her, pat her and give her some snack to eat.

5, Her favorite thing is to ride the horse in her room.

Much love,


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That knot in my stomach

Typhoons have been hitting China recently and causing major flooding and damage. Which in turn causes injuries and some even death. It's so scary. I've known the past few weeks that everything was safe for Natalee because we knew someone there at the time and she was blogging.

Just a couple days ago Typhoon Haikui hit Zhejiang province. When I read about it that day, it didn't seem as widespread. Every evening Jeremy watches CNTV (China News) and last night it showed the coverage on a map of all affected areas. It consumes our province. I got the knot.

I feel sick with worry. There is nothing I can do. Karla is checking with Lily (who lives in China) to find out the status of the orphanage. Ningbo City is where her orphanage is located. When you google the typhoon Haikui and Ningbo, it shows some disturbing photos of the damage. I don't know if it affected every part of the city though.

I pray and patiently wait for some information on the safety of the orphanage and our precious girl. Sometimes we fail to remember the hardships in others lives especially when it isn't right in front of us. China has been hit by several typhoons lately. Please remember and pray for the people being affected. This is just so saddening to see devastation. I pray for their safety, ability to overcome, and most importantly that they have a relationship with God.

Much love,


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Pins and Needles

Everyone waits on pins and needles for the next update! Lol. Fortunately there's not that many updates left before travel! We have the i800 approval, article 5, TA (travel approval) and CA (consulate appt.)

This past Saturday we received our receipt stating we should see our i800 approval in 2 weeks. Yesterday we received our passports back which included our China visas.

That's all updates for now!

Much love,


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We were showered!

Yesterday was amazing! My mom, aunt, and sister hosted a shower at my Mom & Dad's house. I had so many supportive and loving family and friends come to celebrate. I only have pre party pics and after party of all the presents. When I get others, I will be sure to share!!

This is the "take out" table for the guests!





We had so many Chinese books given by the Wangs! They are the sweetest family!!








Best cupcake holders ever :)





And then we were showered!!!! We were amazed with all the wonderful gifts. And I have been told by so many that our registry is not very good. I know!! Lol that's why I have "been there done that" friends to lead the way and go out of the box!



Much love,

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This goes along with my post from yesterday. I love advocating for adoption and orphans so I wear the "gear" all the time. Over the past couple years I have purchased fundraising items from other adopting families. Last night I was wearing my "Got Love? Adopt." shirt. This precious older lady stopped us in Lowes and said she adored the shirt and wanted to hear the story. We talked for a while sharing personal stories and just loving on each other. She ended the conversation with I'm in the book so call me to babysit! I just love God moments when you feel so revived because He sent someone to you just to make you aware that people care and pray. I walked away knowing we will forever pray for each other. She wheeled away in her wheelchair and Jeremy looked at me and said that just doesn't happen anymore! Its nice to meet those people. WE need to be those people :))

Much love,


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God's Beauty & Grace

Now that we are so close, everywhere I go it's all adoption talk. I love it! It gives me the opportunity to share about the true needs of orphans. Although that gives me such a warm and fuzzy feeling in my heart, it also makes me get those little worries too. Will I provide what I need to heal her abandoned heart? Will I be able to cope with rejection? Will I be able to show her the importance of giving and serving instead of expecting? A million questions go through my head.

THEN God shows me peace, love, calm, happiness. There's this place when I drive to work every morning. I top this hill and as I'm descending the most beautiful sight. The sunrise. I've mentioned to many different people how it slaps me in the face and instantly makes me smile. It reminds me to thank Him. What a beauty!

Thank you Lord for my beautiful life. I am so blessed with all of my gifts....especially each day.

Much love,


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