We're all APPROVED!!

Her paperwork is officially approved!!! We got the call this morning (after my post.....Thanks for praying!!) Olivia's dossier has received the official MOJ approval and been "matched" with ours. Now we just await Travel approval which should come in the next 4 weeks then we're off. We will have her in our arms for Christmas!!!! Yeah!!! Do pray that there are no bumps in the road this time and that the Lord prepares her heart for us and us for her.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I couldn't have received a sweeter birthday gift!! (If it is at all possible we'd love to leave on Dec. 8th....The feast of the Immaculate Conception!!)

How things are looking now

It's been over a month since we received new copies of Olivia's official paperwork and almost 5 months since our paperwork was approved in Vietnam. We still find ourselves waiting for the official approval of Olivia's paperwork. That step was supposed to take 2 1/2 to 3 months. Needless to say, we're "past due". We had hoped to have her home by now and as it stands we are still not sure we'll have her home by Christmas or not. But we are praying and so are alot of others on our behalf. I am however, constantly reminded that the Lord holds her in the palm of His hand and knows the perfect timing for all of this. Some good things have come out of this. We have decided to take along M and S. I was really feeling uncomfortable about leaving S (he's only 3) for the 2 or so weeks we'll be in VN but we also felt we needed time with O so she could get to know us as her parents before being thrown into the mix of our big family. With it looking like we will travel over Christmas break we have decided that if we take M, he can help care for S which will be great for both of them. M will be leaving for college next fall and so his time with his new youngest siblings is very limited. This will provide them time to spend together without the busyness of "senior year" life in M's way. Also, to experience another culture and orphange life we think will be so good for him before he heads out into the big world on his own. The other 3 kids will stay with my sister. She is glad to have them over the Holiday so it's a good win-win situation for all. (Thanks LA).

I thought I'd share thoughts on adoptions with you......

All Children come from God,
for some the journey just takes a little longer

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you....
I have chosen you and have not rejected you,
So do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be dismayed for I am your God.
I will streghthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my rightous right hand....
For I am the Lord, your God,
Who takes hold of your hand and says to you,
Do Not Fear, I Will Help You
-Isaiah 41:9-10,13

Not flesh of my flesh,
Nor bone of my bone,
But still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute,
You didn't grow under my heart....
But in it!
-Fleur Conkling Herlinger