The progression of Jian

We enjoyed adding Jian (complete with current measurements and picture) to our stairstep lineup!

Waiting for Authentication

On Friday, we drove to Olympia to State Certify our dossier documents. During our previous two adoptions I mailed our documents, so it was fun to meet the staff responsible for helping to prepare our dossiers. They enjoyed meeting Hannah and Sarah too. The best part was receiving our certified papers back the same day! Somehow that is a very, very GOOD feeling! Yesterday, we mailed our papers to CA for authentication. Now we wait approximately two weeks to receive them back.
Looking back over the past year, on this journey of bringing Jian home, it looks like we should be close to our DTC date near to Mother's Day...........the day we committed (on paper) to bring Jian home, the day I received the peaceful assurance we were on the right path, the day our fifth child was born in my heart. I never imagined we would still be waiting, wondering, praying, believing for the fulfillment of our dream. Although I don't know everything that may be ahead on this journey, I am thankful we have stayed the course, we have not given up despite the many questions and setbacks; for how can we leave him when he is called to be our son. Many scripture verses have new meaning in our lives. I am amazed at the awesomeness of God as each time I would need more reassurance I would be led to yet another verse that specifically spoke to our situation. So many songs have ministered to my heart as well. I have learned the power of worship and praise that surpasses the questions and circumstances of life. I am learning to focus on God and His promises at each and every moment.
A few days ago, we cut out a silhouette of Jian based on his latest measurements. The girls colored him and then I attached a picture of his face. We taped him to the wall near the kitchen. Each morning, as I am preparing breakfast I see him out of the corner of my eye. At first, it startled me but now I am used to having him around! I will have to post some pictures of the Knorr five stairstep lineup. I have even been known to hold clothing items up to see if they will fit. I guess I am a crazy adoptive momma!
We love you Jian!

Pneumonia and Certification!

So, Greg has been sick for a few weeks with cold symptoms. Over the weekend, his unrelenting cough and fever seemed to get worse and he ended up at the walk in clinic on Easter Sunday. They said his lungs were clear but gave him an antibiotic for his sinuses. Monday evening he came home from work and could barely walk through the house. So we headed back to the clinic. Again, they said his lungs were clear and sent us on our way with a steroid Rx. Greg could not get out of bed on Tuesday and missed work, the first time in many, many years. So today I scheduled an appointment at a new clinic. Guess what? They immediately ordered a chest x-ray and he has pneumonia! I am so thankful to have a correct diagnosis and medication to help him heal. I am so thankful for my husband and that he is such a hard worker. I am so thankful I will soon have my hubby back again. It is just no fun being sick.

Waiting for one document to arrive tomorrow and then I will send our dossier for certification!

Blessing from above

Yesterday, we were notified that we are the recipients of a $1,750.00 adoption grant! Thank you Father God for leading us and providing for our every need!

Woo Hoo!!

Today, Day #55, we received our I-800A APPROVAL NOTICE!
Thank you Heavenly Father for our son Jian. Thank you for all the promises you have given us on this journey. Thank you for loving us and allowing us the privilege of adding this precious boy to our family.

Isaiah 60

Get out of bed, Jerusalem!
Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight.
GOD'S bright glory has risen for you.
The whole earth is wrapped in darkness,
all people sunk in deep darkness,
But GOD rises on you,
his sunrise glory breaks over you.
Nations will come to your light,
kings to your sunburst brightness.
Look up! Look around!
Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you:
Your sons coming from great distances,
your daughters carried by their nannies.
When you see them coming you'll smile-- big smiles!
Your heart will swell and, yes, burst!
.......I am GOD.
At the right time I'll make it happen.

"Revelation" by Third Day

My life has led me down the road that's so uncertain
Now I am left alone and I am broken
Trying to find my way
Trying to find the faith that's gone

This time I know that you are holding all the answers
I'm tired of losing hope and taking chances
On roads that never seem
To be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
'Cause I've been trying to find my way
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without you
I've got nothing without you

My life has led me down this path that's ever winding
Through every twist and turn, I'm always finding
That I am lost again
Tell me when this road will ever end

I don't know where I can turn
Tell me, when will I learn
Won't you show me where I need to go
Let me follow your lead
I know that it's the only way that I can get back home

"Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
That you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say amen
And it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
The God who gives and takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
And raised me up again
My strength is almost gone how can I carry on
If I can't find You
And as the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
The God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
The maker of heaven and earth