Day 76

We bought new luggage today for Sam & Asher. Our adoption education is absolutely complete. I have all the clothes for Asher and a few toys to pack. I've made my packing lists. We've been working on travel contingent plans if we travel after Labor Day. We're signing our updated wills next week, our vaccination affidavit and the poas for Jacob and Anna. Is there anything we're missing?? Oh, yea...that's it...we're missing TA...just a minor piece of the puzzle. BUT....

Rumor has it TAs may arrive Monday or Tuesday. Our TA may or may not be included...so we wait, we wait, we wait...with our lamps totally ready!!

Day 71

Well, a little tidbit of news. There are many TAs to be issued. Lots, huge amounts, hundreds! But, the CCAA just moved, so the processing is delayed a bit. So, we'll continue to wait. In the meantime, try this little diddy:

(To the tune of Mr. Postman)

Please Mister Director, look and see(Oh yeah)
If there's TA on your desk for me
(Please, Please Mister Director)

Why's it takin' such a long time(Oh yeah)
For us to adopt that son of ours
There must be some word today
From our Asher so far away

Please Mister Director look and see
If there's TA, TA for me

Day 70

Is this not the sweetest little face? We've received a couple of great photos this week, but no TA. I'm all for no photos this week and TA tomorrow!

Today I had to laugh as our pastor preached from Matthew 14:22-23 and referenced that we need to "get out of the safety of our boat" and into the water with Jesus. My mind kept saying, "I'm out of the boat! I'm out of the boat and ready to step into this new adventure!! Can we go now?" Then my mind wandered onto to other subjects such as, My Father in heaven must think I sound like my children...are we there yet?..why?..when?...are you listening?

Patience has never been my strong suit. And Asher's adoption has been a lesson in patience to beat all. But, I remain strong in knowing that yes, God my Father knows my heart, Philip's heart and Asher's heart. He's preparing our family to unite in His absolute perfect time. Just as the entrance of Jacob, Sam and Anna, there is a perfect time for Asher to be adopted by us...and that day will happen soon...and just like Jacob, Sam and Anna the moment will be beautifully and majestically executed in His presence. I will rest in that knowledge and fully trust that all will be well.

Friends and family, know how much I love all of you and appreciate your patience with me at this time. I truly am a hormonal expectant mom and I am blessed by your calming presences!

Day 67

I'm blogging from my email account today as a test for when we're in China.
I've been reading that actually logging onto the blog is difficult in China,
but you can update via email. So, here's a test in hopes that we will soon
be sitting in Hebei province with Asher and giving daily updates!

What to do today? Jacob & Sam have cross country, then will help their aunt
paint, so I'm effectively free after 11:30. I'm thinking of escaping
somewhere with Anna...away from the phone...away from the computer...away
from all things Travel Approval related. I think I'm coming to accept that
it will be probably a month or more before we have travel approval in our
possession. So, might as well do something productive today instead of
waiting by the phone!

I'm inserting a random photo...just to see how it works via email ;-) It's
our dog, Cooper, and he looks pitiful...kind like me!