Chinese New Year..The Year of the Ox

The Chinese are celebrating the most exciting time of the year for them and I have been reading about all the festivities that are underway. I have to wonder what the orphanages do for the children. I just hope Abby may be getting a little fun in the week ahead. We are celebrating with a trip to the China Buffet today.
I found out a couple things about her Chinese name..Lianqing. First,it is all one word not two,as I have been using it and it means "romantic love".
I found this great website nciku.com. You type in any word, it tells you how to say it in Chinese or what it means. I typed in her name and that's what came up. Which has me wondering about the whole name game again. Do I name her Abby-Grace Lianqing Grimm.That is a long name,guess we have some time yet to decide. The agency is guessing travel will be in May/June. I received an information packet in the mail yesterday, which was very exciting but also freaked me out. Phrases like "not all places you will be at will be equipped with a western toilet" I guess we shouldn't take our toilets for granted because apparently they squat over a hole and there is no toilet paper.We were advised to "carry tissue with you at all times". They advised we learn to use chopsticks because you will not always have a fork as an option.
Yes, it is all a bit scary to a control freak like myself.Just being given a five year old who doesn't know any English and is being taken away from everything she's ever known,add in wacky cultural differences and paperwork up the wazoo..yeah the panic begins to set in. God will get me through it though. This is my dream. If dreams were easy they wouldn't be called "dreams". Start praying for me now though.
It should definitely be a trip of a lifetime.....

Hurray for log-in and Bloggin'

First,let me say how much I love how my blog turned out. My favorite parts are Abby's face in the heart,bible verse,and Chinese symbols! Next,I received the very exciting news that are paperwork was logged in on January 5Th. I've heard that the letter of acceptance usually comes around 90 days later and travel shortly after that. I am still hoping that I could have Abby(or be in China) by my birthday on May 3rd. That would be amazing and I wouldn't have to miss graduation day either.I have been thinking a lot about how it will be to have Abby at home. Sometimes I get scared at all the unknowns but mostly I get very excited to have my little girl home. :)

Extreme Blog Make Over

I found a website that does blog make overs. They are absolutely gorgeous,so I decided to treat myself. Keep checking back and prepare to be wowed because this woman does amazing work. In adoption news,today so is our deadline. I contacted the agency yesterday just to double check that everything was OK. Our paperwork made it there on January 5th so we're good.I'm still waiting for a log in date but hope to be getting that very soon. Time for more waiting.... dreaming...hoping:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

I know it has been a while since I checked in...busy,busy,busy.
Our paperwork is now at the Chinese Consulate waiting to be logged in. I know.. that's what I said last time. When Mr.Li from the agency was translating it, he thought the notary issue we had back in Oct/Nov would be a problem for our application letter, which is basically us telling the Chinese government our plan for Abby and promising to never mistreat her. Anyway,that involved us re-doing the letter, notarizing, authenticating and certifying it. All during the worst December Chicago has seen in a long time,which is saying A LOT. Anyway, It is finally where it needs to be waiting to be logged in.
Something else exciting is our agency put us in contact with the two other families we will be traveling with. We have been emailing,it is always an awesome thing to hear other's journey and how God has worked in their lives.
I am so excited about all the changes 2009 brings. Abby of course but also Brandon graduating and going on to start his ministry degree,Cameron getting to sing at Disney World and starting High school. It's all so awesome. 2009- I keep saying "the year dreams come true" I am so ready!!!!

The Gift of Faith

Yesterday I was brought to tears by a handmade gift from a four year old. This is an ornament made by Sarah Meizhi and her mom. She was adopted into her forever family two years ago. It says "Faith" in Chinese. Along with it was a little note which read-Faith-The assurance of things hoped for;the evidence of things unseen.
It touched my heart and just may end up being my favorite gift this year. You see you can't find gifts this precious in a store,money can't buy them. They are priceless. Wishing you a Christmas filled with touching moments like this and gifts that are priceless. What greater gift could I have been given than the gift of "faith"??

It's Finally on it's way!!!!!

Yes,our paperwork if finally on it's way to China!!!Next step is to be logged in. The agency said that should be in a few weeks. If we could be logged in by Christmas that would be the best present I could recieve. It feels SO good to be a step closer!
Keep praying!!!

MY heart speaks

I first heard this song last year when Chuck and I went to the Third day Christmas Concert. It touched my heart then and I talked about the impact it made on me and included the lyrics on my blog. We were on a waiting list for Vietnam with hundreds of people in front of us and no idea what the year ahead would bring. So much has happened&changed in one year. This year as I listen to this song that speaks my heart so well, I look at a little girl's face and pray to God that this year is THE year. I wonder what my life will be like a year from now and what lies ahead for us all in the months ahead. Will this be the year I finally get to hold the daughter I have held in my heart for so long?? Please listen and watch this video that another family in these shoes made for their daughter in China. Merry Christmas to all but especially you Abby!