While We Were Sleeping: Article 5 Pick-Up!

Woke up to an exciting email this morning!  While we were sleeping, and China was going about it's business day, our "Article 5" document was picked up from the US Embassy in Guangzhou and Express Mailed to the FINAL STOP in our adoption process!  This is our LAST official PAPERWORK WAIT before we fly to China!  Still not the last of the paperwork...but the rest will happen once she's in our arms, so those waits will be MUCH easier to handle!!

We are simply awaiting "Travel Approval" (TA) from China.  This doesn't have a set time frame, but happens in batches, about every 2 weeks on average...sometimes more or less...slightly unpredictable.  We were told that if we receive TA by Mon, 10/27 we should still be able to jump in with the travel group leaving the first week of November!  I KNOW God can do this, and while I'm praying for His Will and His perfect timing, I'm also praying that this will be part of His plan.  :-)  The last batch was received Mon 10/13...so Mon 10/27 is exactly 2 weeks.  I will be glued to my phone that day.  No prank calls, please!  ;-)

This week has been very relaxed as it finally feels like our travel is getting close.  I know that sounds backwards and I would usually be getting more stressed the closer we get, but as I look at the big picture of this entire journey, at God's faithfulness in orchestrating each step, and the fact that the WAIT is almost over, I have so much peace and joy!  I packed Violet's suitcase and I get so excited every time I pass by it.  I found her a dresser and am working on painting it- can't wait to show you all when it's done.  I've been planning and preparing for so long that I know could be ready to leave tomorrow if I had to.  It's been great to sit back and enjoy my kids; getting some good quality time in before our family makes this big transition.

We're coming soon, little peach!

My next post will be to announce our TA...pray with me that it will happen on Monday!!  That way we would be able travel the first week of November.  (That would mean we'd be able to spend her birthday with her in China AND be home in time for Thanksgiving with our kids!)  THANK YOU for your support!!

This will be our most-thankful Thanksgiving ever!