Here We Go, in 3...2...

Only 3 more days!

Our travel arrangements have been made, and we are ready to go!  We are so excited! (huge understatement.)

This is a brief glimpse of our 15-day trip:

• Wed-Thurs: fly to China
• Fri-Sat: adjust to time zone, tour Beijing
• Sun: fly to Henan province
• MON: MEET VIOLET!! (and she stays with us from here on out!)
• Tues-Thurs: visit the orphanage, do some paperwork
• Fri: Fly to Guangzhou
• Sat-Wed: get her medicals/passport/etc; Consulate Appt.
• Thurs: FLY HOME!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Then our family of 5 will be TOGETHER, under one roof!  JOY!!!

As we have been preparing to leave and counting down the days, I have also been counting my blessings.  WOW- has God been so faithful!  I can look back on all the fears and worries that crossed my mind, which I had to continually surrender to Him in prayer, and can see now that He has guided everything right down to this moment.  Not everything went exactly as I had in mind, but His thoughts are WAY higher than my own! 

As we enter this adventure and next chapter in our adoption process, we need your prayers more than ever, especially in these two areas:

• Travel- Obviously we are praying for safe travels and smooth flights & connections to and from and around China.  Pray against illnesses or stomach bugs.  Pray for our kids' health, safety, and emotions while we are away, and for our parents who will be looking after them.

• Transitions-  This is a huge one.  Violet's whole world as she knows it will be changing.  New environment, new language, new caretakers, new food, new bed...I'm sure it will be quite overwhelming for her.  We understand that this might be a rough process and we are prepared to help her through it, by the grace & patience God provides.  Our other two children at home will also be going through a transition, as they adjust to sharing their lives, and their mommy, with a new little sister who will be needing a lot of attention for the first year.  Pray for wisdom and understanding for us and our family!

We hope to be able to share photos and keep you updated during our trip through my Facebook page!  SO SOOOON!