Impossible, Difficult, Done

This blog began 7  months ago after we fell in love with a sweet little girl all the way around the world.  The first time we saw Lily, it seemed impossible that she could ever be ours.  The past 7 months have been difficult, but God has blessed us tremendously.  He has reminded us daily that He has the perfect plan for our family.  Now, the waiting is done...we fly out of Birmingham at 6:00 am.  By Friday, we'll be in Hohhot just waiting to finally hold Lily Joy in our arms.

Every great work of God, first is impossible, then it is difficult, and then it is done.

Praising God tonight for my blessings.  There are no words to describe the peace that HE has given us about this adoption.  We know that it won't always be easy.  We'll face a lot of challenges when Lily gets home, but we know that God is in control!!!

Please keep us in your prayers.  Remember our families who are waiting at home for us.  Goodbyes are hard and we know that they'll worry until we are home.  Please continue to pray for Trent's Daddy's health during his treatment.

This post is all over the place...just like my brain at this point!!  So excited!!!

Next post....CHINA!!!!!!!!!!

So close

This time next week, we will be a family of 5!!!   I will have 3 children.  I can't believe that this is really about to happen.  God has been so faithful to us through this adoption.  As we finish packing and say our goodbyes, it's very emotional.  We are so overwhelmed by the support from our family and friends.  It is very humbling to know that so many are praying for us.  I have truly felt God's comforting arms holding us up and getting us through these last few days.  Each and every prayer means so much to us.

Please pray especially for our Lily.  Her whole world is about to change.  The only life she's ever known will be gone in just a few short days.  She won't realize immediately that her Mama and Daddy will love her forever and will always protect her.  Pray that she'll have a smooth transition, that she'll know she's exactly where she belongs. 

Pray that this sweet smile and the twinkle in her eyes will return quickly after she becomes a part of our family. 

These pictures were taken a few weeks ago and we were thrilled to get them from another family last night.  So excited to be so close to finally holding this little beauty in my arms!!

Lily's Photo Story

We leave for China on Thanksgiving morning.  We will meet our angel on November 28 and she will be with us forever!!  Some other angels in our life created this beautiful photo story for Lily.  We have been blessed to be surrounded by so much love and support from family and friends throughout this journey. 

TA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TA=TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!  We got a call from our Social Worker around 10:30 with the good news.  Now, we're waiting on CA (Consulate Appointment).  Lots of people got TA last week, so we are praying that there are still some openings for the week our agency is requesting.  We should know our travel dates in a few days!!!!!!!!!!

It's hard to believe that the wait is almost over.  Lily Joy will be in our arms very soon!!  I want to type something really profound and meaningful...but I think I may be in shock.  So, the only thing I can come up with is....


WE'RE GOING TO CHINA Y'ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, I'm off to pack and jump up and down and scream a little more!!!!

Lily Update

 

Slowly, but surely we are moving closer to travel for Lily Joy.  We received I800 approval on October 12!!  We're waiting for Article 5 pick up and then we'll be waiting on TA (TRAVEL APPROVAL).  We don't have any idea when we'll travel.  We're really praying for December travel, but that will totally be a God thing if it works out that quickly.  PRAY, PRAY, PRAY with us, please!!

Lily's room is ready, clothes are bought, and toys are in the toy box.  So anxious to hold this sweet girl in my arms.

A New Tradition

Mary Ashtyn just finished her first season as a CMS Majorette!  This was a very special line,because they were the very FIRST majorettes at our school.  This group of 7 was fantastic!!  They are all very talented majorettes as well as smart, sweet young ladies. 

A New Tradition Begins.....

 The last performance..."Thriller"

Sunday Snapshot {Reece}

I have been a terrible blogger lately...time to catch up!!!




October 9, 2011 was a very special day for our family.  As a parent, it has to be one of the proudest moments in my life...Reece was baptized!!!!  He was so excited when he prayed the prayer of salvation with our pastor.  He called the grandparents to tell them that he "asked Jesus into his heart".   Love my precious boy so much!