That Paperwork Re-do And May/June Referrals

Remember that paperwork we had to re-do because it expired (I-600A), to get a 2nd I-171H which allows us to bring an orphan from China into the USA?
Many of our friends sumbitted letters on our behalf asking that they extend the I-171H. I don't understand all the political hooplah, but senators acknolwleged the need to fix this and we expected they would extend it...and we were hoping we would be included in the extention. But the bill did not make it to congress before the last elections and with the change over from Republican to Demorcrats there was a bunch of the hooplah stuff again. Therefore, we DID have to re-do all that paper work. BUT the bill just passed (I doubt we can get a refund but I know some people are checking into it so, I'll let you know if we can get one)! As of July 30th they will make famlies refile but they will not charge them for the extention! So, the dreaded paperwork still has to be done but the thousands of dollars that it costs families has been removed! Thanks to everyone who appealed to our senators in our state, b/c many families close to my heart are going to benifit! And thanks to rumor queen blog for keeping us up to date on what's going on (everyone adopting knows who I'm talking about and those not adopting are saying "whooooo?")

I am hearing a lot of activity about the next batch of referrals...it won't be long until the CCAA will send the May/June batch...so check back soon!

The Great Wall

Our cell phones were way over due to be replaced, and last night we got new ones.
When I flipped open my new phone for the first time, guess what picture was on it?!
A picture of The Great Wall of China!!! How cool is that!?!?!!

A List Worth Making

I was going through a file folder and found:
"In The Next 5 Years"
1. What do I want to do?
2. What do I want to be?
3. What do I want to have?
At the bottom it said:
* "If there's not a place in your life where you're not scared to death, you're not growing."*

All of us adopting should be around 100,000 ft tall by now - hehe

My list is around 4 yrs old. I forgot to date it -duh. But I remember making it.
It's interesting how many things on my list I've accomplished; some things I thought, "that was really important to me then, and it really isn't anymore"; some things I thought "wow, I really have lost sight of that goal" and today there are several things I would/could add to this list that aren't on there.

Reflecting: I am making another one of these lists! I can't believe how much I've accomplished since I made it. And I can't believe I didn't follow through on some things either!

Credit: Got the list from our friend Rich...

Rumors Of A Vacation And Referrals

We had a vacation planned to take Mattie on in June, and have reservations. We have had no time off to speak of since Oct. 06, and my dear husband needs a break - I know he does. So, what to do? We are rebels and we're going on that vacation (our 5th "last vacation without Mattie!").

I have to confess: I was thinking about our trip to China in terms of 'vacation time' until someone suggested...

"is a woman giving birth on a vacation? Is her husband on vaca.? China is not a vacation....it will be a wonderful, life changing and life altering experience in another country...and not a vacation. You will not feel refreshed when you come home and you should try to take some time off, before you go, if you possibly can..."

WOW! It seems even I have trouble relating that this is like being 6,7,8or 9 months pregnant (are you laughing? I hope I covered all the possibilities there). Oh how exciting - we're going to have a baby!!!!

There are rumors! Of a big batch of referrals that should arrive in the first 2 weeks of June. A batch that might include us. It's hard not to get swept away in that... So, in light of the rumors, and since lately the Lord has been touching my heart through songs...I just wanted to say that whether we get our referral soon, or we do not get it anytime soon:

In the land that is plentiful

Where Your streams of abundance flow

Blessed be Your name

When I'm found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord - Blessed be Your name, Jesus
Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your glorious name

When the sun's shining down on me

When the world's all as it should be

Blessed be Your name

On the road marked with suffering

Though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord - Blessed be Your name, Jesus

Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your glorious name

Mothers Day Cards!

I hope everyone had a great Mommy's Day!!
I was so surprised - I did get Mothers day cards! My friend Julie sent me a great card...for a 'Mom to be'!
And there was another one that the envelope said 'Mommy' and inside was a snoopy card...the salutation said "I'll see you real soon! I love you mommy! Love, Mattie Gail". Awwww....so sweet that man of mine...I am really blessed.
I didn't expect to get any mothers day cards!! And, it thrilled my heart beyond expressible words to get them.

My Friends Babies!

Here's Elizabeth - Journey to Elizabeth
Scroll down a little to see Elizabeth's referral picture. At the top of Shari's blog are the tabs 'home', 'journal', 'photo album'. Click photo album to see pics of Elizabeth now that she's home! Wow, she is precious!!
Here's Annie - Journey to Annie
To see Annie scroll down to blog entries on May 2nd & 3rd. Jami's LID 10/27/05. And how 'bout those cheeks??? She's SO cute!! Having trouble finding Annie? click here and here

I have been working on a huge project and fell a few days behind on my blogging (again); catching up now... yesterdays post.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

Sometimes folks say to me - I don't know where you get your strength to go through this....
There are things with this adoption I cannot explain and I have had feelings I cannot put into words. Then on Sunday, we were singing this song and I wanted to share it because it says so well how I feel, and where any strength I have comes from...

Would I believe You when You would say

Your hand will guide my every way

Will I receive the words You say

Every moment of every day

Well I will walk by faith

Even when I cannot see it

Because this broken road

Prepares Your will for me

Help me to win my endless fears

You've been so faithful for all my years

With the one breath You make me

And Your grace covers all I do

Well I'm broken- but I still see Your face

You've spoken- pouring Your words of grace

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see it
Because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

I will walk by faith...I will walk by faith

lyrics by Jeremy Camp