Packed & Ready To Go???

It's been busy here since we got our TA. Packing, printing documents, figuring Zach's schedule, etc, etc. We've been counting down the days until we leave--there aren't many links left on our paper chain! Friday will be here before we know it!

It's Zach's turn to bring treats to school tomorrow. We decided to make a special Chinese treat to share with the kids. (Don't worry--Zach didn't share his germs with any we are taking to school!!!)

In the meantime, the house is an absolute disaster and the suitcases are way over stuffed. Guess I should get busy!!!!!

Here's the gang of neighborhood kids from the annual Easter egg hunt. Hopefully Zach will get to play some with his friends between all of his adventures with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. He's gonna be a busy boy while mom & dad are in China. He probably won't even know we are gone!

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

We got the call we've been waiting for! Yes, travel approval!!!!!! Sounds like we may be leaving as soon as April 6. Holt will be making all of our appointments over the next few days. We should have our flight & hotel info early next week. Here we come, Mason!

This week we have been reminded of God's timing in everything. We'd been praying about what to do with my (nancy's) job after Mason came home. I thought about cutting back to even less hours or maybe even not working at all. I was having a hard time making that decision. Really, we knew what would be best for our family, but I wasn't quite ready to step down. I wasn't quite ready to say good-bye to my identity outside of the home; wasn't ready to say good-bye to the extra income it provided for us (which sounds crazy because it isn't even very much income!). I guess God could see the struggle I was having and HE made the decision for us! That decision was made for me, one day before getting travel approval. Coincidence? I think not.  Now we can put our entire focus on our family & the changes to come! Thank you, God for hearing & answering our prayers!

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord & he answered me & delivered me from all my fears.

Article 5

We received our Article 5 approval this morning. Not exactly sure what that is....but what we do know is this: the next thing we will receive is our travel approval! That should come in the next few weeks, then travel a few weeks after that. Hoping for April, but there's a chance it will be May. 

Until then we continue to wait and trust that God's timing is better than our timing. Daily we are challenged to surrender everything to Him including our travel plans. We are thankful that He has it all under control.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14

Waiting........

Things continue to progress here as anticipated. Last week we received our NVC (National Visa Center) letter which acknowledged our clearance to the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou. Our travel approval should arrive in approximately 4-5 weeks, then we would travel to China approx 3 -5 weeks after that. All in all, things are going as planned. Thank you for your prayers! Until we travel, we continue to organize and NEST!

One funny thing we have noticed around home is how the cats have gotten used to Zach. He can now get up on the bed and sit next to them without having them hiss, run and hide! He can even pet both of them. That's major progress! When we first came home with Zach, they basically lived under the bed. What they don't realize is that they will probably be spending a lot of time under the bed again soon!

The cool thing about this adoption process is how we can rest assured that God's going before us taking care of Mason as well as taking care of all the details. Check this out: Psalms 139: 2-7

You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.  You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!  I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 

Isn't it cool that he will see us when we travel??!! Or that He goes before us? We as humans have a hard time comprehending what that means. But isn't it so reassuring??

Four & A Cake

The Big Brother is now 4 1/2. Or as Zach would say it--Four and A Cake. Who knows where he got that one! He still likes trains, but has also taken interest in other things. He's fascinated with maps and probably knows more state capitols than momma! He also has been interested in the planets. He'd like to ride in a rocket into space one day, but doesn't want to go to Saturn--he might fall off its ring!!!

Here's a shot of one other thing he's been fascinated with. Take a look....can you guess who he is??? Keep guessing......ok, if you can't figure it out, scroll down....

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY!!!!!!!