Final Thoughts, Praises and Coming Home

Final Thoughts

One of the pictures that was posted yesterday were from the famous "red couch" at the White Swan Hotel. It is a tradition among adoptive families from China to have their photo taken on the couch.

Wednesday was a bad day and good day. Katie woke up in the middle of the night for the first time...oh joy. She was then extremely cranky for the morning. Cry, cry, cry. Mostly crying during pictures. But we got through it. We've pretty much resigned ouselves that she is going to cry a lot. We're trying to enjoy the times that she's not crying. Like yesterday afternoon. Katie took a four hour nap while I was at the consulate picking up her travel visa. The last piece of paperwork completed. Ready now officially to come home. After the nap, Katie was absolutely content, sometimes smiling and easy going. A different kid. We really enjoyed seeing more snapshots of who Katie might become in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

Look at this precious little smile!

So much for that. She woke up crying at 1:00 am and then again at 6:30. At 6:30 we just decided it was time to get up. She screamed for awhile (I think we called her bluff). We had breakfast, she calmed down and is now playing with Heather on the bed. She's fine unless Heather moves. This has been much of our existence.

Praises

I have been amazed at the number of people I have heard from that have referenced our blog. The internet is far reaching that is for certain. Some of you that have been following the blog know of the faith Heather and I have in Jesus. Some of you don't. Part of our faith is the belief that God had guided our steps here. That God and God alone has ordained our adoption of Katie. And that He deserves all of the credit for this incredible journey. Specifically, we want to praise Hime for:

Speaking to Heather February 5th, 2007 through His word in Isiah 43:5 which says, "Do not be afraid for I am with you. I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west." These words started our journey. We took His word as a promise to us. God fullfills His promises.

Giving us Katie Some of you know that we had completed paperwork to receive one little girl, but did not receive her. We had then received an official referral from China for a second child. But, China made a mistake and referred that child to two families. We were told that she also would not be our daughter. Finally, in May of 2009 we were referred Zhan Yangting who would officially become our Katie. All of this was part of His plan.

His provision Adoption is not cheap. I am a teacher. Heather does not work (at least for money). Yet, He has provided everything that we have needed financially for the adoption. He blessed us with a $4000 grant from Shaohannah's Hope, a foundation created by Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman. He helped us raise almost $3000 from garage sales, thanks to donations from many of you. He even stole our car. Which doesn't sound like provision at all. We needed $6000 for travel costs to China. Our car was stolen. Willy and Melanie Newhart from our church gave us a Volvo. The insurance company gave us $6000. We were ready to go. God provides.

His peace Throughout this 2 and a half year journey we have had peace. Throughout this 17 day adventure in China, we have had peace. As Katie screamed with no end in site; peace. His peace has been abundant.

His protection Through the airports, on the airplanes, from the germs, in the taxis, through all of the paperwork, through six vaccinations, through anything and everything that could have gone wrong He has protected us.

His praying people He has propmpted many people to pray for us and your prayers have been heard. Thank all of you who have interceeded to God on our behalf.

Our belief in Jesus prompted this journey...our belief in Him has been strengthened from this journey...we will continue to serve Him with all of our hearts. He is worthy of all of our praise.

Coming Home

As we come home I'm sure that all of you will be very excited to meet Katie. We are thankful so many of you love us and want to share in our excitement of bringing her home. With that said, getting home is just the beginning of the process of uniting Katie fully to our immediate family. First and foremost, Katie needs to know with complete security and confidence who her mommy, daddy and sister are. She needs to become comforatble in our home. She needs to have a familiar routine and know what to expect with each new day. Because of these things, we will be a reclusive family for awhile. We will not be out and about introducing Katie to a whole bunch of new people; even realtives. In time, as Katie adjusts, we may get out and about more, but when we do, Heather or I (maybe) will be holding Katie. We will be at home for Thanksgiving. We are holding loosely to any plans we have for Christmas. It took two and a half years for us to wait for Katie, you might have to wait a month or two to meet her yourselves. Thank you for understanding how important it is that Katie fully accept and attach to us as her family. Going forward it will help her immensely to become a well adjusted little girl. If you would like to come and visit you may certainly call and ask. Please do not be offended if we happen to say no.