DOSSIER TO CHINA (DTC)

 Our paperwork, dossier,  went to China on 6.27.16.  As always we were hoping to be logged into the Chinese system by this point and well under way to being translated and reviewed.  But you would think by now (fourth adoption) we would know, adoption is not done by our timelines.  We will be asking the Chinese side to expedite their processing because of his severe heart condition.  Pray they would see the need and respond quickly with our LCS (letter seeking confirmation).  This LSC will then go back to our US immigration requesting 800 approval to bring this specific child into the states.  Every step brings a bit of anxiety, and relief when we check that box done!  One step closer to holding him, yet one step closer to the vulnerable state of feeling helpless with a medically fragile child.  Humility is good for us--we rely on our Lord--not ourselves for each breath we take.

 The two big boys have been racing most every weekend. Despite not advancing at regionals to Loretta Lynn's National race, they have a bond that is worth more than any trophy!  So proud of how mature they are becoming--most days--  They are still BOYS and do stupid BOY things  ;)

 Our church had an awesome VBS program this year learning about how God is good all the time, even during the hard and dark times.  The program looked at Norway and how the sun only shines there part of the year and we can still celebrate and praise God in the darkest of times.

 Racing is a common theme at our house.  James was joining in with the big boys.  Not sure if he knew he was at a disadvantage without an engine!

GOD Is GOOD!  ALL the TIME!

Friday, Dec 13, 2013 we boarded an airplane bound for China to adopt our little princess.  We had no idea how sick she really was...

Look closely at her fingers....she was so purple and her breathing was so labored ....

She has a sweet, sassy personality and we fell deeply in love... 

  And then we did the hardest thing possible....laid her broken heart on an operating table and allowed the surgeon to give her a chance to live. And we now reap the blessings of taking a risk.  We lept over an ocean of unknowns when God said go.   Is it easy --not everyday-- but joy is a state of mind we can choose to see the good when others see dark.  This life was deemed unworthy by some, but I would guess there are thousands that would argue this sweet soul is worth millions, starting with her FAMILY.

 This picture was taken before Joseph's very risky heart surgery.  It says BRAVE.  Recently the media has been flooded by so many  losses and tragedies.  It's just a reminder of a fallen world we live in.  We have a choice-- to be paralyzed by fear and uncertainty or BE BRAVE and turn LOVE into ACTION.  We can love the hurting and make good out of bad.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring?  What will you do today to make our world better?

I have to end on this.....last weekend we were helping some friends move into their new home.  Friends that lost their own little heart warrior early last year, and will soon bring another joyous bundle into the world.  God is bringing beauty from their tears and clear provisions....

           We had stopped at Woodmans to get them some groceries and snacks for moving day.  Saturday at Woodmans--Not a good idea!  Justin suggested going in the "check yourself out line".  Really??? with FIVE Children??  He promised to "help" me. He wanted to scan each item by himself.  Okay!  We pulled up our cart behind a nice lady who noticed our adoption t shirts and we started chatting.  The similarities could have only come from God placing us both there.  She let us go in front of  her ( I figured because James had started a melt down) but later we would learn why.  After going through the entire checkout process, piece by piece, apologizing for our 306 peppers we bought on accident, the numerous things falling out of the cart, misplaced items on the belt, not bagged items, the cashier informed me the women behind us was paying for our entire order.   I was floored and tried not to have my own meltdown at Woodmans-  Thank you LORD for covering us in times of uncertainty.  And thank you to those of you who turn Love into Action by being the Hands and Feet of Jesus.  God is good ALL THE TIME!!!