Flights Scheduled

My emotions are swinging all over the place.  Worry, fear, stress coupled with pure anticipation.  I scheduled my flight yesterday and there is still so much left to do..  I can't believe it... in 10days I will be holding my baby girl (a four year old Chinese baby). 

I can't help but wonder... Will she like me?  What will our first meeting be like?  My mind has been consumed with thoughts of her these past few days.  Though she may be screaming and kicking as I take her away from all that is familiar,  I also know that the beginning of a deep bond will take place.

I also know that God has gone before me and He will be with me on every step of this journey- He is my the shade at my right hand and my front and rear guard.  God made a way for my dear friend to accompany me.  The agency granted permission for us to leave a week prior to their scheduled group, which is rarely ever ever heard of.  I still get overwelmed when I think about the way He has provided for me financially through the generousity of others.  "My cup overflows, surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life."

TA!!!

Monday I received the call which I have been waiting for over a year.  My travel approval was granted for July 5th with a "Gotcha Day" of July 9th.

 In just 10 more days, I will be able to gaze into her sweet little face, wrap my arms around her and call her by name.  I will be able to finally tell her how beautiful she is and how much she is loved. 

There is a Chinese proverb that speaks of an invisible red thread that connects a child to all the people in her past and future life.  I like to think of the red thread as the invisible hand of God that has destined Yi Mei to come into my life.  I know it is no accident that He selected this special little girl to become my daughter.  She was meant for me and I for her.  I am excited beyond measure to begin our journey together!

Still Waiting

Yes, I am still waiting for my Travel Approval.  The issues with my immigration paperwork set me back a month, pushing my TA to the last week of June.  If my agency is able to arrange a consulate appt. last minute, I will be able to join the next travel group (June 29th - July 15).  If they can't get a last minute, appointment, I will have to travel with the July 12th group.  This living in limbo is killing me! I watch the airfare go up in price every week and long to buy a ticket.   

Contrary to what I imagined, I am not having any difficulty finding ways to occupy my time during my summer vacation.  I do think about Yi Mei all the time, but have been able to enjoy afternoons by the pool, finding treasures on Craig's List and the extra time to finish projects.  I am in the middle of putting miniature shingles on the roof and painting a beautiful dollhouse my friend Kim gave Yi Mei.  I finally put together Yi Mei's Disney scooter (a special gift from my friend Nancy) and also found a Disney art desk to match.

Please pray for a very quick TA.  They can happen as quick as 12 days or as long as three weeks.  I need to make the next travel group for many reasons, the main one being my friend Kathy cannot come in mid July.  I also have made some wonderful friends through a FB adoption group and they are traveling in late June. Yi Mei's preschool screening is August 3rd, I will need some time in July to help adjust prior to the screening.  Pray, pray, pray!

Here is a picture of my Craig's List find and the scooter: