The Last Step....

Hi All!

Found out on Wednesday that while we were sleeping our Article 5 was transferred from the US Consulate in China to the China Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption. That means...... all we are waiting on now is our Travel Approval (TA)! Yay! This is supposed to take about 3 to 4 weeks, but we have Chinese New Year thrown in at the end of this month. So, that could delay us a week. Once we receive TA our adoption agency, Lifeline, requests our consulate appointment. Once that is confirmed (usually takes about 2 business days) then we can make our travel arrangements (flights, hotel, etc.). Usually families travel 2-3 weeks after receiving TA which probably puts us travelling at the end of February. That's NEXT MONTH! Wow! Can't believe I'm finally saying that. :)

As we come to mind in the next month will you please pray for us?
We have so many things about which we are praying, but these are on my heart right now...

1. Peace for Timothy and Annabelle as they leave all they've known. The ability to grieve wholeheartedly and then attach to us quickly. Trust. Understanding that they are loved.
2. Alexandra and Hunter- joy in becoming the "bigs" and patience and comfort as they watch their new siblings grieve. (I know from others that this will be very hard on them to watch. It will hurt their hearts.) Knowledge as they absorb all they can while experiencing another culture. (Big field trip!)
3. Wisdom and discernment as Chris and I bring Annabelle and Timothy into our family and parent all four of our children. That the joy of the LORD would be evident in us as we meet many new people.
4. Continued financial provision and safety.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
Blessings,
Bethany

Important Info When Adoption Is Part of Your Family

I came across a blog, Willa's Garden, not too long ago. The writer of this blog is a mom who is a lot more organized and eloquent than I could ever be. She and her husband have been through the adoption process before and are in the midst again (for a beautiful little girl!) She has many informative pages, but the one that really caught my attention was "Tips for Family and Friends." It's info that I wouldn't have known if I hadn't been through so many different trainings throughout this adoption process.... information that can be difficult to explain without hurting someone's feelings. I think this mom, who is loving her children and wanting the very best for them, did an excellent job of explaining some not-so-common needs, feelings and decisions that adoptive parents have or make. If you'd like to get a little different view into the aspect of bringing a child home, I encourage you to read her two links she has on the "Tips for Family and Friends" page. It's a lot of info, so maybe grab a cup of tea or coffee while you read.
Blessings,
B

Willa's Garden

Happy New Year!

May the LORD fill your new year with the blessings of peace, hope and joy!

2011 was quite a year! We've seen God work out so many things in ways we never would have even imagined. His thoughts are truly higher than ours! He is still at work, and we are looking forward to 2012!

This is the year we will officially add two little ones to our family!... Hopefully in less than 8 weeks!

Thank you so much to everyone who has prayed and donated to help bring Annabelle and Timothy home. We have been so blessed by your generous hearts. We could never say thank you enough! Please know that you have been a very important part of God's plan to bring Annabelle and Timothy into our family.

Thank you!

Happy New Year!

Cake!

Just got these pics last night. Timothy's 3rd birthday was Wednesday. We arranged for him to have a cake to celebrate. Looks like he did! Sure wish we could have celebrated with him..... but waiting on God's timing.... only by HIS grace.
Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Timothy Justice!

Timothy,

May you be blessed with the understanding that you are loved forever, not only by your Forever Family who is just waiting to come and get you, but most importantly by the Father who has been watching over you always. Happy Birthday, Sweet One! Next year you will be HOME for your birthday!

We love you,

Mommy, Daddy, Alexandra and Hunter

Today--- blessed!

I really don't know where to begin. Heard from someone today who is a friend of a friend of mine. I haven't had the privilege of meeting her face to face yet, but soon I hope! She and her husband feel God has led them to put their adoption process on hold for now, not to give up on it, but to postpone it. God's ways are so unlike our own. He is leading them to donate toward our adoption of Timothy and Annabelle the money they have already saved. Amazing! Tears really..... no words. Someone we haven't even met yet and knows that one day they will be bringing home a child--- to give what they have been able to save so far to us???? That just is not the mind of man, but the mind of God. He cares so much for Annabelle and Timothy. He continues to shine. There is no question that He is in this. God continues to provide in ways I would never dream possible. This sweet selfless couple is totally at peace about this and know that He will provide for them when it's time to continue in their process. I fully believe that, too! Very humbling to know the God of this universe, Creator of all things, sees us here in TN and two little ones across the world in China and is working on bringing us together. Wow!

And to top it off....look what we just received.....

How cute is he??!!!!! He'll be three next week. Sure wish we could celebrate with him here at home.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. We truly appreciate them!
~B

oops...

I just wanted to shout out a thank you to Chick -fil-A on Gunbarrel for donating lunch on our project day. I am so sorry I didn't put them in the credits of our video, and now I don't know how to fix it. They have been very supportive of our adoption. We've been able to sell calendars last fall and this fall, and they donated lunch. Thanks Chick-fil-A!!!!

Chick-fil-A at Gunbarrel Pointe

Our Both Hands video