Twenty- Two Months Closer!!

What an exciting day as we celebrate twenty-two months since our Dossier was "Logged In" China's system. Of course, we wish we were holding our baby girl in our arms right now and I can't deny that our hearts ache to have her home with us. But it is wonderful to realize that we are twenty-months closer to her than when we first began this journey. It may be another year or more before we see her picture for the first time. It may be a year and a half before we board a plane to fly to her homeland to meet her, hold her in our arms for the first time and bring her home. As a Mom, I struggle with waiting that long. (I thought nine months were hard during my previous pregnancies!) Yet at the same time, we know that it will all come together at just the right time...with the exact child God has chosen for us...and we cannot rush His plan. Meanwhile, our love continues to grow deeper and deeper for our sweetie pie. We have never seen her. We don't know the day of her birth. Yet she is so loved so very much! All we know is that we have been called by God to open our hearts, lives, family and home to this wonderful, special and precious child...and she is with us every day in our thoughts, prayers and heart. It's hard to explain how much we love this child who lives on the other side of the world yet lives in our hearts. But she is definitely a part of our lives already. Love can't always be explained easily...but there is no question that our baby daughter is loved and a very present part of our family. I can't imagine what it will be like to finally see her...hold her and share life with her. Stay tuned...it's going to be a great journey!

Meanwhile, as the economy around us brings many adjustments, sacrifices and concerns, please pray for all the adoptive parents in this process. None of us know what tomorrow may bring. It is very concerning, to say the least. So if I could ask you to pray fervently for some specifics right now, it would be two-fold. First, please pray for our sweet JennaBeth...and possibly EmmaKate. Maybe the birth has occurred. Maybe not. Maybe her birth mom still carries her and awaits her arrival. We don't know. But please pray for our baby girl and all those who are caring for her in various ways. Second. please pray for adoptive parents who are dealing with uncertainties, concerns, adjustments, etc.. So much depends on the financial aspect of our journeys. We honestly cherish every prayer you offer on behalf of every family already making selfless sacrifices so that children can be brought home. Our hearts ache for our babies and the concerns grow stronger as the economy grows weaker. We know we must trust in the God who led each of us to this journey. We know He is more than capable of bringing these precious children home to their Forever Families. For that, we are incredibly thankful. And it means so much to know you are all praying, as well. As the old song used to say..."He didn't bring us this far to leave us."

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and although I definitely believe we should express our love to others every day of the year, I ask you to please remember to do so during this special time as well as in every opportunity. Happy Valentines Day to all of you. Without your presence beside us in this journey, it would not be the same. Be blessed....and be a blessing. We are so thankful for each of you!
Cherishing the journey...now twenty-two months closer,
Terri & Family