Another Wee Step :)

It's a small, wee step but it is a valuable one. Less than a week after sending our papers and fees to USCIS, we received a single envelope back with their return address in the corner. I thought that was odd and perhaps concerning. Whenever we request a fingerprinting appointment, we each receive separate letters about the appointment details. So I curiously opened the single envelope and read confirmation that the USCIS office had received our papers and fees and were enclosing a receipt for the fees. They assured us that we would receive our appointment letters in the near future. Whew! That was a relief...and encouraging. So it's a small step, yet a definite step forward in the right direction. Our papers are where they should be. Our fees have been paid. Now we await the third fingerprinting appointments at the USCIS office.

Please continue to pray that we will be directed to the Cincinnati office since that is the one we are familiar with and "partially" understand the directions. Please pray that the appointment date will not interfere with Rachel's school schedule, especially her clinicals. Please pray that all will go smoothly in this process as we journey forward to our little girl/s.

There has been some mention that the wait for referrals may possibly speed up a little bit in the near future. We are so excited to hear this. Yet we truly believe that whatever happens, our God knows the special daughter/s He plans to place in our family. He also knows the specific time, provision, method and design for that wonderful moment when we hold her in our arms after holding her in our hearts for so very long. Of course, we hope for that to happen sooner than later. But we trust God in this journey in every way...and that includes "the wait." Until we see her sweet face and hold her close while we process all the required travel, paperwork, appointments and journey back to the USA, we know she is always in His arms of love and care. Please continue to pray for our sweet JennaBeth (and maybe EmmaKate) as we take each step toward her.

We cherish each day, each step, each prayer and each precious individual along this journey. May God bless you all!
Cherishing the wee steps, too!
Terri & Family