Blessings in Cincinnati!

What an amazing trip it was to Cincinnati this morning! We were up at 4 am and on the road at 5:30 am, (yawn!), and were parked near Main Street a few minutes after 7. It was quite evident that prayers were being lifted up for us!

Our entire experience was nothing less than consistent blessings! Our directions were fabulous thanks to a friend who lives in the Cincy area! (Thanks, Jason!) We immediately found an underground parking garage closeby. While on the elevator, a very nice man asked if we were going to the Federal Building, (how did he know that?), and told us he would show us how to get there! Tim thinks he was an angel! Wings or not, he sure seemed that way to us! He showed us the escalator that took us to the street that literally almost faced the front doors of the Fed. building! When we got into the building, the guards were very helpful and kind. Everyone that saw us asked if we were being fingerprinted, (how did they know that?), and gave us directions to the USCIS office and the cafeteria. Once the office opened, we were treated so kindly and even met other adoptive parents. Our appointment was at 8 and we were walking out the door at 8:45 am...all done! Just as we walked out the door, we met a Chinese mom and her precious little daughter! That brought smiles to our faces and reminders to our hearts...perfect timing again! We then had to find our way out of Cincy. Our directions took us right out with no problem. We were home before 10:30 am.. Oh...did I mention that I tried to be so very careful the last week or so to not burn, cut or injure my hands while cooking, cleaning, etc.? Yet...two nights ago, I tore my finger while on the computer? (Don't ask...I haven't figured it out yet, either.) So, I've been concerned that this would interfere with the fingerprinting process. It wasn't a problem! We were blessed on this journey in so many ways today and we thank each of you who prayed fervently for our safety, sense of direction and successful goals. As Tim said, it was nothing less than a perfect orchestration of God's provision and the prayers of others. Thank you!!!!

You can just imagine someone like me who was raised in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia walking along the streets of Cincinnati, OH! Some of their buildings are almost mountains themselves. I'm not a "city girl" by any means and I don't know much about the Cincinnati area. But I will say this. We could not have asked for more helpful, friendly, kind and cooperative people than those we met there today. Thank you, Cincinnati, for the blessings we experienced in your city. We can hardly wait to tell our little daughter/s about all the kind folks in many areas of the world who have blessed our lives along our journey to her.

Just as we arrived home, Micah came in the door. Schools were dismissed early for a pending ice storm. Rachel just arrived home for winter break last night, (perfect timing again since she didn't have to miss classes!) and is now at work. Tim is also home for now. Our trip to Cincy was in perfect timing weather-wise, as well. We have so many reasons to be thankful. We have such dear friends who have prayed us through each moment. We are indeed blessed. A special thanks to Joyce and Judy for their wonderful friendship and prayers along the way. You all are amazing.

We'll keep you posted as the journey continues.
Cherishing this day,
Tim, Terri, Rachel and Micah