Prayers, Please! :)

It's a cold, snowy day in Kentucky and we are only a few days away from having all documents completed for our 36-Month Homestudy Update. It's been a stressful six weeks or so...but there has been definite progress. Your thoughts and prayers have certainly helped us get through this overwhelming part of the adoption process. Thank you so very, very much!

Would you be so kind to pray specificially for the ONE LAST DOCUMENT to arrive at our agency? This is a document that had to be sent out-of-state and we are now waiting for it in order to complete the homestudy. As I've written before, adoptive parents will tell you that there is usually that "ONE LAST DOCUMENT" that brings great stress because so much depends on it. Well, that's exactly where we are. This document has been the most challenging to complete and obtain...but we are anxiously waiting for it before the expiration date soon arrives. So please, please pray!!

Two other documents were also of concern but we now have those in our hands! Yay! I haven't made a complete count just yet, but I believe this homestudy update required somewhere around 36 to 40 separate documents/letters, etc.!!! So we're on the homestretch and will be extremely relieved when the last one is complete! It's been a challenging time with new regulations, less time to complete the tasks at hand and added pressures of the holidays, illness, etc.. BUT we are very thankful for the many ways so many precious people and prayers have brought us this far.

We know that each step of this journey brings us closer to our little girl/s and that God's timing will be so perfectly designed. I recently found a picture of a little sweetie from China in some literature and posted it on our desk. Her little arms are reached out as if to say, "I'm waiting for you" and she is precious! Each time we sit at our desk to work on more documents, emails, letters, etc., we look at her picture to remind ourselves that there is a tremendous blessing waiting in China and every moment we spend in paperwork, prayer, sleepless nights and hectic days is very worthwhile!

So...dear Jenna Elizabeth +Chinese name, aka "JennaBeth" (and maybe Emma Katherine +Chinese Name aka "EmmaKate"?)...we're getting closer each day and each document to holding you in our arms and bringing you home. We love you so much already and you are surrounded by the hearts, prayers and efforts of so many wonderful people. Hold on, baby girl/s! Our journey has been extremely long, but our hearts are already with you. This "paper trail" certainly brings us closer and closer to you, too. It will be such an incredible day to finally see you. And the joy of you joining our Forever Family will be far more precious than we can even imagine. Meanwhile, know that you are already in our hearts, family and lives. We simply must wait to bring you home!!!

Thank you, dear friends, family and everyone involved in our journey...for your prayers, encouragement, thoughts and kindness. Knowing you are walking beside us and praying us through makes all the difference. PLEASE keep praying for that ONE LAST DOCUMENT...and we'll keep you posted. You are such an amazing part of our journey of blessings!
Cherishing each step of the journey...
Terri & Family