We have a departure date

We've just booked our tickets and are leaving on December 8th.  After a whole day of calling travel agencies, we have finally booked our tickets.  There are no direct flight so there must be layovers.  On the way there, we will be stopping by Shanghai for a night before going to Kunming to pick up Mui-Mui. We will then travel with three kids to Guangzhou to finish paper work.  From there we will fly home stopping by Hong Kong.  We should be home on Christmas Eve.  So Mui-Mui will be home for Christmas. 

Just thinking about going so far with so many kids really makes me nervous. There are so many things to prepare for and wrap-up before we leave.  Please pray for the following:

• Kitty still have a paper and final exam to complete before leaving.  Pray for diligence and efficiency.
• Hebron and Kitty both need to finish our project at work before the trip.  So please pray that we have enough time to still do a good job.
• Pray that we will adequately pack as there are lots to bring.
• Pray for good health for everyone while we are there.
• Pray for adjustment to time change there and back. 

Experienced Big Brother

I just have to share this, I am so proud of Cb.  The boys are sharing a room now and they often talk before falling asleep.  When C woke up this morning he told me that last night he taught J how to be a big brother.  So I asked him what he said.  He said he told Dai-dai that if Mui-mui cries, then give her a binky.  If her binky falls off, then help her pick it up.  If she continue to cry, then give her a toy.  If she still cries, then tell Mommy. 

C is such a good boy and good big brother.  What he taught J to do is exactly what he did for J.  The above picture is J when he was 7 months old and C was keeping him occupy. We actually also caught it on video.  One time J cried because he lost his binky, so C picked it up for him and stayed by his side to make sure J is happy.  C brought Dai-dai toys and even danced for him.  Makes me cry just thinking about what a good boy C is.

Travel Approval Received

We have been waiting for the travel approval from China to authorize us to pick up Mui-mui.  Yesterday, we got it!  God is so good.  The process has been fast and smooth thus far, exactly what we have been praying for.  The adoption agency immediate submited for us a request to travel on Dec 10th.  We are again waiting for that date to be approved.  Please pray specifically that we can travel on 12/10/2010 because that is the best date for everyone in our family.

The Miraculous Provision...

WOW! God had met ALL our financial needs; ALL $13K in only four weeks. This can only be the work of the Almighty God who loves us to much that He gave us Jesus Christ. When we started fundraising, we didn’t know exactly how God was going to provide, but we knew He was going to meet our needs one way or another. If God were to provide us with a loan, we would be happy to accept that as well.
After telling everyone our needs, Kitty prayed that God would confirm two things.

1. Confirm that adoption is really His plan for our family.
2. Calm her fears of the unknown and assure her that He will direct our steps.

He has not only met our financial needs and answered our prayers, but His provision surpasses our expectations. He has shown us that He does not call us to a task that is too difficult and that He will give us the means to accomplish it. In the book of Exodus, when God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses felt inadequate. God time and time again assured Mosses that He will be with him every step of the way. Even though there may be challenges ahead, we know that our God will guide us. All we have to do is be faithful in doing what He has planned for us and hold on to His promises.

Just thinking about how He used our loving friends and family to meet our needs brings tears to my eyes. We are thankful to everyone who had a hand in helping us, from telling your friends, to donating, to bidding, and especially those giving so generously. If anyone is even remotely thinking about adoption, please let us know. We would love to share details with you and provide you with some resources. If you are going to adopt, we would love to come along side you and offer you our help, prayers, and support. You have all been a blessing to us. If we can be of any help to you, please let us know.