Our Sacred Journey to Scarlett

ATTENTION!! New website for Our Journey to Scarlett!

2010-01-15T13:27:00.001-08:00

Since we're not able to post but a few pictures to our blogspot site, I've created a temporary site that we'll be using for the rest of our China trip. Please go to www.babyjellybeans.com and in the middle of the page, type in Scarlett Moreton and you will be directed to the new site. We have more pictures posted now, so enjoy!

Again: here's the info:

www.babyjellybeans.com

First Name: Scarlett

Last Name: Moreton

Select our site and bookmark it once it appears on the screen. Thanks for following our journey!

Day 2: Great Wall, Bird's Nest, Jade, Cloisenne and Silk Factories

2010-01-15T12:34:00.001-08:00

Whew! We've had a very long, fun day! It started with a beautiful and very elaborate breakfast buffet at our hotel. The most interesting item on the buffet? Fungus Soup. Not sure what it was, but decided to pass. Sam, however, tried several new items: a pork bun and a bean bun. I ventured just enough to drink the orange juice, and so far, we're both feeling fine.

On the way to the Great Wall, we stopped and toured a Jade factory. It was amazing and ww chops for the kids and a bangle to pass on to Scarlett someday in the future. We spent the rest of the morning climbing the Juyong Pass of the Great Wall. It is not for the faint of heart! The climb wasn't too bad, but the height gave me the heebie jeebies a few times. It was a spectacular day to be outside: about 25 degrees with a clear blue sky. By the time we reached the top, we both had to peel off our goose down jackets. Later, our wonderful BLAS guide Vivian, dropped us off at a Cloisenne factory where we had lunch and watched the craftsman create the most amazing Cloisenne pieces I've ever seen.

Our conversations with Vivian have been enlightening and educational. Everything in China has meaning. The jade bangle we purchased will change the more it comes in contact with skin. If its whiter sections become whiter and the green sections greener, it signifies good health of the wearer. Parents of the older generations often gave their children a jade lock and key to symbolize their hope that the children wouldn't stray too far from home. Perhaps the most entertaining was when she explained to us how foster families and orphanages work together to help children who are being adopted transition. Oftentimes, the workers will prep toddlers by saying that they will soon be adopted by people with big noses! I hadn't thought of westerners as having large noses, but compared to the Chinese, we certainly do.

It's a two-hour round trip from Beijing to the Great Wall, so after our lunch and shopping we headed back into the city where we visited the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. The Chinese put a lot of work into the '08 Olympics and it was very impressive to see in person. Our last stop was a silk factory which again, was amazing to tour. I realize now that I've never had anything made of pure silk. It was amazing to feel. We picked out a traditional Chinese outfit for Scarlett which she'll wear for her first year pictures.

To cap the day, we had scheduled a Hutoung Tour (by rickshaw through the older part of Beijing) but once back in the van decided we just couldn't handle another outing. So, we've ended the day back at our hotel and are trying our best to make it to 8 PM before we hit the sack.

Thanks for all your comments to our blog. Because I can't access blogger here, I'm not able to post them to the site, but rest assured that we're reading and encourged by them! I also can't post too many pictures at once, so you'll only see a sampling.

Asher, Ava and Brock: we love you dearly, miss you a whole bunch, but know that you're having a great time with Gigi and Frog and all the other fun activities. Ava: be sure to tell Ms. Taylor thank you for posting to our site. It was reassuring to hear from her! Love you guys!!

Day 1: Ni Hao from Beijing!

2010-01-14T02:52:00.001-08:00

After a looooonnnng day of travel, we have safely landed in Beijing. That is one long flight! I've never been so happy to see a hotel room in my life. And, it overlooks the Forbidden City! Beijing is a very large city, beautiful with many western influences. We will post more tomorrow after our first day of sightseeing, but for now, we need sleep!

We're in Chicago

2010-01-13T07:47:00.001-08:00

We've got a 3-hour layover before boarding for Beijing. Leaving our kiddos this morning was hard; Asher had a meltdown at bedtime last night but seemed okay this morning. Please keep all three of them in your prayers.

The next time we post will be from the People's Republic of China!
Sent from my Blackberry Wireless.

Test results are in....

2010-01-12T07:45:00.001-08:00

NORMAL!

Thanks for praying!

Off to pack!

A scary phone call & a trip to the hospital

2010-01-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

Just after lunch today I retrieved a voice message from Mercy Health Center left on my cell phone. Apparently, an annual test that has always returned clear is not so this time. My OB/GYN has requested additional scans to examine an "area of density." So, I've been pushed to the front of the line for Tuesday morning at 8:30. A positive to this is that a radiologist will be present and will give us the results of the diagnostic immediately.

Needless to say, I went into slight shock and then had a meltdown. Sam came home early from work, my parents - who were already on the way - offered reassurance, and I finally calmed down to enjoy the evening with our kiddos. Packing for our Wednesday morning departure has been delayed until after the test tomorrow morning.

What will happen, will happen. God is still in control, worthy of praise, and aware of my (and family's) now anxious heart over a non-adoption issue. Please pray the results are completely conclusive and that they are NORMAL.

A Shower of Blessings

2010-01-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day for sweet Scarlett! Lots of friends, lots of beautiful things, and lots (I mean, lots!) of yummy treats. Thank you to all of you who attended and completely blessed me, my family, and little Scarlett! A special thanks to Lori Tugwell, Julie Davis, and Stacey Lampton for YET AGAIN being such a big part of the Moreton adoption journey. I love you gals!

Waiting.....

2010-01-08T12:38:00.001-08:00

We're now within the week window, only five more sleeps until we head to XNA for our Chicago flight. Sam and I are doing well, excited, nervous, affirmed and beginning to miss our big kids already. The next four days will be all about connecting with them (as well as packing) and hopefully, preparing them for the 17 days we'll be gone. Please keep them in your prayers. It is very difficult for me to be away from my kids; usually three days is my max before I really get a little weird. I guess I should ask that you keep me in your prayers about this topic, too.

Hard to comprehend that by this time next week, we'll have hiked the Great Wall of China!

Eight Days and Counting.....

2010-01-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

Our paperwork is complete and forms notarized, packing has begun, we've got a sweet shower scheduled for this Saturday by dear friends, and the freezer is stocked for the kiddos. Tomorrow, a new cover for Ava's previous Britax (which will become Scarlett's) arrives. Couldn't resist the pattern: Cowmooflage! Our orphanage donation is being wired to China later in the week and grandparents arrive Monday for a trial run of responsibilities before they're on their own.

So, what is there to share now?

A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who have stood by us during this long wait, asked about our adoption, encouraged us when we were discouraged, donated financially to the cause, reminded us that God doesn't call us to a "safe" life but to one of faith, and prayed for us continually. This journey has definitely been one of ups and downs and has taught us again that GOD IS FAITHFUL. We are grateful for you!

Anxiety

2010-01-02T05:26:00.001-08:00

The heart is an amazing thing. It can remain strong during the toughest times and crater during the easiest. So, for 44 months my heart was solidly fixed on the journey - and its end: Scarlett. A few days ago, while filling out INS paperwork for our U.S.Consulate appointment, changing Wan Lele to Scarlett Lele, my heart began to panic! My ever steadfast husband has talked me down from the ledge twice now. The heart. It's a wild thing! Thankfully, our Heavenly Father knows exactly what He's doing and is trustworthy. He's orchestrated this entire journey and I'm so grateful He called Sam and me to be a part of it!

Itinerary! Only 13 days until it begins!

2009-12-31T18:31:00.000-08:00

We received our itinerary today and the biggest blessing (aside from our non-stop flight from Chicago to Beijing) is that the Jiangxi Civil Affairs Office gave us permission to visit Scarlett's orphanage. It's rare for families to get this opportunity and we are really excited. It's also possible that we just might get to meet her foster parent(s). The trip looks amazing; we'll be posting each day that we're in China with as many photos as we can. In the meantime, here's what our 17-day journey of a lifetime looks like:

January 13 - Fly to Beijing, arrive on the 14th
January 15 - Visit the Great Wall and Olympic Venues
January 16 - Visit the Summer Palace, Forbidden City, and Tian'an Men Square
January 17 - Fly to Nanchang, Jiangxi Province
January 18 - GOTCHA DAY!! Also Scarlett's 11-mnth-old birthday
January 19 - Adoption proceedings and baby supply shopping
January 20 - Notary work and visit to the Wanzai County Social Welfare Institute
January 21 - Tour the Tengwang Pavilion
January 22 - Receive Scarlett's Chinese passport, fly to Guangzhou
January 23 - Scarlett's medical exam
January 24 - Visit the Safari Park
January 25 - Visit Chan Academy
January 26 - U.S. Consulate Appointment at 9:30 AM
January 27 - Visit Yuntai Garden and later, Oath-taking Ceremony at the U.S. Consulate
January 28 - Receive Scarlett's U.S. visa; catch the train to Hong Kong
January 29 - Fly out of Hong Kong for Chicago
January 29 - Arrive in NW Arkansas at 5:06 PM!!

Whew...I didn't notice a lot of time for nap-taking!

Oun Consular appointment is set and our flights have been booked!!

2009-12-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

Our U.S. Consulate appointment has been scheduled for January 26 at 9:30 AM. Our flight leaves XNA on Wednesday January 13 at 7:04 AM and we will return via XNA on January 29 at 5:06 PM! Our round trip tickets, which include a non-stop from Chicago to Beijing and from Hong Kong back to Chicago, ran just over $1,000 each. Considering that I was budgeting for $1,800/each, we're thrilled!

It's not confirmed yet, but since parents usually meet their new daughters on day three of the trip, it's possible that we'll meet our sweet Scarlett on January 18: the day she turns 11 months old.

When our agency said at referral that "things are really going to go fast" they weren't kidding!

Waiting on our Consular Appointment....and enjoying Christmas!

2009-12-26T07:25:00.003-08:00

We should hear back from our agency on Tuesday or Wednesday as to when our appointment has been approved. THEN, we book our flights! I've been completely overwhelmed with all that is to be done before we head east.

WE HAVE TRAVEL CLEARANCE!!!!!

2009-12-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

Just hours after FedEx delivered our Chinese Visas, I was settling down to open Christmas cards and rec'd a call from Dillon: DHL delivered our travel clearance today!!! My blood pressure went through the roof! Immediately called Sam, called my mom and dad, my brother, Tony, Rochelle, Lori, Andrea, our physician....oh my!!

We are requesting a consulate appt. for January 25,which means will likely LEAVE FOR CHINA ON JANUARY 13!! Oh my!!

Here we come Scarlett!

Pregnancy Dreams

2009-12-20T19:50:00.000-08:00

With each of my three babes that made it, I knew they were on the way because early in my pregnancies with them, I was overwhelmed nightly with vivid, bizarre dreams. These dreams never included anything to do with my pregnancies or with the baby I was carrying, but were stark in comparison with normal non-pregnant dreams.

Not so with my "paper pregnancy." I've been having vivid dreams, but they've included Scarlett each time. The first, about six months ago, centered around arriving in China to get her and realizing there that the CCAA had referred us a six year old instead of a baby. And, she had a mullett haircut! Go figure.

The second - last night - was even more striking. I dreamed that we were about to get on the plane to get her and found out I was expecting TWINS. I remember laughing and joking with everyone saying, "twins are what happen when you conceive at 42." In the end we were going to have six children, with three under the age of 2. Go figure!!

It's now Christmas Week and we continue to wait for travel clearance. Though receiving our referral this month was surreal, divine, shocking and amazing, we are now realizing how hard it will be to not have her with us on Christmas morning. The joy comes knowing that next Christmas she will be home and our family will be complete.

Big boy Brock moved into his big boy room with big brother Asher this week. In so many ways, he is still my baby and my heart aches to see his crib empty. But, he is loving his new found independence (like getting out of bed whenever he wants; last night his dad caught him raiding the cookie jar at about 9 PM). He's adjusting. The nursery will now become a little girl's room again and we've already begun getting it ready.

Our great friends the Fiets brought Scarlett her first stuffed animal: a Sandra Boynton chicken! Scarlett's paperwork says she enjoys chasing chickens, so she is likely to have more to come.

We have a few items that we'd appreciate your prayers on our behalf:

Asher is scheduled to have surgery on January 14. We planned this before receiving our referral, but would like for God to give us wisdom as whether we should move forward (that is, of course, if we're not in China) or postpone until after we return. We'd rather have it before we leave so that we can focus on Asher and have him recovering well rather than after we return and while trying to adjust to a new family member;
Financially, we were "good to go" about a month ago before our garage door, oven, and microwave all broke during a 48-hour period, thinking that our referral was months away. We're not in a crisis, but are just a little short from being able to cover everything 100%;
Wisdom for caring for Scarlett (and Brock) when Sam and I need to return to work;
We have a million (well, not that many) little details to take care of before we get on a plane for China; pray that our time is maximized, we are organized, and that we don't stress or fret about everything.

Nothing new....just waiting......

2009-12-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

So, we're in a holding pattern again, but this time it's not likely to take almost 4 years! Our courier has our Chinese visa applications in her hands and has likely delivered them to the Consulate in Houston. We should have them back early next week. China has our letter of acceptance for little Lele and we wait for the CCAA to issue travel clearance. We are REALLY hoping to travel by mid-January. If we don't, it might push our traveling into March...ugh....three more months! And the reason is that the Chinese virtually shut down for three weeks during their New Year celebration which begins February 14. We REALLY want this little girl home before her first birthday on 2/18.

Did I say that we REALLY want to travel soon?

Come on Travel Clearance!!!

Update on our Precious Little Lele

2009-12-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

We were thrilled to receive so quickly a growth update on our little miracle. She's gotten so big! And, I love that in these photos she's being HELD by such a sweet-faced woman. I hope she gets lots of hugs before we get to China. We also learned a lot of cool new info about her:

She's now over 19 lbs and has eight teeth;
She loves to chase chickens while cruising around in her baby walker;
She loves to laugh;
She loves pretty rag dolls, toys that make noise, and to chase small animals;
She gets scared around strangers.

The last one is huge answer to prayer because it likely means she's forming attachments to caregivers around her. It will make her separation from them and subsequent grief likely harder, but it is positive that she's been able to develop these attachments. It should make her attachment to us, over time, easier. Enjoy the photos!

Asher/Ava/Brock Meet the Newest Moreton & Other Cool Adoption Stuff

2009-12-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

After 44 months, I finally get to put a date by "Assignment of Child" in our big red adoption book.

It's been a long time coming!

Due to our crazy schedules this month, we had to wait until Friday morning to share Scarlett's pictures with the big kids. They've been a little out-of-sorts since the news, but we think they're getting excited!

And finally, we headed to Dillon International in Tulsa on Friday, December 4 to officially sign Wan Lele's Letter of Acceptance. Later that afternoon, it was sent via DHL to the CCAA and should arrive on Tuesday, December 8. Now we wait for Travel Approval.

We're on our Way to Tulsa!!

2009-12-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Sam, Brock and I will travel to Dillon International's offices to sign Wan Lele's Letter of Acceptance (LOA)! Two physicians evaluated her medical records today and gave us two big thumb's up! Dr. Fangmeier even commented on Lele's favorite activity: watching T.V.!

We are overjoyed that she's healthy, thriving, in foster care, and that we're on our way to get her. The million dollar question is still WHEN. So, here's what we know:

Our LOA will be shipped via DHL to China on Monday, December 7.
Three days later, it will arrive at the CCAA
Two to eight weeks later we will receive "travel approval"
Dillon will then request an appointment with the U.S. Consulate in Guanzhou
Once the appointment is scheduled, we will book our flights and pack!

Introducing our Daughter....Wan Lele

2009-12-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

With great joy, we welcome into our hearts Wan Lele who's waiting for us in a tiny village in the Jiangxi Province. We're having her medical records evaluated today and will sign our Letter of Acceptance tomorrow in Tulsa. We are beyond in love with this child!

What we know about her:

Favorite Activity: Watching TV
Favorite Toys: Animal toys like cats and dogs

She's strong, open, and smart! Loves to babble at herself in a mirror while flailing her arms and legs and will cry to get the attention of others around her. And a huge praise: it seems that she's been in foster care since she was four days old.

Thank you God!

The Day After Referral

2009-12-03T04:01:00.000-08:00

Awake at 4:30 this morning (I highly doubt I'll sleep much before we get Scarlett home), with lots on my mind, thought I'd share a bit more of our Referral Day. Our package is being translated right now and we may have all the documents as early as tomorrow. Our plan is to have our physician review her medical records and then we'll speed to Tulsa to sign our Letter of Acceptance. Then, Dillon will send the LOA via DHL to the CCAA (cool, huh?) and we will wait for Travel Approval. Then, we'll travel! But first, we CAN'T WAIT to see our little girl's face...our little nine-month-old....we're still beyond words. There's so much to do!!

In the meantime, here's a bit about the day (thank you Francos for shooting the pics!) and where Wan Le Le (a.k.a., Scarlett) is currently living.

Sharing the news with the Francos and then via phone with Uncle Bryan.

Celebrating with Raegan and Ericka

Finally relaxing after the flurry of activities.

Wanzai County Social Welfare Institute, Jiangxi Province, China, where Scarlett is currently living.

The Jiangxi Province is in southeastern China, the second province north of Hong Kong. Her orphanage is the western part of the Province in a small village called DongSheng.

UNEXPECTED REFERRAL!!!

2009-12-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

We are beyond SHOCKED!! At 2 PM this afternoon, I rec'd a voice message from Dillon to call. When I got our case worker on the phone, she asked if I was sitting down...I wasn't...and couldn't....

WE HAVE OUR REFERRAL!!

I'm too emotional and in shock to share more, but here's what we know:

Her name: Wan Le Le
Birthdate: February 18, 2009 (nine months old!!)
Currently residing at the Wanzai Social Welfare Institute in the Jiangxi Province (southern China)
At her July 24, 2009 medical exam she was 14 lbs 3 oz and 24 inches tall

Her records are being translated right now and we should know more details AND HAVE HER PICTURE by Friday.

We really don't know what to say.....

It's OFFICIAL: March 2006 is finally done!!

2009-12-02T05:46:00.000-08:00

Referrals for this month have already landed in Europe and will arrive today in the U.S.

What does that mean for us? It means that the CCAA will now begin matching families with babies who have April log-in dates...that's us! And fortunately, there are only 85 families ahead of us...about five days of log ins...so we have several scenarios that could play out:

1. We could receive our referral in January.
2. We could receive our referral in February
3. We could receive our referral in March.

Or, it could be every other month if the CCAA begins to skip months like they did this past fall (no referrals were sent in either September '09 or November '09). I have a sneaking suspicion it will be February.

Either way, we are relieved and ecstatic to see babies finding their forever families this month AND, that we're inching closer to our turn!

Thanksgiving Blessings

2009-11-23T10:01:00.000-08:00

We've slightly recovered from last week's disappointing roller coaster and are now looking forward to the Thanksgiving week, full of time together as a family, turkey (on Thursday AND Friday) and tree trimming (on Friday). Asher announced this morning that trimming the tree and Christmas music were his favorite things about the holidays. Just about mine too, except this year is bittersweet b/c it's yet another holiday season without our little China girl. But, we continue to trust God and I've reminded myself - yet again - that we're not waiting on China, we're waiting on God.

So, after a weekend at home complete with three major appliances breaking (garage door opener, microwave, and oven) and a brand-new dryer that is not living up to it's stated expectations, I am thankful for the following:

A repaired garage door opener
A new microwave
A service repair call on Wednesday morning (yes, the day before Thanksgiving!)
A husband who cleaned out 12 ft of lint from our dryer vent, installed our new microwave, AND put up the house's exterior Christmas lights, all before leaving for a business trip to Dallas.

I'm also thankful for:

My beautiful family
Provisions made possible through our faithful support team
Hope
The fact that because of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection, EVERYTHING that matters has been completely taken care of. Hallelujah!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who keep up with our blog.

The Worst News of the Week

2009-11-19T06:12:00.000-08:00

What we've feared this month is likely coming to pass....no November referrals. A European agency is reporting that due to leadership changes at the CCAA, no referrals will be mailed. That's a second skipped month this fall - with the nagging feeling that perhaps the CCAA will move to an every-other-month approach. I have no basis for this other than past behavior, but as we get closer, my concerns and suspicions escalate. Please keep us in your prayers! We had hoped that this Christmas we'd know our little girl via pictures, but it's not going to happen. And, when you consider that when we began this journey in '05, we thought we'd have her HOME by Christmas 2006, well, we're beyond speechless.....

And we continue to wait.....

2009-11-18T07:10:00.000-08:00

It's now mid-November, and no word of referrals for this month. A rumor a week ago stated that matching was in process, but nothing since.

So, how does one wait without hope being utterly deferred? It's not been a week for waiting courageously for me. It's been more along the lines of pitching a fit a few times - questioning China (what good will that do?), questioning our heart to adopt (which only leads to confusion), questioning our choice of pursuing a non-special needs child rather than a special-needs one (which again, leads to confusion) and questioning God (who is completely merciful in His response). I've stomped my feet a few times, shed quite a few tears, and dug deeper into my office's chocolate candy dish.

There is a positive note: a grant from a local adoption fund arrived safely at our agency this week! That's $6,000 toward our travel expenses. God has provided above and beyond our wildest dreams. When we began this journey, I truly thought we'd have to take out a short-term loan to complete the process. We will NOT have to do this. Lots of saving, lots of gracious gifts from friends, and lastly, our grant - all of which has placed us in the ready-to-go position.

Now, if we could just get those referrals coming!

Not Good News

2009-11-16T06:47:00.000-08:00

All the flurry of activity last week turned out to be other items: travel approval for families who've already rec'd referrals from the CCAA, but not new referrals to waiting families like us. Sunday was a tough day - which I seem to be having about this time every month - seriously doubting if this journey will ever end and our last daughter become a part of our family. We continue to wait (not so paitently), hope (but not with out questioning), expect (but not without reality checks), and pray God brings our long journey to fruition and closure soon. Thanks for following along with us. Please keep praying!

The Latest from Rumor Queen!!!!

2009-11-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

This morning, as I've done every mornning for the past 18 months, I jumped on ChinaAdoptTalk to see the latest news...here it is!!

Rumor – March is done

A couple of European boards are going crazy, all saying “March is assigned”, or “now they do April”, or “Congratulations to those assigned”. Multiple instances of those (or some variation of those) are all over the place.

But I haven’t been able to find the original message, so I’m not really sure what the rumor is. I’m still looking, but at this point I’m having a hard time figuring out whether an agency has told someone the rest of March is matched (and waiting for signatures, or waiting to be mailed), or whether an agency has said all of March is in the air and on the way, or whether phone calls have actually been made. I’m still looking and will let you know when I get it figured out.

Word is that the CCAA is preparing to match!

2009-11-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

Usually, once we hear this rumor, referrals arrive for the month about a week later. So, maybe next week?

We highly doubt the the CCAA will match through April 5th (which would include us) this month, but we are hoping they at least finish up March 2006.

Maybe we'll see our sweet little girl's face by Christmas!

Eight Days!

2009-10-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

THE CCAA MATCHING ROOM

DOSSIERS WAITING TO BE MATCHED (Ours is in there somewhere!!)

Just to expand on the referral info to the left, the CCAA has only eight more days of log-in dates (LID) before the Moreton dossier (application and all supporting documents) is on a case worker's desk, being matched with our youngest daughter! The latest rumors are that we could receive that referral in December; the "worst" case scenario is that we won't get it until February. Once our agency contacts us, we will likely travel to China six to eight weeks later. The only caveat to traveling is the H1N1 virus. If it becomes a bigger issue and if China's population begins to be significantly affected, the CCAA might halt travel approvals and we will once again be at their mercy.

Either way, we are praying for our little Scarlett.

First annual Titus Task Fund 5K

2009-10-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

The Moretons, along with over 85 volunteers and 150 registered runners, had a marvelous time at the 1st Annual Titus Task Fund 5K this past Saturday. The event was held in historic downtown Siloam Springs, on a beautiful but chilly Arkansas morning. We were blessed to have my brother and niece, Bryan and Sophia and my great friend from DTS Karin Rountree, join us for the weekend. All four kids ran in the 1-mile fun run (Brock pooped out and ended up on his dad's shoulders) and then Sam snagged my number and ran in the 5K at the last minute. In the end, he won first place: in the women's division of the 40-44 year olds! It will take him years to live this one down. If you're not familiar with The Titus Task Fund, visit wwww.thetitustask.com for more details. Truly an incredible mission, and one that we believe with all our hearts!

Titus Task Fund First Annual 5K Race

2009-09-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

Join us on October 10, 2009 for the First Annual Titus Task 5K! Visit www.thetitustask.com for more details.

We have a GUZ number!!

2009-08-06T05:34:00.001-07:00

For adoptive families, receiving the "Brown Envelope" from the U.S. Consular Office is a big deal. It signifys that the family's immigration paperwork has been forwarded to China and has been officially assigned a case number (GUZ) so that U.S. visas can be issued completing the adoption in Guangzhou. Over the past three years, we never received the long-awaited "Brown Envelope." Our agency reassured us that it wasn't a big deal, that at referral they would be given our case number. We were none-the-less disappointed, until.....

Monday I received a standard white envelope with a sheet inside stating information that we already knew: our latest INS paperwork was complete and forwarded to China. I set it on the counter to share with Sam and didn't review it again until I went to file it. Then, I noticed in the middle of the page the sentence stating that we had been assigned a number...and it began with GUZ!

Again, although this is simply another piece of confirmed red tape, it's very exciting for us b/c after filing INS paperwork twice over the past three years, we'd never rec'd the "Brown Envelope" with the GUZ number. Now we have...an encouraging step as we enter the last few months of our wait.

Potstickers and a New Family Member

2009-07-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Three years ago, we attended a cooking demonstration at Dillon International's China Camp...and have just now gotten around to making these yummy treats at home. Ava and Dad spent the first day of our July "staycation" whipping up a batch of homemade potstickers. They were terrific!

Later in the week, we renovated Asher's bedroom in anticipation of Brock joining him later this fall. Brock's graduation to a big-boy bed means Scarlett will inherit the nursery once she's adjusted. The boys celebrated new bunk beds, a fresh coat of paint, and trimming down their personal belongings so that everything will fit in the new chest of draws and small closet. Neither seems to mind: it's all about the bunk beds!

We also welcomed an orphan into our home. No, not Scarlett. This one is of the four-legged kind and frankly, is the ugliest tortoise shell kitten we've ever seen. She was darting out of traffic on the busiest highway through Siloam Springs when we spotted her. I promised to take her to the animal shelter the next morning, but later that evening Sam began to comment about how sweet she was and then sealed the deal with "You know, we're kind of into orphans." We named her Coco (though Delilah was suggested simply because we picked her up on the street corner) and she's now a full-fledged member of the family. She's still ugly, though.

The China Center for Adoption Affairs referred only 2 days of log-in dates this month. Disappointing, but it's still moving in the right direction. God's timing is perfect, and we see His hand more and more as we continue on this journey. Be sure to check out Asher & Ava's links; there are new pictures posted there (some for Brock the next time we post).

A New Scandal in China

2009-07-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Rumor Queen just published a link for an article about a southern China orphanage that facilitated the foreign adoption of three baby girls who were not legally considered abandoned. These types of events are always devastating for the adoption community and causes those of us waiting to be cautious (and heartbroken). I can't help but think about the families who adopted these three babies, who didn't know their daughters were not separated from their families. Please continue to pray for us (and all those waiting adoptive families, the babies in China) as we weather this scandal; who knows how it will impact our wait.

Welcome to our blog!

2009-06-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

For over three years we have updated many of you via adoption letters. Now that we are closer than ever, we’ll be updating our journey here. Thanks for joining us! It’s hard to imagine that we’ve been on this journey for this long; when we began in 2005, the wait time from log-in to referral was six months. We truly thought Scarlett would be celebrating Christmas 2006 with us. Now, as we near the middle of 2009, our family has changed, our world has changed, and time has sped by.

But what hasn’t changed is our dream of this little girl – having her join our family and enrich our lives forever.

Most of you know that our road to parenthood was fraught early on with heartache and uncertainty. It’s impossible to share our story without remembering our three little ones in Heaven. When God blessed us with Asher Luke in 2001, he was truly a miracle! His spunky sister Ava, joining us in 2003, brought new meaning to the term extrovert. We were truly blessed and grateful for these little people. However, I (April) didn’t feel our family was complete though Sam was content at the time with our family of four (kids of his own turned out to be more work than he imagined!). Throughout 2004, we talked about this feeling of incompleteness and I began exploring adoption, particularly adopting from China. It wasn’t until hearing how God had financially provided for an international adoption (one of our primary concerns) for a family in ministry that we seriously began to pray. Could we not have faith that He would provide if He had called us?

So, our journey officially began in August 2005. We had one unexpected turn of events when Brock Alexander joined our family in 2007 and his life has blessed us beyond measure. Today, we're about 2-5 months away from a referral. Maybe, just maybe, we'll have our family complete Christmas 2009.