We Have Tickets!!

At the beginning of this process, over a year ago, I remember looking at the overwhelming list of paperwork to complete and thinking it would never end.  And here we are.  We just received the last and final approval we needed to travel to China to pick up our son - the Chinese government issued our Travel Approval. 

And we just booked our plane tickets.  My first trip out of the country.  To three different cities across China.  For two weeks.  To adopt a child.  That's a lot for this I-prefer-my-comfort-zone momma to take in!

We are scheduled to leave on 10/15 to Chicago and then onto Beijing from there where we will start our trip and return direct from Hong Kong to DFW arriving on 10/30.  Our "Charlie Day" - the day they place Charlie in our arms - will be 10/20 and we will finalize his adoption on 10/21. I get goose bumps just typing it!!

At Church we are studying the book of Jonah and our pastor challenged us to remember to be thankful for what God has done for us.  Looking back over this journey and how far God has brought us in the last year, I am truly in awe of His goodness.  So many things had to fall into place to bring us to this point.  So many people have given us such prayers, support and love.  I have met so many new friends in the adoption community both local and across the country that have provided me encouragement.  God planted a seed in our hearts that has grown into such great passion for adoption, for orphans and for China. He has made my world so much bigger.  He has encouraged me and settled my anxious heart a thousand times, as I know he'll do again a thousand times more.  What a mighty God we serve.

So what's next?  We prepare!  Packing for two weeks, especially for a child you've never met, is quite a task. We have a to-do list a mile long but we'll get through it one by one.  I also want to soak in the last month we have as a family of three. 

And, of course, we pray.  Pray for safe travels, pray for Brooklyn as we are gone and return with a new little brother, pray for us as we adjust to a new culture and new child, and pray for Charlie as his life is flipped up-side down.  Will you join us in prayer?