HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY from our LOG IN Date! One whole year has passed, and perhaps one whole year yet to go. Because of the longer wait, our initial paperwork is unfortunately going to expire. So we now have to re-do, re-apply, and re-pay for both another Home Study and another I 171H form (Government documentation).

In the next few months I'll be setting up Dr. appointments for all of us, arranging another fingerprint appointment (why is it that they can keep a criminal's fingerprints in their system for years but ours is defunct after a year?), sending away for criminal checks (again), getting more notarized reference letters from our friends, and yes, sending out more checks! Whew! And we thought we were done with all of this when we celebrated one year ago today!

God knows all of this, of course, and is allowing us to experience the agony of the greater financial strain, the frustration of the paperwork chase, and the bittersweet longing for our little girl. Yet blessed be the name of the Lord. He does all things well. Thank you Father for this journey that is working in us to reflect more of your glory.

Sharon

One year ago today we learned that our paperchase was over and we were DTC (Dossier to China). Usually this heralds the true start of your adoption "pregnancy" with "birth" coming 6-9 months later. Not so for us, but still we rejoice that one year has passed and that we are within one year (we hope) of having our child with us.

Last week we enjoyed a week off from school and had fun touring the Biltmore in Ashville, NC. My parents were with us and it was a great time to spend together. Of course, the kids didn't truly appreciate this impressive mansion, the largest of America's homes. But they did love the hotel's indoor pool and all of the munchable treats their Mom Mom brought for them.

Yet, even amongst all of the fun and fellowship, I told my mother that I feel like someone is missing. I began to feel this about 4 years ago. I'd count my children 1-2-3-4- and feel a panic with thinking , "Where's the 5th?" That was before we had even considered adoption. Now it is even a stronger sensation. I look behind me in the van, or look around the table and can't shake the fact that someone is missing. Of course, it is little Fitz number 5 who is so far far away.

Please pray for her today and for us as we endure this wait for her.

Sharon