Another Christmas passes
I have been holding out on writing in this journal until I could say with certainty that we are at less than 1 year away from holding our Grace. But nothing is certain where China is concerned these days and I thought it was high time I gave those of you who love us and are interested an update of where we are at. We're a little closer, but every month China slows a little more so really we aren't much closer than we were when I updated this journal in August!
Nevertheless, technically we're moving ahead in the line. This line we are in can only be likened to those lines at Disney World. Remember how you would think you were almost near the front and you would take the corner only to discover that you are no where near the front? It was maddening as a child and I can attest that it is maddening for me as an adult with this adoption.
Most of the time I'm doing fine and can handle the wait. After all, God has blessed us with such a wonderful life. The days are full of the joys of raising these fantastic sons and living the life God has given us here in Raleigh. I love serving God through our church's library ministry, and Pat is happy and fulfilled serving as an upper school principal. But I confess that there are major points in the year that bring about a sadness over the loss of not yet having our daughter with us when we had so thought she'd be safe in our arms. Christmas is certainly one of those times.
Amidst the joy of the season is a lump in my throat at the little girl in China who belongs to our family. God is faithful to cheer, however. Even today while my heart was heavy, God renewed my spirit with a phone call from a friend who is praying and who just wanted to see how I am doing with this long wait.
I'll get through this season with a little more sadness than I would have wanted but it will also prompt me to pray for our Grace and for all of the other dear children waiting to be reunited with their forever families. This sadness only draws me closer to the Father and reminds me anew to trust in His sovereignty. He loves us, called us to adopt, and has a perfect plan for uniting us with our daughter.
As for the latest details of the wait -- China has now matched through Dec 14, 2005. We think they'll be in Dec for 2 more months and have HOPE that the smaller months of January and February (meaning less dossiers were logged in) will take 4 months to get through. Then we're on to March (our month) which could take at least 3 months. That puts us at Sept for a referral. Of course, all of that is very speculative and would need China to stop slowing down and keep at a steady pace. It also doesn't account for Chinese New Year and the Olympics. So realistically, I'm thinking October/November '08 for our referral and travel in December/January. Who knows -- only God does and our future as well as Grace's is safe in His compassionate wise arms.
Feel free to write in our guestbook. It is a great source of encouragement to us and we so appreciate your prayer support.
And finally, Merry Christmas to our dear little Grace. Stay safe and warm my darling. May you be a beacon of sunshine that draws many caretakers to you to give you lots of comforting and life-nurturing hugs. Soon we'll have lots more to share with you to fill you up and full with love.
Sharon
Nevertheless, technically we're moving ahead in the line. This line we are in can only be likened to those lines at Disney World. Remember how you would think you were almost near the front and you would take the corner only to discover that you are no where near the front? It was maddening as a child and I can attest that it is maddening for me as an adult with this adoption.
Most of the time I'm doing fine and can handle the wait. After all, God has blessed us with such a wonderful life. The days are full of the joys of raising these fantastic sons and living the life God has given us here in Raleigh. I love serving God through our church's library ministry, and Pat is happy and fulfilled serving as an upper school principal. But I confess that there are major points in the year that bring about a sadness over the loss of not yet having our daughter with us when we had so thought she'd be safe in our arms. Christmas is certainly one of those times.
Amidst the joy of the season is a lump in my throat at the little girl in China who belongs to our family. God is faithful to cheer, however. Even today while my heart was heavy, God renewed my spirit with a phone call from a friend who is praying and who just wanted to see how I am doing with this long wait.
I'll get through this season with a little more sadness than I would have wanted but it will also prompt me to pray for our Grace and for all of the other dear children waiting to be reunited with their forever families. This sadness only draws me closer to the Father and reminds me anew to trust in His sovereignty. He loves us, called us to adopt, and has a perfect plan for uniting us with our daughter.
As for the latest details of the wait -- China has now matched through Dec 14, 2005. We think they'll be in Dec for 2 more months and have HOPE that the smaller months of January and February (meaning less dossiers were logged in) will take 4 months to get through. Then we're on to March (our month) which could take at least 3 months. That puts us at Sept for a referral. Of course, all of that is very speculative and would need China to stop slowing down and keep at a steady pace. It also doesn't account for Chinese New Year and the Olympics. So realistically, I'm thinking October/November '08 for our referral and travel in December/January. Who knows -- only God does and our future as well as Grace's is safe in His compassionate wise arms.
Feel free to write in our guestbook. It is a great source of encouragement to us and we so appreciate your prayer support.
And finally, Merry Christmas to our dear little Grace. Stay safe and warm my darling. May you be a beacon of sunshine that draws many caretakers to you to give you lots of comforting and life-nurturing hugs. Soon we'll have lots more to share with you to fill you up and full with love.
Sharon
