444 Days Later

     We are boarding the plane to China today...let me retype that, just for my own gratification...WE ARE BOARDING THE PLANE TO CHINA TODAY!!! 

     What a journey this has been! I will admit more than once, mostly in the depths of The Wait, I mumbled (you know, so God couldn't hear) "there is NO way I'm doing this again".  The process was hard.  There is no getting around saying that.  Just plain hard--emotionally, financially, spiritually, physically hard. I suppose the grace lays in knowing that the Lord protected me by NOT giving me the specifics of the journey when it was started.  In fact, He told me specifically (day one actually) "Don't look further than I have lead you".  (Yikes, was He was right on that one!).  And now...exactly 444 days later, this portion of the journey is complete.  Wow!  And the next portion is JUST beginning! I wonder what the next 444 days will bring? You can look for that post on October 25, 2013.  :)

     Until then, would you mind praying for the following things, especially during our time in China:

• Travel protection & safety. For us as travelers and over our baggage.
• Physical health & protection. 
• Cultural sensitivity as we interact personally with multiple layers of government representing both China & the USA.
• Protection over Little One's heart, as his world is about to be turned up side down.  This white family with the blue eyes is taking him away from all he has ever know. He will grieve---he needs to grieve, but I pray for the Healing to come quickly.
• Wisdom for me to be the mommy that Little One needs right now. That I will interpret his needs appropriately and be able to provide for him.
• For a quick & healthy attachment between Little One & I. I've been praying that on his heart & mine is already written the language & personality that our relationship will have.
• Physical peace over Little One. His food, language & climate are changing...all perfect ground for physical illness. Please pray for health!
• Peace during our return flights home. And a miraculous passing of time!
• Jet lag mercy!  I am a terrible victim of jet lag. International travel usually leaves me crippled for a solid ten days. Between his adoption shock & mine, there can be no room for the physical affects of jet lag.
• Grace over finances as we complete this official process
• Joy.  That there would be an overwhelming & tangible sense of the Lord's joy. :)
• Most importantly, that this new little family will be a living testimony to God's amazing love.  He went to the ends of the earth to find us lost & broken and is returning with a home prepared for us. What an amazing gift of Life!

As I noted before, I hope to send a daily update with photos. Until then, thank you for your prayers and support!!