Picture with orphanage director on left and caregiver on right.

Charis' first cheerio!!! She loved them and ate a whole bunch!

Daddy is overwhelmed. What an experience! She is so sweet!

Charis loves to snuggle, her feet will not hit the ground for the next several years, I am sure!

We got her!!!

We have arrived!!!

Well, we after 3 1/2 years, we are finally here. To say that we feel like we are in a dream would be the best way to describe it. Our flights were long, but God was watching out for us, both times, we had the ONLY vacant seat on the plane in between us. What a gift.

China is a beautiful country. There are lots and lots of people here in Beijing. I had never realized how many people could be crammed into such a small space at one time. The people are as fascinated with us as we are with them. We have had many people take our pictures and too many to count ask to have pictures made with the teenagers in our group. We visited Tian'an men Square, The Summer Palace and the Forbidden City today. It was fascinating to hear how the Emperors ruled and influenced what China is today. The Summer Palace is just beautiful, I would have made it my permanent home, not just stay there in the summer.

It is Saturday morning here and we are counting down the hours until we get our girl! Today is our visit to the Great Wall and the Bird Nest. Can't wait!! These are the main things that we have looked forward to seeing.

We will write again soon, please continue to pray for our health, safety and strength.

Love to you all.

Two days and counting down!!! So much to do, so little time! After three years you would think that I would be a little more prepared for this, but I am not! There are so many last minute details to take care of. The BIG question is... will I get it all done?

 I have everything taken care of for the boys. They are packed and ready, which makes me a little sad to think of being without them for 2 weeks. They are in the greatest of care, I know that, but they are my babes and Mama Bear is having a hard time letting go!

I have thought so much today about what our lives will be like just one week from today. Words simply cannot express the range of emotions that come with just typing those words. We will be with the little angel that we have prayed for all these many years. 

 I am signing off now, please pray for our little girl, our safety and our precious boys while we are away. I am going to MISS them so much!!

Seven days and counting down...

AT LAAASSSTT!!!!! After 44 days of waiting, we have been given our TA(travel approval).  Things are about to take off! We leave here on June 10, yes that is only 10 days away and I haven't packed the first thing!

I can't believe that after 3 1/2 years, we will be holding our little girl in 2 weeks!  It doesn't seem real to us yet, I wonder when it will sink in? I don't know what these next few weeks hold for sure, but this I know- the timing is God's and He has all of the details arranged. 

Hang on Charis, here we come...