Adoption Update

Our third home study is over and went well. Our social worker spent almost 3 hours with us in our home. We had a really good visit and learned a lot of interesting yet sad information pertaining to the orphanages in China. We again appreciated her honesty and knowledge. We have so much to learn before we go to China to pick up our blessing(s). Yes, we have asked for twins, but have been told that it is very unlikely that we receive them. We have also not specified a sex, there are also boys available. We will leave this in the Lord's hands. She spent time talking with the boys, for she had not met them before. They really liked her too. Next step is filling out government paperwork and getting finger prints. Once the home study is written, it may take up to 3 months to get clearance from the government. However, we are praying it goes quickly. We are encouraged, it only took us one week to get our passports, we couldn't believe it!

Thank you to those who lifted us up in prayer. We have so much to be thankful for!

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Hurricane pictures from Aunt Sam's house

Here are a couple of pictures from Aunt Sam's house - the bottom floor is gone!
She is using the ladder in the picture to get to the second story.

http://www.mediafaxfoto.ro/photo_preview.php?photoId=3120597
http://www.mediafaxfoto.ro/photo_preview.php?photoId=3120596

"Fireproof"

This is very encouraging...

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/26853265#26853265

"Fireproof" is now showing in select theaters, looking forward to seeing it.

What a week...

Last week was a whirlwind. We had our second home study and last night we met for the first time other families who have either traveled with Great Wall (our adoption agency) to China or are in the process of waiting, like ourselves. There were a lot of little girls running around and one baby boy, 6 months old. It was a special night, everyone was very kind and helpful. We especially connected with one family. They have a 13 yr old daughter and their daughter, Rachel, whom they adopted from China will be 3 yrs old in December. They were so encouraging, however, also very honest. We know that it will be a drastic change to our family. Hearing and seeing how this family has adjusted to Rachel is a blessing to us. We are so thankful that the Lord drew us together last night!

This week, we will be preparing for our third home study. Our social worker, Beverley, will be coming to our home. Boy, do I have a lot of work to do...Please pray that I stay on task!

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2

All is well!

Thank the Lord, all is well for Aunt Sam. Her bottom floor, the garage, is all under water. Her pickup is gone. Yesterday morning, she was able to make it to her neighbor's house with her 2 dogs. At this time, she is not sure if the water went into the second floor, which is her living area. They have electricity due to the neighbor having 3 generators. They are only rescuing emergency victims, and she does not consider herself to be in an emergency situation. Thank you for your prayers.

Please Pray for our Aunt Sam

Rob's sister, Sam, was not able to leave Galveston Island. She did try, however Friday morning at 5:00, her road was already under water and she couldn't leave. She has lived there over 30 years and has been through many storms. She was able to leave before Hurricane Rita hit. However, when Rob spoke to her today, he heard a fear in her voice he has never heard before. He knew then that there was trouble. Please pray for all the people who chose to stay on the island. We have faith that the Lord is sovereign.

We're Praying

Okay, we're praying that we don't run the wrong way on the field or they don't tackle their own teammate - just joking! We are all a little nervous for tonight's game. Did I mention that Samuel has never played football before? He has played Madden 08. Does that count? I will let you know...

You better sit down before you read this one!

Of course, today was the day that we found out what football team we made. I was so busy at work today that I really didn't give it much thought, until I got off. Then, I had to go and sit in the pick up line and wait for them. I felt kind of silly for being so nervous, until I called my friend, Karen. She too was waiting to see what team her son had made and she too was just as nervous. All three of our boys made the "A" team - Yea! I am ashamed of my first response. I asked Samuel if he was serious? Samuel admitted that he was pretty surprised himself. They will have to continue to work hard to keep their positions. At any time they could be bumped down to the "B" team. I honestly would have rather had them make the "B" team. I feel that they would have had more playing time. Don't get me wrong, I am very proud of them. I know that they have been working really hard to get to this point. It will be fun to watch them play tomorrow night. Go Mustangs!

Very Thankful...

The second week of school ends today. Did I mention that the second week was a better week, for me that is. The boys are doing well! I think 3 out of 4 of us had a bug the first week of school. I still haven't figured out how Samuel seems to always escape our family illnesses. When I woke up Sunday morning, I felt better. Dad had gone onto church at 8:00 to practice music for the worship service. Peter, Samuel, and I got up and left early to join him for worship at 11:00. It had been a peaceful morning, very nice! However, on the way, at a red light in front of the First Baptist Church and Rockwall Post Office, a large RV bus ran the red light and hit me across the road onto the sidewalk of the post office. It was a pretty big jolt - definitely knocked me for a loop. We are all fine and very thankful, especially that there were no pedestrians on the sidewalk waiting to cross for church. Yesterday was the first day that I felt somewhat back to normal. Again, we are very thankful that no one was hurt. About the adoption, we have our next home study on the 16th. I am still getting all the paperwork together for our dossier. Every time that I think that I am about finished, I get an email telling me to obtain one more document. Some days it seems never ending, but I know the end result will bring us a beautiful child that the Lord has chosen for our family. It will be a long wait, but well worth every month/year! One more thing...the boys should find out today or Monday which football team they made. First game is Tuesday. I will let you know!