Favorite!

After taking almost 200 pictures at the gardens--this one stood out. The background wasn't the best. The lighting wasn't great, but I think it is totally Ana!

Botanic Gardens

I'm so behind in my posts! We had a nice trip to the Botanic Gardens. We fed the swans, looked at all sorts of flowers, and walked. It's a nice way to wear her out for rest time!

Oh For the Beauty of the Earth

Ana and I got to go to the Botanical gardens after another grueling trip to the embassy. This is one of the first things we saw! What a contrast to the embassy. You go through bomb proof doors, sit in a cramped waiting room, sell your soul to get somethings notarized (50 US dollars!), and try to get your toddler to sit quietly. Then you walk into the gardens (for free) and feel revived by something as simple as a flower.

Adoption Saga

We've still heard nothing about the background check although the home study agency has continued to call daily.

We'd appreciate if you keep praying. This is completely out of our control--we've done everything we can.

On a funny note we have to watch these DVDs on attachment challenged children. Trauma is defined as any event that is prolonged, overwhelming, and unpredictable. I laughed--and thought this is what I've been through for the past 5 years!!

Please pray!

We're still waiting for a Singaporean background check (after a month). No one will respond to calls and there is seemingly nothing we can do! Please pray that it is completed ASAP--nothing can proceed without this background check.

Thanks!

Adoption

We have some good news and bad news. Our home study will not be completed in time--so as far as we know we will have to pay the fee. It's frusterating, but life goes on!

China will be moved to the new house where he will go to school-a big blessing! He will also go with a couple of children from the current home which will provide some stability.

The new agency accepted our dossier--we just had to provide two new things, one of which is already done. We will go to the embassy tomorrow to do the other.

Our home study is another matter, they want new wording etc. Since we won't make the renewal date we hope to get that all fixed so that we don't have to pay to have it reworked later.

Finally, I watched this video today: http://vimeo.com/12307403 and cried. I was in a definite low spot last week--almost ready to quit (after 5 years who would blame me!) But this video reminded me that we are China's hope. You can't change the whole world, but for one child the world will change.

After Hours Dress Up

One evening long after Ana was supposed to be asleep. She entered our room dressed like this:

and said, "Isn't this pretty?" No comment!

New Prayer Request!

We have switched agencies. Because of some delay in switching, some of the paperwork for a homestudy update is cutting it close. Please pray that we get it by the latest on Friday so that it can arrive in Bangkok by Monday. If not there is a hefty fee involved that we would like to avoid!

At the same time you can pray for our stress level. There are many things going on and we NEED some peace (and maybe a vacation)!

Thanks!

Please Pray!

We need a lot of wisdom right now. We will probably be transferring to another agency soon. It looks like it will be rather easy to get one boy out, but not the other. Please pray for us as we talk through many things with both agencies (including how much money will be switched over, etc.). Pray that we guard our words and are able discern the best thing to do for all involved.

Thanks!