Good News!

We have been getting some great Christmas gifts (Thanks to all of you that sent packages!) Two big things that have happened recently is that Bangkok informed us that we have our approval! Although we don't yet have it in hand, we rejoice that this is the last piece of paperwork required. (We also want to note that did NOT require us to pay the 770 US dollar late fee--maybe they felt bad for losing our homestudy!) In other news I had refiled a claim with our insurance for a significant chunk of change. After a couple of months waiting they informed us that they will pay it. Yeah! These two things have really lifted my spirits and I'm GLAD to be able to share this good news!

Merry Christmas!

Adoption-Update and Video

Many question the wisdom in adopting older children. Beyond the selfish reasons of not going through the diaper stage and terrible 3s again, I think waiting children are just as deserving of a good home as babies. Living internationally, we see many families that have biological children also adopt kids from other countries. What a perfect picture of God grafting us into His family!

We have all our paperwork in and will be signing our agreements for TWO children. We have decided to also adopt a 6-7 year old girl named Mitike. We can't post her picture her until after we pass court, but we are super excited to have her join us! On her report it says she wants to grow up to be a social worker and that she loves playing with younger children!

I challenge all of us to consider the older waiting children in the US and other places that desperately want/NEED a home this Christmas!

The Cost

"My friends, adoption is redemption. It's costly, exhausting, expensive, and outrageous. Buying back lives costs so much. When God set out to redeem us, it killed Him."

Derek Loux

Sesame Street

Ana loved the dancing and exercising!

Singaporeans have about 6 weeks off at the end of the year. To occupy the little ones there are often little programs at all the malls. Last week we went to see the Sesame Street Program. It was great because it let them be a little active. Even though we were squished into the area, it was a lot of fun! This week I think we'll try to see Winnie the Pooh!

Graduated!

These three are done! They now have a masters in education. Boy are we all glad that it's over!

What We've Been Up To...

This is Ana's friend (youngest of the other Valerie). She weighs 20 pounds more and is several inches taller, but only 9 months older than Ana!

We've been to the embassy to get things notarized, the Botanic Gardens to pet the dogs, school to throw a shower for the Fleischmanns, Komala Villas to eat good Indian food, the American club for our staff Christmas party, the baking store for butter and peppermint flavoring, and to the Wongs for good food and fellowship!