This title is a quote from the Women of Joy conference I went to over the weekend. It was one of the may things that really made me stop and think and reflect on God's goodness! I can sit around and whine about not getting the call about our LOA, or I can keep focused on the many blessings that surround me! Yes, it is so hard to wait, but if I claim to trust God's timing, I have to truly trust that Ethan will be in my arms at just the right time. Of course, it doesn't hurt to keep praying that God's timing will be SOON!
I am ready to see how this little guy is going to change all of our lives! Each of our children has been a special blessing in their own unique way and they have taught so much. I am looking forward to watching all the girls interact with their brother! Becca helped me arrange his clothes in his closet tonight. We got everything on his red hangers facing the same way in size order. I just felt a little desperate for a connection to him and that's the only task I could think of to do in his room! I have to say we are accumulating a lot of super cute boy clothes. Hopefully he won't be much bigger than an 18-24 month size. I love looking at all his shoes lined up, too!
Like I said, we are waiting for our LOA (Letter of Acceptance) which is the official referral that matches our family with his file. This has been UNofficially done for several months now, but nothing can move forward until it is official. LOA letters do not get sent in the order agencies mail families' dossiers, so there is not much of a way to predict when you will receive it. They say anywhere between 30 and 120 days. How's that for narrowing it down? We are on day 66. We have seen three families lately who got there's around day 62-65. I really thought it would be last week. Everytime the phone rings at Bright Beginnings I get butterflies. Good thing I work with supportive women who put up with my anxiousness!
After we get the LOA package (which is overnighted to us the day our agency receives it), we will file the U.S. immigration paperwork that asks for permission to bring Ethan home. Then there's some more paperwork and then we will wait for TA (Travel approval). Supposedly once our LOA gets here it will be about 10 weeks until we travel. I was hoping maybe our Gotcha Day would be on June 14th because that is my grandad's birthday, but we have more than likely missed the chance to travel that soon.
We had a blessed Easter. Isabella, Becca, and Reagan all participated in our church's cardboard testimonies during the service. It was so emotional. I was so proud and thankful to God for changing my life with these three amazing daughters! Feel free to watch the video, but get your kleenex ready!
http://youtu.be/HWQ7XEOoui8
I love how we all have a "God changed Life" story!
Ryleigh's basketball team ended up winning 2 games! Considering we were an all girls team playing against all boys, we were ecstatic when the girls were able to beat the Stoutland team and one of the Lebanon teams. It was a great season! The girls never, ever gave up and they had so much fun. It was a pleasure to help coach them and watch them improve. They are an awesome group of girls with fantastic parents!
Becca and Isabella are running track. I am so proud of Isabella for trying so hard. She may not win any races, but she gives it her all. I told her that as long as she does her best, she has nothing to be ashamed of. Becca has gotten several 2nd place medals in hurdles, relays, and the 100. Oddly enough, she doesn't seem to enjoy it as much as Isabella.
Hoping to post about our LOA very soon. We would appreciate your continued prayers for our family! Thanks!
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