What can I say...Number 1 daughter is moving into her dorm this weekend. I pray that she fully depends on God for HIS wisdom and protection. It is an exciting time in her life that I feel blessed to be a part. I love you, Tylar Emily!!!

All of our reservations have been finalized and paid for. We will be staying in Shanghai two nights, fly to Fujian-Cali's province. We will stay in Fuzhou,Fujian for 6 nights. We fly onto Guangzhou. In Guangzhou will will receive Cali's visa to enter the US, go to the US Embassy and visit the medical clinic for Cali's exam. I remember when we went to the clinic for Lily's adoption, since she was so chubby, the doctors kissed her cheeks before handing her back to me. When we arrive on US soil she becomes a US citizen. Please pray for Cali as we prepare to bring her home. Her emotions may range from fear, sadness, grief, excitement, exhaustion and hopefully happiness. I pray that God enables us to be the parents that He wants us to be for Cali. All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me...

American Airlines Limited Special Airfare

Venture across the Pacific to one of China's most modern cities - Shanghai! For a limited time, flights to Shanghai are on sale. It's the perfect opportunity to take an unforgettable trip and save some cash! Hurry, great deals don't last forever, purchase your flight by August 5, 2008, to save! Fares are valid for outbound travel August 26 through November 30, 2008. All travel must be complete by December 30, 2008.
Can you believe this.... God is so good to us. Notice the dates of the special August 26 -Nov, 30 and flights had to purchased by August 5th. We fell right into these dates and we got the special fare for our entire family. Incredible considering I looked into fares a few weeks ago and they were up to $4000 per coach ticket. We are paying around $1000 per ticket. Wow!

Lily at the beach

That's my boy!

Helping Hands

Yes folks, that is permanent paint. I was busy in my room getting things organized and I should have known better when Lily was so quiet. Oh well....these really are the good days.....

Follow our journey on the map:
Shanghai 8/28
Fuzhou 9/1
Xiamen
Guangzhou 9/8
Home 9/11

CA confirmation!

I am so happy to say we have received our Consulate Appointment-CA confirmation!
We will depart the US on August 28
Arrive in Shanghai on August 29
Fly to Fuzhou,Fujian on August 31
GOTCHA DAY September 1st - Labor Day!
We will spend a week loving on Cali in her province of Fujian

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We received our TA (travel Approval) today!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our agency is now requesting our CA (consulate appointment) for September 9th. Our Gotcha Day should be September 1st-"labor day" YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I sit here in NC far away from my daughter and feeling a bit sad that the wait continues I will pose a thought here that I prayed about and wondered aloud only to my DH. For those of us adopting from China and have our little ones in foster care, do you ever think that as we pray for our children to come "home" that their foster parents who have cared for (Cali) for almost two years pray to have just one more day with her? They have loved her, spoon feed her, and hold her through the night. I ponder this for many reasons...one because the wait has been too long for me, but just the right time for God. I think about what could I say to someone who has given Cali what they have given her? I do not know. I have talked with foster parents here in the States and their hearts are for the children and what huge hearts they have. I wish one day that both Cali and I will be able to thank her foster parents for what they have given her-their hearts. For that I will be forever thankful.