Package

I am waiting to see if my agency was able to get more information about little Tyson. As soon as I get that information, no matter what, I will be sending him a Christmas package. For those who don't know, there are these ladies with who usually have US and Chinese connections, and they do care packages, letters, and phone calls to orphanages. You order the care package, then they are mailed within China. It saves so much on postage. You can order snacks/tea for the orphanage workers, and then send things to your child. For now, Tyson will get a blanket, a stuffed animal, and a book. The orphanage nannies are getting snacks and tea, and I am also writing a letter with a return envelope, hoping some of my questions will be answered. Then in January we'll send him another package for Chinese New Year. I am planning to send about 1 package every month to month and a half. They are not cheap, but if you were in an orphanage waiting for your parents, wouldn't you want some presents and to know you are loved? We cannot wait for Tyson to be home with us. I can't wait to show you all his cute picture. You will agree, he is beautiful, and I know he's going to just fit in with us great. I am hoping to see him pester his big sister A LOT! It will be joy to my eyes and ears. God is so good!

Frustrated!

The National Benefits Center has now had my I-800A form for three months. THREE MONTHS! It hasn't even made it off of the shelf. We had to do some extra paperwork, so that was sent 1-2 weeks ago. I called Tuesday to see if it made it....NOPE! I'm calling Monday. They also said my paperwork probably wouldn't be reviewed until AFTER Thanksgiving. No, that is not OK. This whole process is hurry up and wait. It's not like they are going to read my homestudy and approve it all at once. Oh no. It can't be that easy. I'm sure I will get a letter or phone call saying they still need x, y, and z information. I am frustrated beyond words!

Pray for us

To anyone who reads this: please cover our family in prayer. We need it. Things are getting better, but your prayers really help. Thank you!

New info!

I don't think anyone is reading this...yet...but I'm still posting knowing that someday I'll be glad I did and that it will help someone out there.

We got our update. Long story short, from what I can see, he's still small but growing! He has his own little growth curve going. He's 16 months now, and he is walking when holding onto things. In China, for kids in orphanages, walking happens between 15-18 months, so he's right on target. We also know he is playing with his peers his age, which is great news. God is putting all reservations to rest. We know it will not be an easy road, but it will be worth it. God has matched us with this little boy. We know he will need speech therapy, surgeries, etc... We will be using sign language to communicate because remember, he has to learn English too!

Next week we will talk to an international adoption doctor to see what her take is on the updated information. Hopefully it will be positive and we can get this ball (and this house!) rolling!