It's hard to believe it's been a week since we received our PA (pre approval)!  What does that mean?  It means we've crossed another line, one step closer to bringing Anna Grace home!  I was doing some grocery shopping last week when my phone rang.  I don't usually have my phone on ring when I'm in the store, usually it's on vibrate and I never feel it. Anyway, when I looked at the number my heart froze!  I recognized the number to our agency.  When I answered the phone, I heard the familiar voice on the other end, she said she had good news!  I honestly heard something like," You've got your PA, you've been pre approved, you've got your letter!  I'll send you an email with the letter and the... LOA..blah, blah, blah."

My oh my, I had been waiting three long weeks to hear those words, any words telling me we were still on track, that Anna would soon be ours.  My heart soared high over the clouds and I was thrusting myself in into the arms of our great God hugging him in relief, okay my physical body was standing in the cereal isle but my soul was far away in the arms of my heavenly father. I don't recall very much of the conversation.  Ken said that for now on it would probably be wise for our agent to call him since I didn't get all the information, (it was in the email).  Just day before, I had a complete melt down!  We were told it would take two or three weeks to get our PA and we were getting ready to pass the three week mark.  My mind began to fill with doubt and my heart ached for our baby girl.

Since the PA news, we've started the next series of paperwork to submit once we receive our LOA (letter of acceptance).  Once we receive the LOA, we can start making our travel arrangements!  Thank you Jesus! The LOA means China has given us the final approval we need to go get Anna!  We were told to anticipate an approximate wait time of two months.  I'm glad we have an approximate time frame, it makes the wait a little more bearable. 

I am utterly in love with a beautiful baby girl half way around the world!  She invades my dreams, she's captivated my heart.  I remember telling my mom after the birth of Mitchell that I always knew I would love my child, but I never realized how much I would fall in love with him.  The love that bubbles from my soul for our baby girl is amazing!  My arms ache to hold her, my heart aches to show her love.  Ken and I are probably going to be like two little kids with a new puppy, fighting over who gets to love on her the most. 

Over the holiday break, Brittany, my  niece, and I and went shopping.  We put a big hole in our pockets, but we had a lot of fun!  When I asked Brittany if she had any idea how much money we spent, she simply smiled and said if anyone was worried about the amount of money we were spending, well, they should have went with us.  We got all the essentials to bring Anna home.  A wonderful blessing from Heaven, we used money from my parents estate.  I know my mom and dad would be thrilled! The nursery looks great and is now ready to receive our precious baby girl.  I am so thankful for all the blessings God has given us.

I am so thankful for the incredible amount of support from our church family.  They share in our excitement and I am humbled by their faith in us.  It means so much to share in this experience with them, especially now that both my parents are in Heaven.  It's refreshing to have young and old alike sharing in the thrill of a new child. 

Counting down the days until we can finally hold our baby girl in our arms.  I find myself wondering into the nursery daily.  Walking through the baby department at the store, looking at all the items and wondering what we will need to care for her.  Trying to find information to know what to expect with a cleft.  Knowing all the while, God has this under control.  Confident that in all things, He is the master, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  Praising God knowing he is holding and loving our baby girl until we can get to her.  Praying that God blesses and protects Anna, that he keeps her safe and healthy and that one day soon we will have her here, in her forever family. A family who loves her and looks forward with great anticipation to being together.




But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33



What awinter show and each time he's on stage, he getsopportunity to explore the arts.