One more step

In the world of adoption paperwork, today is another big day.  The approval from the National Visa Center saying that we can bring Samuel into this fine country has been sent to the US embassy in Guangzhou.  That means in two weeks, Lifeline Children's Services will have our Article 5 (I have no idea what that is, but I know it's a big deal) couriered to the Chinese adoption officials.  THAT will trigger our travel approval within 3 to 4 weeks of that date.  That puts us on track for April travel.

I learned recently that April travel to Guangzhou, China can be complicated.  Guangzhou plays host to a huge international trade show from April 15 to like May 7.  This makes booking hotel and travel very difficult.  We've been told that if you are fortunate enough to get those things booked that they come at a premium price.  Of course, we want to get to our son asap AND taking the girls out of school in May would not be optimal for sure.

I know I always ask, but we believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer, so will you pray for God's perfect timing in travel arrangements?  As always, please continue to pray for His perfect provision as well.  We have a grant application and zero interest loan application awaiting approval should He choose to use those things to help provide.

Tomorrow is Samuel's fifth birthday.  That gives me a twinge of pain in my gut.  So want to be there.  I pray the gifts we sent to him arrive and he understands that he is loved, wanted, and anticipated. 

The knowledge that it's his last birthday without his family makes me smile big!  

~Martha