Dearest Friends and Family,
Yesterday, we received our travel approval. We have waited for sometime for this important document. It is basically a formal invitation to come to China to pick up Rosie Kate. Before I could fill out our visas to enter China, I had to get this document. Needless to say I felt pretty emotional yesterday when I received the call while doing errands. It’s one of those pretty significant puzzle pieces that God is building to make one awesome picture!!!
Josh, the head of our adoption agency is calling me within two days to make a consulate appointment in China. We will then make hotel and plane reservations.We had hoped that our appointment would fall during Fall break October 6th through 11th. This way the girls would be able to go and not miss so much school. Well, there are 52 weeks in a year and the chances of that happening was pretty slim. However, we have a big God and wouldn’t it be soooooo cool if that time works out!
Life is great and Will and I do not doubt that we are doing what God wants us to do. His word clearly states that we are to be advocates for widows and orphans and he has confirmed that to us as a personal call in many ways over the last few years. However, during these last two months,we have had some minor obstacles. Our water heater went out, a leak was found under our shower which requires the whole shower to be retiled. Emma’s shower also has suddenly started leaking. Our car had to be taken to be serviced twice. We also had a near car-related accident involving our garage, I am too embarrassed to go into the details. Needless to say God protected Will and me both. Did I mention our microwave stopped heating and needs to be replaced? After that our beloved bulldog Chuck had two seizures possible due to the change in his heart worm medication. But he lived through them and now appears fine. I am sure there are a few other minor issues that have happened, but you get the picture. We have had some struggles and need prayer!
I recently felt lead to drop into a Priscilla Shiver Bible study at our church last Wednesday night. I felt a little awkward because it was on it’s 5th week but I really thought I should go. As I walked in late and sat down, I looked up to Priscilla saying something along the lines of, we are in a battle as Christians, we must stand firm and strong against our enemies and overcome fear. We must accomplish our God given assignment. Wow! I thought this is a word for us. She also talked about the importance of worship and prayer.
I had hoped to write some great blog chronicling our adoption adventures and God’s faithfulness, but to be honest I have been too busy getting estimates on fixing leaks, servicing our car and trying to find a new microwave while filling out visa paperwork. Instead I decided to write you. Each one of you has in someway been instrumental and has encouraged us in our decision to adopt. You have been friends we truly cherish!
Last Wednesday, before the car broke down and after I left the Bible study, some of the last words I heard were about the importance of prayer while trying to do God’s Will. So I am asking you to please pray for our family during this wonderful but busy time. We will be traveling to a new country on a very long plane ride in less than a month. We need to be prayed up! Below are some prayer request we have
1. Pray for our safety while on the plane and while in China. Pray for my ears. I have had issues before on short flights. We will be on multiple flights, one for 14 hours. My ears can be sensitive to changing altitudes. Please pray I have no pain. It’s a long flight and I can’t get off if I do.
2. Safety while eating it only takes one bad wonton to make a trip miserable!!
3. Please pray for Rosie Kate that she will know that we are in fact her forever family and will feel at home with us.
4. Pray for our family at home. They will be concerned about us until we are back on American soil. I know I have been left at home when Will was on several mission trips. Please pray that they will know we are safe in God’s perfect hands as we seek to follow Him.
And any other thing that may come to your mind…just pray!
We really covet your prayers and appreciate your friendship! I had the honor of praying for my friend, Lauren Strickland as she obeyed God and ministered to the people in Africa last Summer. Hearing about her adventures and praying for her throughout her trip truly strengthened my faith. I was honored she asked! I know God heard those many prayers given on her behalf and answered in such wonderful ways.
As I said, earlier, it is such an exciting time for us. The only way I can truly explain it is as if you are in the delivery room waiting for your baby to come. First off, you just want it to happen and yes there is some pain. However, you can’t wait to see that wonderful gift God has for you. But if you are honest,you can’t wait till tommorrow when you have left the hospital and you are cuddling her in your arms at home. Well, at this time, our family is in the driveway, waiting to go to the hospital so to speak. Except the journey is much farther than Gordon Avenue and Archbold Hospital’s maternity ward. We have butterflies, some pain and honestly are a little/lot nervous. But I know that baby or almost three year old is going to be worth it.
Thanks again for your prayers and friendship! In GA’s, I have told my girls in the past that there are truly no friends like your Christian friends. And God has blessed us with soooooo many! I will keep you posted on upcoming dates and trust me I will email you as we are about to get on the plane and when we meet dear sweet Rosie! God must have one exciting plan for her life! Priscella also said in the study God uses unusual strategies and tactics to accomplish his will. I am so glad he is allowing us to be a part of that plan.
Bless you dear friends and thank you for your prayers!
Trusting Him,
Tricia, Will, Anna, Emma and wonderful Chuck (our beloved bull dog) as well as Felix the cat.
P.S. Before, I had a chance to send this we received a consulate appointment. We will leave next Tuesday night for Atlanta, fly to Seoul Korea then Beijing. We have to be in Rosie’s province October the 7th and will meet her and pick her up on Tuesday the 8th. What an awesome day that will be! Yes, it did work out for the girls to go! What are the chances of our travel dates being the week of Fall Break? No chances, just a very BIG GOD going before us!!! He is soo faithful!