After feeling fears mounting regarding our upcoming trip, I was blessed to no end this morning at church. The first scripture read today was from Psalm, reminding us that the Lord will keep us and protect us, that we should not fear. Every song we sang today was centered on not having fear, but trusting in Him to protect us, or to order our ways. Isn’t that so like Him…to orchestrate things to address something we struggle with. This was one of those mornings when it felt like everything was directed at me. I am reminded that He is the one Who will strengthen and keep me, and that I am in His hands…there is no better place to be. I’m so glad I am His child.
In His Watchcare,
Joy

Ok, I have finally finished our little one’s coming home dress! She will only be able to wear it once we hit the US, since it is not really for cold weather! And it will be COLD there (well for me anyway).  Nana made the pantaloons; Grandma made the slip. One pic is from Kras, I just really liked it. ;o) The other pics are from our shower. We had such a great time!

In His Watchcare,

Joy

Yes, we are counting the days. At times, I can hardly believe we are at this point! We’ve waited so long, you would think it wouldn’t be such a surprise… I find at this point, there are fears that surface. Truth be told, I had these fears about the time I delivered our two boys…I remember being “great with child”, rocking our first born who was only 19 mos. at the time, and crying. B came in, and asked what was wrong. I told him…”what were we thinking? He’s only a baby, we can’t have another baby at this point…” B chuckled and said, ” I think it is a little late for that kind of thinking now…” Yes, it did seem absurd, but when you are “pregnant” emotions are high…and I’ve been pregnant for almost 2 years!! Imagine the hormone levels in my body!! We are praying for God’s grace, and that He will help us with adjusting to a new household, and that the boys will be fine while we are gone, and that my substitute at school will not be pulling her hair out by the time I get back!! Fears that at this point…are a little too late for thinking of…
I know with Him…all things are possible!! I know He has orchestrated this from the beginning of time, and that He will see us through, and strengthen us, and hold us tight…He has shown us over and over in our process, that He is reliable…
In His Watchcare,
Joy

Yay…we love county planning!! The document that was not complete was from county planning, and it was not their mistake, but the way the notary signed that SOS did not accept. So…I called them this am, and they have it re-typed, and are working on getting it signed as we speak!! We are sooo thankful.
Last night we also had a wonderful blessing. We had to get a document notarized for our agency. My mom has a sewing friend that is a notary. She offered to notarize any documents we might have. Well, we called her up, and she was willing. It was a little ways out from our house, but once we got there, we knew why the Lord had orchestrated for us to be there. After we notarized the paper, just as we were preparing to leave, her husband stood and said, “Let’s just pray before you go.” We were so encouraged by his prayer for us, and know that the Lord meant it for just that reason…encouragement. After finding out about our document, we were feeling a bit discouraged, and the Lord knew we needed to be reminded that people were praying for us, and that He was hearing us.
In His Watchcare,
Joy

We have just learned the paper work that tells that our road is legitamate has reached Russia, but wasn’t apostilled by Raleigh!! What?? Raleigh sent it on to Russia, with no apostille, and never called us, though they had our contact number. Well, this too is umbrella-ed in on God’s plan. So…we will hurriedly get County Planning to sign again, and take it to Raleigh, and this time carry it with us. The hard part is, we don’t know why they didn’t apostille it. ;o) If you think of us, pray for my stomach to stop churning at this point. Though I know it will all come together, I hate orchestrating all the steps to get there.
Thanks!!
In His Watchcare,
Joy

Yay!…We have our flights booked…for all three of us! We are excited to be on this side…have I already said that?? ;o)
On Saturday, my mom and friends and family had a shower for us! We had so much fun opening pink gifts!! Brent even got in on the action! I have tons of pictures. I will have to work on posting them in the next few days. We have also received a few more money gifts, which has been such a blessing as we get our flights together. Thank you, thank you everyone of you!! You are more blessing to our hearts than you will ever know!!
In His Watchcare,
Joy

We are getting our flights together as I type!! It is so exciting to be looking at our return flights with our little girl’s name included!!

In His Watchcare,
Joy

We are praising the Lord!! He does do the impossible!! I feel sooo blessed, and spoiled.  He has heard our desperate pleas!! Our court date is October 6th!! What a special date this will always be in our hearts!!

In His Watchcare,
Joy

Still no news…trying to be strong… sleepless nights, and the pang of anticipation is rough! I know the Lord will see us through this…it is just that I so want to know if we get the date…I’ll be fine either way, just wanting to know.
In His Watchcare,
Joy

We found out through our tracking number that one document got to our region one day sooner than we expected. Yay! The other is on its way, and we are just waiting to see when it will arrive. Dr. D is not real hopeful of us getting the anticipated court date…but I will pray and seek God’s face on this…I have been teaching my K4s about Abraham and Sarah, and how Sarah laughed when the angels told Abraham she would have a child. They asked why she laughed, and then asked…”Is anything too hard for God?”…well, we know the end of the story, that yes, indeed, Sara in her old age did have a son…I emphasized that God is into doing the Impossible. In my heart I am truly speaking to my own self…God can do anything, even give us the anticipated court date, regardless of surrounding circumstances…I’m praying with the understanding, if God determines that the earlier court date is better for our family and little girl, then that is exactly when it will be…if it turns out to be later, it will be because that is what is best for our family and little girl.
We are hoping to hear one way or the other tomorrow. Will you pray for us as we anticipate the wait?…24 hours doesn’t seem long in the scheme of things, however, after 2 years into the process, 24 hours seems like an eternity!! ;o)
In His Watchcare,
Joy