not yet...

It's a beautiful spring morning in Franklin: the birds are chirping, the squirrels are running around chasing each other, the trees are blowing in the wind, and the sun is warm as it shines through the window. One should be joyous as they look out and experience God's creation. But my heart feels a bit heavy. We still have not received our 171 from the INS yet. It has been 10 weeks. I am still hoping for an arrival this week. If not, my next step would be to call our State Representative. I am trying so hard to wait and allow the process to take care of itself, but as time goes on I have the fear that our paperwork is not together; that something was filed incorrectly. May God give me patience; may He quiet my mind; May he continue to press on my heart the need to "not miss" Alex, David, and Keeli as we wait to receive Ellie.

One of my dearest friends and another friend from church are traveling in China. They were gracious enough as they traveled around, doing the things that God has called them to do, to visit the orphanage. They were able to see Ellie. I don't think she has received her package from us as of yet. The staff indicated that they knew she was going to be adopted, but they did not know the family. So... I wonder how the conversation went between Rinda, Tim and Ellie? I wonder what this little one thought as these two smiled at her and took pictures of her, and then had the staff take pictures of her with my friends. I can't wait to hear all they talked about, which probably was not much, but a momma wants to know everything. And as I wait, more pictures are always good!

Last week we traveled to San Diego. It was great to get away and spend time together without the phone, internet, etc... We did the usual zoo (which we loved), museums, La Jolla and the seals, etc... but most of all we just had a good time being together. As we traveled around, I was struck by the complexity that adding another member to our family will have on just about every aspect of life. Although it may present itself to be a challenge at times, I welcome the changes to come. For in these changes and seemingly complex issues called life, GOD is always present.

On a side note, the rest of the family are anxious as well to "get on with this process". Ray is far better at waiting than I am. He tends to see the "end" and not be as concerned about the timing. Keeli and David pray for Ellie at every meal. Alex is as anxious as I am. She usually runs to the mailbox as soon as it arrives in anticipation of "the letter".

Thanks for reading; thanks for praying.