We're Leaving On a Jet Plane!!!

It's time . . . we officially have our travel dates and we are leaving to China in just a few short days! I cannot believe I am typing this as it all seems so surreal. We have been in the process of adoption for almost 18 months and it has been trying, grueling even, at times, but it has all been worth it because it has led us to our daughter.

In a few days we will see her for the first time, touch her for the first time, hold her for the first time, hear her laugh for the first time, cry for the first time, smile for the first time. As a momma, it is hard to swallow the fact that these are not any of her firsts, just the first time she will do them in her new family and I am grateful that the Lord's peace says to my heart that this is just as good, maybe even better.

My heart is full with varying emotions, but none more than the desire to pour out the Lord's love on this little girl. We pray that her heart is being readied for this scary transition and that she will be open to our love and affection. We pray that the orphanage is talking to her about what is about to happen and sharing our photos with her, explaining who we are. We pray that she will feel safe enough with us to show us that infectious smile. We pray that she is healthy enough for the long trip home and that all the paperwork goes through as expected. 

We will be updating our blog while in China, if all goes well with our internet connection, and I will be using it as a journal of sorts to document all that is happening. We want to thank all of you who have supported us through this journey to Julia Ann and ask that you continue to pray as we travel half way around the world to wrap our arms around her.