The "Vintage" Couch

To everyone donating so that you will not have the "vintage" (ugly) couch delivered to your front porch, we thank you. For those of you who do not know what I am referring to, let me explain.

Two weeks ago, we had a yard sale with all proceeds helping to offset adoption expenses. My cousins, Marcy and Rodney (Anna Mei's mom and dad), said they had an UGLY couch that they would donate to the yard sale and if we labeled it "vintage" we might spark curiosity in some folks and be able to sell it. Well, needless to say, people were curious, but not enough to buy. So my Aunt Darla called, as a joke, and asked my mom if the couch had sold. My mom told her "no" and that she would be glad to deliver it to her that afternoon and leave it on her front porch. My aunt told her that she would make a donation of $20 if my mom wouldn't deliver the couch to her. That is all the two of them needed and the "fun" began. They have a list of people they plan to deliver the couch to and the first that does not donate to bring Cassi home will have a "vintage" couch on their front porch. They are, of course, being very cautious with the list of "deliverees" as not to offend anyone and only including those with a great sense of humor. If you fit into this group, look out for the "vintage" couch. In one day, my aunt was able to raise $100. My family has always been known to have a warped sense of humor and this just confirms that. I think it's a great idea, especially this time of year. Trick or Treat!!!

God is continuing to bless us with prayer support from so many. I have been able to testify of His working in our lives and I feel our story is a testimony of what God can and will do in other's lives. In talking to others who have considered adopting, as one of our fellow group members said, "There are a million reasons not to adopt, but there is only ONE reason to adopt." Just look at Cassi's face. That's reason enough for us!!!

Waiting for our Pre-Approval

The time continues to pass and when I look back, it is passing quickly. We are still waiting for our pre-approval from the CCAA and our I171-H from the Department of Homeland Security. Those are the last two pieces of paperwork we need to finalize everything in order to send our dossier to China. We are really hoping to have everything complete and out of our hands and in the hands of CHI or possibly the CCAA by Thanksgiving.

We leave the day after Thanksgiving for a family vacation to Orlando. We have 17 family members going including my parents, siblings and their spouses, nieces and nephews and my 86 year old grandmother (she just decided this past week and we are thrilled). We are excited about the trip and hope we will have things completed so we can just enjoy the company of family and holidays. I know we will constantly think of Cassi while we are there and wonder how she would react to all the new and exciting things, but we can look forward to the next trip when she will be able to join us. Including Issac, we have seven children going on the trip ages 15, 13, 12, 11, 3, 10 months and 8 months. I can't wait to see the faces of the smaller ones. We have experienced Disney World with the older four but watching the younger three will be such a treat. Our older ones are as excited about watching the younger ones as they are about going themselves.

We have so much support in this process. Several weeks ago, I decided to have a yard sale and use whatever proceeds for the expense of the adoption. Some family and friends found out and we had so many donations that we had sales two weekends in a row. We did change locations, so we would have a different crowd, but I know the people in our subdivision had to wonder where in the world all that stuff came from in our house. How funny is that. When growing up, if my mom mentioned "yard sale," I would run the other way, but I had a ball pricing all the donations for Cassi's sake. Thank you to everyone who supported our sale and the donations.

Please continue to pray for Cassi daily. I can feel all the prayers going her way.

"Be anxious for nothing,...

but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phillippians 4:6-7.

I have to admit this past week I have been a little anxious, but this scripture has spoken to me in a very special way. Nothing is in our control. God does and will continue to control all things related to this adoption process. This is a stressful process and anyone who says that adoption is the easy way, has never experienced it.

With Issac, I held him in my arms, but had the anxiety of possibly someone deciding they made the wrong decision and wanting him back. With Cassi, I look at pictures of her but can't touch and hold her, but know that the Chinese government must approve us to be her parents. This is a roller coaster ride that we are on and we need your prayers. God has been so visible to us through this time. He continues to speak to us through people and circumstances. There is a song that has been spoken to us by three different individuals who know nothing of our past and limited information about our present, but they have had the same message. "Joy comes in the morning." I'm waiting for my joy.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers. In my Bible, concerning the scripture above, it states "supplication is more than petitioning God. It is fully transferring the burden of one's soul into God's hands. Prayer and peace are closely connected." Our prayers are for our "Peace."

Just an update...

On Friday we had our fingerprint appointment with immigration and our last bit of bloodwork needed for the medical report that is part of our dossier. Today we received Richie's passport that we had sent for correction (the first had his name spelled incorrectly). Now we just wait some more.

We had a great weekend with family and friends. Friday night we went to the local high school football game (my neice is a cheerleader). Saturday we just stayed around the house and then after church on Sunday, my family went out for my brother's birthday. There were 17 of us, including my 86 year old grandmother, at a Japanese steakhouse. She had never been before and that was definitely an experience she won't forget soon. She really seemed to enjoy it.

We have a large extended family and all of them are counting the days until we bring Cassi home. We have a lot of love to give to this little girl. I went to my sister's house for dinner tonight and Cassi's picture is hanging on her refrigerator door. I asked her why her face looks so dirty and she said because that is where my 2 year old nephew has been kissing her. Our other nieces and nephews are carrying her picture in there purses and wallets everywhere they go and can't wait to get there hands on her.

I know God is preparing her for her forever family. I feel a peace and comfort in knowing she is in His hands. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare the needed documents. I don't want her to have to wait any longer than necessary for her family to come after her.

Sending a special prayer to Cassi tonight....