What did I say about quitting...

This is NOT the article 5 we've been hoping for, simply a letter that indicates they are going to process the article 5 letter soon...I'm going back to bed...for a week.

Eventually....

So, when you turn to God during troubled times, you often find that Satan roars his horrible roar and gnashes his terrible teeth (Wild Things....) just to fight you! Trying to get you to turn from God. When we find our faith challenged, questionable and wavering, that is when it is the easiest to fall from His grace. But that is the most important time to hang on...

Grace supplies, Love Gives, Faith receives...and we have indeed received. Our article letter issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs come in the mail today. "This letter is to inform you that your petition has been forwarded to the appropriate visa-issuing post where the adoption interview will take place."

One sentence stating giving Maire's case #, chinese name, and the address of the US consulate. Not fancy, not even on real letterhead--THIS is our "article 5". This is the letter that tells the CCAA that it is time for the Wells' family to travel to China to get their daughter. It is time...(past time if you ask me!). In 2 - 3 weeks we should know the exact dates of travel. October dates are NOT full as rumored earlier in the week. We *might* actually go next month after all. We jumped through the hoops and over the hurdles. We danced through their red tape and sang to their drum--it wasn't pretty or graceful, but through God's grace we did it!

So now comes the final push for fundraising (like the 8th time I've said that right...!) But I'm really going to do it now....I have to!

Keep us in your prayers as we get everything in order to Maire home. Get the travel agency squared away, get the boys packed and ready for 2 weeks at Grandma's, repack Maire's bag for the hundredth time, get the orphanage donation raised and transferred to China...Holy cow! I don't have time to blog! Gotta run :)

Thanks all!

Do over!

I quit...here is my resignation. From here on out you will find me on my couch, watching Opera and eating bon bons. I give up. I quit.

Ok, maybe not really, but that is how I feel right now! This week was, quite possibly, one of the most difficult weeks of my life. My poor family has suffered through my tantrums and fits, tears and laughter (or hysteria), my need to paint something (I find painting a room always eases tension), and my lackadaisical outlook on pretty much everything.

Bad news all around-I have tried to kick the devil out, but he just rears his ugly head over and over. Travel approvals came for some folks today, but not us. Turns out, we don't even have an article 5 yet (we need this before we get our TA). Another 2 weeks or so until we get that. And I just learned there are NO embassy appointments for October. Right now they are booking November dates. So if our TA doesn't come soon, the November dates will be filled and that means December travel. Maire will be 3 by the time we get her. I am furious. Just furious.

Not to mention I'm having issues with a travel client trying to stick me with a big ole bill (long story short, I trusted them to pay me and they haven't yet) grrrrr, which means when they don't pay me, I can't pay the people I owe and on and on down the line. Good times.

So, come on over to my pity party. You are all invited! I plan on going to bed (after a glass of wine, of course---NO wait, Oreo's and milk) and sleeping off this bad attitude of mine!

I will think of my brilliant boys and how very blessed that God has allowed me to raise them-allowed me to be their mom. I will be grateful that I am healthy and so is my family. I will be grateful that my husband has a job and our needs are met. I will be thankful...

Always believing in Him,

Exhausted...in a good way though!

Quick update as time is very limited these days! The boys are back in school, and so is Mommy! Yes, my BA in history is not serving its purpose, so I've returned to get my teaching certificate. I only have 3 semesters left, as I had already spent several years studying early childhood education in my 20s. Maire's visa is being processed, the travel agency is .... hmmmm, well, stressful and exhausting, Bear is in 3rd so he has homework, Bug has spent over a week fighting off a cold (which he has now lost the battle to!) and he graciously passed onto me (I think my face may be be melting considering all of the liquid gushing out---TMI?) I'm sure Andy still lives here, but is very busy with work.

The house is on the market, but the economy is really not helping us out on that end. Love our little house, but it just doesn't work for us. Better get now. We'll keep you posted on Maire's adoption. Praying for travel in late September or October. I have about 10 unopened emails starring at me right now, so I'd better get busy!

thanks for keeping us in your prayers!