Forever Family

It is hard to believe that our sweet girl has been back at her orphanage in China now for nearly two months.  We have been fortunate to receive a few pictures of her which has eased our minds and comforted our hearts.  We also sent her a care package with a few items that will remind her of home.  As many of you know, we had a wonderful hosting experience.  She fit naturally into our family and was easy to love.  We miss her terribly.

When we committed to this process, we agreed to have no expectations and to have an open-mind.  I know many of you have been wondering about her future and whether she has found her forever family.  We are happy to announce that God had a plan all along and she does have a forever family.

A special thanks to

A Thousand Words Photography by Jen

for capturing our special moments.

During her stay, we heard the song in the slideshow three times.  Not on the radio, but in completely random places (like Culver's, Gordmans, and Giordano's).  I'm not sure we needed a sign, but it definitely was reinforcing what we were feeling.  The song is called Home by Phillip Phillips.  Here are some of the lyrics:

     Hold on, to me as we go
     As we roll down this unfamiliar road
     And although this wave is stringing us along
     Just know you're not alone

     Cause I'm going to make this place your home

     Settle down, it'll all be clear
     Don't pay no mind to the demons
     They fill you with fear
     The trouble it might drag you down
     If you get lost, you can always be found

     Just know you're not alone
     Cause I'm going to make this place your home

Although we participated in the hosting program, we have to start at the beginning of the adoption process.  It is a long road and it could easily be 9-12 months before she will be back home with us (that is best case scenario).  We have received pre-approval from China which means her file is locked for us.  We have completed many of the items for our Dossier and have completed our Home Study.  We are currently waiting on approval from the Department of Homeland Security to adopt from China.  There will be long periods of time where we are waiting on others, but we know God is in control and everything will be in His timing.