Update!

Our daddy is a carpenter, he makes big snowmen! Our snowman is in the back. We decided to help daddy with his!

Hello all!! Did ya think I dropped off the face of the earth? I wanted to give everyone an update of what is going on.



We had a fun Christmas with my mom, dad, and brother coming to visit. Christmas morning was crazy. Warren's dad, along with his sister, her fiance' and their baby came over. Add that to my family and it made for lots of wrapping paper, lots of squeal's and lots of fun. I pray you all had a blessed Jesus' birthday. My boys ran downstairs first thing to see if Santa lit baby Jesus' birthday candle. When we all got down there was a round of Happy Birthday Jesus, then on came the lights and all the family arrived, and well, you know the rest. Next year, we can't wait for baby sister to be here with us!!! It was definitely a hard day for me. I kept looking at her little stocking and her presents, wondering how she was doing that day and if anyone told her they loved her. I continue to pray that God will hold her and whisper His sweet love for her. I know that He loves her so much more than I ever could. That leaves me with a smile.

I'm sure you're wanting me to get on with the adoption update, so here goes......

We were told in December that we would be traveling to the region of Shymkent. We were also told that the Letter of Invitation should come fairly quickly. Like sometime in January. So.... we are waiting at this moment on pins and needles. We need some serious prayer. Mostly that we can get over there and out quickly with our sweet baby and that there are no hiccups or roadblocks that will hinder our adoption from going through.

At this point, the boys and I are working on school, and in my off times I am trying to finish paperwork, pack, clean, and spend as much time with the boys that I can. I don't know how we'll make it for so long without them, but I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Please be in prayer for our family and for our adoption. Here are some specifics for you, if you'd like.

• Letter of Invitation to come quickly



• Logistical staff to be able to complete their jobs in timely manner



• Safety and fun for my mom and the boys while we are gone



• Traveling mercies



• Fun and bonding for Warren and I. This is our first trip overseas together, and our first time away together (for more than one night) from the kids in 8 years. We celebrated our 10th anniv. this year and this is kind of an anniv. time together too. I don't think it will be all that romantic, but it should still be a fun and memorable experience together.



• Favor from the Orphanage Director and the Judge!!!!



• Most important! That we would know our daughter when we see her. We pray more than anything that we will clearly hear God's voice when our daughter is presented to us. There may be more than one child brought to us, and it's not a matter of us deciding, it is a matter of hearing the voice of the Lord and His choice for our family.



• Protection for our daughter when we have to return home after court.

There will hopefully be another family from our agency that will be there around the same time as us. We have been talking and emailing, and I can't say enough, what a blessing they have already been to us. I can't wait to meet them in person! Our babies could very well be crib-mates at this very moment! Ok, that is going to make me cry, on to the next topic.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement. I'm hoping that I can make the great announcement very soon! After that, I will be going private with my blog. If any of you would like to follow our journey while we are gone, please email me privately, or just post on my blog to let me know, and I will send you the invitation when I go private.

Love to you all!