We got our PA today!!!

I know in the "real" world outside of adoption...that means not so much. BUT...for us it is like the dr. confirming that yes indeed you are pregnant. Our next step is getting through to the Letter of Acceptance. That is kind of like getting through the first trimester of pregnancy. You can then feel comfortable telling the world of the little miracle in your life. We are so thrilled and so excited!!!

The Road (Updated)

Jan. 24 2007 - Preliminary application to the adoption agency
Feb 2007 - Formal application accepted by the agency
Mar 2007 - Aug 2007 - Paperchasing (this is the process where you need to collect anything and everything "official" about yourself to compile into a dossier that goes to China)
Aug 13, 2007 - Our dossier was sent to China
Aug 17, 2007 - Was our Log In Date (LID) - this is when China logged or dossier into their system
Aug 18 2007 - June 21 2010 - Waiting...Waiting...Waiting
Feb 2010 - Enter into the Special Needs List
June 22, 2010 - We have our Referral!!!! PRAISE GOD!
June 28, 2010 - We have our PA (Pre-approval)
June 30, 2010 - Papers sent to Immigration for I-800A (a mix up on our I-600A led us down this road...ugh)

Constant Emotions

I am starting to realize that the internet and discussion groups...as helpful and informative as they are...they can also breed fears and anxiety. You can read people's stories, predictions, and worst case scenarios and start internalizing those as fear. I need to trust in the Lord and His timing. I can not rush that. No amount of fretting over when I get a piece of paper will help. I dont know when we are going to travel to get MeiLin - but the Lord does.

Many times being connected and informed isn't such a good thing...it throws your focus on worldly goals and not God's goals.

The Road (Updated)

Jan. 24 2007 - Preliminary application to the adoption agency
Feb 2007 - Formal application accepted by the agency
Mar 2007 - Aug 2007 - Paperchasing (this is the process where you need to collect anything and everything "official" about yourself to compile into a dossier that goes to China)
Aug 13, 2007 - Our dossier was sent to China
Aug 17, 2007 - Was our Log In Date (LID) - this is when China logged or dossier into their system
Aug 18 2007 - June 21 2010 - Waiting...Waiting...Waiting
Feb 2010 - Enter into the Special Needs List
June 22, 2010 - We have our Referral!!!! PRAISE GOD!
June 30, 2010 - Papers sent to Immigration for I-800A (a mix up on our I-600A led us down this road...ugh)

Is It Normal...

Is it normal to wonder if something will go wrong. I am trying not to have fear because the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear. But, I am so in love with this little girl. My kids are so in love with their little sister. I just pray that all is smooth and we can hold her in our arms. Please pray for this process and for our peace and joy in the process. I am being honest when I say that I am anxious. I keep reminding myself that the Lord said to be anxious for nothing and that He will provide.