God's timing is always best!

Early last fall, we applied to the Lydia Fund to receive a grant to help with overseas expenses. We were informed in November, on the day we were supposed to have our phone interview with them, that their funds were dry and there was no need for the interview. We were dissappointed, but what can you do? Our extra long wait for travel with this adoption was often disheartening, but God's timing has placed us in a far better place. If we had traveled when we had originally anticipated, we would have been stranded in Hunan during the worst winter storms in over 50yrs. AND the worst hit province was Hunan! Families who were there to adopt were stranded in 5 star hotels without electricity, running water or sufficient food. We are so thankful our travel was postponed by circumstances out of our control. We also were recalled by Lydia's Fund 2 weeks ago and had our phone interview with them on Monday. Wednesday night we were informed that they would be granting us $1000 towards our overseas expenses! WOW! Not only did these delays keep us from being stranded in China during severe storms, but it allowed time for funds to grow in the Lydia Fund and now they are able to help us out!! Isn't God great? :)

The clock is ticking faster now. I have piles of things to pack stacked in our bedroom. We are transporting formula for a special needs child - LWB (love without boundaries) uses families traveling to help transport items and save in postage and time. We are taking clothes sent to us for Hope Foster Home in Beijing. We are also taking several gifts for children whose parents are still waiting to travel. With that and our own gifts of clothes, wet wipes and various other things for different SWIs, our baggage will be stuffed this time. We will be able to unload most of these things while in Beijing, at the airport or while visiting Langfang - this will alleviate us having to pay extra for too many bags/too much weight during our intra-China travel. Intra-china travel is much more restrictive on baggage than on international flights.

The children left at home will be off to their respective caretakers in 5 days - on Wednesday evening. We will be leaving early Thursday morning - not even 6 days away - to start our flight towards Jeremy. We covet your prayers for safety in travel and while in China - for warmer weather in all portions of China and ease of travel in province and between provinces - for Jeremy's heart to be soft and trusting of us - for health ... Caitlin and Grace are both sick with the flu - have been for over 2 days with fevers, chills, muscle aches, congestion and sore throats ... we DON'T need this during our travels! Also remember Caitlin, Grace, Sarabeth, Nathan and Juliana as they are staying with friends for over 2 weeks - this will be the first time for Sarabeth being without Mommy for so long, and she has already had bad dreams and tears just preparing for it. Remember her especially.

Thank you for your support and prayers throughout our wait to travel - follow us in China as Jeremy becomes part of his forever family!
Mary