Message to Quan

We've been working so hard to complete all the needed paperwork and get things straightened out, fixing and redoing until everything is perfect. Even through Michael's dad passing we continued working, trying to get everything done. We want so much to get him home. I wish so much he knew we were here. That he has a family that wants him. We are bringing every cent we can together to get the money needed. We're working so hard at all the paper work and we are completing all the requirements. It is a very complicated confusing process. I look at his photos, and I look in his eyes, and I just wish he knew we were here. Working so hard for him.  I will step way out of my comfort zone and travel 17 hours on a plane to a far away country where I don't speak the language because I love him. I will ask him to step way out of his comfort zone and leave with a stranger to go to a far away place where he will have to learn a new language and life. But I promise to always help him, always be there for him, and always love him. He will never be alone with out his family again. I just wish he knew right now he is not an orphan anymore. He has a family. And we are doing everything we can to get him home. I wish so much it didn't take so long. I pray if somehow it's possible that God could whisper to his heart right now as he sleeps that he has a momma, and a babba (daddy) that love him so much. (This was the picture taken in the winter when we were trying to find him. They took his picture "for a family that was considering adopting him". He looked so cold and feverish. I wanted him home then.  He must wonder why it is taking so long or maybe that we didn't want him.) I just wish he knew. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you...plans to give you hope and a future.              

Martin "Pa"

Today is a day of loss once again for our family. Michael's dad passed away this morning. It's just been such a difficult time. I am thankful that we were able to share the news with him that we got  preapproved to adopt Frankie. He was so excited. And it was so great to hear him so happy. Michael and I couldn't get over how much it meant to him. It meant a lot to us that he shared our excitement and love for Frankie. We will miss you "Pa".

First glitch

O.K., first very frustrating glitch. After realizing they would not accept all the copies of birth and marriage certificates we had left from Allie's adoption because they were over 6 months old, (not getting why that should matter when they don't change) we quickly reordered everything again so we would be ready to complete our home study and start immigration. Well, the other day the certificates arrived, on time. Yeah.  Then I opened the package. Michael's were there, mine were not.  But they charged the full $100. O.K. so I'm upset because this will now mess up the schedule but alright I'll just get this straightened out and ask them to send my copies. I'm going to spare you all the boring details but basically after all morning of trying to reach them by phone and internet. I finally get through by phone only to find out it is a strictly automated system where you can not speak to a human being, and there is no automated option for "you robbed me". Not anything even remotely close. Only to order more, which I did. Trying desperately to get everything done. Hoping they will send a refund shortly. UUuuuugggghhh!

Frankie Martin

Awhile back I posted about my dad. We dedicated this blog to him. My dad passed away in January from a long battle with cancer. He never got to go into remission, he never got to get better, but he never gave up or stopped fighting. My dad, Pop Pop, was one of the most amazing people I'll ever know and we all miss him more than you can put into words. There was nothing he couldn't do and he did everything for everyone. He was Joshua's best friend and Joshua was his buddy. I am thankful that he was able to see pictures of Fu Quan and share in our hopes to adopt him. He spoke to us both about our plans and then supported us in them. During one of our talks, many of us were so blessed to have with him over this past year, he told me, "If you can come up with the money for the adoption expense, bring him home". Later I told him we were going to adopt Quan, I wanted him to know. And I told him that he and Quan shared the same birthday. His face lit up. People have said we will have a guardian angel watching over this adoption. I hope so. I hope he can some how look down. We didn't get to tell him Quan's new name. We are going to name him Frank Martin Quan. Quan for his Chinese heritage, Martin after Michael's dad, and Frank after my dad.

PA!!!

I pulled into the block this morning and a Fed Ex was pulling out. I have never been able to look at a Fed Ex truck with out thinking about adoption, and Cesar our Fed Ex man that was the stork that delivered our first pictures of Allie. (What a day that was) So when I saw the truck I thought maybe it was a good sign that we would hear something soon. The PA doesn't come by Fed Ex, but by way of the internet. But it was my sign. We got our PA!!! We are officially acknowledged by China as proceeding to adopt Fu Quan. It's a good day.

Patience

Well, I'm already starting to feel like the whole waiting thing is getting difficult. Not good, since it's really only just beginning. With us we were already talking about him and knew about him for a year and a half. I feel like we've been waiting for him for such a long time.  I will feel better if we would just get the pre approval (PA) from China. Some people get it with in days. I really hope this isn't a sign of how things are going to go. We were so hoping to some how have him home by November. Even that feels too long. I know it will be difficult. But we are all so ready to have him home. I can't wait to finally get to the point where we can at least let him know he does have a family. From all that we have heard that is a very big deal for him. But we can't let him know until we are ready to bring him home. Otherwise the kids get discouraged about why it took so long to come get them. They don't understand this whole process. Heck, neither do I half the time. It's 10:30 in the morning in China. Hopefully he is in school. They say he loves school. I think he attends school with in the orphanage, but I am not sure. I am so hoping we will hear something this week!