Next Best Thing to LOA. . .

An Update - Yeah!

We were thrilled  to receive an email today from Angela at "Ladybugs N Love".  We recently sent a care package to Leiney Grace through Angela and also paid for Angela to contact the orphanage on our behalf to ask 10 questions.  We were able to choose the questions and the answers revealed to us just a little glimps of who this little girl we call Leiney Grace really is.

1.Is child taking medication for her heart condition?

She’s received expectant treatment.

2.Specifically how is her health - is she having colds, pneumonia often?

She’s been healthy. She sometimes catches a cold, but no pneumonia.

3.Does she know she has a family and has she been shown our pictures from the care package?

She knows she has a new family. She has received the care package and been shown the pictures.

4.How does she feel about being adopted and coming to another country?

She is very happy about it and looks forward to be with her new parents.

5.What are her favorite foods, drinks?

She is not picky eater.

6.What are her favorite things to do?

Play games with her little friends.

7.What are her fears?

Strangers.

8.Who is she closest to in the SWI?

Director Wang, her caregivers and teachers, and her best frined Min Yan Xia.

9.What are her favorite toys?

Doll.

10.What comforts her when she is upset, sick?

Family and friends’ love and care.

There you have it!  Today was day 45 of our LOA wait and although I was hopeful it would come today, it did not.  But the next best thing to LOA is an update, and we are so thankful to our God for providing it.  We are also praising God that Leiney Grace knows she has a family and that she has seen our pictures.  She knows!  That is so powerful to me.  We aren't together yet in the physical sense, but on another level, we have been united.  She knows!  Now please Lord send our LOA so we can  bring our girl home!

Sweet Gestures

Lilly's friend Abby, who she met at kindergarten this year, gave the above purse to us for Leiney Grace.

This is what was inside - $9.04!  Oh, how my heart melted by such a sweet gesture from a child of 5 years.  Abby is also adopted from China. How can one not be touched by such a sacrificial gift from one child for another child who waits in an orphanage for her turn to be the chosen one. 

Another sweet gesture from Shelby and Katie's dear friend, Emily.  Emily donated to Hudson's adoption as well.  This time, out of the blue, she sent this note with $20 for Leiney Grace.  Once again my heart was truly touched by such sweet kindness from a child teen! (sorry Emily : )
To Emily and Abby:
Thank you so much for your love of our family and for your love for our Leiney Grace.  We are most grateful for your kindness!

A Big Praise!

Just had to share that we made $900 this morning at our yard sale fundraiser for Leiney Grace.  Many friends donated lots of great items and without their support, we would not have made nearly as much.  It was literally freezing this AM and the traffic was quite slow early on.  Instead of doubting, I kept telling myself and my family, "I gave this to God.  It is his to do with it what He will."  He blessed us in a mighty way, and for that, we are so very grateful!
Also we found out this week that our dossier is "in review" so hopefully we will have our LOA in a few weeks!  Today is day 29 of our LOA wait!  We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgivin,g and I would just love to add one LOA to that long list!

Isn't he adorable?  He is an original handmade Pogo, and he can be yours in time for Christmas.  Auction for Adoption is underway on the link below.  Help spread the word!  Send an email or post on your blog!

www.countrygirlathome.blogspot.com

Leiney Grace



On October 22, we received a much anticipated update on Leiney Grace and 4 new pictures.  It appears that she has grown up and lost some of her little girl look.  Or is it just the photos?   Is the orphange staff allowing her hair to grow out as it appears a bit unruly in these new photos or is it just a "bad hair day"?  Not sure. Does she look a bit more frail in these photos?  I can't quite tell.  Does her left hand in this bottom photo appear to have definite clubbing in the fingers due to lack of oxygen?  I'm not sure.  What I am sure of is that Leiney Grace is a child of God, created in His perfect image, in need of love and care, and Lord willing, will be our daughter in a few more months. 

Do all the unknowns scare me?  You bet.  Do I think about our hospital stays with Lilly while in China and wonder if it will be the same with Leiney Grace?  Yes!  Do I wonder how will I ever do "this" without my husband (who is not making the trip to China with me), the one who helps me whole it all together when everything seems to be crumbling?  Absolutely! 

How do I do "this"? 

By believing in God's promises and trusting in His Word and His character.  By believing He is who He says He is.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."  Phillipians 4:19
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12: 9
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" Ephesians 3: 20 

And by remembering quotes from a great theologian:

"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it knows and loves the One who is leading."  Oswald Chambers

"All of God's people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose He has given them."
Oswald Chambers

And a quote from a women's conference:
"Never uproot in doubt what was planted in faith!"