It truly is amazing how time flies! On the 18th of last month (June), I was thinking of how I would love to update the blog, since it had been a month and it needed to be done, but lately we have truly been confused about where we are at the moment in this process. I'm sorry to say that we have been having a little trouble with getting updates and anyone to clarify what is going on, but I will try my best to explain what little I know.
So just now at the moment, we are waiting on Article 5. Which, after researching it, I believe means we are waiting for Chloe's visa to be approved. We got this information over 3 weeks ago, and as far as I know, it hasn't been completed. Typically this takes 2 weeks, and then after that, we should get our Travel Approval in 3 weeks and I believe a traveling date would come with that. We have had some problems, though, that will delay us quite a bit unless they are fixed much faster than we anticipate.
A part of the paper work needs to be changed for us to be able to get her. Funny, but I distinctly remember mom and dad reviewing the paperwork, and I for sure remember them saying that they would take a child with a missing limb, not just missing digits, but everything happens for a reason, and the paperwork was somehow sent on saying we would not take a child with a missing limb. And because she has no left foot, that will for sure have to be changed. Also, because our process is taking a little bit longer than any of us thought, she will be 1/2 a year older by the time we go to get her than what the paperwork said we would except.
These changes absolutely have to be made and normally take at very least 2 1/2 weeks to complete, which will push our traveling date back that much more.
The date keeps getting pushed back, so we're not really putting estimation on it, not only because it gets changed every time, but also because we honestly don't know quite enough to do so.
But other than that, we are ready to go and get her!
Trying to build up our immune systems has been doing much better than I thought it would. I think we have all been doing much better, and I at times feel nearly all healthy! I am extremely grateful for all the prayers sent up on our behalf. The support of so many friends has been both encouraging and humbling, and honestly, I am not sure how we would've been able to get through all these frustrating changes, problems and delays without your prayers.
The scariness I mentioned earlier has disappeared. God has calmed my fears and given me a goal; something to look forward to as we move on. Through some very good friends of ours who have adopted 3 times and others who have been there, we have gained a lot of information about China and are preparing ourselves (and making check lists of what to take!) for the trip. I am starting to get extremely excited about my sister and even the trip to go and get her! At times, I even feel my energy level coming up; it's like God is literally preparing us for this whole thing!
This is going to be so new for us, life is going to turn on it's head in every aspect. When I was younger, my parents were always really good at disciplining me and my older siblings as they tried to mold us into godly people for the influence of Christ. But even that is going to change! As I was explaining to a friend, adopted children have been "abandoned" by their parents, so it's not uncommon for them to have trust issues. So when we go to get Chloe, we should not and will not begin to discipline her until we have her complete trust, and until she knows how much we love her and that this is her family. Even after all this is gained, disciplining will be very different. Adopted children are much more sensitive. I as a child would have never thought twice about time-out, but our friends say that to separate their adopted children from them selves for even a few moments is dramatic for the children. So I wonder at times if that will be hard, or if everything will just fall into place?
I do know that God will lead us if we ask Him, though, and I'm excited to see His hand working in our family. This is all His plan, and His plan is perfect!
So that is where we are in the process and in getting prepared for her. God is blessing us in so many ways! What an honor to be a part of this.
Again, your comments and questions are welcome, and your prayers are so very appreciated!
God Bless,
Cameron
