Where's My Manual?

I find myself in this weird limbo.

I know Hui-Mei is ours and I know that we will be physically united with her sometime this year. Currently, the wait is living up to its reputation.

I wish there was a manual for how to navigate this journey.

I’d certainly read the chapter on “How to send your love across the ocean.”

I’d flip to the section on how to answer the “How many children do you have” inquiry from the casual acquaintance.

I’d study for hours the paragraphs on “Preparing your home and heart for the upcoming transition.”

I’m sure I would find inspiration in the pages about “Financing your adoption.”

The authors expert opinion on “Whether or not to give an older child a new name” would come in mighty handy right about now.

And the tears would flow reading about “The moment you meet your child for the first time.”

Even though I don’t have an official “How to” guide, I do know the author of this journey personally. And knowing Him gives me peace beyond all understanding.

Receipt

I received an envelope from the Department of Homeland Security today. Me heart leapt as I saw it in the mailbox. However, it wasn't exactly the envelope I was waiting for! I was hoping for one that told me our appointment time and date for fingerprinting. Instead, this one told me that we had paid the fees and would shortly be receiving the letter to tell us when to report for fingerprinting. I smiled to myself......a letter to tell me that I would be receiving a letter.......I was disappointed. Still, it's progress and I'll take it.

The Check Was Cashed!

Never have I been so excited to see money deducted from my account as I was this morning! The check that accompanied our I600A application to the Department of Homeland Security cleared yesterday. Wooohooo! That can only mean one thing---progress. I'll be watching my mail for the official date/time for our fingerprinting appointment. We are officially one step closer to bringing our daughter home. Thank you God!