Savannah at the thai restaurant we ate at tonight.
Today our paperwork was reviewed by the American Consulate (through our guide, we didn’t have to go ourselves) and our guide said there were no problems with it. Yay!!! Tomorrow at 2:15 we will be going to the Consulate to take our oath with Jade. Quite honestly I can’t remember what the oath is about, but it’s a formality we do to finalize our adoption. It is the last step in the process here in China (when we get into the US we will have one last hurdle and that is going through US Customs and Immigration). Then Wednesday we will get our visa for Jade and Wednesday night we’ll be in the air!
We are actually going to begin packing tomorrow, it is really starting to feel like our time here in China is officially winding down. We are ready to be at home, and can’t wait to get there. There are many oceans between us and home, but as I said to Mark on our last journey home “It’s inevitable, we will eventually get home.” Thanks be to God!
Melissa, Mark, Savannah and Jade
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July 19, 2010 8:26 pm
We want you to know that we pray for you guys and as the journey home is approaching, we pray for sleepy, content little girls and peace and rest for Mom and Dad. I personally think it would be neat if you stepped on that plane, did an about face and walked off into the arms of family at the Grand Rapids airport…God has done that sort of thing before! We so appreciate the time and effort you have taken to keep us all informed. What a joy to know we will soon meet Jade. We love you all!
July 19, 2010 10:13 pm
Hi Aunt Marilyn!
Thank you for your prayers! We appreciate them so much, and if you want to pray for what you described, I would certainly welcome that little surprise! ;o) I was just thinking as I am setting here looking over photos of our journey thus far (and putting up some more) how excited I am for family to meet our little Jade. She is a joy to us and each day we see more of her beautiful and fun personality. I can’t for for you guys to meet her. ;o)
Love you bunches,
Melissa
July 20, 2010 12:52 am
It can’t happen too soon for ANY of us! We are so excited! We continue to pray for family bonding and safety. However I never thought of praying for Marilyn’s “no travel time” miracle!! We’ve always known that she’s more spiritual than I am!!! I just love that “go for the dream” perspective she puts on life! God bless your final days of your Journey to Jade! Love all FOUR of you!
July 20, 2010 7:54 am
I wanted to share this poem with you–it was written by a friend, when we were just about to travel our 1st time to China to receive Hannah–as I was reading your blog yesterday,it reminded me of the poem…this friend also has 2 granddaughters from China
May it bless you as you think of God’s gifts of Savannah and Jade in your lives.
From The Other Side of Earth
You are mine,beloved girl-child
I know your name;I see your face.
You are most precious in my sight
No one else could take your place.
I’m the one who formed and made you
And I was present at your birth.
They loved you but they couldn’t keep you
There on the other side of earth.
I’ve felt their longing;heard their prayers,
These two who would be “Dad” and “Mother”
And I will carry out my plan,
For I am God,there is none other.
The world is full of needy children
I made them all’I give them worth.
My sons come from afar,and daughters
from the other side of earth.
Do not fear for I am with you
My purposes will come to be.
I’ll place you gently in their arms,
Someday,somewhere–across the sea.
They’ll care for you and how they’ll love you,
Your home will resound with joy and mirth!
You’ll be their own beloved daughter
From the other side of earth.
They’ll tell you many things about ME
And teach you how to do what’s right.
So much you see and do will make
Your dark eyes sparkle with delight!
You’ll flit just like a butterfly
Skimming,swooping,with the breeze.
You’ll love to bend and smell the flowers
And hear the buzz of honeybees.
You’ll get so fleefully excited
Over things like little ladybugs!
You’ll dance whenever you hear music
Give wet kisses and warm,sweet hugs!
Their lives will be so rich and full
No price could set just what the worth,
When I provide a precious daughter
From the other side of earth!
(Based on Isaiah 43:1-7,NIV)
July 20, 2010 8:43 pm
Hello, I don’t remember if I already asked, but any chance you want greeters at the airport? Just let me know and I can communicate to the others in our little group. We are SO happy for all of you that your baby is in your arms and coming home!
Lori