Monday Update 7/25

Process Updates:

First of all, Happy Monday!  Can you believe I actually got this done on time?  Perhaps I’ve turned over a new leaf, or at least found the old one…

Second of all, 23 days!  23 days!  23 days until my chosen travel date.  Hurray!  It doesn’t get any better than that!  Okay, who am I kidding?  Of course it does - It will get even better tomorrow when there will be only 22 days left – but for July 25, 2011... 23 days is basically awesome.  =)

And, well, that’s about all I’ve got today.  We really have nothing new to share.  Our Travel Approval is still pending so we are still waiting.  I have made some serious progress in the packing department, however.  Jack is pretty much packed – clothes, toys, etc., and my remaining list of needed items is dwindling very quickly.   I haven’t gone as far as getting my own suitcase out yet, but I can pretty much guarantee it will be out before next Monday.  CCAI has shared that they are really hoping CCCWA will rush through a large number of TA’s this week in order to beat the August 1 new regulations, but they don’t really expect this to happen.  I am totally okay with this and hold the view that before August 1 would be a great surprise, but at this point I just want it to arrive as soon as it can.  I plan to check with our social worker this week to determine how exactly you submit a progress report to China at the one month mark – I’m pretty sure she’s going to have to be waiting on our front porch when Jack and I arrive home in order to get the paperwork completed, notarized and in the mail for that due date.  We’ll see though.

And that’s it.  Please continue to keep Jack, our travel plans and Katie’s childcare needs in your prayers.  The closer we get to real dates the more definitive answers Katie can give to those who are working on a plan with her and that always helps.  The closer we get, however, the more pressing the need for smooth transition prayers for Jack and our family.  And please also keep my own travel preparations in your prayers.  I have a lot of lists and sincerely hope that I am not missing something that will make my life crazy at the last minute.  Ha!  You are all wonderful for following along on this with us and covering us all in faithful prayer.  We appreciate it more than you know.  Thank you!!

Prayer Requests:

*We pray that our Travel Approval will arrive quickly and we will be provided the earliest travel dates possible.

*We ask for God’s continued guidance in finding childcare for Katie’s children as she prepares to travel.  Please pray that plans will fall into place smoothly as travel gets closer.

*We pray that God will prepare Jack’s heart and mind for the changes he will soon encounter as he joins our family.  May God provide a smooth transition, a clear understanding of the changes and situation, and a safe journey home.

*We pray for continued health and happiness for Jack, as well as God’s hand on his caretakers.   We pray for peace of mind and comfort for Jack.  We lift up his caretakers and ask blessings upon this relationship.

*We pray for patience and trust throughout this process, and as travel gets closer we pray for God’s direction and focus with preparation for both travel and Jack’s arrival.

* We continue to pray that each person following this journey will feel led to participate in Jack’s “100 Good Wishes” Quilt so that Jack will have a true record of the love surrounding his journey.

Ways You Can Support Us:

PRAYER - Please continue to lift up Jack and all of our family in your prayers.  We greatly appreciate your prayers on all fronts.  Please continue to pray that paperwork and processing moves forward smoothly and efficiently with China and that everyone involved experiences smooth transitions, safe travel and peace of mind.

Deborah Shipley