Travel dates!

I've been so bad about updating my blog.  I have a long post that I composed but I'm not too happy with the ending and I'm having a little writers block so, I've been praying for words...

Anyway, I do know our travel dates!!!

April 6th- Good Friday, we will be leaving on a jet plane!
April 7th-Arrive in Taiyuan, China!
April 8th-Easter Sunday...  Rest from travels & last minute shopping for Gracie Faith!
April 9th- Forever family day!!!
April 10th-Adoption day!
April 11th-Leave for Guangzhou
April 12-15th- Medical, shopping, sight seeing
April 16th- CA- Consulate appointment
April 17th- Pack & rest for the long travel home
April 18th- Leave China and travel back in time 13 hours to arrive home on the 18th too!

We'll be gone 12 days much less than previous trips.  We were in China 16 days for Linzhi and 15 for Madelyn.  I am just thrilled to shave off 3 additional days!

We are also using "My adoption website" to host our travel journal.  Here's the link if you would like to "travel" with us to China again (Madelyn and Linzhi's sites are attached as well). 

http://myadoptionwebsite.com/graciefaith


I'm hoping to get some new pics of Gracie.  I couldn't help myself, I sent her a bouquet of flowers, a fruit basket and a heart felt letter from her soon- to- be forever mama. 

Travel Approval!

Taking her big step into a life long journey with Jesus.

To say CJ and I are so happy and proud of our little one would be an understatement. Madelyn was baptized on Sunday and it was an emotional moment for her parents, pastor, family and our dear friend Rod Franklin who Madelyn shared her testimony with. As we were watching our baby drip with water as she was being baptized, I could see in her beautiful chocolate chip eyes little droplets of tears. I asked her later how she felt being baptized and she stated "very emotionally" ...Oh my heart. We thank Jesus everyday for the blessing of Madelyn Grace.

a little candid shot with the girls..Madelyn was about to blink, I think?

Pastor Bob, Madelyn and Daddy...I'm behind Pastor Bob.

Talking a bit about our girl.

Look at her face, so sweet.

Chinese exchange students that live with our friends.  The girl in the black sweatshirt, just came to Christ!!

The girls with our dear friend Rod.

With Pastor Bob.

Dad, Cathy, Allison and Sage

CJ, Grandma Sharon, Uncle Sean, Terry and Trevor.

Linzhi, Michael, Rachel, Grandma Vanessa, Jon, Madelyn and Chris.

Madelyn

Several months ago, Madelyn asked if she could speak to me alone.  We went into the office and shut the door.  My sweet little one told me that she has accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and that she would like to be baptized.  Madelyn has been on FIRE for Jesus almost since upon arrival from China in July 2010.  She loves her bible, both Chinese and NIV and has a deep concern for her foster parents in China and feels she needs to stand in the gap for them and pray for them to come to know Jesus.  This precious soul feels so strongly about the importance of her baptism that she had NO reservations sharing her testimony with leadership in our church. 

So on this Sunday, March 18th, Madelyn will have her special day and her family is so very proud of her for making this decision for herself. 

My cup overflows...

Gracie's room.

Ok, these are not in correct order...so the before pics are at the bottom. 

I had all kinds of plans for Gracie's room, my ideas for my youngest...the color, the bedding, all the little extra details mama's do for their babies that are coming home...

However, I live with three daughters and they had their own ideas for their baby sister. And I have to say, I LOVE their way so much more! 

I chose the bedding and the pink cross on the wall and that's it.  EVERYTHING else has been donated from my daughters. Rachel generously donated a bookcase, the stackable bins, lots of toys and the pink curtains, ballet shoes for next fall and her old (to her) Care Bears.  Madelyn donated lots of little trinkets for her book case,  Belle doll,Mulan Barbie doll and a Chinese Children's bible.  Linzhi Rose donated all kinds of hair bows, headbands, books, princess shoes, sunglasses, necklaces and a Christmas snow globe. 

Oh and the bunk bed...Well that was a sweet blessing from our dear friends and we are SO grateful!!! 

Watching them give away their treasures so freely and with much JOY has put a lump in my throat many times over the last few weeks.  Everyday, I see new things stuck in her bins and it just melts our hearts.  They are so proud of that room and CJ and I are so proud of them! 

Each child has a cross above their light switch, hand picked by mama and hung by dad.

The door leads to a large toy closet that is "neutral" territory for all the girls. Gracie is just lucky to have it in her room. :)

Hand painted Chinese parasols.  I bought these in China with Madelyn.  I forgot to add that these were given to Gracie from Madelyn and Rachel. 

Miss Gracie's bed and her backpack that will be heading to China very soon!

Little treasures from her sisters.

This backpack was Rachel's.  I am so glad I hang on to certain things, like bags.

Top bunk with friends.

The bins...something new enters everyday!

This Minnie welcomed Madelyn 1 1/2 years ago!

I love the color of the wall.  CJ picked this shade for little miss.

The Gracie doll.  She will be traveling to China too.  Mama or Rachel will be delivering it to Gracie on Forever family day.

Linzhi's little snow globe.  Melts my heart.

I just noticed this snow globe from Madelyn.  So sweet!

The purple Care Bear went to China with us for Linzhi Rose.  Rachel sent it with me for her baby sister. 

THE BEFORE"S

Madelyn and Rachel helping daddy paint. 

Linzhi too!!

Love this guy.

They worked very hard.

I think Linzhi just posed for pictures... :):)

ARTICLE 5 PICKED UP TODAY!!!
Now the count down to TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!

We *should* be in China within 5-6 weeks...Lord willing!