Court is in session!

WE HAVE A COURT DATE!!!

Our agency submitted five potential court dates and our first date was approved.  As long as nothing major happens to change our plans, we will be leaving in less than three weeks.  

Whew!

Now to arrange travel and get all of our stuff done!!!

Who wants to come clean my house and pack our bags?  Who wants to be my personal assistant to help me get all of our stuff done?  I need someone with a clear head to make my lists because my mind is ALL OVER THE PLACE!!!

The phrase "running around like a chicken with its head cut off" totally fits us right now.

Is this finally happening?  Is this for real?

I might need a lamaze coach to teach me some breathing techniques because my overloaded brain might forget how to breath in the next few days.

Yes, I think it is quite clear we could use a little prayer and here is what I am asking for specifically:

• Smooth travel arrangements and painless travels 
• Quick bonding and strong attachment to us (she is very attached to her care giver so prayers for that separation to not be too traumatic and for her to bond to us quickly)
• Negative Tb test (Since she is already 2, she will have to be tested for Tuberculosis. A positive test with a positive chest x-ray would mean we would have to remain in country another 6+ weeks while cultures were grown and tested.  It is very rare to have a positive, but it can happen.  Let's just go ahead and pray this off!)
• Patience and a clear head to make it through the next two and a half weeks and get all of our stuff done 

BIGGEST UPDATE YET!!!

We have travel clearances!!!!!!!!

Today, I received a call from our agency letting us know we are cleared to travel.  This travel clearance opens up a window of time for us to travel, but we can't leave just yet.  The next step in our 20+ month journey is our agency setting up a court date at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China.  Once the court date is set, then we can buy plane tickets and reserve a hotel.  Basically, everything revolves around that one court date.  We will (almost 100% sure) be traveling before the end of March.

Also, last week, we received an unexpected update on Meiying and we were thrilled.  The last (and first and only) photos we received in December were taken back in June/July 2013 so receiving new photos that were only two weeks old were definitely greatly needed and appreciated.  She has definitely grown and changed since the last photos...which is to be expected.  She turned 27 months old on the 29th, (so March 1st?) but she is still a tiny little thing.  Her measurements put her at the size of an American 12 month old so she is either going to always be small or she is just behind in her growth due to conditions, lack of nurturing, and lack of nutrient intake because of her cleft lip/palate issues.  Or it could be a mixture of both...only time will tell.  Either way, she will be home soon and we are excited.  We still have several thousand to raise so if it is on your heart to help, the best way now is through our Paypal link.  A big thanks to all who have already helped and to all who continue to pray for us.  We couldn't do this without you!