Not too much longer....

Travel Approval!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rick and I took the day off work to attend his grandmother's funeral today. She would have been 85 in November, so she had many wonderful days on this earth! The funeral was beautiful and of course many tears were shed. It was amazing to think about the family this woman has created... 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. All of these people are here because of her and her husband. And the family will continue to grow. One of Rick's Aunts said to me, "It is funny how God works with his timing.... thank goodness you guys aren't in China and Colleen hasn't gone into labor yet..... we can only handle one thing at a time." Colleen is Rick's sister, and she is due on Tuesday. So, we said good-bye to Grandma today. Colleen went to the doctor after the funeral... her baby is coming on Tuesday. While we were at lunch after the funeral, I get the most wonderful phone call saying that we have our TA! So, we grieve the loss of a wonderful woman, we celebrate the life of baby girl Ginter coming into the family.... and then we celebrate Emma Grace coming home to her forever family. God really does have a plan. We are waiting on our flight information. I CAN'T WAIT to find out when I will have this little girl in my arms!!!!!!

Waiting for Travel Approval (TA)

We find ourselves at the most frustrating part of our journey- everything is complete and we are waiting for the much anticipated TA. Our coordinator confirmed that our Article 5 was picked up and delivered to the CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs) on Monday, September 6. TA takes about 3-4 weeks, but I have known several families that got it in 2 weeks, even one that got it in 10 days. We are crossing our fingers for a short wait for TA. There is a group of 5 families from our agency leaving on October 6. I am hoping that if we get TA next week or the week after, we can join this group. There are a lot of Chinese holidays coming up over the next few weeks and we don't want to be postponed because of them. Come on TA, we are ready to get on a plane!!!!!

Sweet Emma Grace....

I got a few more pictures of my girl (have I mentioned that I LOVE facebook?!?!?!) I have to say that I am one PROUD mama to see her sitting so nicely. Not too much longer now.... day 5 of waiting for travel approval. I have to say, I am ready to get on that plane!

Do you think she made her little friend cry? She looks mighty proud of herself about something.... She has no idea what is waiting for her with 3 brothers :)

A Plea for Help!!!!!!

This post is part of Linny's crazy love prayer challenge- uniting families all over the world to fast and pray for the orphan. You can visit her blog at www.aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com

Over the last 5 months I have fallen in love with not only my daughter waiting on me in Ch*na, but a magnificent place called the Philip Hayden Foundation, home of the Shepherd's Field Children's Village where my daughter is living. I am in awe at the care they give their children and the loving, nurturing environment they provide.

When I found out that my daughter had been moved to SFCV I was overwhelmed with joy. I had prayed that God would protect her and watch over her until we could get there and I have no doubt that her move to SFCV was an answered prayer!

The Philip Hayden Foundation is a Christian ran orphanage (foster village) in Ch*na. I have talked to several adoptive parents who have visited PHF and speak highly of the care their children received while living there. To get more information about this amazing place, visit www.chinaorphans.org. You can read about how they got started and if you feel led to do so, sponsor a child, a surgery, a nanny or a particular house.

The Philip Hayden Foundation is in need of help. Just recently, there were 7 nannies laid off. These nannies went to the Labor Bureau and now PHF has to pay each of them $10,000 for a total of $70,000. This happened late last week and they have until September 14 to come up with the money. Miracously, they have already raised $44,860. But, we must find a way to come up with the remaining money! If the money is not raised, this wonderful foster village could face some difficult decisions. There are hundreds of adoptive families praying that these funds will be raised in time. We are also praying that these 7 nannies will have a change of heart and give this money back to SFCV. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this money could go to the children. Please pray with us!

I know that God has a heart for the orphan. We need places like the Philip Hayden Foundation that will love the fatherless and teach them about Jesus until they can find their way to forever families. If you feel led to help this important cause, follow this link to make a one-time donation.

On September 8th, adoptive families are pulling together to pray and fast for the orphan. You can read more about this group effort by families who have a heart for the orphan if you go to Linny's blog called, A Place Called Simplicity at this link. If you choose to do this on Wednesday, won't you please also pray for Shepherd's Field Children's Village as well?

I am passionate about the work of the Philip Hayden Foundation and I will live the rest of my life advocating for them and the care they provide for the orphans of China.

Emma Grace

Someone sent me this picture of Emma via Facebook. I am not sure who this is in the picture, but I am thankful that Emma is getting some lovin'! I assume that this lady was on a mission trip to PHF. Emma will definitely be used to seeing Americans, so at least she won't be completely shocked when she meets me!

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love PHF. They do amazing things with the children that live there. More on that to come....