Our hearts are so full. Many emotions bubble up to the surface. We are joyful that the days are flying by, each day bringing us closer to our girl. We still don't have a travel date. There are a couple of queues we will get that will alert us that it's getting close, but it seems that once we get our court date, we will need to leave asap. It would be wonderful to be able to travel as early as March.
It has been thrilling to receive videos and picture updates of A. At the same time, to see her sweet personality, and see her big smile, and to know that, as mama and daddy, we're still thousands of miles and many weeks till we see her, weighs on our hearts.
We received a letter at the end of November informing us that we were approved to receive a sizable grant towards our adoption. This is a huge, huge blessing.
Our adoption fund currently has a deficit of only about $5500, and we are praying about what steps to take to make up the remaining amount. We have recently applied for another grant, and are waiting to find out the decision of one more foundation. Getting blessed with either/both, would get us closer, if not all the way, to our goal.
Also, we have received a medical update on A. She seems to be doing well, but we have learned that she has most likely suffered profound hearing loss, at some point in her young life. We had suspected this for a little while, not knowing how severe it was. It is obvious that she is really not hearing much, and doesn't really speak. This is something the Lord knew from the very beginning and we grieve for her loss, but feel very able to manage, as we already see many specialists and have experience with hearing loss with Finn. We look forward to learning ASL, and hope to begin teaching her when we FINALLY get to meet her:)
So, to sum up, here is a prayer list:
1. For A's safety, health and happiness till we can bring her home.
2. That there would be no snags in the process, that everything would go as smoothly as possible.
3. That our time spent travelling (with 3, then 4 children) would be blessed. That everyone would be safe and healthy.
4. That our adoption fund would be at 100% by the time we need to travel.
5. Also, we appreciate continued prayers for my dad recovering from colon cancer. For healing, energy and high quality of life returning soon!
