One year and getting so close!

I am amazed when I think back to one year ago today when God so clearly put our feet on a new path leading to China!  You can read about that here : http://isaiah43-5.blogspot.com/2011/07/you-want-us-to-do-what.html.  In so many ways it feels like only yesterday.  Then there have been times that it seems there will be no end to the wait.  However, we are so close.  We are waiting for Article 5 pickup (July 21) and then Travel Approval.  At this point our best guess is that we will leave sometime the end of August, which is really right around the corner! 

As I think back over the past year, I am immediately begin to think about the faithfulness of our God.  I have no doubt that He has been with us through every step of this process and know that from the beginning of time He knew that this was the plan for our family.  He knitted and created Ella Grace in her birth mom's womb to become a part of our family on the other side of the world.  He has shown me the love that He has for me, as my Father, through the love that I already feel for my daughter.

This past year has also brought many new friends into our lives.  We have an agency that cares for us and prays for our family.  I have a group of women that have, or are in the process of, adopting that have become a source of understanding, compassion, joy and strength during the paper process.  I feel so blessed that when we are home with Ella Grace that I know I can turn to any one of them for advice and support from several been-there-survived-that moms.

I have also been overwhelmed by the love and support that we have received from our friends and family.  There are so many that are excited about Ella Grace and can't wait to meet her.  I can't wait to see how she grows into her place in this new world that waits for her.

Here are a few recent pictures I have received:-)