Countdown to China!

We are thrilled to announce that we will be leaving for China October 21st!!! It has been a long wait (see the ticker to the left), but the time is finally here. We are so excited, and appreciate all the prayer and support from so many of you! Here's an updated list of specific things to pray about:

For the Adoption Process
-Past. Thank God for carrying us through this long process! Everything has finally worked out, and we’re ready to go! Thank God for his provision financially.
-Future. Pray that no unexpected issues arise that would complicate things in China.

For Tabitha
-Current care. Thank God that she is receiving excellent care and that the caretakers have told her about us and shown her our pictures. Pray for her to have peace as she is transitioned back to her original province for the adoption processing, and then to our family.
-Medical needs. Please pray that things go smoothly during our stay with her in China—that we receive adequate training for dealing with her catheter and that there are no complications while we are there. Also pray for our peace and comfort in being suddenly confronted with special medical needs we’ve never dealt with before.
-Adjustment. She’s already lost her birth parents, she’s lived in two orphanages, she’s been hospitalized, and she’s about to leave everything she’s familiar with and go with complete strangers who don’t speak her language, to a land that looks, smells, tastes, feels, and sounds very different. At 2½ she’s definitely old enough to be affected by these changes. Pray that she quickly bonds with us and soon feels at home in her new family and country. Pray for wisdom and patience for all of us as we help her through the transition.

For The Trip
-Travel Arrangements. Thank the Lord that we are able to bring Ethan and Jesse, as well as Stephanie (Heath’s mom) and Amy (Heath’s cousin). Pray that the children behave, especially on the plane, and that the rest of us are also pleasant to be with.
-Safety/Health. Thank the Lord that we are all in good health overall, and we were able to get travel immunizations. Pray that no one gets sick or injured while we’re traveling. Pray that we’ll have no problems with swineflu or tuberculosis issues.
-Attitudes. Pray especially for us adults to maintain Christ-like attitudes despite any challenges. Even if everything goes well, international travel, with children, for an adoption, is enough to make for a challenging time. Pray that we would be patient and flexible, as things in China don’t tend to run as efficiently or on time as they do here in the States. Pray that no matter how well or how poorly things go, we will all have a go-with-the-flow attitude, and choose a joyful heart no matter what.

Coming Home
-Adjustment. Pray that Tabitha bonds to us quickly and feels at home. Pray that we can quickly adjust to having a brand-new toddler in the house. Pray that she learns English quickly. Thank God for the awesome privilege of providing a home and family for one of His precious children.
-Siblings. Ethan and Jesse are very excited to have a little sister. Thank God for giving them this privilege, and pray that they will welcome her easily and treat her well. Pray also that they won’t be overlooked in all the extra care that she’ll need.
-Medical Needs. Pray for peace and guidance during the medical procedures Tabitha will need. Pray that her need for a catheter will not be permanent.
-Homeschooling. Our first year of homeschooling has gotten off to a good start. Pray that we’re able to get back into the swing of things quickly and continue to be productive with a new little one in the house.
-Our House/Land. We’re still hoping to sell our house and start building on our new land as soon as possible. Pray for wisdom and for the Lord to work this out in His timing, especially with just going through the huge event of adoption.