A Letter to My Daughter

Dear Joy Noelle,

I like being able to write my blog to you by name now. It was such a great surprise to receive pictures of you openeing the box we sent you. The smile on your face makes all the waiting worth it. We can't wait to meet you for the first time. Your room is ready and you have a closet full of new clothes.

Today will beign the last stages of your adoption. Yesterday we recieved an email that your birth certificate is here. It should make it to us today. So tomorrow morning we will apply for your Visa, the last step before we can travel to get you.

We are so excited to have you as a part of our family. Our Christian heritage will become part of your story. You will be loved and taught to love others no matter what they look like. Jesus cared for people from all walks of life and from many cultures. We will do our best to keep you connected to your native culture, but we also want you to be a part of ours.

In the days ahead you will have many, many firsts. Your first day of school in America, meeting your family, and our church family, as well as so many foods that will be new to you. I hope you will aclimate well.

Mom and I know that you will be scared. Natalie and Micah will be traveling with us to make it more easy on you. Once you are here, we will do everything we can to help you become whatever God wants for your life. I'm already praying for His divine will and call to be placed on your little heart and mind.

We love you so much already. I can't wait ot hold you soon.

Love,
Daddy

Guess What?

Guess what? We are working on more paperwork and we are waiting more. Isn't life grand. Now that we know our little girl is coming, it would be nice if the paperwork would move on already. But this, as most other aspects of the adoption process, moves at its own pace. We have all the forms filled out and ready to go. All we need is a copy of her birth certificate so we can make formal application for her visa. Our prayer is that we will be able to travel by the first of September. Please pray with us that all our other paperwork will not expire as we wait. This, of course, will add more time. 26 months and counting :/

In the mean time, fundraisng has gone well. We are only $600 short of our $6,100 goal. We so appreciate all who have donated to make this dream a reality. I hope each of you will have an opportunity to meet our little girl when she gets here.

Darren