Adoption Family Home Evening

This week for family home evening, we used adoption as our theme. It turned out really well. I read about an idea and used it for our family. I gave everyone a paper cup and poured water in it from a pitcher. I asked the boys what happens when I run out of water. They answered that I just go and get more water out of the tap. I compared this to love in that every time I have had a baby God has supplied more than enough love in our hearts (my heart and my husband's heart) to love another child and that there is going to be enough love for everyone.
We then talked about what it means to be adopted, the reasons why children are orphans and how hard it might be for a birth family to have to put their children up for adoption. We really got into a great discussion with the 3 oldest boys about some of the discrimination that our baby might face as she grows up. It was funny to see how protective the boys already are. We opened it up to any questions they might have about adoption and our situation. I'm always amazed at how spiritually mature and what deep thinkers we have.
We then discussed how busy we are going to be until we head to Taiwan and how everyone needs to help out, etc. I just thought I'd share this with you as I think these type of discussions are really an important part in preparing the older kids for the changes that are going to happen in the immediate future.

Flights Are Booked!

Our flights are booked! We leave in one month. I can't believe we are finally going to travel.
We used airline miles to get us to LAX and booked EVA airways for the International flights. We decided to upgrade to Elite class on EVA airlines since we are both tall and need the leg room.
We are still looking into hotels, so we would love to hear your recommendations. We will start in Taipei and spend a couple of nights in the Tainan area and then end up again in Taipei.
We would like to see and do as much as we can before we pick up the baby.
Anyone close to me knows how much I am obsessed with beaches. It doesn't appear that Taiwan has the greatest beaches. If, I am wrong and anyone can recommend somewhere to stay one or two nights at a beach area to just relax, we would love it.
So, bring on the recommendations for hotels, restaurants, places to visit, etc.
Wow, just one month until we have our daughter in our arms! All of the sudden it feels like we have a lot to do.

Glenwood Canyon Rockslide

Last night there was a huge rockslide in the Glenwood Springs canyon. This canyon is just west of our home on I-70. Traffic is completely shut down through the canyon. Gerry came back through the canyon last night just a couple hours before the rockslide. I'm so thankful no one was hurt. Rocks the size of semi trucks came down. The road will be closed for days. You can view more picture here.

We are So Blessed!

I just have to share with you some great blessings we received today! International adoption is not cheap. In fact there are lots of hidden costs that add up. Money has been tight this year and for most people looking at our situation, they think we're absolutely crazy to spend the money during this crazy economic time. When we decided to adopt 3 years ago, it was not about money. It was about making a difference in the world by adopting an orphan and giving them a family. What better thing can you do for someone?
We felt "called" to adoption by God and he has blessed us for it.
Today is a prime example. I was going through paperwork trying to find everything I needed to get our taxes done. I was getting pretty discouraged looking at all the tax info. While pulling some info off my computer, I got an email that money was being transferred to our account from a personal loan we gave out a while ago. What a huge blessing.
Not even a hour later, I could not find some tax info.that I needed. I was going nuts. In the process I came across a $2000 cashier's check. Now tell me, who loses a $2000 check? Not me, I'm very money conscious. It was a check we got when we bought our other house 18 months ago and was a refund for the interest rate lock deposit.
I think in the excitement of moving into the new house, I put the check in with the paperwork and totally forgot about it. Can you believe I came across this check? Anyway, I called the bank and they said it was still good. So, between the money gotten today, it is almost the exact amount we need to pay to finalize the adoption!
God is great! Coincidence? I think not!

Hallelujah - Bring on the Pink!

May I please have a drumroll............................................................................................................................................
We got word today that we made it through the court process! We will be traveling to pick up our baby girl mid April! We are so excited. We are thrilled that we made it through the court process so fast. We figure we waited long enough for our referral, that we are blessed with a fast court process. God is great!
In all, it has been a 3 year process to this point from when we first starting working on adoption documents. So, it's definately a LABOR of love!
It couldn't come at a better time. Gerry will finish up the ski season and we will leave a few days later. So awesome! Also, his parents will be back in town to watch the boys! We can't believe it and are so excited. Now, we have to get our airline tickets and hotels, etc.