Day 2

I can't believe how fast everything is going. We had orientation this morning at 9:00 and set our alarm for 7:30am. I guess because the electricity is more powerful here, our digital alarm clock sped up so it rang at what we thought was 7:30 and we got up and got ready. Come to find out, it was really 4:30 and we had just gone to bed at 2:00. We had already showered so we just went ahead with the day.
It's about 5:30 pm now and we are tired!!!! We got done with the orientation and went on a tour of the Forbidden City and the Silk Factory. It was very interesting. the weather was beautiful. Now we are preparing to check out tomorrow and are going to eat supper.
After supper, I am sure we'll crash and then we head out to fly to Nanchang at 9:00 am tomorrow. We arrive at 1:40 and meet Josie at 4:00!!!! I can't believe we're less than 24 hours away from meeting our beautiful girl. it's Jackson's 11th birthday!!! Happy Birthday Jackson!!!! We love you so much!!!! Next blog may include pics of Josie so stay tuned ....

We are in China!

More than 24 hours after arriving at Eppley, We are in Beijing!!!! Our flights were all uneventful and we got to our hotel at midnight and had some trouble skyping with the boys but finally got it all to work around 1:30 am. It was so good to see and hear them! We miss them terribly already but know they're in good hands. We got some sleep and are ready for breakfast and our HOLT orientation. We will more after our Beijing tour and will try to include some pictures of Beijing. We took this picture right before leaving for the airport. Thank you for the prayers ... keep 'em coming!

Tomorrow we fly out to meet Josie!!!!!! Please pray that our Skpe works. For whatever reason, it seems to be temperamental.

Love you all!!!

Video of Josie!

Guess what the Fed Ex guy brought us yesterday? A video of our precious Josie!!! This is the first time we've "seen" her other than still pictures. She is an absolute dolly! The boys loved watching it with us. Seeing the video made everything more real for all of us. We're so excited to get to know her. We've been trying to get it to upload but for whatever reason it isn't working.

Next time we post we will be in China!!!! Thank you so much for all the prayers and support. We are so, so thankful for all of our wonderful friends and family that have helped us through this journey. We can't wait to bring Josie home so she can meet all of you! Please pray for the boys too. They are starting to be a little scared and nervous.

Getting Closer!

Wow! What a busy week we have! The boys last day of school is Wednesday which means the week is filled with finals, Celebration Days, track and field day, baseball, etc, etc. We are getting so excited about bringing little Josie home but have no time to be nervous. My friend, Deb sent me this Psalm which is so fitting and comforting.

Ps 139: 1-10 O Lord, you have examined my heart

and know everything about me.

2 You know when I sit down or stand up.

You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.

You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say

even before I say it, Lord.You go before me and follow me.

You place your hand of blessing on my head.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!

I can never get away from your presence!

8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;

if I go down to the grave, you are there.

9 If I ride the wings of the morning,

if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

and your strength will support me.

Josie - we are coming!

CUTEST PICTURES YET!

Sorry guys, I know I have been neglecting this blog but I'm busy getting ready to go to China!!! We are so excited to finally be going. We received some new (very current) pictures of Josie and she is as cute as ever!

I have to admit that I'm getting a little nervous. Nervous about how she will bond with us, nervous about the boys staying here, nervous about a new little one around here, etc, etc. Please, please, please pray for Josie and our entire family. I definitely believe in the power of prayer and am so thankful for all the prayers.

Blogger is blocked in China but don't worry, my friend Heather is going to update from the States so everyone can follow our journey. Thank you Heather!

Please feel free to leave a comment. We love reading them!

More baseball!

We're busy with travel plans but are fitting baseball in. I wanted to add a picture of Jackson since I didn't have one in the previous post. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year!

Travel Dates Confirmed!

Well, it's official we will be holding our precious Josie in about one month! I am so excited and cannot wait for that moment. We will be leaving on June 3, with "gotcha day" on June 6 and returning home on June 18. That's all for now.......gotta go get busy!!!

Thanks for all the prayers and support......keep it comin'!