"Booster Shot"

We received our waiting "booster shot" today.  We attended an open house at our agency and were able to meet our China coordinator, Ming.  She lives in Connecticut, and only comes to Michigan once or twice a year. 

It was so great to meet Ming.  She knew exactly who we were and exactly who our Emma was (Yi Shan to her).  She knew right away what province Emma was from and said that she is very beautiful!  We already knew that though!!  She said that our paperwork is on the right track and that our letter should be coming soon.  She thinks that we will travel in June or July.  Ming explained a little more about the paper process that our file has to go through.  It sounds a little more complicated than we originally thought since we actually changed programs from the regular to the waiting children's program.  I guess it is just the luck of the draw whether your paperwork goes through quickly or not.  Ming just returned from a trip to China and she has several contacts there that she meets with when she goes there.  She has been doing this job for many years, and it is obvious that she really loves the children and is very good at her job! 

There were many other families at the agency today.  Several of them had their little girls with them.  It was a little hard to concentrate on Ming's answers during the Q&A time when we had all of these cute little Chinese girls to peek at all around the room!!  We also talked to our social worker and our China consultant that work in our local office, and they were both very encouraging as well.  Our China consultant said that we are at the top of her list and that
she always flips through and looks for our name when they get a package
from China. We asked her what it was like in China in June and July and she said it is HOT--very, very hot!   She said that we will like it so much better in the summer though.  She said that people are out more and the sights and smells are so much different than in the winter when things are more gray and cold.    She said that Beijing will be in the 80's or so, but that Guangzhou (pronounced guangjo) will be in the 100's to 120's and very humid. 

All in all, it was an encouraging afternoon, and reassuring to know that we weren't just another name on a piece of paper.  The agency definitely cares about their clients and are looking out for them. 

Comment posted by
at 5/4/2007 12:25:00 PM

What a great encouragement!!! I don't envy you the hot temps there in the summer, but somehow I doubt that will be much of an issue! I didn't realize China could get so hot. I'm thrilled to hear the personal attention you are receiving and that it shouldn't be much longer! Waiting and praying with you as always,
Tracie

Comment posted by
at 5/4/2007 9:31:00 PM

Hurrah - this news was an encouragement to all of here in Louisville waiting with you! I know that the peace in your wait is from all the prayers because my heart feels it too. Love, Mom

Comment posted by
at 5/5/2007 9:26:00 PM

It sure helps when you understand a little more of how it works. It is getting closer and closer to that day! I know it is hard to understand God's timing but He sees the big picture. I am learning this lesson too. You are in my thoughts and prayers:)
Hang in there, God will bless your faithfullness. Lori