Sunday, June 21, 2009

Father's Day

It's Father's day and the same thoughts that I had on Mother's day are cycling through my brain. Once again, I can't help but imagine Xian on the other side of the world without a father. I wish she could have the same hope that we do in that her family and her father are on their way and will be there in God's timing. I do wish to tell my dad that he is truly appreciated. This time last year he and I were listening to an English/Chinese sermon in the local church (only for foreigners, passport required at door). I'll never forget that trip and how much we learned and I'm so thankful that he willingly went with me. THANK YOU DAD!

As far as updates from China- The orphanage tried to submit the girls to the CCAA, but it was "rejected" due to insufficient or inaccurate information. This all goes to show that God's plan is not our plan! Our Chinese contact, Lily, says this has been a recurring theme recently. The orphanage director seems distracted. Honestly, I am willing to bet that he is tired of us contacting him from so many different angles. He must think we have so many connections! (well, I guess we do...) Anyways- no REAL news.

Just a small update about Tigi- for those of you who were praying: We have reason to believe that she is safe, althoug the best way to know for sure is to hear from her, which has not happened. We are pretty sure that she is in Atlanta. However, because she is a legal adult and there was no "foul play" (in otherwords she disappeared of her own will), the police have discontinued their brief search and she is now one of the millions of illegal immigrants in America. I will continue to pray for her fervently until I know for sure that she is safe.

Thank you all for your prayers!

In Him,
Chelsey :)

Thursday, June 18, 2009

FINALLY!!

While I was busily babysitting away last Monday, June 15, my mom texted me saying these exact words, "Just got a call from Karla- says we've been approved! We're off to China!" So, there you have it! Homeland Security fnally pulled through on our second attempt and approved us for international adoption... for two girls... (we're still waiting for guidance and wisdom about Meng).
Truthfully, we expected the approval to take longer. So, this is a blessing. My whole family- my mom especially (although her respectful persistance pays off!) was becoming discouraged. The Lord decided to give us even more H.O.P.E.!!! I'm revelling in God's love right now! Glory be to the King! :)
Our next step is an approximate 10-day process including 3 simple steps. Now, not meaning to be doubtful, but when we heard "just three simple steps", my immediate thought was, "Oh, great." In my mind that was equivalent to a mother leavingher child in the car in the parking-lot at Publix and saying, "I'll just be a minute!" However, I know God is in control and He's been more than wonderful so far... I just can't give up now!! HOPE! Oh, back to the steps- our docier (i think) must be sent to 3 different cities (Montgomery was one, and somewhere in TX). After that, we are off to China! Well, not us- NOT YET! Just our DOCIER. Which, I looked up in the dictionary... and couldn't find it. So it seems I will be forever pronouncing it wrong... or right... I have no idea!
So, its a beautiful day and there is joy in the air! (cliche', I know, sorry.) Thanks for your prayers! It's so wonderful knowing that someday soon I will have a new little sister!

In Him,
Chelsey :)

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Not much of Nothing

I've been thinking a lot about my future. I have a heart for China, but also for Orphans. I love children, and I love the gospel. I would love to go into full time missions, but I also want to be well educated, hence my presence at a 0.1-A Classical school in B-ham, AL (Westminster School at Oak Mountain- great school by the way!). So I am a little confused as to where I should go after highschool... I've thought about ESL, Seminary, Christian, etc. I don't know, and frankly I don't have to know right now. I'm only a JUNIOR! haha sometimes that seems pretty scary. Ok, so as you can see- this has nothing to do with the adoption, and I have nothing to say about the adoption because nothing has happened. It's slow moving as it has been the whole time. (sigh).

As I'm talking about nothing, I might as well ask you to pay :) :) :)
1)For Xian- that she would hear and believe the Gospel
2) For Fontana- ditto
3) For patience on my family's part
4) AND HOPE

Prayer is a powerful thing, so I mean it when I ask you to pray. God hears our prayers and he always answers.

In Him,
Chelsey :)

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Un-approved



Yesterday was a very hard day for my family. Tigist, our exchange student, went missing from where she was supposed to be in North Carolina, and was reported getting onto a bus to Atlanta on Monday morning. My family and I have felt very sad, confused, and even abandoned by what has happened. All the while, we know that God has everything under control and he knows exactly where she is and what she's doing. He will take care of her; all we can do is pray for safety and wisdom.

At some point during the day, my mom remembered that Tigist had told her on Saturday (over the phone) that she had sent us a letter. My sister ran out to the mailbox and returned with a letter from Homeland Security- our last US step in our adoption. My mom quickly opened the letter of disappointment. It read that we have not been approved due to a list of things, all of which my family has already completed. My mom immediately sent an e-mail to our wonderful social worker, Karla Thrasher, who said 1) she'd be right on it, 2) no news from China, but she'll ask again, and 3) Be thankful that we are being processed, we're not sitting, waiting, wishing. We're Moving Along. We're cimbing up the mountain, almost there... but we keep falling down a few feet.

Have Faith. Have Hope. Have Joy. Have Patience.

~Chelsey :)

P.S. Above is a picture of Tigist. If anyone sees her please let us know!! (205) 437-9973