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 :)

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