Showing posts with label adoption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adoption. Show all posts

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, April 11, 2009

My Story

Hi! My name is Chelsey. I am 16 years old and I have a heart for orphans and China. This is the story of my transition from America to China in my heart.

Last summer, my dad, Tim, and I went on a short-term mission trip to China. We ministered to orphans and spent time loving them; giving them attention they didn't normally have. My heart was broken, as was to be expected. However, my dad, who came on the trip so I "could have the experience", was changed even more dramatically than I. His heart was broken as well, and we shared an unforgettable experience that would change our lives forever as well as bring us closer together. While we were there, we both fell in love with one of the orphans. Her name is Jing Fu Xian. She is 6 years old and precious. She is mis-diagnosed with CP and because of this label is living in the special needs department of the orphanage. As soon as we got home, we told my family about Xian Xian and almost immediately began the adoption process. Though she is being taken care of to the best of the nannies' abilities, we wish to bring her home to us as soon as possible. The process has been long and slow. We began the process June of 2008. I will eventually try to put together a timeline so our progress will be clear. We have been in constant prayer for Xian and the orphanage. We have also needed much hope, patience, and trust. Please join us in this journey by supporting us with prayer. We have had so much encouragement thus far, and we are very excited to see where God is taking us, especially me. I have seriously considered going full-time into missions, possibly learning Chinese, or teaching English. Whatever God's plan for me is, I trust him and I know he knows what's best. Thanks be to God!

In His name,
Chelsey