Many blessings ... but no LOA yet

I am thankful for so much. Although I am longing to go to China, and my heart is aching over our delay, I can't be sad for too long. God is providing for us in so many wonderful ways.

#1 I am thankful for provision! Our LifeSong update came. We have $3,300 in gifts from friends in our fundraising! This is awesome to us. We have also received $2100 in gifts from other friends (outside LifeSong and in addition to the early gifts that got us through the early costs).. And I've been able to raise another $3,000 from clients which has gone straight to the adoption fund. I raised enough from work this summer to pay for the first 1/2 o f the agency feel and cover a few other costs. So the $8,400 will about pay for: 2nd 1/2 of the agency fee plus the China orphanage fee ($3,000), plus some of the legal fees in China. Wow! (We're hoping the orphanage fee will stay $3,000. So far, we haven't heard any more about the orphanage fee going up to $5000, like they thought it would.) That means we only have another $11,000 or so to go before we can pay for all the China travel costs and the rest of China legal fees! We've come this far, that we are sure it will all come together!!

#2 I am thankful for hearing from Mei Xiang again. We received new photos and a letter! She says she misses us very much and can't wait to see us. She looks so grown up and cute as you can see!

#3 I'm thankful for another big blessing that has come as a surprise: an extra room for our growing family! We were going to put 3 girls into one bedroom and 2 girls in the other one, saving the 3rd bedroom for my office, where I work (like it is.) But then it hit me: Having a 14, 12, and 8 year old all in the same 11x15 room won't work so well -- at least not for very long! Kayla and AnneMarie are my size! They wear my shoes and some of my clothes! After volunteering to put my whole office into a corner of my bedroom, and Tom showing me how it wouldn't fit, he had another idea - add a room. I said, "There's no way can we afford it." But within a short period of time, it all came together with great provision. With storm damage to our house, we will take the insurance check that would cover the repair, if done by the contractor, and rather than just repair damage, we will use that to buy materials to add an office off the bedroom (over the garage). With my brother and Tom working together on it, it won't cost much at all. And my great friend, Laura, drew up plans for us for free. So, soon we will have a very inexpensive extra room, freeing up that third bedroom for ... well, a bedroom. Now the girls will be one, two, and two to a bedroom. And I will still have place to work (and write!).

I feel almost TOO blessed, if you know what I mean. But then God reminds me of all the sowing. When we sow, it brings its own joy. It really does! Among other things, our joy has been seeing beautiful, orphaned children adopted into loving homes! So, we'd be just as happy to give without a tangible return. Yet, the return is built in. Like you've heard it said before, you can't out-give God. In his time, he brings all things to harvest.

And we know that in his time, he will bring Mei Xiang home to live with us - a forever family. He makes all things beautiful ... just in time. And we can trust Him.

May you be abundantly blessed! And please keep up your prayers for LOA. I've set aside Sunday from 6pm on .. for as long a needed ... for breakthrough.

Pam & family