Updated Pictures of My Girls!

 

 

These are the most recent family pictures that have been taken.  As you can see, my girls have fun together and love to be together.  They are the joys of my life.  So much so that I am starting the process to adopt another daughter, this time from China....a 12-year-old girl who will age out of the system before too long.  I can't wait to bring her home so that her two little sisters can love on her.  God is good.

Home From Africa....Sisters Meet...and LOVE

Caroline and Claudia met for the first time at the airport in Cincinnati on Oct 29th.  It was so sweet to watch them.   They have been home together now for about 2 1/2 weeks....they love each other.....are side-by-side most of the time....and I can't imagine them any other way.   They do have their sibling spats but that is normal....and their day ends with 'I love you's' to each other.

Here are a few pics of them together:

In Africa!

We have been here in Central Africa for three days now.  I received my new daughter the same evening that we flew in....my Claudia was sound asleep when they handed her to me.  I was so worried about how she would react once she woke up in a strange bed with a strange person.  But, it worked out OK.   She is beautiful, and is going through a roller-coaster ride of a transition, but we'll all be fine.   You can check out my daily (sometimes twice in a day) posts at http://adoptingclaudia.blogspot.com 

I Leave in Four Days.

After my asthma attack and a bit of pneumonia in my left lung......after antibiotics, oral steroids, breathing treatments, and cough meds......I'm finally starting to feel 'closer' to normal.   Today was the most 'normal' that I have been in a week.   So, today, I finally started to feel excited and confident about making this trip to Africa.   My fears seem to be leaving me.....I'm thinking it is because of all of the prayers that have been lifted up on my behalf.  Thank you.....and don't stop.  :)

And I Get Sick a Week before I Leave??!??

     I ended up in the ER on Sunday after a horrible asthma attack.  I stayed home today to rest, but I'm still feel, well, crappy.  But, I still had to get stuff done.  Got the visa application filled out today and it will go in the mail tomorrow.   Tomorrow I will finish my adoption education process...or what I call, my 'Masters of International Adoption degree.'  

     I will admit that I have some fear about making this trips to Africa.  I won't go into detail about where I'm going until after I come home....but this will not be a 'walk in the park.'   I am so excited to meet my new daughter....hold and hug her....play with her....look in to her eyes.  THAT is what I look forward to.....but I will be glad when we get home...'nuf said.   
  
    I ask for your prayers as I depart to bring home my daughter on Oct 17.

I'm traveling to Africa in less than 2 weeks!!!!

My agency called to tell me that Claudia's passport was issued and I can travel in two weeks!  That is about 3 to 4 weeks earlier than I had anticipated!  So, my head is spinning with all of the things that MUST get done before I leave.  I'm also thrilled that my university is giving me 12 weeks off if I choose to use it all....that's 12 weeks PAID.  I am blessed.   I will post pictures as soon as I am home!

Received Updated Pictures of Claudia!

Today I received updated pictures of Claudia, who is in Central Africa. I hope to bring her home at the end of October. In the pictures Claudia is wearing one of the dresses that I sent to her. I can see the care package in the background of the picture. So glad to know that she got it! That means that she has also seen the photo album with pictures of me, Caroline, and Grandma. Claudia....we'll see you 'in person' in a matter of weeks!