LSC is Coming!

The CCCWA website shows that my status has changed to 'match reviewed' which means that my 'Letter Seeking Confirmation' is on its way!  I am getting anxious in terms of travel dates...but I am putting it in to God's hands and know that it will all happen in His perfect time.  We are getting very excited!  Updated information came last week on 'Cameron' and I have been purchasing a few things for her....but I'm leaving the tags on the clothes in case they don't fit....or in case she doesn't like them.   I am praying that the orphanage/foster family will tell Cameron that she is being adopted.  I am putting together a care package for her with a photo album and other items.....just praying that she doesn't find out one day before we arrive.  Once again, I am just trusting God in this journey.

And.....LID! (That's Log-in-date for those that don't know China adoption jargon)

I received notification that my log-in-date is Tuesday, March 25.  Wow....so happy to get this far!  Now, I feel like things are finally moving.  Though....I was given a timeline for translation of two to 12 weeks!  That is quite a span of time!!   Let's pray for translation to be completed closer to the two week timeframe!!   

I have been collecting items for Cameron's care package.   So what do you include in a 13-year-old's care package?  I am including a photo book from Shutterfly, several disposable cameras, a soft blanket, jewelry, hair doodads, sunglasses, lip balm, and an owl keychain.  I am decorating her room with an owl motif.   And, I plan to find a cute purse that I think a 13-year-old would like.   Over the last few months I've been collecting a certain pattern of Vera Bradley items....backpack, purse, tablet cover, etc.   I plan to take those things with me to China to give her in person.  :)   Cameron, your new mama is praying for you every day.   I pray that your heart will accept a new family.   I pray that you will be open and willing to move to a foreign country.   Your little sisters are so anxious to have you home!   We love you so much, Cameron....even though you have NO IDEA who we are.....you are already in our hearts.  Hugs to you, my sweet girl.

DTC Today!!!

Finally, my dossier is on its way to China today.  Thrilled and relieved.   Now, there are a few more hoops to jump through, but this is big.   I plan on starting on Cameron's room in the next week or so.  Her bedroom furniture is being delivered this week.  Now, I've got to pick out paint.  We are going with an 'owl' theme for accessories.  From the pictures that I have received of Cameron, she looks very shy, and she has the sweetest smile and appears to have a gently spirit.  Mama loves you, Cameron.  And, so does Nai-Nai, Caroline, and Claudia.

Daughter No. 3!

I am getting closer to bringing home my third daughter, a beautiful 13-year-old girl from Jiangsu Province of China.   My family is looking forward to having her home!  I am in the throws of fundraising.....many of you understand what that is about!!!!  I still need to raise approximately $12,000 to pay for remaining adoption expenses which includes the orphanage donation as well as travel expenses.   Would you please consider supporting my process to bring Cameron Alexis Weihu home?   You an make a contribution here on my blog;  and/or you can make a purchase of some amazing coffee at my storefront which is https://www.justlovecoffee.com/about/beneficiary/Lessly.  Thank you!!!!!!

First Day of Kindergarten! My Girl is Growing Up!!!

 

My girls...Caroline, starting kindergarten, and Claudia, who is entering the 3's/4's class at preschool.  I am truly blessed.

I Hate Fundraising! Just Keepin' it Real.

I hate adoption fundraising....but I LOVE the end result.  It is also a necessary thing for those of us that are not independently wealthy.  And, most of us that adopt are NOT in that situation. :)   These days, as I am fundraising for my 3rd adoption (been fundraising pretty much nonstop since 2006), I almost feel like friends/acquaintances/family want to run the opposite direction when they see me coming because they fear that I will be asking them to help with a fundraiser or asking them for money (with the exception of adoptive families...they GET IT).   Well, that might be the case.  Just keeping it real here.....if I ask you to help it is because I value you or what you can contribute.  If I ask you to participate in a fundraiser I usually think you will have a positive reaction.   If I ask you to participate it's because I truly need the help....truly,  I'm not one to ask for help if I can take care of it myself.   I would like to summarize this post by thanking God for the wonderful people that have never wavered in their assistance with my adoption fundraising process.  You are truly Jesus 'with hands and feet.'  I will never forget your willingness to help....and you know who you are.

 

  I will end this post by thanking God for my daughters...two that are at home, and one that is waiting in China.  I love you more than you could possibly know.  You are my light and my joy.  You are my everything.  I love you 'to infinity and beyond,' as Caroline says.  :)

I Need Three of Me!

Every day I think of Cameron, the 12-year-old sweetheart that I am adopting from China....everyday I think of the paperwork that needs to be completed so that my dossier can be on its way to China.  And everyday I am overwhelmed with all of the other things that have a deadline and must be done.  And, I have two beautiful daughters that I like to give my attention to......and while spring semester concluded at the end of April, I am now teaching a May term course....and will be presenting a session at a national conference next week.  *sigh*    I am not complaining....just wish that there were three of me to get things done.  I know that there are many parents out there that have the same issue, I don't 'corner the market' on this issue.  So, right now I feel like I'm barely treading water.  Ultimately I am very blessed and just need to get over it and get things done!