Quick Update!

Not a lot of movement or excitement with this update, but another paper milestone worth celebrating and documenting. Our i800a form was sent to USCIS for approval today! This is one of the last major steps before submitting our dossier (official paperwork) to China.

Now we wait for a couple more weeks to get notification from USCIS that they received our application and are beginning to process it; followed by another two week wait to receive our fingerprint appointment notice indicating when and where we need to go. This is a different fingerprinting process than the one we had to complete for our home study. Once fingerprinting is done we’ll be assigned an officer who will process, and hopefully approve, our application. Prayers for a quick and uncomplicated processing appreciated!

So while we wait, our goal is to begin the next “paper chase” by gathering all the necessary documents for the dossier.

The number one question we still get asked is, “How long before you can travel to bring littlest bear home?” The simple answer is we don’t know. Remember this little chart? We’ve just finished step 4 out of 16.

It is our sincere hope and prayer that by next Spring we would be anticipating traveling to meet littlest bear, but we just don’t know. If I’m honest, I can find myself discouraged that it seems so far away, but we are seeking to intentionally fix our eyes on Jesus. Fighting to rest in the truth that His timing is always perfect.

In the meantime, I’m incredibly grateful for the kindness of dear friends who have graciously sought to recognize and celebrate precious moments along the way. They are like warm hugs from God, reminding me He sees me and cares for my sometimes “weary in the wait” heart.

The celebration of Josie becoming a “Big Sister” soon! Chinese New Year fruit basket with traditional red envelopes. Handwritten scripture to help our hearts stay focused. Panda everything and everywhere to keep me constantly reminded that God is moving and working, even when we don’t see it. Thank you Lord for these precious friends who love us so well.

Joyfully in Christ,