Wow! What a difference a week makes...at times I have felt like I was undergoing some sort of test in the last week. By the way - let me just start by saying it is really crazy how little faith I have when the going gets tough.  Really really wimpy.  I think I have the mustard seed size covered though, so I clinged to that and watched God work.   I have discovered that dealing with rejection is not really something I do well.....but, I survived. And more importantly Esther survived - and I believe I have passed her test. I think I am able to resume my position in the family as Momma. Sorry Noel - no more Mr. Mom, but thanks for doing such a great job:)
Esther has let me in her little heart more each day.  Today I got to be the one to give her a bottle before bed and kiss her goodnight as her sweet eyes were closing. What a change from just a few days ago when she would scream loudly if I came near her - especially at bedtime.
It is truly a gift to fulfill my calling as a Mother. When the days get long with my kids after we get home - I will look back and remember to celebrate this gift.

We had our consulate appointment today. All paperwork was in order and our VISA for Esther will be ready tomorrow afternoon. We fly out of Guangzhou Thursday at noon.  We are so excited to see the boys!!! So thankful for my sister, Noel's parents, and friends and family that have entertained them!

God has once again shown up big.  This is our last night in China.  We have all learned and loved much here.  Think I will rest well tonight and fall asleep with praise on my lips for the way the Lord has provided!

This is something I wrote the other day - it sums up my experience with my daughter. I hope the realness of the last 2 weeks will in someway shed light for another Momma -do not lose hope - the day is coming.

You turned away
Too much to bear
Too painful to seek comfort
Where you had lost
All so different
Longing for familiar

But with time, healing comes
Your heart softens
Prayers are lifted...many
And our God is BIG
It is as though He has whispered to you
The winds of peace pass over us

You awaken like the sunrise with a smile
Your mourning turns into dancing
Your JOY exudes in song
And when I am out of your sight I hear your voice
You call me...
Momma
Leslie
8/24/2011 12:32:59 pm

That is so awesome! We are so happy for you all.

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Brian Hyde
8/25/2011 11:47:22 am

This is absolutely beautiful. Your transparency and honesty are breathtaking and something I admire greatly about you. Praying for your trip home with precious #5!

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    lori - Daughter of the King
    Wife to amazing husband Noel  Mom to 5 seriously special children - Louis, Lily, Silas, Titus [in Heaven] and Esther Joy [home from China August 2011]

    Archives

    August 2011
    July 2011

    Journey to Esther Joy
    11.9-11.11.10 Decision to adopt and announcement to family - Submitted
    paperwork for application to International Family Services Adoption Agency
    11.12.10 First phone call to our AWESOME Social Worker - start gathering
    paperwork for Home Study, Dr's visits, ETC - Completed agency paperwork with
    Letter of Intent and Plan of Care for China Special Needs Program
    12.2.10 First Meeting with SW
    12.7.10 Home visit with SW
    12.16.10 Home Study Complete
    12.22.10 Mailed Home Study and I800a application to USCIS
    1.4.11 Receipt of I800a application - I-797c - Assembling dossier documents -
    Police checks, Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificate, Employment
    verification, financial statement, ETC.
    1.12.11 Received notice for fingerprint appointment USCIS
    1.16.11 Recieved Pre approval from China to adopt Dang Lu Yao - Esther Joy
    DOB 4.27.2009
    1.24.11 Fingerprint appointment USCIS Ft Smith
     2.28.11 Fingerprint approval - I797 - last notary signatures obtained,
    dossier finished
    3.1.11 Dossier sent to agency for state seals and embassy seals
    3.30.2011  Our 15 year Anniversary:) - Dossier sent to China
    4.6.2011  Dossier received in China
    4.15.2011  Official Log in date
    5.25.2011  Letter Seeking Confirmation of Adoption Received
    5.27.2011  I800 paperwork sent
    6.2.2011  Receipt of I800 
    6.15.2011 Approval of I800
    6.27.2011 I800 approval and National Visa Center letter sent to China
    7.1.11 Consulate and Provincial Paperwork assembled - just waiting on travel approval
    7.11.11  VISA applications sent to Houston
    7.22.11  Photos and Ht/Wt on Esther recv'd for packing/planning
    7.23.11  VISA's completed and returned
    7.26.11  TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!
    7.28.11 Flights purchased
    Travel dates 8.11 to 8.25
    packing and ready to get our girl!
     
    8.25.11  We are HOME!!!

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