To China for Qian...

It's October...8 more days!

2009-09-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that we are leaving for China in 8 days!! I've been feeling a bit anxious lately...wishing I knew that Qian was well prepared for her adoption. Hoping that she is as excited as we are! There are a million things to do, but I'm taking it a day at a time...I came across this video on youtube. Please watch if you have a moment. I KNOW we are going to be a happy family!! Praying for a smooth transition for all!
.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQjObgmNbmE

2009-09-17T00:25:00.000-07:00

2009-09-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

Half a World Away

A half a world away, Sometimes it seems we're so far apart.
But a half a world away, Is not too far for a journey of the heart.
My little one, my precious joy, I'm waiting for you.
My precious daughter, my little girl, I know you're waiting too.

A half a world away, A child waits for a family of her own.
While a half a world away, A family waits to come bring her home.
My little one, my precious joy, I'm whispering a prayer.
My precious daughter, my little girl, I hope to soon be there.

A half a world away, So many months of waiting are past.
A half a world away, So many miles to bring you home at last.
My little one, my precious joy, You're finally home to stay.
My precious daughter, my little girl, We celebrate this day.
Knowing we will no longer be a half a world away.

Jill Marshall-Work, 1999

Things are moving fast!

2009-09-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

My agency called Friday to confirm our "Gotcha Day" is October 11th...that means we leave NY on October 9th! There's so much to do! Saturday I spent the day trying to make party plans for Sophia's 6th birthday. Sunday I ordered furniture for the girls' bedroom, to be delivered in 2 weeks. It's a simple white set-bed, dresser, and end table for each, so that if Qian wants her own room, the change will be easy. I already have the matching comforter sets. (pink, purple and white butterflies) Monday I went to get our visas in Manhattan. That went smoothly, thank goodness! ($320!!) Today I received notification that the updated I171-H is on its way. I also made our plane reservations! It's $50 less for Qian to fly 1 way than for Sophia to fly round trip! Lawrence from Delight Travel was wonderful! But it's still over $2700 for the 3 of us!! Today we got a special gift from a special Aunt...Thank you for your generosity, Aunt Mary Lou!! After waiting for so long from the original paperwork, it's hard to believe how fast things are moving now! I'm still thinking about names for my precious Qian. When I thought her name was pronounces Kee-on, I was just going to name her Kiana. Now I'm really agonizing! I will probably narrow it down to a few choices and let her pick.

First Post...

2009-09-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Today I'm starting a blog as we prepare to meet our newest Cerky girl, Guan Qian. Qian is 11 years old, and she is from Kunming, Yunnan Province. When I began this journey for a second daughter over 2 years ago, my plan was to bring home a baby sister for my precious 3 1/2 year old, Sophia. Why I decided to look at older girls at that particular time is a mysterious blessing... because I found the girl who will make our family complete!

I was logged in 4/07, which explains the quick processing time. My agency, Great Wall China Adoptions, has been wonderful! Supportive, caring, helpful, kind, encouraging...I can't say enough good things about the people who work there! Here is my timeline:
LOI 7/21/09
PA 8/04/09
LSC 8/17/09 received; my acceptance letter arrived in China 9/01/09
TA 9/10/09
"Gotcha"/Family Day 10/11/09

I was very nervous when I first thought about adopting an older child. How would Sophia react? Would Qian want to come to America? Will she like us? Will I want to be around pre-teens ALL the time?! lol! I'm a middle school teacher, and I love this age group!

Now I'm living in a whirlwind...a happy, excited, chaotic whirlwind. Today I'll order the bedroom furniture. Then I'll plan Sophia's 6th birthday party, which I'll have in 3 weeks. Monday I'll apply for our visas. And I need to narrow down our choices for an American name.

I am grateful to our family and friends who have been so helpful and supportive. We are very blessed to have you in our lives!