Where is Spring

It is suppose to be spring but it sure doesn't look like it. Hills of snow are still on the ground like permanent statues that will never go away. A few truly warm days could fix that but it's not yet to be.  Today was a sort of nice day however it will not stay long as they call for some sort of blizzard type weather, either snow or freezing rain overnight. Other places just north of here had bad snow storms this past week and if there is spring in this world it is not here. Those of you who are already enjoying above zero degree temperatures and flowers that bloom consider yourselves lucky to have such blessings.

On the adoption front we are still waiting on the Ministry to give their approval for higher age. I would love to call us committed but even that seems premature. This waiting is super hard. Spring would help out a lot to keep my mind occupied with clean up and gardening but we're stuck in winter mode. We just have to be patient for another few weeks and then I believe it will all come together as it should. I just wish one little girl did not have to wait another minute longer to be with her family but she does and so do we.

One Little Girl's Birthday is Today

It's a special day today. One little girl in China has a birthday today without her family by her side. She may get a cake, she might not. Someone might sing to her the birthday song and then again they might not. Every day a little girl has a birthday in a China orphanage who may not even know that it's her special day. Usually, it's a day like any other; without a celebration, without presents and without birthday cake but every child should have their special day. A day to remember when they came to this earth. Chances are this little girl was very much wanted and very much loved but due to other circumstances her parents could not keep her so they gave her up in hopes of a better future than the one they could give her. That's why other families with resources readily available to them are found and equipped to love the abandoned child. This little girl deserves to be loved, to have a future and a birthday party she will never forget and she shall have it when she joins the family that's meant for her.

The Change is In

The change in age range has been written up in a report we had to sign and send back to the social worker.  She also signed it and sent it to the agency.  The agency in turn sent it to the Ministry. Now, again we sit and wait ... wait and wait somewhere between 2 to 6 weeks depending on how busy the Ministry is at this time of year. Let's hope there is a lull in adoption world and the home studies are currently under way, not ready yet for their approval. In that case we'd not be too far in the Q to be reviewed. Keep your fingers crossed for me that this will not be another long and drawn out process.

In the meantime the agency owners are on their way to China on Sunday with a group of adoptive parents where they will finally meet their new daughter or son. I'm sure all of them have been waiting long enough and are ready to meet and love their child. I wish I could say more about our child but mum's the word right now. I cannot say anything yet. I do not want to get my hopes up but God is surely working in that mysterious way we know and love. I did make a family book and I did send it to the agency for our possible child in the future. It is done and waiting. We will see what comes of this but no, unfortunately, we've not been matched. I wish we were but we are not yet. Can anyone read cards or tea leaves and tell me when that will be.

I hope the agency people have a good trip to China and back and will have some good news for us very soon but the best news will be that our change in age range has been approved in a timely manner and we are ready for the next step.

We just updated the flooring in the child's room and painted the walls a soft color which I really like, called vaguely mauve. Now, it's a matter of getting a bed, some furniture, bedding and all that other fun stuff. It's a lot of work but luckily we have help with it and are enjoying the planning that goes with it.

And I love this PJ with "L" for ladybug on it