Referrals are Arriving from China

CCAA has updated their website. They have completed referrals for those families logged in between July 22 and August 9th, 2005. Again, our LID is Nov. 4, so we still have a while to wait. Please pray that things speed up, or it could be much later than we anticipated.

My predictions based on past referrals:
End of Sept.=Rest of July-Aug. 9th
End of Oct.=Rest of August
End of Nov.=September 1-Sept. 15
End of Dec.=Sept. 16-Sept. 30
End of Jan.=Oct. 1-Oct. 15
End of Feb.=Oct. 16-Oct. 30
End of March=Nov. 1-Nov. 15 (This could be how things play out for us if they don't speed things up, and SOON!!!!!!

Saying So Long for Now...

We were awakened this morning by a phone call from Troy's mom saying that Troy's Mamaw passed away. She had been sick for several years, but this type of news is never easy. Our hearts are broken because of our loss, but we know she opened her eyes and saw Heaven today. We had so hoped that she'd live to see us bring Karsynn home, but that was not God's plan. I'm hoping she carried a message to God that the wait is getting harder and harder to bear. I was thinking today about what I want Karsynn to know about her great Mamaw Pearl. As she grows, we will tell her of the love that Maw had for her family. She loved her kids, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren more than anything. Although she never met Karsynn, she already loved her, too. We will also teach Karsynn about the love that Mamaw had for God. Although her sight failed her many years ago, she still read her bible daily. She found peace in the scriptures. This is not goodbye Mamaw...it's simply so long for now. We love you.

CCAA Updated Website

Well, it's official. CCAA has updated their website and they are finished reviewing all paperwork of families logged in through Nov. 30, 2005. We were logged in on Nov. 4th, so we are "officially" now waiting to be matched with a child. Now, who knows how long this will take, but it's great to know that our paperwork was all ok and nothing was wrong with any of it. The people who just received referrals at the end of August were logged in between July 13 and July 22, 2005, so they waited 13 months for their referrals. If this holds true over the next few months, then we don't expect our referral until Dec. for that would be 13 months. Let's hope and pray that God's plan includes a speed up at CCAA, but if not, then His will be done. We are SO READY for Karsynn. I can't wait to hold her in my arms, look into her almond eyes and let her know that everything is going to be ok. We'll be a forever family...then we'll get started on #2!!!!!

August's Referrals are Arriving

Well, CCAA hasn't updated their website, so we're not certain, but it looks as if they only issued referrals for those families logged in from July 13-July 22. NOT GOOD for us. This puts us even further behind with our referrals, because we were hoping that they'd make it into August, at least. We're still holding out hope that things will SPEED UP SOON. I simply can't imagine how those people who are logged in from July 23-July 31 must be feeling right now. They just missed the cut-off. I pray that God will offer them peace and patience during this difficult time.

Whoever Holds You Tonight

Whoever holds you tonight
I pray that she has a kind heart
and a gentle spirt and that she
is loving you like her very own.

Whoever holds you tonight
I pray that she smiles a sweet smile
as she looks into your eyes and
sings you the sweetest Chinese lullaby.

Whoever holds you tonight
I pray that she whispers to you ever
so softly that your Mama and Baba are
coming for your very soon.

Whoever holds you tonight
I pray that she speaks to you of the
life that you will one day have in America
and that she assures you everything will be ok.

Whoever holds you tonight
I pray that she knows how much we love her
for taking such good care of you. I pray
that God blesses her life richly for the good that
she does.

Whoever holds you tonight
I wish that whoever was me
and one day it will be.

Love,
Mama

CCAA July Referrals

Well, CCAA did a little better this month than last. They issued referrals for babies to families logged in from June 28-July 13, so that's 15 days. I was certainly hoping and praying that they might get through all of July, but we'll take the 15 days. In the past, they've done as few as 5 days worth, so this is better. So, let me see if I can make a few predictions for all of you interested that might help you understand how this MIGHT play out over the next few months. Keep in mind that our paperwork was logged in with China on Nov. 4th, 2005.

End of August Referrals-July 14 through July 31st?
End of September Referrals-August 1-August 15
End of October Referrals-August 15-August 30
End of November Referrals-Sept. 1-Sept. 15
End of December Referrals-Sept. 16-Sept. 30
End of January 2007-Oct. 1-Oct. 15
End of February-Oct. 16-Oct. 31
End of March Referrals-Nov. 1-Nov. 15 (Which would include us!)

Now, this is the worst case scenario. This would put us at a 16 month wait for Karsynn, and I hope that's not going to be the case. What I'm hoping, is that CCAA will begin doubling up on referrals each month, like they've done in the past, or that they'll get through more than half a month of referrals each month. Please continue to send up prayers for a speed up in China.

Waiting for Referrals

Well, it's that time of month, again...REFERRAL TIME. I've watched the CCAA website all day, but it has not yet been updated. There are lots of rumors out there right now about how far into July referrals will be issued, but the most common prediction is July 13, which would give us 15 days worth of referrals this time. I'm hoping for all of July, but I'm not sure that is possible? Let me try to explain why I'm hoping for all of July. In order for us get our referral in Nov., which would be 12 months since our paperwork was logged in with China, then from here on out, we need whole month referrals. If not, then we may not get our referral until Dec. and won't travel until Jan. or Feb. Nonetheless, it's out of our control. All we can do is hope and pray, at this point. My hope at this point is that we see our daughter's face before 2007, whether it be in a picture or in person. It doesn't really matter. For those of you who believe in prayer, please pray for patience for me. I've been very IMPATIENT lately and that has caused me to be moody and hateful, especially with Troy. I know there's nothing I can do to speed things up, but I don't like feeling out of control. Also, please pray that CCAA speeds up the process and that referrals begin to come in whole months or even more. As soon as CCAA updates their site, then I'll post again. Pray for good news!

Well, we did it. We've put in a 30ft. round above ground pool, for Karsynn, of course. We are very excited to "dive in," but it will be SOOO much better next summer when Karsynn can dive in, too. My goodness, this child is spoiled!!! Oh well! Good News arrived today, my baby brother, Eric is going to be a DADDY...YEAH!!!! He and Ginger are expecting a baby in Feb. Whitney, Dylan, Karsynn, and BABY will make 4 grandkids. YIKES! Mamaw and Papaw...GET READY!!! 

This little fella (Bryson) will teach Ms. Karsynn all the ropes. OH NO!!! 

Another addition to MSE's School Family

Introducing Meredith Abigail Grace, Michelle and Andrew's newest addition to their family. She will be called Maggie for short (note the initials). She is a happy, healthy girl and is simply beautiful. Congratulations Michelle and Andrew!!!!
 

Ross Family Reunion in Missouri

We've just returned from a family reunion in Missouri, and I must say it was a much needed vacation. Once again, while we were hundreds of miles away from home, God managed to work his magic in our lives. While we were at the park in Sedalia, MO for the reunion, some of the family members decided to continue a longtime family tradition and take a train ride through the park. Well, low and behold, who comes strolling up but a mother and her beautiful "China Doll." We were blessed once again to become acquainted with a lady from Sedalia who, along with her husband, has adopted from China. Elaina (I hope I'm spelling it correctly) was simply beautiful. We realize it was God's way of sending us a message to be patient and wait for His plan to be carried out. We were also blessed to witness Troy's 2nd cousin, Lydia, who was born premature and is now a healthy 7 year old, donate almost 200 Beanie Babies to the local LifeFlight helicopter crew. It was on a similar helicopter that Lydia was rushed to a larger hospital after her birth and her life was saved. The Beanies will be given to sick children who are also patients on LifeFlight. What a beautiful thing to witness.

 

More than a Name without a Face
Afraid at first to say it out loud,
for fear that it might not come true.
Then one day we referred to Karsynn
and everyone finally knew it was you.
A name, but no face
and we're sure some wondered why
we would even use if so freely.
Our dear China Doll, it is because we can imagine your face in our minds so sweetly.
We picture a round face
and dark, almond-shaped eyes,
dark hair and ivory skin,
a cute button nose,
cherry red lips
and a heart welcoming us in.
You are so much more to mommy and daddy
than a name without a face.
Sweet baby of ours,
you may not know yet,
but in our hearts
you've already claimed your own place.

Even More Photos!!!

 

More AHH Picnic Pictures!

 

AHH Reunion Picnic 2006

Finally, we're putting names with faces. The first couple are from Louisa, KY and have only been back a month with their "sweetie." The next couple will HOPEFULLY be in our travel group, and they are from Bardstown, KY. The last picture you're looking at is a couple that CANNOT wait to bring their beautiful China Doll home, Troy and I, of course. We had a great day filled with lots of observing, but next year we'll have Karsynn, so we'll be participating then. WE CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!! Hurry up, CHINA!!!!!!!!
 

Still Waiting...

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 This verse was sent to me in our monthly update from A Helping Hand, our adoption agency. Just one more reminder that God has a plan for Troy and I, and Karsynn is out there waiting for us to come get her, all in due time. As for an update, Troy and I are registered to attend the annual A Helping Hand Adoption Picnic on June 24th. Basically, anyone who has adopted in the past through AHH is invited to attend. They have games, toys, etc. for the kids (those who have them) and they have getting to know you sessions and other fun things planned for the adults. Now, some may say we're crazy for putting ourselves through watching other adoptive families having a fun time with their babies while we still WAIT, but in some small way it will make us feel closer to Karsynn. We have been in touch with several people who could potentially be part of our travel group in China, and some of them plan to be there, too. So, it will be nice to get to know others who are "in our shoes" and are wading through this painful wait, too. I'm sure we'll have lots of pictures to post from the reunion picnic, so stay tuned. “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him.” 1 Samuel 1:27

Happy 5th Grade Graduation, Whitney Brooke!!

Whitney, it seems like just yesterday you were born, and here you are ready for middle school. Uncle Troy and I are so very proud of you! Do they offer Babysitting 101 in middle school? 

Back from the Beach!

Troy and I recently returned from a trip to Myrtle Beach with a couple of friends. We had an eventful trip, but overall it was great! We REALLY needed time away from the computer, work, email, cell phones, etc. It was nice to simply relax and have nothing to do unless we wanted to do it. Now, it's back to the real world. No updates to report on Karsynn, but we did run into a couple from Tennessee who have one adopted daughter and are in the process of adopting a second. Their little one was simply beautiful and they graciously allowed us to intrude on their vacation and ask them questions. God works in mysterious ways! 

The Wait gets Even LONGER!!!!

For many of you, I'm sure it's difficult to understand how and why this adoption is taking SOOOOO LONGGGGG. Well, the only answer or explanation we have for you is that we are at the mercy of the Chinese government. There simply isn't anything that we, or anyone else, can do at this point. We, along with thousands of other adoptive parents, simply wait. Another update was issued on CCAA's website today, and it's NOT looking good. At the pace they are going, it's difficult to predict when we might get our referral for Karsynn. In order to make this unbearable wait easier for Troy and I, we simply aren't going to make anymore predictions about our referral and travel dates. It's just too hard!! Please don't be offended if you ask about the adoption and we simply say, "We're still waiting." That's the truth and we don't know anything more than that. All we can do is wait and pray that God's plan involves a referral very soon, as our hearts break over and over again each month as fewer referrals are given. Thank you for being patient with us during this difficult wait.

CCAA Update

The China Center for Adoption Affairs has updated their website, and our worst fears have been realized. They only issued referrals for children for people who were logged in from May 31-June 6. Our LID is Nov. 4th, so we fear that our wait may be even longer than we had planned. We are trying to stay very positive during this long wait, but our hearts are saddened by this news. The emotions that we are experiencing during our wait are undescribable, so we appreciate how understanding and patient all of our friends and family are trying to be. There simply isn't anything we can do to speed up the process or help you understand the process any better. You have to experience it to understand it. Please remember Troy and I in your prayers. Also, we have many new friends who are waiting, as well, and may actually be in our travel group. Please keep them in your prayers, too. I've spoken with several of the "moms-to-be" lately, and they, too, are having some difficult days. It's nice, however, to have someone to talk to that's going through the exact same emotions. Karsynn, wherever you are (if you are even born yet), I know that God is watching over you. Mommy and Daddy will come and get you as soon as we possibly can. We love you with all of our hearts!!!