Merry Christmas to You!!!!

Mommy, Daddy and Bentley are SO ready to bring Karsynn home forever! Merry Christmas Baby Girl!!!!

Christmas 2006

We NEED a playroom!!!!
Christmas Memories 2006

Here are the lyrics to the Third Day song called Merry Christmas. The lyrics speak straight from my heart, as we spend yet another Christmas waiting to bring Karsynn home. Please pray that it won't be much longer!

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn
Crying for momma's arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China town
There the forgotten are
But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire
And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights
I'm warmed by the fire's glow
Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,
Make angels in the snow
But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears
And hope that heaven's angels come to carry you here

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the holy child and
we celebrate his perfect gift of love
He came to earth to give his life and prepare a place for us
so we could have a home with him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home
Your family is here so you will never be alone
So tonight before you go to sleep, I'll hold you in my arms
And I'll tell you from my heart, and I'll you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas

Another Christmas Comes and Goes...

As another Christmas comes and goes without our precious daughter being home with us, our hearts are heavy but filled with hope for the upcoming changes that 2007 will bring to our home. If someone had told me in March 2005 that we would still be waiting to bring Karsynn home when 2006 came to an end, I would have NEVER believed them. When Troy and I began this journey in 2005, we were prepared to wait until God was ready for us to go and get Karsynn, and we truly feel that the time is drawing near. As we prepare to say good-bye to 2006, we are hopeful that this will be our final year as a family of two. We pray that 2007 will hold many firsts for us as parents: our first time seeing our daughter's sweet face, our first time having her placed in our arms where she'll be safe forever, our first time feeding her and changing her diaper, our first time singing and rocking her to sleep at night and waking to her sweet smile, and finally, our first time hearing a small, sweet voice call us mommy and daddy; something we've been awaiting for so many years. Karsynn was born in our hearts a long time ago, and we can't wait to bring her home forever. Karsynn, wherever you are right now, we pray that you are safe and well taken care of. Mommy and Daddy will come get you as soon as we can. We love you sweet girl.

Referrals have been Issued

Well, I allowed myself to get too excited about the rumor of the whole month of Sept. being referred. They only made it to Sept. 8th, so I'm crushed. My heart is so heavy each month during this time, because it seems as if we will NEVER get to see our daughter's face. This has been the longest "pregnancy" ever...we've been logged in with China for over a year. I am so thrilled for those families who will finally see their child's face in the next few days as referral pictures arrive, but I'm sad for those who missed the cut-off this time. Until next time... (SIGH!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Rumors are Starting to Surface!

Ok, I'm really trying to stay "real" here, so that I'm not too let down, but rumor has it that the CCAA MIGHT actually make it through ALL of SEPTEMBER this round. If you remember, they left off on 8/25. That would mean they'd finish Aug. and all of Sept. Oh my goodness, how I hope this is true. If so, that could mean we are seeing things speed back up a bit. So, let's see here. If they do make it all the way through Sept., then this is the potential road map:

End of Nov.-Finish Aug. and do all September
End of Dec.-Do part of Oct.
End of Jan.-Do rest of Oct.
End of Feb.-Do part of Nov. (Which would include us Nov. 4th LID)

If this is how things play out, then we could potentially be on our way to China at the beginning of May. OH MY GOODNESS! OH MY GOODNESS! Ok Sammi, don't get too optimistic. Be realistic! Please pray!

Bring Me Hope Video

Bring Me Hope Video
Video sent by hittle

An emotional look into the heart of a Chinese mother who is faced with giving up her child.

Referrals are Arriving!!!

Well, finally some good news. I didn't say GREAT news, because that would mean our referral is arriving, but it is better than we expected. CCAA updated their site FINALLY and they issued referrals for Aug. 9th to Aug. 25th. YEAH!!! They were only expected to make it to Aug. 23, so we did get two extra days and there were LOTS of people logged in on Aug. 24th. Now, we are still behind and referrals are still backed up, but this may be a sign that things may be speeding up a bit. Lord how I pray this is true. In just two days, Nov. 4th, our paperwork will have been logged in with China for a year. The past year has been long and stressful, but we can finally see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Karsynn, I'm not sure where you are or if you are even born, but Mommy and Daddy will be there as soon as we possibly can. All they need to do is say the word and we'll hop on a plane and be on our way. We think about you daily. You are never far from my thoughts and dreams. We love you so much now, that I can't even imagine how we will be able to love you any more when they put you in our arms. Bring on Nov. 4th referrals...PLEASE!!!!!!

It's that Time of the Month Again...Referral Time

Well, it's time for referrals to be posted again. The Rumor Queen website predicts that they will pick up on Aug. 9 and referrals should go through Aug. 23 or 24. I hope they get further, but I'm not holding my breath. Troy and I were just talking today how we can't wait to hold Karsynn in our arms. I know that this long wait will seem like nothing when they hand her to me, but goodness has it ever been hard. We were in Bob Evans today and saw a couple who have adopted a little boy from Guatemala. He was a CUTIE! Troy and I have talked and we DEFINITELY want TWO, so we'll start paperwork for another as soon as we possibly can. Troy is an only child and he is SPOILED. I can't let Karsynn grow up as an only child. She needs to have someone to be her very best friend, like a little sister from China. Oh well, we'll see. Let's just get her here first. Come on CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're waiting and trying so very hard to be patient.

A Beautiful Poem

I found this poem on a family's website that I follow. The words are simply beautiful and express the feelings and thoughts that we have as we wait.

A Moment in Time

You take a child from a far away land
You take a mother with a photo in hand
You put them together in a special way
It's a moment in time-called Gotcha Day.

Some children cry out, others just stare
They don't comprehend what's happening there
But God in His love and mercy proclaims
It's time for these babies to have some new names.

A name with a face, your child now embraced
The heart ache of waiting is quickly erased
That half empty feeling is filled to the brim
The love that's expressed spills over the rim.

If you've been in that room and seen the display
Of love flowing out in this marvelous way
You'll never forget for the rest of your years
The gallons and gallons of joyous spent tears.

This moment won't end, a family now starts
The love just keeps coming direct from the hearts
Of mothers whose dreams have now become true
A great moment in time, its love's grand debut.

Tom Fisher C March 7, 2006

Time Together

Today was a great day. Troy and I got up early this morning with plans on spending the day at Keeneland to watch horseracing. We began the day with breakfast at Bob Evans. While there, we began talking about how in just a few short months our lives will change drastically. With the arrival of Karsynn, we will totally have to rethink the way we do things, but that's ok. We're ready for the changes. We discussed who would get up first in the mornings, who would get Karsynn dressed and fed, and who would take her to Mamaw's, Grandma's or Jane's (a friend's mom who will keep her 2 days a week). Life will certainly become interesting. After arriving at Keeneland, the day became more and more interesting. I left the house with $25 and came home with $20. Not too bad for a day of fun!!! Troy, on the other hand, had a very good day, and that's all we'll say about that. Let's just say that the golf club he's been wanting will be purchased this coming week. We were able to hold a 7 month old little boy today named Ryder Gage. He was an absolute darling, but he weighed 23 lbs. Can you believe it? I think Troy and I need to start packing around some heavy weights, or there's no way we'll be ready to pack Karsynn around in China. I hope she doesn't weigh 23 lbs. Surely she won't???? Overall, it was a super day!

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!!!