4....What's in a number?

Alot for this and many many beautiful children in foreign orphanages. At the age of 4 this little girl stands the risk of being transferred to a mental institution where her physical and emotional needs would likely go unmet. She and many others left to starve to death in so many ways because of ignorance and an overburdened system.

Is she 4 yet? Maybe or maybe not, but if not yet, soon. This month in fact. I wish I knew the date, but since I don't, I am just going to focus on getting over there as soon as I can. Giving her the gift of a family that loves her and ultimately, knowledge of a God who loves her more. I'm happy to say that I'm looking forward to giving her that gift every day for so many years to come. She's already given me so much hope.

I'm so grateful that as long as I'm still coming for her, she's safe in her baby house. She's given care from a staff that love her and hope to see her benefit from a family. From a mommy, a brother and sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins, from a community who all look forward to welcoming her home. Home at last!

One day....

A tea party:

Complete with cookies and juice and flowers on the table. Those in attendence: Gracie of course, maybe big sister Sydney or friends real or imagined. Sock monkey and her cousin sock bunny. Maybe mommy will be graced with an invitation.

That is what my dreams are of these days! Won't those days be sweet!

Grandma's Quilt

Well as promised, Grandma made a quilt for Gracie. It's a one of a kind and made with love. What a great blessing to have such a talented grandma. I love you Mom!

OH, and here's fat cat. He's the softest cat and he doesn't even shed!

A state of limbo

Limbo

Well that's where we are today. So many questions out there are unanswered.

I am struggling as I feel my fight or flight response about to take over and I am struggling to feel confidence in God's provision for this adoption. I was told only yesterday before I learned of the boy being returned, to not worry about tomorrow, be mindful of it, but don't spend time worrying. I've made so many plans with this little one in them all. That's what I choose to focus on. For today and tomorrow and until I get her home.

I'm still determined, still planning and still going. Going to get her!

So for now, I am clinging to my two beautiful pictures, my imaginations of our plans and my faith in God's plans. HE got me here, HE'll work it out. That I'm sure of.

I spent several minutes yesterday before the fiasco dreaming about Gracie's messy face as she works on her first vanilla cone. Makes me smile! I'll post pictures when I can get them.

http://www.gainingalittlegrace.com/

This is the address of a fundraiser that my wonderful Mom has set up for Gracie's adoption. She is an excellent seamstress, and I'm so fortunate she is using those talents to help bring my girl home! The clothes are made to fit an American Girl doll or any 18 inch doll. Check out the site and take a look at my mom's talents.

Happy Spring

It would seem that I am in a little bit of a slump as far as writing goes. Not much to report here and every time I get a moment of literary brilliance, I am away from my computer and then the inspiration goes as quickly as it came. In my mind I'm richer for the thoughts I'm sure, but to miss the opportunity to pass bits of certainly profound wisdom and enlightenment along, I have accomplished nothing.

I will share some of my photos that I've taken though. I'm looking forward to the day when I can share a multitude of pictures of my girl and make up for all the lost time. Oh, and happy spring!

This was taken last summer on an exceptionally (ok, random) humid day. If you look closely, you can almost see a smile on the frog's face.

My flowers! Oh, I can't wait for them to come back. They're almost representative of the hope I have for this summer and many summers to come! Beautiful and so full of wonder for me!

And then there is Stella in her favorite napping spot (under my bed). You would think that she had just run a mile, but no, she just commits to what ever she is doing wholeheartedly. Even if it's snoring and keeping me awake at night. Do you think Gracie will like her? I think it might take awhile!

Gracie's room is almost done!

Still waiting for her quilt from Grandma. Can't wait till she comes home to her room. :)