Another step checked off...

Today's email...

Please pray for us- we are working through the final pushes and labor pains !

Hi, Lisa & Bill!
I was notified that because of the holiday, your article 5 was not issued until today. It was picked up and sent to the CCAA, so you should receive your travel notice in about 2 weeks. I apologize, we were under the impression that the Article 5’s would be processed in the typical timeframe, and they did not inform us otherwise until now. I will be calling when we receive your travel notice from China! I understand this is one of the most difficult parts of the wait because you are so, so close and just want to be there. Hang in there, and you will be traveling very soon!

I’m glad to hear you received Kelsey’s passport! Please send your Chinese entry visa applications and passports and fees directly to the courier service you choose to use. There are a few suggested in the attached instructions, but you can use any service (or a family member/friend you trust) to walk in to apply. I suggest you contact them to compare prices and get their specific instructions. You can either print the forms and write the information in or you can type it and print it.

Please let me know if you have any questions! Only a few more steps!
Best wishes,
Heidi

Baby steps...no more :)

It's THURSDAY! I opened my eyes at 4:17 am. I had to think hard on what day it was. All of a sudden.. I realize IT'S THURSDAY!UP I am !!!!

Today a major document ( our Article 5) is complete. Yesterday, my heart felt overwhelmed thinking of all the costs coming up. I have no anxiety for Lil.But all the costs - and everyday letters/emails stating "And don't forget- you need xxx amount for this, and that, etc" Then we get the mail- and some guardian angel(s) send us a check to put towards the adoption. It is a small portion compared to where we need to get.. but friends~ it was God whispering to me "My child, have I let you down yet??" So, I cast my worries... and celebrate one step closer. He moves mountains in so many unspoken ways!

So... the next step? IT'S OUR FINAL STEP ! They will be sending certified delivery of our travel date(s). The next step is the light at the end- knowing exactly when our little girl comes home. Some of you may remember my prayer from the beginning. Dear God- we just want her before her THIRD Birthday on Dec. 8th. Even when man told us it was impossible- we knew all things would be possible w/ God! Wooo hooo!!!

So... there is only one thing left to say...
MOVE THAT BUS!

We leave tomorrow for Chicago. 5 of the 7 of Bill's biological siblings will reunite. What a Blessing.... so many emotions running high in the Madsen household.
God IS GOOD :)

Have an awesome weekend :)

'Lil News Update...

One day, one moment in time can change soo much...

First bit of news, we now have a new traveler going to China with us. After many prayers, God clearly spoke to Bill and I on bringing Kelsey along. We called our case worker, social worker, emailed other families who traveled-- and every one of them gave us the major green light . It is truly an opportunity of a lifetime for all of us. So, off to the courthouse we went- expeditited the little girl's passport- and shared the news w/ her. Guess it was the right call when she stated , through tears, "This is the best day of my life!"

Secondly, some near and dear people to us have offered us the last $5000 in a loan (to be repaid when we are set) to give to Lilly's orphange . We were heavy hearted on how we could swing that along w/ the final costs of the adoption. Again, He moves mountains ... and He has. The donation is a requiremeet (does that qualify it has a "donation" ??)- not a generosity thing. We again have to say- what we felt was impossible- is possible with God. God is soo good.

We are now 5 weeks away ( say our hearts) from boarding that big plane and starting a new chapter in our book of life. Ohhh.. we are soo Blessed!

We await the 2 week requiremnt to receive our Article 5. Then the 3 of us apply for our China entry visa- and then... the travel date! All in Your time---- it is good.

Have a great weekend my friends! We love you!