I can't even stand it.

Sometimes, something happens that is just REALLY good.  Something that makes you literally laugh OUT LOUD and start CRYING all at the same time.  Sometimes, you get news that makes your heart speed up and causes you to CLAP YOUR HANDS.

That happened to me today.

Today, we got our LOA!  Officially known as the "Letter of Acceptance" from China, this lovely document usually takes between 60-90 days to arrive.  Today was our day 17.  DAY 17!

I can't even stand it.

 Our Mary is coming home.  Well, in 8-10 weeks..... OUR MARY IS COMING HOME!

I can't EVEN stand it!

Here's a brief rundown of what's ahead:
1)  I800 approval:  12-14 days
2) Approval sent to National Visa Center.... 5 days
3) NVC creates document approving our Visa petition and send our file to the US Embassy in Guangzhou..... that's our CABLE!
4)  Contact NVC to get PDF copy of that approval..... send to Lifeline
5)  Lifeline sends this letter, our LOA, and form DS230 to their contact in China who takes it to the US Consulate in Guangzhou
6)  US Consulate issues us our Article 5 letter saying everything is in order.... 2 weeks
7)  Paperwork is then submitted to the CCCWA for Travel Approval
8)  Receive TA!
9)  Go to CHINA!

Um.  Yes.  Right.  So..... if you understand ANY of that, let me know!  Cause I have NO idea what all this means......Except for #9!! That one's my FAVORITE!  We are REALLY happy and hoping for travel mid-summer!

Again.... Can't.  Stand.  It.

If you haven't already, please begin praying fervently for our Mary.  Pray that she will remain healthy and well taken care of while we finish up this process.  Pray that the Lord will prepare her heart for the upcoming changes in her little life.  I think about her all the time and am so filled with love for her that I can't even stand it.

We are coming, sweet girl.  We are COMING!

Time is funny.

It seems like YESTERDAY my boys were little.  They played with Thomas the Tank Engine, watched classic Disney movies, wore matching outfits, and read those Clifford and Pinkerton books over and over and over.

Time has flown.

Here's what I got today:

Sigh......

Now, they play with their Iphones, watch Lord of the Rings, share clothes with their dad, and read Eragon and the Hobbit.

I blinked, and they grew up.

They make me smile.

So while I'd love to FAST FORWARD time so we can go get this person:

I'm reminded to relax and enjoy TODAY.

So, if you see me about and hear me groaning about this AWFUL wait for LOA (our next coveted piece of paper), please tell me to hush.

Cause sometimes, life just goes too fast.

Time is funny like that.