One week to go

One week from tonight and we will be in Atlanta, unable to sleep in the anticipation of boarding the plane the next morning for our trip to CHINA. All of us are so excited we can hardly stand it. I told Teri today that I am so discombobulated that I can't seem to get anything done. I start work today for the 7 on. I haven't gotten anything together for the trip. No worries, when next Wednesday gets here and it is time to leave for Atlanta, I will be all together and ready to go. It seems like it has taken forever and then it seems just a short while ago all this started.

There is only one glitch so far, we had hoped to have Maddie on Monday and now it seems we will not get her until Wednesday (2weeks from today). Something about the orphanage bringing her to us instead of us going there. Anyway, Teri will still have her for Mother's Day. I have a surprise for her. In digging for something in Mom's jewelry, I found a mother's baby bracelet. I am going to give it to Teri on her first Mother's Day from her Muz. This was a day that Mama had looked forward to since Teri was a little girl. Her only regret on her death bed was that she would not be here to see Teri get Maddie.

Since Greg's teachings about heaven, my beliefs have changed as to what happens after death. But, for this one thing, I am going to say Mom is in heaven and will see the joy of Teri and Josh getting their baby. We have said all along Dad was up there picking out the children for Tara and Teri. The only thing I think he goofed on was giving Haley (little Teri) to Tara. Not really! She is the spitting image of her Aunt T in personality and actions. He most definitely did NOT goof in giving Hannah to Tara - carbon copy in looks and deeds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry Ta but she is.

Don't know if we will be taking a computer with us on the trip. If we do, I will send emails to Greg and he said he would post for me. I hope we do, I think it would be interesting to let ya'll know the experience second hand.

Until next time, God be with you all.

Attacked by Satan

Everything has been going so well with the adoption of our little Maddie, that Satan just had to rear his ugly head. The other day Teri and I had a huge misunderstanding (all is well now) and it almost cost me the fellowship of a daughter (and a trip to China).

We had been discussing Maddie's first birthday. Teri had mentioned she might like to have a party at the farm (Maddie will be one on August 20th). I had called her to let her know the Saturdays I would be off in August. The info I gave her was misinterpreted because of the words I used to let her know these dates. Hannah also has a birthday in August and I needed a Saturday for each of their birthdays and it came out as if I were planning the parties (which is not what I had intended). The misunderstanding was blown way out of proportion and many hurtful things were said on both sides.

Thank goodness for a level headed son (Josh). He heard both sides and became the peace maker and let Teri and me see that this was the work of Satan. Everything about this adoption process has been directed by God (just the way all of it has fallen into place). Now Satan was trying to take the joy, peace and love out of it. We are fine now and all excited about the trip. This just shows how Satan can take a beautiful situation and turn it very ugly while he sits back and laughs at us and we make fools of ourselves and hurt others (and our selves) in the process.

By the way, we got final word from the adoption agency yesterday. We will be flying to China May 3rd and coming back May 19th. We have to stay 2 extra days because of our appointment with the American Consul. Teri will have her Maddie for Mother's Day.

Thank you all for your prayers during this long process. Please continue to pray for God's protection over us.