Travel and Matching Grant Update

As some of you know, our Article 5 documents were not picked up last Tuesday 2/3 as they were scheduled to be.  When I didn't wake up to an email that morning saying that it was picked up, I knew.... and then we got the call that evening.  Delays.   This is one of the hardest things in the adoption process, but something we are very familiar with as we faced some big delays in our first adoption.  The consulate needed more information.  This is not a usual occurrence, but we were not the first family this has happened to.  So we needed to wait until the necessary information was acquired before our Article 5 could be picked up...which could be an additional 2 -10 days.  It has been 9 days AND we have article 5 pick-up...TODAY!!  The next step in our process is Travel Approval (TA) and then schedule a consulate appointment (CA).  

Sooooo.....When will we Travel?

Here are the details we know, for those of you who would like to try and figure this all out with us...basically, an educated guess as to when we travel. LOL.  The US Consulate (who issues our CA) is closed Monday for President's day and then also closed for Chinese New Year from Feb. 18 to Feb 25.  And the cccwa (who issues our TA) is also closed for CNY Feb. 18 to Feb. 25.  Because of all the holidays and closures, without a miracle, it does not look like we will be able to travel at the beginning of March.  There are positives in all this in that we will get to spend time with our bigs when they are home for their Spring Breaks in March, and I do miss them all so much!  Even though I am disappointed that we will not travel at what I thought would be the perfect time, and I don't understand, I'm choosing to trust God...He knows and understands and His ways are perfect.  

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.

~Isaiah 55:8

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

Just a little more info to help you...because of work, we need to be home 3/22 thru 3/28.  So what are your guesses?  When will we travel?

Update on our Matching Grant

We feel so blessed that so many have come along side us to help bring our little girl home.  With our matching grant through Lifesong for Orphans, we have raised $2500 of our needed $16,000.  WOW!  Thank you so much!!!

16 more days to help us get closer to our goal!!!  

Here is the information about our matching grant if you missed it.  We were blessed with a matching grant through Lifesong for Orphans and our church, Eastview Christian Church.  If you would like to make a donation towards helping bring our little girl home, there are two ways:

1. Donate online

    Located on the right side of our blog is a "donate" button that links directly to Lifesong for Orphans.

         This is a PayPal link and PayPal does charge an administrative fee (2.9% + $.30 USD per transaction)  So your 

            donation will be decreased by the amount of this fee.

2. Give by check

    Please make checks payable to "Lifesong for Orphans".

     In the memo please note your gift preference with "Marcordes #4985"

     Please mail checks to:

     Lifesong for Orphans

     PO Box 40

     Gridley, IL 61744

Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all US administrative and fund-raising

costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to

the need…helping orphans.

Individual donations $50 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a taxdeductible

receipt. Receipts for donations under $50 will gladly be sent upon request.

Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.

Thank you also for all your prayers.  Would you please continue to pray for God's timing and for our hearts as we all will have big changes in the near future?

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