On a Wing and a Prayer

Greetings, This will be my last post until I touch down in China. Nolan had brought home some art work tonight titled "If I were a Butterfly". It simply stated, "I wish I could fly away to be with mommy. I would be a butterfly." I will miss my guys so much and I think they will miss me. I thank you all for your encouragement and prayers. I feel great. I so look forward to meeting our daughter. I can't wait to share the experience. I guess it was fitting to have watched the Sound of Music this last weekend. Now, I can have that song in my head... So long farewell, auf wieder sehen good night, I hate to go, and leave a pretty sight.... Good Bye, will write soon.

Just Hanging Around til Wednesday

Greetings All,
It's been a busy week of preparations. I almost have my suitcase completely packed and I've gone over my paperwork with a fine tooth comb. I've been able to go to church one more time with my family, and say goodbye to my friends. Getting those last minute hugs.

My dear Naomi sisters- Thank you for lifting me up in your prayers. It does my heart good to know there are so many people thinking and praying specifically for me on this journey. We've talked about how it is to be a mother, daughter and sister-You've all been great sisters to me. I thank you for your love and concern. Leave it to Velva to have thought of my Prayer-a-Day gift from all of you. Thank you, loving sisters.


This time next week, I will have my beautiful daughter in my arms. I will certainly miss those little gentlemen in my life (and my big guy, Matt).

Grandpa's Gift

I had lunch with my Mom and Dad today. It was a nice time to visit before my big flight. Mom brought me this pencil sketch of Anna. My dear Grandpa Wallace had used her six month photo to make this. He did a beautiful job. It now completes my set of pencil sketches of my children.

Travel Itinerary

Leaving Wednesday, April 30.
Arriving in China, May 1.
May 1, 2...........free days/sightseeing
May 3...............Meet with ISS staff
May 4...............AM-travel to Chongqing from Guangzhou
...............PM--I get ANNA :)
May 5...............Adoption Registration, Notarization and Application for her passport.
May 6...............free day/Shopping anyone??
May 7...............Visit the Orphanage
May 8...............Collect her passport
May 9...............Fly back to Guangzhou
May 10.............AM-Visa/Dr.visit
May 12.............Visa application submitted
May 13.............Visa ceremony and collect the visa
May 14.............Fly Home!

8,243 miles--one way

This is a quick sketch of the flights.
Wednesday, April 30
Leave St. Louis at 10:10 am, arrive Minneapolis 11:44. (1hr,34 min--448 miles)
Leave Minneapolis at 3:05pm , arrive in Tokyo at 5:15pm. (12hr,10 min--5,950 miles)
Leave Tokyo at 6:35pm , arrive in Guangzhou 11:00 pm- May 1. (5hr,25 min--1,845 miles)

Coming Home May 14
Leave Guangzhou at 8:20, arrive Tokyo 1:45pm
Leave Tokyo at3:25pm, arrive Minneapolis 12:20pm, go through customs.
Leave Minneapolis 3:10pm, arrive St. Louis 4:55pm. AMEN.

Sizes and stats

This is the one time in your life you don't mind everyone knowing your weight-when you're a baby.

We received an update on Anna and these were her sizes:
she is 22 lbs, 30 inches tall, and has 6 teeth. Her feet measure 11 cm which converts to a size 3 shoe.

They also said she has an outgoing personality and is very active.

We are on cloud nine. Hopefully, tomorrow we can finalize some flight arrangements. I do know that on Sunday, May 4, I will meet our daughter face to face. More news to come.

Letter of Invitation

Well, the rumor was true. The Letters of Invitation to come to China came on Monday and overnighted to us on Tuesday, April 1, no fooling. This wonderful document states that we need to come to China for the purpose of adopting Fu Le Fang. Hopefully, today or Thursday we will get our travel itinerary and start booking our flights.

Oh, did I mention they want me May 1st. Nothing is definite yet but our baby girl may be in my arms in 34 days. Yippee!