Getting Ready

It's Saturday, August 25th and we are 2 1/2 weeks from traveling to China to adopt Nathanael. We have our plane tickets, our itinerary, passports, visas, health documents, etc etc etc.

I don't know how many of the readers of this blog appreciate just how much paperwork goes into an adoption. We have literally signed our lives away. Financially, as most people know, it's a major investment of funds to adopt a child. Add to it our first travel overseas, halfway across the world, major plane flight. It's exciting and scary at the same time.

But that's what love does. It sacrifices for the other person, whether that person be in our family or on the other side of the world...or both. That's why we are adopting. That's why we are going ahead. Christ did no less for us when He descended from His heavenly throne and sacrificed to death before rising again and returning to the Father.

The minute we saw Nathanael's picture, we knew we were right to do this. We were also blessed along the way with video of him playing on a playground in Nanchang. The last video has him singing what sounds like a Chinese children's song. He'll fit in great in our family.

Now it's getting all the paperwork and packing done. It's a strange arrangement as we are limited in poundage for our in China flights. We have to pack light going there, but can pack heavy coming back. Plus we will have him for the flight back. 17 hours of undivided attention with a 2 1/2 year old in rather cramped quarters. Well, at least there's lots of elbow room when we get home.

We're going to be using this blog for family members and friends to keep posted on our progress before we travel, during our travel, and after we get back.

Above all we ask your prayers for us, for safe travel, smooth operations while in China, and a smooth transition for Nathanael. He will definitely be challenged by this, but we pray that he will grow to love his new family and new country. We thank all who read this blog in advance for their prayers.

Blessings,
Dan