Last two steps and a great story.

This morning, I got this email.  This is notice that Olivia's paperwork has been sent to the US Consulate in China (as if you didn't just read that :-) ).  They now have paperwork on both girls and the last of the paperwork is in process. WOW.  On Monday a representative from our agency will drop off our "Article 5" paperwork at the Consulate in China and we will wait for the US Government to finish up their part.  This will take about 2 weeks.  They will actually give us a date that it will be picked up so it wont be a mysterious day in the future.  Thankfully.  The day it's picked up begins our Travel Approval wait.  That's the last one.  HOLY COW! I can't believe how fast time is flying by and that in a matter of weeks we will hold our sweet babies in our arms on the other side of the planet.  There aren't words to describe my feelings and emotions now.  I've been on "hold" emotionally the last few weeks while we've been waiting on getting to this point.  When I read the email this morning, I took a deep breath and have been on the brink of tears since.  This is the most special time of our life (this far!).  

Now, I have to share with you, about the gifts we received yesterday.

Yesterday I got to see a friend from College.  Peter Johns and I go Wayyyyy back.  Back in college (At Texas Tech University) I was very involved at the Wesley Foundation.  The Wesley Foundation is the Methodist Campus Ministry at TTU.  Some people at Wesley met some cool Brits while traveling/ on a mission trip/ help me Peter, i can't remember how it all started :-).  Well, long story short, the two guys moved to the USA and worked at the Wesley.  Peter was the music/worship guy and let me tell you... you've not worshipped until you've been in worship with Peter.  He is an incredibly talented guy and I don't think there's an instrument he can't play.  Never mind the music/ musicals he actually writes himself... He's amazing and talented in other ways as you're about to find out.  After graduation from Tech I went on staff at the Wesley and Peter and I worked together during my time there.  

In the 20+ years since (OMG.. how has it been that long??) we have reconnected via FB.  It's been so great to see how life/ God has carried us here and there.  Peter is now a US Citizen and living/working in Houston at Chapelwood UMC. OK.. I'll get to the point.  

Peter has been asking questions about the girls and cheering us on in this adventure throughout the process. He let me know he had a "surprise" for me and would be coming through town on July 10th.

Yesterday he gave us some amazing gifts.  Gifts that we will treasure.  I've known for a while that Peter learned to knit in memory of his Mom and has been a part of a knitting ministry at his church.  The ministry he's a part of knits Prayer Shawls for various members of their community/congregation.  They pray over these shawls as they're put together and give them to people that are going through cancer treatments, etc.  Yesterday I received two prayer shawls for our girls.  Peter knitted them himself.  They are BEAUTIFUL, as you can see.  :-) 

Now keep in mind, I was at work when I got them, so I had to hold it together while I was there (I had a client coming in to meet with me, so I couldn't be a basket case, lol) I could feel it coming though.  This is such a touching gift.  I can feel the love, thought, and prayer that went into them.  It's indescribable.  What a cool ministry! 

Here is the card that is attached to each blanket.  So So Amazing.

One of the most amazing parts of this journey is seeing how God has knit/is knitting together our story.  We think we know who cares about us and this journey has shown me that I have NO idea who is out there cheering me/us on! People that I wouldn't have dreamed, have been a part of this process.  People I've never even met and people that have been in our life for 20 years or for 41.  People sending emails, following our blog, buying tshirts, helping SELL tshirts, sending gifts, people praying for us, for our girls, and on and on.... I have certainly seen the body of Christ at work.  Some of you have NO clue how you have encouraged us and blessed us.  Thank you.  Thank ALL of you. 

There is NO way we can look at each detail and not KNOW in every fiber of our being that THIS is the path God has carved out for us.  His hand print is on every single detail. EVERY.  SINGLE.  ONE.  I'm overwhelmed by that and so thankful that God has made a way.  I'm so thankful that He chose US.. to be Emily & Olivia's parents.  

AND.... as if the prayer shawls weren't already too much... Peter knitted these for the girls.  

Adorable, huh?

Thank you Peter... there aren't words to express my gratitude.

During the next few weeks we will finish getting the house ready, preparing our hearts and then comes packing.  EEEK! So exciting!

So as you pray, please pray for the girls.  pray that God will prepare them for us, that he will cover them with His amazing love and keep them healthy and safe.

Thank you all so much for following along.  Each of you is such an important part of the girl's story.

With Love and Gratitude.
Jenn & Rob