Research-China.Org: Trees in the Forest V -- Finding Locations, Part 2

Research-China.Org: Trees in the Forest V -- Finding Locations, Part 2: "#10 -- Bridges
No finding location strikes me as stranger when I am doing research than our next finding location, bridges. Often have I stood on a bridge in the middle of the countryside, looking for some reason why a family would leave child there. Often one finds a reason: a bus stop, a house, or some other explanation, but often there is no apparent reason. Nevertheless, in 2006 a little over 2½% of children found were found at bridges. There is one common thread that connects most bridges, and that is that they have heavy foot-traffic as farmers, students, and women walk to fields, schools and markets."

School Daze!

Well it's only the Tuesday before school starts and I am already exhausted!!! I know that this year is going to be full of surprises, ups/downs and new beginnings for all of us. Yesterday I think I was in this huge state of denial...cannot believe that summer is over and still no news of travel. But the rumor tree is rustling it's leaves....from privileged sources it is believed that our TA should come by this week's end or early next. Allowing for travel either first or second week of September, depending on available Consulate Appts. Then the mayhem will commence. Reservations, flights, scraping that last chunk of money needed to take with us. The scary thing is a huge amount will have to be carried on me while travelling..Am I excited about that...ummm no!!! But I am a very cautious person by nature...so I will make sure I am safe in every regard!

So as soon as I hear something so will you guys! Wish me luck as I embark on a new year of 3, soon to be 4 little girls but with the Lord's blessing we all will be fine!

Talk soon!
T

Lookey Here!

When we first got photos Natalie...she was holding a painting that she had done at Camp Ox. Camp Ox is where our agency got together with the orphanage and had plays, skits, arts/crafts and just an overall good time that the kids don't normally get to have. I spoke with one of our agency reps on Thursday and asked if it were possible that they still had Nat's picture. So, Saturday after nearly dying at our yardsale we had, I came home to find this in the mailbox...What an awesome surprise!! It was so surreal to know that finally, I have touched something that our daughter has touched. Even though we've never held hands this was enough to get me through until we get there!

Next big question...WHEN???? I wish we knew. I do know that I start back to work at school tomorrow...and then school actually starts officially on Thursday. My biggest fear all along was it would be so close to school starting and then we would be gone for the first day. I have NEVER missed a 1st day of school for any of my girls...so I do believe the Lord was looking out for me to not have this happen. Our agency has said that we should've had TA by now. It seems there are 6 families should have been notified of travel before then....but we will see. The Lord's timing is PERFECT and I know that...

Enjoy this beautiful day....starting to feel a "nip" of autumn in the air....

Until next time...

T

How Quickly Time Flies When Your Girls Grow

Looking back through some pics today, I stumbled across last year's first day of school pics. Wow! What a difference a mere year makes! I am hoping that we are still here for the first day...have never missed one yet!!! I'm sure we will..school starts back next Thursday and I'm sad..I admit...but they are excited! That is their whole little social networking nest...so enjoy!

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Ah Monday!!!

Today has been wonderful! The girls and I have a whole week scheduled of appts. doctor today, dentist tomorrow, violin/church on Wednesday, hair on Thursday and my little one is hoping to squeeze Grandma's in one more time before D-Day! I think I've figured it out! I am OVERWHELMED!!! There I said it!!! I know it's going to be ok...I just know that and I think today I am at peace with that..FINALLY!

It's also a blessing to know that I'm not the only one feeling these apprehensions and they too will pass and just be a fleeting glimpse of unneeded stress!

Here are a couple of pics of the girls from last week. The day after my surgery I had to head to downtown Raleigh to pick up Todd's POA (since he's not travelling to China) and we stumbled upon an awesome museum. So, needless to say, I took the girls to run around and burn off some steam. They were so patient with me the day before with the surgery. Sure, I didn't need to be there...but we had a blast! Enjoy!

Sunday....

Hi everyone! It's been awhile since I posted...for a couple reasons. Been fighting this funk that I have been in for a few days now. I dont know if it's because I still do not remotely feel like myself or maybe I'm coming down with something? Not sure...ugh! Hubby thinks I'm nesting...I wish! I wish I knew something more definite...school starts in a week and a half. Which means I'm back full-force there as well. There are a couple more items that need to be addressed in C & C's room. Nothing serious, moreso Mommy being the weirdo that I am, has this huge issue with completion. That all would be fine and dandy if we were loaded but I think having to come up with such large amounts of money here lately and just all of the stuff that needed to be done here at home has finally took it's toll on me...Overwhelmed, I think that is the term that describes me to a "T" at this point. Me a planner? Oh my gosh yes! I am in charge of all family vacations and activities from start to finish. I just do things the way I do them...and this whole adoption journey has told me that regardless of how in control I think I am, the Big Guy comes in and shakes things up a little just to get me back baseline. Paitience, Faith, Servitude, Compassion, Obedience these are just a few terms that keep things in perspective for me.

Trying to get some rest...I just want to feel better!!!!!!!

Night all...