And The Verdict Is...

No visas today.  My heart did sink a bit, as I know we are headed into the weekend and the offices in DC will most likely be closed.  We heard a rumor at breakfast that the government would work over the weekend; we are hoping it's true!

Caleb and Mason with sweet Lily.  She had two heads at birth and was not expected to live.  She's now 3 and knows 3 languages!

For the most part we've met some other very nice families in our hotel also waiting.  One poor mommy from North Carolina had her cell phone stolen from her purse, by a pick pocket outside of our hotel.  

We sat next to a rather angry couple from Texas at breakfast.  I tried to engage them in conversation, but our conversation was sprinkled with a fair amount of profanity.  I was glad my boys were busy getting food.  That particular couple was definitely more of an exception.

We were going to try and go to the zoo today, but Mason was throwing up last night and Reed this morning.  We splurged and sent laundry out to be washed instead.  We've been trying to doctor things up with Shout wipes and baby powder, so it will be nice to have some truly clean clothes! 
Both boys seem to be doing better now and Grace is getting over a fever.  As I've rocked them on the floor, I've thought how thankful I am to be here and be able to care for them, and so thankful they are finally with us after nearly two years.  Today actually marks two years to the day,  that we decided to pursue adopting from China!

Our new sweet friends Tony and Ana were able to return home to Shanghai yesterday and very kindly took our gifts to deliver to the Healing Home where Grace lived.  Not an easy task when you have to hire a driver to go anywhere.  Thank you again to all the dear ladies who put so much time into sewing the tabby blankets!

My wonderful Mother in law has been bending over backwards to help with our children at home.  She is keeping them as much as she can, and busy coordinating with other dear friends who are helping.  Thank you to EVERYONE who has offered to help, and has loved on them for us!  This is by far the hardest aspect of not being at home!  Each time we talk to them Liam wants to know if we are coming home "tomorrow?"  He keeps pointing to the paper chain countdown and telling us there is only 1 left.  Addie brought Grandma a section of the newspaper and said they were papers for Reed and Grace to come home.  We miss them terribly and are tremendously thankful that they are in good hands.

Lest you think all of our conversations have been deeply spiritual, I thought I'd share a small nugget from the other morning. ;-)

Me: "Caleb, can you please take the toy out of your mouth?"
Caleb: "But it is a TEETHING toy!"
Me: "For babies!"

We are finding humor where we can. ;-)

It's so cute when this little guy raises his hands 

to be picked up!

I found myself trying to think outside the box at nap time in regards to getting home.  A boat?  A train to another country? Bring Grandma and the kids here?!?  (Now would be a very convenient time to work for the airlines!)  Our reps have told us that the Chinese Army is doing training here and have reduced the departing flights by 75%.  We are praying for God to provide in a miraculous way.

We'll get another update in the morning, but for now we are focused on Psalm 62:1 - "My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation.  He is my fortress I will never be shaken."  Thank you for your continued prayers - as anxious as we are to get home, we are definitely experiencing a peace that surpasses all understanding.