Amazing Day!

We have had such a wonderful day here in Seoul. We would have made a huge mistake if we had not come. We had a wonderful breakfast at our hotel which is provided every morning and we are thankful.

We went on our city tour with our very sweet guide Jueun (June) The McNiel's from Iowa went with us           too.  They get their baby girl on Thursday.

You may think this is the peace sign but in Korea instead of saying "cheese" when you take a picture you say, "Kimchi" 

We went to the Deoksu Palace this morning.

This King created Hangul. Before, they used Chinese characters.

Jueun took us to the Nandaemun Market that we went to yesterday. It is huge, so today we saw some different streets. We were glad she was with us so she could tell us what all the foods were that they were selling on the streets. This is how they deliver food to others that order.

\

The picture above is in Insadong where she took us for lunch with authentic Korean food.

Check out that fish! The oldest son of the other couple said, "That fish still has eyeballs. That's pretty disturbing." We had several sides and soups as you can see. The main dishes were Bulgogi, Kimchi, pancakes, and the fish. It was all really good. My favorite was the Bulgogi ( Korean beef barbacue wrapped in lettuce.) YUM!  Jueun ordered and we all shared so we could try new foods. 

(Sorry if someone reads these Korean words and the spelling is wrong.) 

Koreans drink water out of bowls instead of glasses. 

Thanks for all the sweet comments! 17 hours until we meet Ella!

Do I look like a tourist? We really stand out here people. We scream tourist! I really wanted to take a picture inside the subway but Nat wouldn't let me. We were the only caucasians on the subways and bus. It is gorgeous weather and in the 40's. The rest of the week should be the same. We also met another couple with Holt from Arizona here to get there baby right after we do.

We have had so much fun exploring today. Nat is a great subway Navigator. The people her are so nice and helpful. A lot of them even speak English enough to help us out. The city has a certain smell to it. I really do not know how to describe. It is very busy place. It really is a lot like a big city in the US except for the language and food. There are many American restaurants everywhere. When all else failed for breakfast we found McDonald's. We also found Starbucks for some much needed caffeine. We are doing pretty good staying awake.

                             We went to Insadong which is just walking distance from our hotel.

There are a lot of motorcycles and scooters everywhere. If you don't watch out they will run over you.

               We accidentally ran upon the war memorial....so we jumped off the bus to check it out.

                             We ended our adventure at the Namdaeum Market. It was crazy busy!

Tomorrow morning we have our city tour.  We are  about 40 hours away to meeting our baby girl! It is hard to believe we are just minutes from her in this city. I cannot wait!!!

We Are Here

Unbelievable! After over 24 hours of travel we are at our hotel in Seoul, Korea!

The flight was sooooo long. It really hit us about 7 hours in. There was not much sleep going on but we are going to try and stay awake until later tonight.

We tried some Korean dinner called bi bim bop. We were not huge fans and decided we should choose the American breakfast.

We met another Holt family on the plane. Like us they also have two boys that are two years older than ours. It will be nice to have some other families here with us this week.

We cannot check into our room until later so we are off to explore!

Korea bound!

Well we are sitting here in the international terminal five. I suppose there are a couple of hundred people ready to board this plane. We might be 2 of the 5 caucasians  on the plane. There is some very interesting people watching going on. Did I mention all the asian babies are so stinkin cute!

We got in line to check in and handed our passports to Mr. Kim. He started to chuckle. He said, "Great last name!" It is a fun name. He really gave Nat a hard time. How funny!

Nat is looking pretty tired. I hope we can get some sleep. I am feeling pretty good!

Chicago flight

The flight to Chicago was delayed an hour. Nat and I were not able to sit together on the plane. There was not a word spoken to the gentleman I sat beside until the plane landed.  He asked if I was from Chicago. He was going to Chicago on business and I told him we were going to Korea to bring home our baby girl. He was so excited. He said that he had 3 biological children and three adopted through the foster care system in Nashville. What are the chances of sitting by someone like him?

I have had some uneasiness today. I am sure that is to be expected. But this nice gentleman totally calmed the waters. What a special family. If he could parent 20 foster children and adopt 3 of them, then this should be a breeze. The last words spoken from him was, "God bless your family."

And We Are Off!

We have waited so long that it is hard to believe this day is finally here.

Dad just dropped us off at the Nashville airport. Both boys melted. That rips a mama's heart out. We have never left them like this. We will miss them so much. 

We have had so many ask if there is anything they can do for us while we are gone. All we can ask for are prayers for everyone. Especially my boys while we are gone.

There is light snow in Chicago.

 Yay! Here we go!

Getting Fired Up!

I finished my last day at work today for three months! Did I tell you how wonderful my boss is!? I was thinking how busy this leave will be compared to the boys who were just infants when I was off work with them. It is such a great time of year to be off though. Ella and I will be able to be outside a lot. I am looking so forward to it!

We got the rest of our travel plans confirmed today. Holt will be taking us to and from the airport. We will arrive in Korea at 6:00am on Monday morning. We are scheduled for our city tour on Tuesday morning at 9:30. On Wednesday, the day we have been waiting for, we will meet Ella at 9:00 am. It will be 6:00pm on Tuesday at home.

It is busy around here. I am washing, cleaning, packing, and making a list for all the last minute things I need to do. We are ready!

Finally! Travel Call!!!!

We are on top of the moon tonight thinking our baby girl will be in our arms this time next week. I want to keep pinching myself to make sure this is not a dream. After 6 long months from seeing her picture for the first time, we will finally be seeing that sweet face in person.

I called DC this morning and found out her visa was being processed. I had a feeling it would be today or tomorrow when we would get the call. I put my phone on vibrate and kept it in my pocket at work. I took my 11:00 patient back and at 11:15 it started ringing. I took it out and I saw the area code I had been waiting for. The sweet gentleman in my chair that I have been seeing in the office the last 10 years was so understanding.

I had been coaching myself all morning to keep my cool if I got the call. I knew I had to finish the day at work. Lisa at Holt said, " Your daughter is ready to come home." I have not stopped grinning all day. Everyone keeps asking if I am nervous. Right now I am so relieved just to know we can finally go get her. I am sure the nervousness will set in later.

I booked our flight during my lunch break. We leave Saturday and return the following Saturday. I would leave tomorrow if I could. I have so much to do before we leave. Tomorrow will be my last day at work for a while. It will be so busy being a mom of three.

We feel so blessed to be going on this journey. We cannot wait! Thank you for all the phone calls, texts, and emails today. We really appreciate all the support and encouraging words.

It's VI time!

It is 11:15 March the 2nd in Seoul, Korea. Ella will have her visa interview today and we might just actually get the call tomorrow. PLEASE CALL! We could really use some happy news! I will call DC in the morning to see if her visa has been officially issued.

Visa Interview is Scheduled

I called DC this morning on my way to drop Nathaniel off at school. I am sure everyone in DC gets annoyed by us anxious mamas. However, today I got a sweet lady on the other end and she said your baby is adorable! She told me our packet had been returned and that she was scheduled for March 2nd. We really do expect the BIG CALL either Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Nathaniel was pretty happy too!

At lunch today we also received a new physical exam. It says she plays pat a cake, waves bye bye, plays ball with examiner, and imitates behaviors. She weighs 19.1 lbs and is 28.2 inches tall. Sorry, we did not get a picture though. I did email to see if we could get one since it has been three months. I am really longing to see that precious face. I know she has changed so much.

Now it is time for a TC!

Overflowing with Thankfulness

I am sure you have heard about the tornado's touching down in Tennessee. My parents farm has significant damage. We are so thankful that my parents are ok. We were there all day today helping start the clean up that will take months. It is so overwhelming that you don't know where to start. We hope the electricity will be back on tomorrow afternoon. Thanks to all those that came today! They will need a lot more help!

The roof you see on the ground was a three car garage

If you look close you can see the whole top of the silo is gone. The old dairy barn is also gone.

Very large trees standing just feet away from the house are totally uprooted.

Power lines and huge towers were bent and on the ground.

All of the five grandsons made a fun day out of the event. Thank you Lord for keeping my family safe.

Thursday Thoughts

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.        Romans 5:3-5

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.    Romans 8:24-25

Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:10

Class B Waiver Today

Well, Holt was open today after all. We received a class B waiver which is a medical form from her visa physical about something we already had signed off for once. So at least it was not something new and unexpected. We had them notarized and Nat just left to go overnight them by fed-ex. I keep telling myself class B = Travel call. One more step closer to our baby.

We are so ready!

I have had so many people ask me today when we are leaving. I really do wish I could answer that. The truth is... we just don't know. They told us when our EP was approved to plan on 4 to 6 weeks. This Thursday will be 5 weeks. We really cannot imagine this wait going on much longer. Even though it would seem that the wait might be easier because we can see the finish line, it actually becomes harder.

We have been going to an Adopted For Life class at Living Hope. We have really enjoyed getting to know some new people seeking adoption and also the support from others who have already been through the process. We are also in class with others who have experienced some of the same loss and pain we have been through in the past.

Tonight we talked about some of the emotions you experience from past circumstances of infertility, miscarriage, and loss of a child. We can definitely relate to the last two . One of my biggest fears of adoption was that we were trying to fill the void of losing Cambell and that others would think that too. Adoption has always been an option for us even before we married. After the longing to adopt for over a year before we mailed in the application, I am so very thankful that God has confirmed over and over that this is his plan for us. People have asked me if we had not been through the loss that we had, would we still adopt. I don't know the answer to that. However, our circumstances has led us to where we are now and we are just sooooo excited to finally be able to see the end ahead.

I know that Ella has already touched so many and she is not even here yet. I have had several approach me wanting to talk to us about the process and pursuing adoption for their family. I always promised myself I would use Cambell's life to glorify God in any way and I plan to do the same with Ella's story. We are grateful that He is blessing us again with a baby girl.

We will let you know as soon as we hear. It seems to be warming up in Korea. Maybe we will be able to enjoy it without getting frost bite. I went through her packed bag again tonight to make sure everything we needed for her was in there. We are soooooooo ready. Bring on that TC please! We need our baby home!

Birthday Surprise

Across the ocean but in our hearts, you were born.

The plan last night was to go to bunco, but it got cancelled at the last minute. So, I decided that we should celebrate Ella's birthday.  I called a couple of friends to see if they wanted to join us for dinner and they said yes. I wanted to leave early so we could go pick up a cake. Nat said I couldn't get a cake. He finally told me Brittany already had gotten a cake. Right after that, Katy called and asked if we would stop by before we went to dinner because she wanted me to look at Wilson's mouth because she thought he had thrush. Didn't she know what thrush looked like???  I was so confused.

When I got to the door, I saw the decorations and sweet Elizabeth greeted me with a party hat. Everyone was there and they had suprised me with a birthday party for Ella that had been planned for weeks. Sneeky friends! I love it! We had a great time. Ella girl, you are so loved and already so spoiled. I hope you had a great day and celebrated in Korean style. We will be there to get you soon. We love you Ella!

SURPRISE!

Strawberry cupcakes

Your birthday song was loud with drums and cymbals.

The boys opened your presents. You are going to be one well dressed baby girl.

Nolan and Elizabeth blew out the candles while all the others played their loud instruments.

Here is a poem I saw on someone elses blog. It is perfect and I just love it!

As a girl I had a common dream, to be a mom someday.

My baby would have eyes of blue and hair the hue of hay.

But now my dreams have been transformed, new visions fill my head;

Now the tresses that I long to stroke are raven black instead.

And in my dreams those eyes are not so big or blue or round;

Now in my dreams they're almond shaped and colored cocoa brown.

And in my dreams my arms can stretch across enormous seas.

They reach half-way around the world and hold you close to me.

As you grow in your mother's womb, carefully knit together,

you're also growing in my heart, where you will stay forever.

And in my dreams the moment that your mother says good-bye;

I'll be right there to comfort you and hold you as you cry.

Our features may not look alike; we're different as can be;

But still I know the Father has created you for me.

And though I've not yet kissed your face, or held your tiny hands,

and though we're half a world apart in very different lands;

I'll be right there to get you just as soon as God allows.

But 'till He says the time is right I give to you this vow.

I'll pray for your protection every night on bended knee.

For God will hold you in His arms, until you're here with me.

-Gayle Leubecker

Visa Physical is scheduled and her birthday is today in Korea!

We got an email earlier that Ella's VP is scheduled on the 17th!!

We are beside ourselves!! I yelled and jumped around and Nolan, my 3 year old, says, "Mom is it the last thing!" How precious! We went outside on this beautiful day and he was riding his John Deere tractor around the yard yelling Yaaaaayyyy Ella is coming home! He rocks my world! Since Ella has made her embassy appearance already, I think the estimated time after VP to TC is 5 to 8 days.

Because Korea is one day ahead of us, Ella's birthday is today there. I hope she is having an amazing birthday today! We are going to dinner with friends tonight to celebrate.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

Dance in the Rain

Today was a little disappointing.

I think everyone in our EP batch was given their visa physical date, for next Wednesday, except us. I have to admit I have been pretty bummed and a crazy emotional mess today. However, I know everything is going to be ok and it is in God's hands.

I needed a little time out of the house to myself for a breather and where does a woman go.....the MALL! I pretty much just wondered around enjoying myself and I went into Kirklands. The first thing I see is a frame that said, "Life is not waiting for the storm to pass... it's dancing in the rain." Right beside of that one was, "If God leads you to it, He will get you through it." Those are words right from my dads mouth. I love that one.

Just a reminder that I am not in control, so I'm choosing to dance in the rain.

Embassy Appearance

I called the DC today and they saw her picture in the system!

Yay! 

I asked if Ella was smiling and she said she looked like she was pouting. I hope she is saving her smiles for us. Now all she needs is her visa physical and her visa interview. It's hilarious that they actually need an interview. But, I am sure there is good reason.

Now, just a little bit longer.....just a few more weeks.

Wordless Wednesday

Ella's Baby Shower and Celebration

     We are blessed to have the most amazing friends! Last night we had a baby shower for Ella at Mariah's. If any of you have been to Mariah's restaurant, you know it is one of the best. We had so much fun celebrating her adoption tonight. We used to get together much more often than we do now. Everyone has expanded their families and life has become very busy. We sure did enjoy having everyone all in one room.

                                 The decorations were so pretty!

Is this cake cute or what!

I would like to give special thanks to Katy, Brittany, and Kara. You guys ROCK!

How fun!

Here are a few cute things for Ella

Thank you to all of you who helped make this night special for us. We cannot wait for you to meet Ella.

This long journey is coming to an end and a new one is about to begin.

New WBC and Getting Closer!

     So as of yesterday when someone asks me when Ella is coming home, I can say, "THIS MONTH!" It really feels good not to have to say next month or we don't know. The word is out that the second batch of EP's should expect a travel call at the end of the month. Yay! So keep your fingers crossed.

     Nat was a little sneaky today. He called me at work to see if I had checked my email. Well, he already had checked it for me. He was so excited because he thought we had the visa physical but really it was just Ella's well baby check. He was so disappointed. It was really sweet how excited he was.

     Ella's well visit was good. She is holding onto furniture and cruising. I hope she holds out on those first steps so we can see! She is 28 inches and 18.9 pounds. That puts her in the Korean 10th percentile. She is a little peanut!

     We are very anxious about our trip. Every time I think of taking her from all she has ever known it makes my stomach feel like I am going down a fast elevator. Because we have fell in love with her through pictures over the past 5 months, it is hard to believe we will be complete strangers to her. I know I have asked a couple of times before but please keep her in your prayers.

Give Me an E!..... Give Me a P!!!

                                                                             

 Oh, hasn't today been awesome! 

I checked my email at work before I left for lunch and saw and email from Holt titled EP approval! I couldn't stop shaking, smiling, and crying. Ella Marie your mommy and daddy are coming to get you very soon! I don't know if I have ever felt this much emotion wrapped up in over a weeks time.

Needless, to say I spent my lunch hour calling everyone! Today is dad's birthday. I told him he had a present. He asked what it was and I said, "Your granddaughter got her EP today"! All of my families birthdays have played a significant part of being on the same day we get a lot of our news. I think it is another way of God saying, "Hey, here I am"! We should be Korea bound in about 3 to 6 weeks. I really hope we are in Seoul on her first birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!                                                                               

Happy 11 months Ella Marie!

    It is hard to fathom maybe being halfway around the world in a matter of weeks. I have really started nesting lately. Her room is done! A special thanks to Leslie for our glider rocker. Our Children's shop started their 50% off sale yesterday and guess who was there! I got some really cute things! I am starting to think of every little detail and making travel lists. It is so exciting and overwhelming at the same time. I have honestly never seen Nat stress about anything but he is pretty worked up about this long flight to Korea. I am usually the stresser so it is amusing to me to actually be the calm one.

     A friend from college, Erin, is in Korea as I type. She now has her daughter, Mabel, in her arms forever as a family of three now. They have waited for a child for over 5 years. They started with China and switched to Korea and soon got their girl. Her posts will break your heart and and fill your heart all at the same time. This transition is so hard on these babies leaving their foster families that have been the only family they have known. Please pray for them during this rough time of transition. Our hearts are ready but these precious babies are not.

     Our Ella turned 11 months two days ago. I cannot believe how fast time has gone since August. Everyone said it would go by in a hurry. I think of her about every second of the day. I long to see that precious face in person. We know the power of prayer, so please pray for her heart to be ready to bond with us. Happy 11 months precious girl! So much to do before we leave!

Here is a sneak peek at her room and some of my favorite special things.

Our house exploded in pink!

                                                                            

We have been Submitted for EP!

We have finally been submitted for our EP! I cannot stop smiling and shaking. Nathaniel is excited too. I think he is more excited about me being off work for a while.Once this is approved we will prepare to travel about four weeks from the approval date. During the four weeks she will need to make an embassy appearance and have a visa physical before they will issue her visa to come to the US. We can finally start counting weeks instead of months.

We are ready! 

Pray they will approve it very quickly!

New Well Baby Check and Picture!

    We received this in an email this evening  just after five. She just opened the care package we sent her for Christmas. By the date, it looks like she got it on December 28th when she went to her doctors visit.  Her checkup was good! She has 2 teeth on top and bottom and she is pulling to a standing position.  She weighs 18.3 lbs and she is 27.8 inches. She is growing!

     We are always excited to get new pictures. However, this wait is becoming unbearable. Today has been the hardest so far. Thank goodness for a new picture tonight to cheer us up a little. We are still waiting to hear about her immigration permit. (EP)  This mama is running out of patience. Please pray for our EP to come quickly!