Cinderella Story

One of my favorite songs right now is "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman. I've always liked Steven Curtis Chapman's music. I even sang in a choir that backed him up at a Young Messiah concert in St. Louis several years ago. Today I'm an even bigger fan. Brenda and I just received a grant from Show Hope, a foundation started by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary to care for orphans around the world. God continues to weave together the incredible story of Katie's adoption. We leave Texas on Friday and will meet Katie in Xi'an, China on Monday. I wish words were sufficient to express our gratitude to friends and family members who have supported us financially, emotionally, and spiritually. God has blessed us in amazing ways, providing for every need at just the right time. We know that the adoption process is only the introduction to the true story that God is writing through our family and our church. May generations be impacted for his kingdom by what he is doing through us today!

WE HAVE A DUE DATE!

God is being God again. The day our doctor told me that I'm no longer considered diabetic, we also learned the date we get our baby girl. Katie will turn 2-years-old on March 20, but she'll start her new life on March 21. That's the day we will meet her face-to-face in Xi'an, China. We'll have lots of paperwork after that, but she'll stay with us from that day forward. Please continue to pray for Katie, Brenda, Bryan and me as our world is about to change forever. Pray that Katie will be able to express the grief she feels over the drastic changes she'll experience. Pray that Katie will bond with at least one of us before we leave Xi'an. Pray that God will continue to provide for our spiritual, physical, and financial needs throughout the adoption process. Pray that Brenda and I will recognize Katie's emotional needs as we help her adjust to life in America. Pray for peace and clarity of mind as we finalize travel plans. Pray that God will use our experiences to encourage other families being called to welcome orphans into their homes. If you feel God leading you to pray specifically about something I've left out, please pray. "The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you."

BIG NEWS!!!

We received a call from our Gladney case worker on Monday, February 28 saying that we our Travel Approval and Visas have arrived in New York! Our consulate meeting is being scheduled as I type this update. We should have exact dates of travel this week. We're looking at traveling to China in late March / early April! Katie is coming home!!!!!!!

FAITH LIKE A CHILD

Waiting is one of the hardest things to do. We've tried to stay busy by painting Katie's room, decorating, and putting her furniture together. Still, there is a helpless feeling that goes along with waiting. This week we finally received some news. Our Article 5 letter should arrive at the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) today. The Article 5 letter was issued by the US Consulate on Wednesday. It states that we are "suitable adoptive parents" and that Katie will be "allowed to enter and permanently reside in the United States." In two to six weeks, the CCAA should be issuing our Travel Approval (TA). As soon as it is received we can plan the trip to China to bring Katie home! This news has made everything feel very real. We are really going to China and coming home with our little girl!

On Wednesday we received an estimate on travel costs (approximately $10,000) and I'll be honest... I freaked out a little bit. Brenda and Bryan get to see me at my best and at my worst, so in the midst of my sticker shock, Bryan said matter-of-factly "God has provided everything so far. He'll take care of that too." Bryan didn't try to figure out exactly where the money would come from. He didn't worry about how quickly the funds would be needed. He just had faith. His faith isn't blind, though. We've seen God do amazing things all along this journey. Bryan simply trusted that God would continue to act in the same way and finish what He started. I have a lot to learn from my son. One day I hope my faith is as simple and strong as his.

SHOCK AND AWE

God is still blowing us away with his provision. You would think we'd be used to it by now, but every day he continues to remind us how awesome he is. As Brenda was preparing to walk out the door to mail off our visa applications for the trip to China, a dear friend came into her office with a shower gift. In the card was a financial gift that matched the amount we have to pay today. God's time is always perfect. He knows exactly what we need and the moment we need it. Not just with financial needs, but with emotional, spiritual, and physical needs as well. The outpouring of love from our church, our family, and our community has been humbling. As we were reminded at Camp Kaotik, God is GINORMOUS!

Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! (Matthew 6:8)

Encouraging News

Yesterday was a day full of good stuff! We received the letter from the US Department of State we've been waiting on for the past week AND we received notice that we have been approved for a $2,000 matching grant from Lifesong for Orphans / Tapestry Adoption & Foster Care Ministry. This weekend our friends from Camp Kaotik included our adoption costs in the camp offering. God continues to provide for the financial needs we are facing. We still have a long way to go, but we know that God is doing something bigger than us. Please begin praying for Katie's adjustment to her new life. We will be taking her from everything she knows. Pray that we will be able to help her through her grieving period and help her experience joy in her new forever family. If you feel led to provide financial assistance toward our matching grant, you may send it to:

Lifesong for Orphans

PO Box 40 / 202 N. Ford St

Gridley, IL 61744

Please include the following in the memo section of your check: preference Longley / #1742 adoption.

*Note: In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor's suggested use.

CRIB NOTES

Brenda and I attended our travel meeting this week! Lots of information to sift through, but it feels like we are getting closer and closer to bringing Katie home. Thanks to the ladies in Brenda's Friday morning Bible study group, Katie will have a crib to sleep in when we finally get her home. When I walk past her room it seems too empty. Still, the adoption is beginning to feel very real.

This weekend we'll get to spend time worshiping with some dear friends at Camp Kaotik. Keith Coast, Brent Weber, and Jagee Melton are amazing people with hearts for helping kids worship and grow in their relationship with God. I can't wait to attend camp with them next year and introduce them to Katie Joy!