SECRET PAL

I AM INVOLVED IN A YAHOO GROUP FULL OF LADIES WHO WERE HAVE CHINA LOG IN DATES FOR APRIL. WE ARE DOING SECRET PALS AND I GOT MY GIFT THIS WEEK. ITS FROM HOUSTON!!!

CHECK IT OUT! THANKS SO MUCH PAL! YOU KNOW I HAVE A NEW COLLECTION, HAHA! AND THANKS FOR THE SWEET CARD!

details on the foot in the upper right corner come tomorrow!

this weekend andand a prayer opportunity

Hey guys! This weekend was great. Drove to Fl to surprise the parents and had a nice bit of rest. Saturday morning, mom and I went to some garage sales and found the cutest Asian doll. I will post a pic when we get home. My parents and Michael's mom were able to watch the Lost Daughters of China video. I was the first one crying both times..Try watching it with no sound! Amazing! it has been months since we watched it and it was awesome.

We talked about names, but nothing definite. Fridays mail brought our next wish for our quilt and I will update that blog this week!!

My yahoo group has decided to pray every Sunday for those involved in the adoption process and our wait. I want to do more.

Starting today, Monday, I want to start a group that will lift China adoptions in prayer. The birth moms, the babies, the foster moms, the workers in the orphanages, the agencies we are working with, the people who organize our travel and the CCAA. Pray for Gods will to be done and for the wait to shorten. God can do all things. His hand has been on this process the whole time and I know that if the wait stays this long, He is really preparing us to be parents to the perfect child!..

We know that God listens and wants to hear from us.The greatest gift we can give our babies right now is a prayer!!!

Please leave a message if you would like to be a part of this. If you would like a reminder (email) on Monday mornings, please email me at amyschristopher@comcast.net

Quilt

I started a website for our quilt where we will be sharing the squares we receive. I have also added some links to other quilts so that you can see some examples.

Anyone else up for an exchange? Rebekah, i emailed you may address..

Also, any other Atlanta people interested in lunch?

Oh yeah, the website is www.christopherquilt.blogspot.com!!!

More thoughts on Adoption

I haven't posted a while since our entries regarding last Friday night. There was a reason. It was such an emotional, wonderful experience, its been on my mind, A LOT. I can't believe where this journey has taken us so far, and we are still in Georgia

Michael and I have been talking about names. I have no idea where this will take us, but its pretty exciting.

Adoption. I never thought I would be experiencing this. If you have friends who have mentioned it or if you are thinking about, please look into it. I can not explain this experience. The orientation, the paperchasing, the DTC, the LID and now THE WAIT. Its been awesome. Its been incredible. God's hand has been over us since we began. Has it been hard? No!!!! Has it been time consuming and sometimes frustrating? YES!!! Would I do it again? yes, if we were financially able.
Adoption; domestic or international? closed or open? Which agency? There are so many questions. But there are also so many resources.
If you are thinking about. If its crossed your mind, PRAY about it. Its amazing what one prayer can do. God listens, and He answers!!!

She Said-He said Our thoughts on First Friday

Warning: this could be long and emotional. You may need a tissue!!!!



As most of you know, Michael and I attend a monthly support group meeting called First Friday which was last night. The meetings are encouraging, and we have the greatest support!..


So, we met up with the Ladmans for dinner at Bahama Breeze before heading over to the Chapmans. Karens husband is home from an extended assignment and we finally got to meet him and it was wonderful.

We got there early and wandered around. I spotted a few new people so I said hello. A lady turned around wearing a blue shirt. I immediately got the chills. On the right hand corner of her shirt it said Owen T. Wheeler Foundation. I almost cried immediately. You see, I was Owens first night shift nurse after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. I took care of him every night I worked. Owen passed away New Years Eve 4 years ago. I attended Owens funeral and it was the second funeral I had ever attended. It was one of the most beautiful experiences. This lady is now a part of Owens family and it was nice to hear about them. Clearly this was the beginning of most emotional night.

During the evening, one of the professors from Kennesaw who is Chinese, played the Chinese violin (cant remember the name of of it) and sang some songs.

Next on the agenda, the announcement of a referral. Baby Laney will be joining her parents in a short time. Her picture was shared with everyone Jay and Angela video taped their referral call let me say that everyone had tears the entire time, even the men. I don't think that some of the daddies realized what actually happened when you get the call, so this was a great thing for our guys to see. I know that Michael really enjoyed it.

Next up, Rob from North Metro Church spoke for a few minutes. He is a daddy to 2 girls from China and teared up as he talked about their wait and journey and reminded is that this is our time to do great things. God is doing amazing things and we may not see what he's up to until we get home. But how wonderful to know that God is working on our perfect family and developing Michael and I to be the best parents we can be. What a testimony for us. It was God. Rob said every word I needed to hear and it was precious.

Next the man from Kennesaw got up ( were not expecting this) and thanked everyone here for loving the China babies. i wish I could remember everything he said but he ended with a song that talks about the beauty of a person..Another crying moment.

Seriously, if it wasn't obvious that God was a part of every moment, keep reading.

Another mom to be shared a picture with us. She is going to be getting a chid from the special needs list. Baby Shelby has a cleft lip and palate and will have the palate repaired here in Atlanta. I work with almost all the cleft lip/palate babies and was able to share my experiences as a nurse with her..It was wonderful to see relief on her face. I can not remember her name but I am praying for her..Shes in Disney now! Yeah!!!

We drove home and talked a bit before going to bed.

This morning, I went to the store and to a neighborhood garage sale. I was mostly looking for childrens books because a) I hear you can not have to many and b) they are stinkin cheap at garage sales. As I approached my last house, I spoke to the lady who also sells Mary Kay. I asked her where she was from and she Atlanta, right here, this is my house..I then asked her where her beautiful accent was from and she said Hong Kong. I explained what we were doing and tears started flowing and she said Thank You, Thank you!. YOu see, she herself, gave up a daughter and she herself worked in an orphanage. She speaks Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese and would like to teach Michael and I some words before we leave for China!

HOW GREAT IS MY GOD!!


Michaels Story:
As part of our adoption process, Amy and I attend a monthly support group with people ranging from those with questions about international adoption to those in the process and those who have completed their trips to China. They are held on the first Friday of each month.Tonight was the best one I have been to as we learned about another couple's experience getting the phone call with details of their "match." They videotaped the call from their agency with the director telling them about the baby, name, height, weight, physical exam, birth date, etc. They then were emailed their first picture of their baby and the parents with grandparents and other relatives all crowded around the computer to see baby Laney. I cried through most of it because I had no idea that a call like this would be part of the process and I was filled with a joy and excitement about the day this happens for us.Also, I finally got to meet a friend's husband. He is in the Army and has been in Kuwait for the past six months while she has been waiting for him and for their referal. We enjoyed dinner together before the meeting and he's a neat guy that we look forward to becoming close friends with.

My emotions are high and I am ready for this wait because I know God has something for Michael and I that I can not right now comprehend. For those also waiting, be encouraged. Our time will come. We are not missing out an anything right now. God is cooking up something thats going to be out of this world!!!! How exciting is that!!!!

REFERRALS!!!

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE WHO GOT TO SEE THEIR BABY FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY. WE ARE THRILLED FOR YOU!

100 Good Wishes Quilt

An invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break."
- Chinese Proverb

May 2007


Dear Family and Friends;

Michael and I are thrilled to let you know we are on the official list to adopt a baby girl from China. Many of you know that we have been working on this “paperchase” for months now and we are thrilled this part is over. The wait for our baby girl continues to grow and it may be up to 2 years before we get our blessed referral. A referral is when China matches you with a baby and you receive all the information including pictures of your child. After the referral, you travel to China within 3 months to complete your adoption.

We would like to invite you to be a part of our first gift to our daughter and hope you will participate.

There is a tradition in the northern part of China to give a new baby a Bai Jia Bei, or a 100 Good Wishes Quilt. The custom has been picked up by adopting parents here and other parts of the world. I would like to take part in this tradition.

The custom is to ask family and friends to send a piece of cloth and a note card with a wish written on it. The squares of fabric are quilted together to make a wish quilt. The note cards are put in a special place for the child to read when he/she gets older. A small swatch of the fabric is attached to the note card to recognize the wish with the square in the quilt. The quilt contains the love and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.

I have asked a few of my friends to help in actually making the quilt and I am thrilled to get to learn quilting.

Examples of the quilt and some ideas can be found at Avas Quilt!!

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Here are the directions:
1. Find a piece of 100% cotton fabric that you like. It can be old or new. It can represent you or just be a piece that caught your eye. Wash the fabric to get the treatment off, I forgot what it is called.
2. Cut two squares. 1- 8x8 inch square and a 1x1 inches.
3. On a 4x6 note card (3x5 is good, too) Write or type a wish, hope, thought, a poem, or a quote you love. Anything that inspires you. Attach the small swatch to the card stock.
4. Drop it in the mail to me.
The Christopher Family
4828 Old Field Drive
Kennesaw, Ga 30144
If you have any questions, please, don't hesitate to ask. I truly appreciate this. I know how busy everyone is now a days. I will keep everyone posted on our progress. We will have a link on our adoption blog and will post all squares and wishes that we receive. Our blog is www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.comWe are so thankful for all of the prayers and encouragement you have given us. The wait will be long, but the reward will be greater!
Michael and Amy

Childrens books and rumors!

Apparently several agencies are reporting that referrals will be sent. its hard not to read the rumors but when actual agencies are reporting these things, its hard not believe.

It looks like a few more days were matched this month which is great! I am so not going to report what I read just in case I disappoint someone.

My next obsession: children's books. I can not believe how many there are! My first thought is getting as many Chinese related books as possible. I don't want to do that. I want a variety. Of course I want books that our daughter can relate to and I think thats important; but she is also going to be a young little girl and will probably love all books the same! Cant wait to get the classics!

What are you favorite books? Our first gift was Love you like CrazyCakes and its just precious!!!


Come on referrals!!!!!

Today

Well today was an Amy and Michael day. I am so glad we were both home when I got the email.

Michael and I went grocery shopping but I wanted to buy something today, just because. A lot of adopting moms go and "buy pink" but as our wait may be long and I am not sure what our tastes would be, and finances are tight, we chose a book! We have a few books now, but here is the one we chose today

Ladies and gentlemen

We have a Log in Date!!! April 23rd! Woohoo..More details to follow!

Oh where oh where is our LID? Oh where oh where can it be?

Dude, where is my patience? Im checking my email at least 50 times a day and the CCAI website..DTC with dates of 4/9 were logged in last week so I was hoping to have a date early this week..Hopefully its on its way..We need to be logged in by May 1st!

Amy

Does anyone have a 100 Good wishes quilt letter example I could use? I want something that some sort of picture or frame around to mail to friends and family once we are logged in.!!!!!!
I know that several people have their original posts on their blogs but wanted suggestions on
a)what letter to mail and b)is it the same thing you post?

Scavenger HUnt and other blog

If you are looking for the scavenger hunt over at Amys Random thoughts, you picked the wrong blog..Go here for that..

Yes, Amys Random Thoughts is having a Scavenger Hunt starting May 1st. Didnt want you to miss out!

the wait

Today I had lunch with Kathy, who will be a mommy very soon. She is getting close to the finish line and I hope she is home with her baby before Christmas! We had a great time and it was nice to hear whats been going on with her. She gave me a lot of information and I am very appreciative. I have lots of things to do while we wait for baby Christopher to come home.

Its official. The wait is lengthened but its okay. It gives Michael and I more time to prepare ourselves and our home for our baby. I am blessed that Michael has no problems with this wait. He has become very patient and I can not wait for our LID!


For family and friends, please pray for us as we begin the long wait..For you pregnant moms, you thought 9 months was a long time..Ha! Pray for those whose wait is almost over.So many people are so close to referrals and I can not wait to hear about them!!!!

Stay Positive!!

Another Great email

Congratulations! Your dossier has been delivered to the China Center of Adoption Affairs.

Changes to the blog

You may notice I changed a few things here and there will a bigger change to the header in a few weeks. I have added blogs that I read to the side and categorized them by the Log In Dates.

We are hoping for ours in a few weeks and we shall be celebrating when we get it. Nothing else is really going on. I took a few moments at work and explained dossiers, LID, referrals and GOTCHA day to a few girls at work. It was nice that they were so interested in it all..

If you do not see your name on the side, its either because I haven't gotten to it yet or I do not know your LID!!!!


Amy

Adoption thoughts

I spent some time talking tonight with some coworker about adoption. They had questions.. Their age, infertility,costs, risks, spouses. A lot of questions. Some I could not answer but I hope they find their own.

6 years I ago I would never have thought we would be on this journey. Now, here we are awaiting our LID and we will start preparing our home and ourselves for this amazing experience. My family thinks this blogging thing has been good for me. Its easier for me to write my thoughts on here than to share them with people.

I was able to visit a patient and family who I took care of in December. Their child is from China. HE will face many surgeries. This family gave me hope and encouragement then and now.

I do feel like my friends and family are on this journey with us. I have felt peace that can only be from my Heavenly Father and for that I am eternally grateful!


Exciting stuff is going to happen, SOON! We will come up with a name, start our quilt (for those who are not familiar with it, details to soon follow), get our home ready, and learn more our daughter's origin. Thats a lot of stuff. It could get overwhelming. I hope so!

Question regarding CCAA

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before March 31, 2006.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before October 26, 2005.

What does this first part me? Reviewd applications before March 31, 2006? Is that another review? I know thats not the match but what is it?

Thanks

want an update????

Just got an email that said, Congratulations Michael and Amy, your dossier has been sent to China! WooHoo! Translation did not take long at all! here is to a really quick LID! (we can always hope)

Perseverance

I think I am going to post this on both of my blogs. I am involved in several adoption yahoo groups, including a few specifically with my agency. I get them sent in digests and a few with individual emails. Yesterday I think there over 75 emails sent to the groups and half of them were negative! I understand that these groups are for people to vent, express their fears and other feelings. These are such an encouragement to me and I am learning so much and meeting the neatest people!

I know this wait is long, and I know it could be longer. I am going to enjoy this wait and the time it takes God to prepare Michael and I to be the best parents to our daughter.

There may be a time when I do get down, but right now I am ready for the long wait !We are going to need prayer for family and friends and I hope that their enthusiasm for us continues.

On a happy note, our dossier has been in Colorado for 2 days now!

Im just venting, so I am sorry. There are a lot of us whose wait is just beginning. I pray we stay strong and encourage each other.

On another note, I found a neat website one someone elses blog that sells things for adopting parents..Check it out here!

and a question for your adoptive parents..On some of your blogs, things break down into smaller blogs like your quilt making, nursery, registries. Do you just make several posts or they different blogs and you just link them to your main blog?