China, Here We Come!

I just got an e-mail from my agency and it's possible we could leave in a month to get Noelle. Usually, they're right on with the timing.

I don't have all the funds together. But this is where God will show Himself. Again.

I was hoping for May travel, so I would have more time to get the $$ together and also so that I wouldn't have to go back to work until September. But God's plan is always better than our own. I trust in Him.

Periodic fever, Aphthous-stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome

I think we have an answer. Thank You, Lord!

Maddie has been suffering from blisters in her mouth almost constantly for 2 years now. By constant, I mean just about always having a blister, or two, or three in her mouth at all times. We have been to the peds, to a couple of specialists, tried an anti-viral medication for 8 months with not much help there. We manager her pain with Motrin, but that really only just takes the edge off. It has been a difficult two years for her. Her eyes have been blood-shot for at least the past year with no change, as well. The blisters on the inside of her mouth only, and the red eyes, led us to the allergist (today), thinking maybe she had a food allergy. We did remove and reintroduce several foods with not much luck, though--but a Mama never quits when her babe is hurting.

Unfortunately, her condition had to worsen in order to receive a diagnosis.

The fevers started the day before Thanksgiving and haven't quit. They come with a sore throat and always, a new blister(s). Her voice gets hoarse, too, to the point that it reduces her to a raspy whisper.

With these new symptoms, today's specialist was able to make a probable diagnosis--this isn't his field, but his colleague is an expert--so you know where we will be going next. I am cautiously optimistic. My little girl has been suffering too long. All her symptoms are an exact match. And the good news--this should clear up on its own after 10 years of age. Maddie will be 10 in 4 months.

This condition is considered genetic and there are various forms of the syndrome--one that strikes those from the Mediterrean, for example. One way of diagnosing it, of course, is knowing if it runs in your family. We have no biological history, so that didn't happen. Other than that, it takes genetic testing or a worsening of symptoms to arrive at a diagnosis. I'm hopin our experience will help other adoptive families.

I have been in steady prayer about this and feel that God is shedding His light on us. I am so grateful!

Wednesday Walk

"Fear not, God has heard the voice of the youth where he is."
Genesis 21:17

I am so glad that I know now that God will meet me where I'm at. I don't have to go searching for Him--which I have done in the past, sometimes with less then optimal results. And I've noticed that the harder I try to find Him, the more confused I usually become (because, of course, my mind is usually filled with need, sometimes panic, and I want to hear from Him right now). But if I grow still, if I fill my mind and heart with faith, I can hear Him. And the longer I stay in that place, the stronger I grow. I'm going to spend the next week trying to increase the amount of time I can remain quiet and still in His presence.

LID!!!

China has issued a log-in-date for my paperwork: February 16, 2012!! My agency has requested expedited service, due to Noelle's heart condition. So, we are right on track for travel after the trade fair--I'm thinking about May 5th. It's also possible we could travel earlier, perhaps just prior to the trade fair's opening in mid-April.

The trade fair is a very large production and hotels in my daughter's province were reserved as much as a year in advance, so it would be difficult if not impossible to travel during the two weeks this is going on.

I know God is all over this and that we will travel in His perfect timing.

Wednesday Walk

This week's topic: When someone you love is sand paper.

Sometimes a relationship like this can last a lifetime; sometimes it's a colleague or a distant friend you share space with infrequently--just enough to think, I've got to get away from her.

But it's all part of God's plan, to make us better people. I know I certainly had patience to cultivate. And I am not 24/7 on the look out to bless others--I wish I was, but sometimes I get so wrapped up in my busy life, I don't always think to look up. I'm still working on this.

My sand paper loved one is a daily experience and there are times I truly feel that all my rough spots are smoothed out and so whatever we're going through must surely be for the benefit of this loved one. But I guess not--I got a particularly good rub down this past week:) And after several days of pondering my own perfection I was reminded that I have a few areas where improvement is mandatory if I want to experience God's Grace in Its fullness.

In the Garden

We headed out to the garden yesterday. I'm very happy with our little plot. We don't have the best water in San Diego, and we're far enough outside the city that we have pretty bad soil, too. So, it's taken a few years and some experimentation to achieve any sort of success.

The girls were really into it, for about an hour or so.

Then they disappeared. . .

But the new plants were in, right next to our thriving lavender.

Ceramics

Uncle Billy sent a a very generous Christmas check for the girls. As last year, I took the girls to a place where they can paint their own ceramics. The love doing this, but it is rather pricey. Thanks, Uncle Billy!!