Home Study Approved!

"Our willingness to wait reveals the value we place on the object we're waiting for."

~Charles Stanley

The "object" we were waiting on was our home study. The great news is that on Tuesday, August 13th we received official word from our agency that we were home study approved and that our I-800A application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office was mailed via priority mail. We are "over the moon" excited as we are one more step closer to seeing our Lia Grace's face and bringing her home.

On Friday, August 16th, we celebrated by eating Chinese food for dinner. Our family ate Panda Express, one of our faves!, and enjoyed it at home. Across country, in the small town of Cody, Wyoming, my parents went out to eat at a local restaurant to celebrate, too. Here are some pictures that my precious mother sent me from their evening out celebrating:

While they were eating, the owner of the restaurant came to them and asked them what the occasion was and they explained. Long story short, the owners have one adopted daughter from Chin@, and they used the same agency we are using!, and they are also waiting on a referral for their 2nd daughter. What a small world! 

Two families, miles apart, celebrating another step in the process done. Lia Grace, you are so loved already baby girl!

And, finally a poem for our youngest daughter:

I am so very special

I have been from the start

Before they held me in their arms

my family held me in their hearts.

And like a single drop of rain

that on still waters fall

My life and love will ripples make

and touch the lives of all.

So read this precious story

as step by step I grow.

I am a blessing and gift

as each page here will show.

~Author Unknown