Let me first address the obvious. After receiving an email from our agency on Friday, I feel that the fears stemming from the Swine Flu will slow down travel to China. To say we are frustrated and disappointed is beyond an understatement at this point. However, I also understand the concern for children with health conditions. I pray this will not be the case, and we will have travel approval in two weeks. After a good cry today, I’ve decided to shift gears a bit during this difficult period of waiting. Russ and I plan to deliver medical supplies to New Day when we travel. Several people have asked how they can help or what we need for Brett. Our deepest desire at this point is to help support New Day. This is Brett’s home and Brett’s family. Please prayfully consider helping us collect the following items:

Liquilytes Powder Mix
Aerochambers with Pediatric mask
Povidone Iodine
Children’s Fluoride Rinse
Atrovent Nebulizers
Cefaclor Suspension
Zithromax Suspension
Aquaplast Splinting Material
Dr Smith's Diaper Ointment
3cc oral syringes
Pulmicort nebulizers
Infant liquid vitamins with iron
Tussin CF
Antibiotic ear drops for kids
Antibiotic eye drops for kids

When donating medicine, please check the expiration date, so that New Day can get one year of use out of it.

On another note, we met with an intern traveling for the third time to New Day. It was so wonderful to hear Jovanna speak of the love shown to Brett and the other children. We are so grateful for Jovanna and the many other volunteers who give so much of themselves for these children.

Finally, we hope all Moms had a wonderful Mother’s Day! I was spoiled with flowers and a Mother’s Day Tea Party at Abigail’s school.

Blessings!

Just to make you Smile . . .

After worrying all week that the Swine Flu and its effects would cause China to delay travel approvals, God found yet another way to put things in perspective. My sister sent me flowers with a card attached simply stating, "To make you smile!." I must admit I thought the flower delivery boy was at the wrong house (not to imply anything about my husband.). Thank you Aunt Jen for always making me smile and knowing when I need a pick-me-up!

Then, Abigail hosted her first real sleep over and invited her neighborhood friend. There is nothing like two giggling girls at 11pm to make you reevaluate how blessed you truly are.

Next, we received the cutest outfit for Brett from dear friends from Abigail's travel group. Thank you Bailey family. I never thought I'd enjoy receiving boy clothes as much as girl clothes!



Finally, I ran across this video sent to me by one of our pastors. Although we know Brett will have many obstacles in life, he will be blessed with friends and family who will always see him as complete.

LOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our LOA arrived today. We finally have a rough idea of travel. With the new Hague requirements, there are now a few extra steps of paperwork, but we are hoping to have Brett home in June.
I'm off to complete more paperwork . . .

Check out the latest update on New Day's site. Our friends in our Disciple class sent a care package for Brett and his friends! We feel so fortunate to belong to such a wonderful church. Russ and I feel like each member in our small group is part of our family.
We are grateful for this wonderful gift and look forward to the day Brett will be surrounded by this circle of love also.
Blessings,
Russ and Cindy

Bittersweet Birthdays

Sorry for my lack of blogging and absence online, but I had a bad case of pneumonia. After five nights in the hospital (including my birthday), I'm thrilled to be home. Luckily, my parents, neighbors, and church family have been taking care of us. Russ and the girls have never been fed so well!
Brett's birthday is also quickly approaching. It will be another bittersweet birthday for us as we continue to wait for our LOA and TA from China. Nevertheless, we will celebrate. As with the girls, we will remember our blessings, inlcuding Brett's birth family and his family at New Day. Happy Brithday sweetie!

We packed his presents up this week. Here is a clip of the girls singing "Happy Birthday" to their brother:

Aunt Jen, I think Brett is ready for Wisconsin! Today, we received an update on Brett. I think I used up half of a box of tissues trying to read the one paragraph description.
Update from New Day:

Dear Friends,

We hope this note finds you doing well, and that you enjoy reading this month's update.

Brett is 2 Years 10 Months Old.

Brett's nanny wrote this update:

Although Brett has only one leg, he desires to do the same activities other children enjoy. When the others jump and run in circles, he sits and moves himself in a circle on the floor. When the children all line up, Brett moves into position in the line and also holds to the one in front of him. Brett and Luke have been the best of friends and he has always been very protective of him. He was very sad to hear that his good friend, Luke, was leaving to go to the states. On the day that Luke’s parents arrived, Brett seemed very sad, both because Luke would leave soon and because he wanted his own mom and dad to come for him. But, the same day that Luke’s parents arrived, Brett received a package in the mail from his family! It was just what he needed to feel special and loved. Now that Luke has left, Brett has missed him. But, he was quite excited to receive the family photo of Luke and his new family after arriving in the states. He enjoys looking at it every day!

Needless to say, I wanted to jump on an airplane and yell, "Mommy's coming!" Unfortunately, we are still waiting on China. The next step is receiving our LOA (Letter of Acceptance), then TA (travel approval), probably around May. Until then, we are sending prayers and care packages. He is also being spoiled by his wonderful sponsors!

p.s. New Day has updated their web site, including a "blog" link on the right side of the site. You can see photos of Brett passing our the Valentines we sent for all the kids!
http://www.newdaycreations.com/foster/

DTC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our dossier was sent to China on Monday. Hopefully the CCAA will receive it before the Chinese New Year Holiday. We now wait for China. Another long process, but not as long as immigration this time around. We are asking for prayers and happy thoughts for a speedy process.