We Leave TOMORROW!

Wow! Is this really finally happening? We started this process in May 2011, had some times where we didn't speed things along because Mark needed to build up his vacation time, had a bunch of crazy bumps in the road. But--all along we kept having God confirm and re-confirm that this WAS His will. It was hard to see at times whether or not we were supposed to keep on keepin' on but time after time God let us know His plan for our lives. 

Here are just a few things that happened along the way:

1. Mark had knee surgery last summer

2. In July 2011 our social worker was killed, along with her 3 daughters in tragic floods in Wyoming. Two of her daughters were from China, one was from Korea. They were all precious and we miss Laurel SO much, especially knowing she will never meet Zach and Tian! She had such a big part in telling us "You can do this!" in regards to adopting 2 kids at one time. We love you Laurel!

3.  In November 2011 Mark found out that his contract was ending at Schriever AFB and because of cuts in military defense including missile defense, he found himself looking all over the world for work! He applied all over the USA, in Korea, Japan, Germany, and even Afghanistan! He ended up being extended until the end of the year at Schriever, then until the end of January, then finally until the end of June.

4.  In the midst of all of this Mark found out that his "specialized" security clearance had expired. A new investigation was started and as you know---when you are dealing with government processes, things can take a long time!!

5. Long story short, his job was due to end on Friday, June 29th, he got his clearance on the Monday before, then he was to start a new job that next week. They found out that they couldn't transfer his clearance that quickly---but on Thursday the 28th he was offered a new job that will keep him employed until the clearance transfers to the new company! AND---they will let him take his vacation time to travel to China! He is with the same company, so he has vacation time built up from the past year!

Also: our dishwasher and fridge had to be repaired, our dryer was fixed, then our washer broke and we had to buy a "new used" one. Then the dryer broke for good and we had to buy a  "new used" one! All along, when things would happen Mark and I would actually laugh and say okay what else is going to happen? I even joked with the repairman that we didn't have any other appliances for him to work on since he doesn't work on stoves or microwaves!

God is GREAT! Our church has been AMAZING! We have been on the prayer list at church for at least 6 months! Now they have joined with us on this amazing journey! Donations poured in yesterday, last night, and today for New Hope in Beijing and Maria's Big House in Luoyang, Henan Province! Yea! Our friends and family have shown an outpouring of love and support, and we are beyond thankful!

This whole process has definitely been stressful with the changes in Mark's job/possible unemployment. Through it all God's purpose has been revealed and He has shown Himself to us in the most AMAZING way!