Time Passing...slowly

Well, time is passing in some respects not quickly enough, at least when it comes to not yet having my daughter in my arms.  We (mostly Scott, really) are working nightly to get the upstairs part of the addition done.  Our goal is to try to have everything done by the time we fly to the Philippines, but realistically we probably will have to wait to have the carpet installed until after we get home.  It really just depends on how quickly we get our travel approval.  We thought that might come in the beginning of April, but then our agency told us that the embassy in Manila closed for the last week of February and the first week of March to move their offices.  We are not sure how this affected our timeline, but in all reality, it probably slowed it down.  Plus Holy week is really big in Manila.  From what we've heard just about everything shuts down that week.  So even if we get our travel approval the first week or two of April, we probably won't travel until after Easter.  That being said,  I'm still praying that we can have Shelby home by Easter.  Pray for God's timing for us (and my patience) won't you? 

We have heard some updates from various sources.  We got a few more recent pictures.  They are darling, but you'll have to take my word on it for now.  Until it is official and we have her in our arms, I can't and won't be posting any online.  I've also just heard that she has recently started walking by herself and clapping when she does because she's so happy with herself.  How cute is that?!  And how jealous and sad am I that I am missing out on that!  This too I must drop in my heavenly Father's lap and trust that He will redeem the losses with greater good.  It's a hard life lesson and one, I fear, that I am still learning. 

We have our final meeting with our agency before travelling this coming Friday.  I asked for it to be scheduled a little early.  I want to get going on lists.  For those of you who are list people you will understand how important that is to my mental well-being.  Plus, I think we have to take some little gifts for social workers, nannies, etc.  I want to get all that information and have time to find stuff.  We also want some time to price flights, hotels, guesthouses, drivers, etc.  All those details that take time for planners like my husband and myself.  It will make the time go faster and help us feel more prepared to be working on those kinds of things. 

On a sidenote, I just found out this morning that our church directory will be redone this May and June.  I was so happy to think that our new addition will be included in our next family picture.  Yay...it's the little things in life that keep me smiling.  Also smiled today while doing laundry because on Saturday, I went to a children's resale and came home with 8 or 10 adorable outfits.  Also picked up some formula and our first pack of diapers.  I told Scott that just those simple things makes me feel so much more ready to go.