Coming to America

(From Samuel's perspective)  Today my daddy got up early to go to Taipei with Shr Baba Ted to get my visa.  I was so excited that I could eat it.

After Daddy got back to the Home, he took a long nap.  I was way too excited so I woke him up so that we could go celebrate.

To celebrate, we took a walk around a nearby lake.  It was beautiful.

I sure love my mommy and daddy.  They are so much fun.

At the end of our walk it started to rain.  At first, I didn't like the rain, but then Mommy picked me up out of the stroller and danced with me in the rain.  Now that was fun!!!  I love spending time with daddy and mommy in Taiwan, but now that I have my visa, I look forward to coming to America in five days.

AIT Appointment

Today was Samuel's visa appointment in Taipei at the AIT office.  On our trip, we had a great time getting to know Ted and his ministry.  He is such a Godly man and one of the most generous people we know.  He's extremely funny, too!  Samuel was quite the entertainer in the AIT waiting room.  He was giving all those in the waiting room BIG smiles and giggles.  The more they oohed and ahhed...the more he hammed it up.  We praise God that everything went well!  Lord willing, we should have Samuel's visa tomorrow. 

Samuel is REALLY, REALLY, REALLY excited about getting his visa!!!

Daddy is excited, too!

Have you ever heard the phrase "It's a Small World"?!  In the AIT waiting room we met a couple who were adopting an 8 1/2 month old boy.  They were getting him from a different Christian orphanage on the island.  Guess where they were from?  ST. LOUIS!  We exchanged contact information so that we can meet up with them back home.  This was just another little way that God magnified Himself to us on this journey.

After the AIT appointment, we went to a handicraft mart and purchased a few things to give to Samuel on our future "gotcha day" celebrations.

Ted treated us to some great foods and drinks in Taipei and showed us around Luodong, too.  In the afternoon, we were greeted by a dear friend and sister in Christ, Jen Jen, back at the home.  She loves Samuel and he loves her.  It was so much fun watching them play together!

At night, Ted took us to Luodong's night market.  A great experience!  It was a very full day filled with lots and lots of fun and memories. 

Bonding Time

(From Samuel's perspective) This morning my daddy fed me a big breakfast.  I ate it all!  After I got cleaned up, my mommy gave me as many kisses as I could ever dream of getting.  I love my mommy.  My parents took me for a stroll to the lake nearby the home.  I enjoyed seeing new people, places and things.  We saw fishes, doggies, ducks and a fountain in the lake.  My daddy sure is fun.  He makes me laugh.  I love him, too!  I can't wait for more fun with my parents tomorrow.  Bye Bye! 

FINALLY!

After 9 years, 4 months and 18 days of praying and waiting...we are FINALLY with our son, Samuel in Taiwan!  God is GOOD all the time...ALL the time God is good!!! 

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!!!

Leaving the States a family of 2...returning a family of 3!!!!! Chris Tomlin wrote this about the greatness of God, "Age to age He stands and time is in His hands...Beginning and the End." We know that God in His sovereignty had this day planned for us. Chris Tomlin added to his song saying, "He's the name above all names, He is worthy of my praise and my heart will sing how great is our God." With our growing family, we hope to continue to proclaim His name and sing praises of His greatness! Thank you to everyone for all your love, prayers and support throughout these last 9+ years. We love you!

The Last Night of Peace and Quiet in Our Home for Awhile

A thought that has come to my mind tonight as I am making last minute preparations for our trip to Samuel is..."This will be the last night of 'silence' in my home. Some parents would be glad to give us their "noise" that they deal with on a daily basis...but more than likely they haven't waited like we have for over nine years to have "noise" in our home. I look forward to hearing "Daddy" and hearing my wife being called "Mommy." I look forward to hearing that infectious giggle. I look forward to hearing that little voice pray with me. Of course there is going to be some crying, but I hope to even cherish that "noise." Yes...I'm going to enjoy this "silence" tonight...but I'm going to enjoy the "noise" even more.

Just How Big Can Our God Get?!?!

The LORD continues to magnify Himself to us. This morning Kristen received a phone call from a close friend who is an elementary school teacher. Her friend teaches 3rd grade at a school in Alton where Kristen frequently substitute teaches. Her friend asked, "Can you stop by the school today at 12:15?" Kristen said, "Sure," and proceeded to ask questions. Finally her friend quipped..."Do you want to ask questions or do you want to be surprised?" Kristen said, "I want to be surprised." The teachers at this elementary school gave Kristen a very generous monetary gift to help with expenses, a great book for Samuel, and a card that everyone signed. Later this afternoon, two other couples from our church gave us cards and monetary gifts for our trip! GOD IS OUR GREAT PROVIDER!!!!! He has faithfully met all of our needs, and we know He will continue to do so in the future. What a blessing it is to have friends who are used by Him to care for the needs of others.