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Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

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few steps closer

We have a Consulate appointment.

We have travel dates.

We have plane tickets.

We leave in 10 days.

And I am completely and totally losing my mind with excitement. My tummy does flip flops when I think about how close we are to bringing Vivi home.

I was in China with my sister this time last year. And had no idea Vivienne even existed.

Interestingly, the shared list that included her sweet name was released when we were in China. My sister’s in-China rep even mentioned the ‘list’ and the fact that she’d been up late the night before locking in files for families.

At the time, I hadn’t the tiniest inkling that our girl was on that list. Or that her file would locked and unlocked many times by potential families before we finally saw her sweet face on January 31st.


What a reminder that God has everything under control.

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is Yours, O LORD, and this is Your kingdom. We adore You as the One who is over all things. Riches and honor come from You alone, for You rule over everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is at Your discretion that people are made great and given strength.” ~ 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

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12.29.09 · my faith, vivi china trip 52

Comments

  1. Jill says

    December 29, 2009 at 5:25 PM

    Can't wait to follow your journey!

    Reply
  2. Ohilda says

    December 29, 2009 at 5:48 PM

    AMEN! Looking forward to seeing your beautiful girl, home….where she belongs!

    Hugs,

    Ohilda

    Reply
  3. Sophie Neri says

    December 29, 2009 at 5:51 PM

    So thrilled for you and waiting anxiously to see new pics of this precious child. God bless.

    Reply
  4. Stacy says

    December 29, 2009 at 5:52 PM

    Amen, sista! His Word is powerful!! Looking forward to following along…we shouldn't be too far behind you!

    Reply
  5. Jenny says

    December 29, 2009 at 5:52 PM

    So excited for you.

    Reply
  6. Lost and Found says

    December 29, 2009 at 5:57 PM

    WOO HOO! How exciting.

    Reply
  7. Kim says

    December 29, 2009 at 5:59 PM

    Oh my, what a wonderful story of how God ALWAYS is working on our stories. Oh to trust Him. Thank you for sharing. Praying for your little one!

    Reply
  8. Football & Fried Rice says

    December 29, 2009 at 6:10 PM

    Wild, isn't it? Who even knew? I guess if we "knew" then God wouldn't remain the Mystery that He is and we'd stop seeking Him. I thank Him for being in control and for knowing you were Vivi's family long before you ever knew it!

    And you better teach Asher to blog while you are in China.

    Can't wait!!!!

    Reply
  9. Ambiance in the Attic says

    December 29, 2009 at 6:11 PM

    I have chills! I am so happy for you! Yes, God is in control. I remember clearly the excitement of our trip to Romania to get our precious son. Your little girl will be home soon!

    Reply
  10. Stephanie says

    December 29, 2009 at 6:11 PM

    Oh my! So soon! The goosebumps are taking me over!!!! I can't believe you are almost there!

    Reply
  11. Leanne says

    December 29, 2009 at 6:16 PM

    Okay …. now MY stomach is doing flip flops!!!

    I'm hoping I'm right behind you!

    Man! Vivi is ADORABLE!!

    Reply
  12. Ladybugsmom says

    December 29, 2009 at 6:44 PM

    Oh Stefanie I am so excited…I have watched you travel to China so many times…hopefully we won't be far behind we received loa on 12/21….come on paperwork…

    Reply
  13. Holly says

    December 29, 2009 at 6:55 PM

    Isn't it awesome resting in His sovereignty? Just think…if you'd have known when you were in China…you would have been a nervous wreck! There have been many times I wished the Lord would lay things out in front of me and then looking back I have been so thankful He didn't!
    I am so super duper excited for you!
    Are you having a My Adoption Website for Vivi?

    Reply
  14. Robin says

    December 29, 2009 at 7:00 PM

    So MUCH to look forward to!!!

    Blessings,
    Robin

    Reply
  15. epin says

    December 29, 2009 at 7:30 PM

    Safe travels. I am so excited for you & your family. Cannot wait to follow your journey.

    Reply
  16. Shelly and Family says

    December 29, 2009 at 7:35 PM

    Oh Stefanie – this post send cold chills up my does spine…YES He truly does work in a wonderful way! Can't wait to follow along in your journey….

    Reply
  17. Team Houston says

    December 29, 2009 at 7:40 PM

    What a BLESSING!! I am so excited for you and your family!!

    YIPPY!!

    xoxo Michele

    Reply
  18. Kristi says

    December 29, 2009 at 7:50 PM

    The story of Vivienne coming to your family has God's fingerprints all over it! I'm so excited to watch you go back to China again!

    Reply
  19. TanyaLea says

    December 29, 2009 at 8:08 PM

    I love how ALL things are in His control… His sovereignty is so humbling!

    I can't wait to 'follow' along on your travels to bringing Vivi home…it doesn't seem all that long ago when I followed your journey with your sister to bring Cole home…and now, just one year later, you are traveling back again to bring home your precious little girl…I have butterflies for you!!! My b-day is Jan.31st, so how cool that is when you seen your daughter's face for the first time, and now you will get to celebrate that anniversary with her at HOME!!! PTL! ~ God is GOOD!! <><

    Happy Packing!!! ๐Ÿ˜‰
    ~ Tanya

    Reply
  20. living4him5 says

    December 29, 2009 at 8:25 PM

    SO excited too!!! Can't wait to travel with you again.

    Love ya!
    Amy

    Reply
  21. Patricia/NYC says

    December 29, 2009 at 8:51 PM

    GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!!

    WOW!! I cannot WAIT to follow your journey to sweet, precious Vivi!! I am sooooo EXCITED for all of you!!

    I can't help but smile when I think back to your post just a week or so ago when the rep told you "TA, no time soon"…just goes to show that HE is TRULY in control (awww, but you know that already! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  22. Jodi Sue says

    December 29, 2009 at 9:35 PM

    sweet baby girl!!
    Will be praying all goes well for you on your trip to Vivi!

    Jodi

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    December 29, 2009 at 9:40 PM

    So Amazing!! This is the third trip to China that I've followed on your blog…prayers will be sent your way from Connecticut!!
    I'll be especially praying for safe travels…
    Remember….through it all, no matter happens, cry out to Jesus and He will hear you!! <3

    A faithful friend,
    Diane <3

    Reply
  24. Wendy says

    December 29, 2009 at 9:41 PM

    WoooHooo!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see you in China with your beautiful new daughter (WOW…now you have four incredible,breathtaking daughters). Happy New Year!!!! Get packing ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  25. Kim says

    December 29, 2009 at 10:08 PM

    I am dying to know if you are coming through Hong Kong?! And if not, will you be close enough for me to come see you? Please email me.
    Love & Blessings,
    Kim

    Reply
  26. The Oswalds says

    December 29, 2009 at 10:09 PM

    Very Exciting! Congratulations!

    Reply
  27. The Gang's Momma! says

    December 29, 2009 at 11:42 PM

    Wow, I can't even imagine the excitement that is running through your household right now. Sooooo happy for you all. So excited to follow along.

    BTW, loved, loved, loved your post about all that's going on in your heart and mind while waiting for Li'l Miss V over at NHBO – don't we all feel like that every time God is doing something new in/through/for us?! So glad He's there every step ๐Ÿ™‚

    HUGS!

    Reply
  28. Jean says

    December 30, 2009 at 12:06 AM

    So, so, so excited for you!! Remember, if you are in Guilin- keep an eye out for our daughters!!

    I can hardly wait to see pics of Vivi with your other kids! How awesome to see your crew all together at home!!

    Looking forward to following you in China!!

    Blessings on your journey!

    Reply
  29. Julie says

    December 30, 2009 at 1:06 AM

    I'm so excited for you. Can't wait to see Vivi in your arms!

    Reply
  30. Karen says

    December 30, 2009 at 1:27 AM

    So happy for you. Wow…only 10 days!!!!

    Not sure who the woman is in the picture with Vivi, but you can see the love she has for Vivi in her eyes. Your precious little one appears to have been loved and loved on as she waited for her mama to come.

    Looking forward to following your trip.

    Reply
  31. Sugar Momma says

    December 30, 2009 at 1:52 AM

    So excited for you all! I can not wait to watch it all unfold ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  32. Chelley says

    December 30, 2009 at 1:52 AM

    yahooooooooeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

    this is the best news!

    Reply
  33. Michelle says

    December 30, 2009 at 1:53 AM

    10 Days!?!? Let the fun begin!!

    I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy for you!!!

    Reply
  34. Karin says

    December 30, 2009 at 2:54 AM

    I am so excited for you!! Can't wait to follow you to China! ๐Ÿ™‚ Another little girl will have a Mama and a Baba…thank you, Jesus.

    Reply
  35. Andrea says

    December 30, 2009 at 4:21 AM

    YAY! Although I was hoping we'd be ther together. LOL!
    If you remember correctly I was one of the families L. was up locking! It was Adam!
    Hurry Home, My Friend.

    Reply
  36. HeatherMN says

    December 30, 2009 at 4:25 AM

    Oh, I can't wait to see more pictures of little Vivi and learn more about her little personality. She is so adorable! (Can't wait to follow your journey to her either!)

    Heather

    Reply
  37. Terri says

    December 30, 2009 at 4:52 AM

    Congratulations! I cant wait to read all your posts when your in China!

    Reply
  38. Babsi says

    December 30, 2009 at 6:19 AM

    Well, your new blog design is really nice!
    But your other news are more than great! I'm really happy for you:o)
    The waiting has an end.
    God is great.
    And he will be with you…
    …..still praying for a save and blessed journey.

    greetings from germany
    Babs

    Reply
  39. DiJo says

    December 30, 2009 at 11:17 AM

    I love this verse!!! I am so happy for you. And, I can't wait to live vicariously through you as you create yet another path for many families!

    Thank you for saying "yes"….. again!

    Hugs,
    Diana

    Reply
  40. Deb says

    December 30, 2009 at 12:59 PM

    I am SO excited for you guys! Can't wait to follow this journey to Vivi….you have had to wait so long! We have only been home 5 days….and I already miss China….so ready to go back….perhaps for number 3?!?!?! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  41. Janet and Kevin says

    December 30, 2009 at 2:48 PM

    Oh – we are so excited for you! We do hope to be close to leaving as you leave! Exciting January for all of us!

    In Christ,
    Janet, Kevin, Ted, Philip, and waiting to bring Eli home soon

    Reply
  42. Amy says

    December 30, 2009 at 3:27 PM

    Congrats! Stumbled upon your blog while researching the needs of our son waiting in China. We are traveling (back) soon and would love to know if you recommend a paricular flight/airline since you have traveled there frequently. Our 1st trip was via Northwest thru Detroit, Tokyo and Beijing-UGH!!! We are bringing 3 other kids with us so wanting to be semi comfortable if that is possible?? we are at http://www.popsiclesandpopcorn.blogspot.com or hatcher123@comcast.net. Blessings to you!!!!!

    Reply
  43. mylilchunkymonkey says

    December 30, 2009 at 4:03 PM

    Can't wait for Vivi to be home!

    Reply
  44. Heather says

    December 30, 2009 at 4:41 PM

    I am looking so forward to following your journey to Vivi! Seems like it was just yesterday you were in China with your sister meeting sweet Cole. (By the way – How about an update on him?! I'm sure there are other followers of yours that would agree!!!!)

    Hoping for safe travels! I'm giddy just thinking about it!

    Reply
  45. Mei Mei s and Mayhem says

    December 30, 2009 at 5:45 PM

    Wow, 10 days!! Cant wait to follow along!!

    Reply
  46. Shanti says

    December 30, 2009 at 6:16 PM

    Woo hooooooooo! Can't wait to follow you! So excited for you and your fam.

    Reply
  47. McNew Family says

    December 30, 2009 at 8:44 PM

    Yeah, Stefanie! We just returned from China with our 2nd sweetie less than a week ago! We saw her photo just 1 month after returning from China and spent nearly a year praying for her family to find her! Well, we found her and she is now home! Praise God!!!!! Blessings to you and yours on your upcoming journey to your sweet Vivi!

    Reply
  48. The Ferrill's says

    December 30, 2009 at 8:56 PM

    Oh wow! It's time!
    I'll be praying, watching, praying, watching, praying!
    Happy New Year! 2010 holds such promise for all of us, doesn't it? ๐Ÿ˜‰
    I love that verse!
    And will you do another MAW to document the trip?
    Love you!

    Reply
  49. sammmomtoliv says

    December 31, 2009 at 2:14 AM

    OH MY GOODNESS! That is great, Stefanie. I am so excited for you and for Vivi to become part of your beautiful family.
    Lots of love,
    Samantha

    Reply
  50. thegypsymama says

    December 31, 2009 at 6:01 AM

    I am so thrilled that I get to follow one of your amazing adoption stories from start to finish. I feel like I am counting down with you – just days until we both see the unbelievable happen. We will be praying with you along the journey! Safe travels.

    Reply
  51. Kris says

    December 31, 2009 at 9:18 PM

    so excited for you Stef… she is such a gorgeous girl and i am praying hard that the transition is smooth for both of you.

    what are your dates? will you have another website for her?

    Reply
  52. Dita says

    January 5, 2010 at 2:03 AM

    Stef….

    I have been AWOL a bit on my blog commenting but never on your blog. I savor ever post and I want to tell you that I am over the moon for you.

    I will have you in thoughts and prayers and I just can't wait to see the incredibly gorgeous family of yours grow by one more.

    I will be holding my breath waiting for that photo to grace the page……of you holding Viv!

    Waiting impatiently……..
    with lots of hugs…..
    Dita Darling

    Reply

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I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
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