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when east meets south

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news. great news.

Our Article 5 has been picked up from the Consulate and has been dropped off with the CCCW@.

Which probably sounds incredibly confusing, if not totally boring, to any non-adoption folks.

But to us? It’s spectacular news.

The Article 5 letter is issued by the Consulate after all the necessary paperwork has been received and reviewed. This process usually takes two weeks from the time the Consulate receives the cabled information from the NVC, and ours was issued right on schedule.

So as of today, we are one big step closer to bringing Tallula Mae home.

Next up is our Travel Approval, which is issued by the CCCW@ and is a bit less predictable than the Article 5 – but I am guessing 2 to 3 weeks. And then travel will be anytime after that.

Which means, I could be in China in less than a month.

*gulp*

We have had so many bumps and hiccups in this journey, it just seemed to be one delay after another. But finally, it seems that things are moving forward.

And rapidly.

Have not even begun to think about packing. Or prescriptions. Or meals for the kids while I’m gone. Or what to bring for Tallula. Or even who will go to China with me, if anyone.

Guess I’d better get workin’ on that.


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02.22.12 · special needs adoption, Tallula 46

Comments

  1. Amy Meeker says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    Whoooohoooo! I’m still so new to this process so it’s confusing to me. Can you tell me what province she is in? Can’t remember. Can’t wait for you TC!!!!

    Reply
  2. Amy G. says

    February 22, 2012 at 3:22 PM

    What wonderful news! Can’t wait to hear more about Tallula as she joins your family.

    Reply
  3. berrybliz says

    February 22, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    woo hoo! getting so close. such awesome news

    Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    February 22, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    YIPPEEE!!! Happy dancin’ for you!!!!!

    Reply
  5. Connie J says

    February 22, 2012 at 4:09 PM

    FANTABULOUS news!!!! Remember, I offered πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  6. Vicky says

    February 22, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    Fantastic news! Congratulations!

    Reply
  7. Dardi says

    February 22, 2012 at 4:19 PM

    Woo-Hoo!!!! Maybe we’ll be in GUZ at the same time! πŸ™‚ And if it makes you feel any better, I have no packing done. Oh, and painting to do. I did buy baby girl some socks today, though. Pitiful, right?

    Reply
  8. elisabeth says

    February 22, 2012 at 4:22 PM

    YAY!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see her in your arms!

    Reply
  9. Amber Leggio says

    February 22, 2012 at 4:24 PM

    We are awaiting our TA too!!!!!!!! This is our first adoption and we are soooooo excited to meet Mia. I stalk my computer waiting for TA or anyone who has gotten theirs recently. LOL!!!!!! We are on day 8 of waiting for TA. We will be in the Gansu province. What province will you be in?????? Maybe we will see you in passing in China. We are from the Lonestar Sate near Houston. Congratulations

    Reply
  10. Catherine says

    February 22, 2012 at 4:28 PM

    Awesome news! Congratulations!!!

    Reply
  11. Cindy says

    February 22, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    Sharing your joy and excitement, congrats on being so close to TA and your Tallula!

    Reply
  12. Angie D. says

    February 22, 2012 at 5:01 PM

    That’s great news! Get to packing, girl!

    Reply
  13. Mrs. Baker says

    February 22, 2012 at 5:06 PM

    yay! that’s awesome!

    Reply
  14. Chris says

    February 22, 2012 at 5:22 PM

    Yay!!!!!

    Reply
  15. Rebecca says

    February 22, 2012 at 5:23 PM

    If I had the passport and the cash….I’d totally go to China with you. But ya know who I think should go? Victoria.

    Reply
  16. Bev Gayman says

    February 22, 2012 at 5:23 PM

    Congratulations! Yes, get the list out and start packing! Would be happy
    to be a travel buddy. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  17. Sarah says

    February 22, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    I’ve been reading your blog since before you brought Vivi home & I’m still confused as to what any of this means but when it’s bad news I feel bad, when it’s good news I couldn’t be more excited for your family.
    Last week I started reading a book about traveling to/living in China. There’s certainly more involved than I ever though. So you will definitely be in more of my prayers for this trip.

    Just for curiosity sake have you ever thought of bringing a kid (or all of them) back to China at any point?

    Reply
  18. laine says

    February 22, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    Stefanie this is GREAT news indeed!!!!! You are soooooo close!
    I WANNA GO TOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! πŸ™‚
    Wuhan will have much better weather in March….we went in July–hot hot hot.
    I am so very excited for you!

    Reply
  19. Cedar says

    February 22, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    That is GREAT news! I am really happy for your whole family and I love the name Tullula Mae!

    We are two weeks behind you.

    Reply
  20. Sharon Boggs says

    February 22, 2012 at 6:31 PM

    Wonderful news! We are right there with you, waiting on TA! We are two weeks into our wait, praying it comes soon. Who knows maybe we will cross paths. Just so you know, I’m not ready to go either.

    Reply
  21. Kam says

    February 22, 2012 at 6:52 PM

    WooHoo!!!! Yippeee!!! Amen!!!

    Reply
  22. Hillary Glauser-Patton says

    February 22, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Get packing!! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  23. FaithWalk says

    February 22, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    Congratulations! Awesome news!

    Reply
  24. Lisa says

    February 22, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    I was wondering who might travel with you this time. Tallulah is precious and one robust little girl.

    Reply
  25. Jolene (Homespun Heritage) says

    February 22, 2012 at 8:37 PM

    I am so excited for you and hope you’ll post some of the prep you do…I’m in the process of prepping for our 3 wk trip to China so I would definitely appreciate knowing the details….like what your doing to feed the kids while your gone, packing list, etc.

    Is it too selfish of me to ask for prayer? We’re LID 9/21 for our son Dalton (love that name) and also waiting on LOA for our daughter, Analina. Would you please consider praying for the Lords perfect timing in both LOA’s? Also, peace/patience for us while we wait. Thank you so very much!

    Reply
  26. Football & Fried Rice says

    February 22, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    Shes holding out her arms waiting for your first HUG!!!!!

    Reply
  27. Joy says

    February 22, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    Congratulations!!! SO exciting. Not packed…no problem. You should be able to do that with your eyes closed this time. πŸ™‚ HAPPY PACKING and hope you get TA real soon!

    Reply
  28. Kristin Hillukka says

    February 22, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    Yeah for Article 5! Can’t wait to see your baby home! I was A5 on 2/14, but it took me from getting PA on 3/30 of last year to finally get to this point. It’s been a long journey, but I’m here.

    Reply
  29. Jean says

    February 22, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    WoooHoooooo!! Yippee!!
    Thank you Jesus!!

    So so happy for you!!

    Once again- I can’t wait to follow along!

    Reply
  30. Kimberley Byrd says

    February 22, 2012 at 10:41 PM

    Praising Jesus with you!!!!!! That picture just makes you want to scoop her up and smother her in kisses huh??? Big hugs!!!!!

    Reply
  31. Jamie Steele says

    February 22, 2012 at 11:30 PM

    Congrats! We just received our article 5 email today too!

    Reply
  32. Campbell says

    February 22, 2012 at 11:59 PM

    Happy Dance!!!! Sending good thoughts and lots of prayers your way!!

    Reply
  33. Amy says

    February 23, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    Congratulations! What awesome news! Praying for you!

    Reply
  34. Babsi says

    February 23, 2012 at 2:15 AM

    Congratulations! YouΒ΄re so far, weΒ΄re still in the beginnings…….

    Reply
  35. Alli says

    February 23, 2012 at 4:55 AM

    Congratulations! I’ll go with you if you need company. Have valid visa, will meet you there. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  36. lisa says

    February 23, 2012 at 7:12 AM

    OH MY GOODNESS….. How can you stand all that cuteness??

    I cannot wait to see you in China with sweet little Tallula in your arms!! CONGRATULATIONS….. you will be on your way to China very soon!!

    xoxo,

    Lisa

    Reply
  37. Aus says

    February 23, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    You know what I’m gonna say …

    HOORAH

    So who’s traveling, where are you staying in GZ, you’re a BTDT so packing should be easy for y’all! πŸ˜‰

    hugs – great joy –

    aus and co.

    Reply
  38. janet, kevin, ted, philip, and elijah says

    February 23, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    That is wondeful news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So excited to follow your journey again! Sending prayers your way.

    πŸ™‚
    janet and gang

    Reply
  39. LeeAnne says

    February 23, 2012 at 7:24 AM

    Utterly fantastic news!!! We’ll be in Guangzhou mid March… if you’re there, I’d love to say Hi!

    Reply
  40. johanna cannelongo says

    February 23, 2012 at 7:42 AM

    wow!!! Praise God she will be in your arms so soon!!!! woohooo

    Reply
  41. Diana says

    February 23, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    I wish I could go to China with you!!!!!!! YAY!! Great news!!!! Pretty soon that bundle of love is going to be in
    your arms!!!!!!

    Love,
    Diana

    Reply
  42. jodi says

    February 23, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    yahooo!!! Praise God! Praying for y’all as you prepare for your new treasure to come home!

    Reply
  43. Sarah Van Grunsven says

    February 23, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    YAY!!!

    Reply
  44. Susan B says

    February 23, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    I LOVE Tallulah already!!! She is so blessed to be coming into such a large, happy family! I’m so excited for all of you! Such a beautiful baby girl!

    Reply
  45. Valerie A. says

    February 23, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    Okay, I’m sure I’m not the first to say this … but I’d go with you πŸ˜‰
    heehee–what a get-to-know-ya trip.
    Actually, I’m voting Victoria. Has she gotten to go East yet?
    I know that so much has happened paperwork wise before you actually spilled the beans a few weeks ago … but for me, the lurker who was clueless, it sounds like it’s gone so incredibly fast!!!! And I love that photo of her, she does have her arms open wide for you. What a blessing awaits you and your family!
    -Valerie

    Reply
  46. stacey milchman says

    February 23, 2012 at 8:31 PM

    Great news! And she is so adorable! We should have our Article 5 in about a week so we are right behind you! Finally got updated photos today so that has helped a lot! I am going crazy with this wait…

    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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our china journeys

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penelope - 2011
vivienne - 2010
shepherd - 2008
jude - 2007
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