Lillie's Bedroom!

Although there will still be things to do to Lillie's room once she gets home (figuring out what her favorite toys are and putting them within her reach, etc.) her bedroom is now officiallly ready! I added a toybox/bench that I repainted... a treasure passed to Lillie from my friend Sydney, who is now too old to need it! I have also added the BEAUTIFUL quilt that my cousin Ashley made for Lillie. She mailed it to me to make sure it was on the bed before Lillie arrived and it looks perfect. Amazingly enough, Ashley has not see the room in person but worked from pictures and descriptions I sent. This is a gift from Ashley and not the 100 Good Wishes Quilt. The quilt was definately the homey touch needed to complete her room.... It is ready to welcome her home!

One More Week!

We are officially one week away from our departure date for China. Mom and I are doing all we can to pack lightly...without forgetting anything and everything that we might need! It is amazing to think that I will FINALLY have Lillie in my arms in about 10 days!
For those of you who don't know, my daughter's name will be Lillie Elizabeth Baoyun Nielsen. I chose the name Lillie after my great grandmother, Lillie Belle Depp Matthews. Her second name, Elizabeth, was chosen because it is a family name and was my grandmother, Margerett Matthews Alexander's middle name. Baoyun is her name now. An interesting side note to this explanation is that our Forever Family Day (the day Lillie and I will be united) is the same date as my grandmother's birthday, July 9th. It seems fitting that we become a family on that day, with her being named for Nana and her mother.

Family is very important to me and I am lucky to be a part of a large and loving family. God has blessed me with this wonderful family and with amazing friends...and now a beautiful daughter! When I think about my support system and the people that are excited about her arrival, I know Lillie will be one of the most loved children in all the world! (She already is!!!!!)

Tickets have been Purchased!!!

We have our tickets purchased and now it is time to really get some tasks finished! I have a classroom to finish moving, reports to complete, a house to get in order..... so much to do in the next two weeks! I am so thankful for everyone who has been surpportive through this entire process...pelase know that Lillie and I will continue to need your support and prayers but are so thankful for all that we have received!
Here is our itenerary:
7/05 NW3715 (1114A/1230P) Lexington/Detroit
7/05 NW25 (230P/425P) Detroit/Tokyo (arrive Tokyo on 7/06)
7/06 NW11 (625P/920P) Tokyo/Beijing
Coming Home:
7/18 NW10 (820A/200P) Guangzhou/Tokyo
7/18 NW26 (300P/145P) Tokyo/Detroit
7/18 NW5885 (456P/608P) Detroit/Lexington
It is hard to believe she will be home in less than a month!!!!

I am also including some pictures I recently received. They are from Eric Stowe, who is the Director of A Child's Right. They recently put in a new water purification system at the Fuling SWI.

I Finally recieved TA!!!

This week I have been on a mission trip with my youth group. We went to texas to work at Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. I told the group that I was hoping to recieve a call from my Adoption Agency saying I had received Travel Approval. We went through the week with every phone call being followed by , "Andrea, Is that the call?!?!" Well, Thursday, we went into Mexico to visit the Casita project and Casa Betel, the orphanage supported by SWGSM. We met some of the children at Casa Betel and were on our way back when my phone rang! There was no way to know who was calling so with great restraint I waited until we reached the border crossing...Only to find out it WAS the call! So.... In a hot, unairconditioned van, with my youth group, waiting to cross back into the US I finally found out I was going to China! What an amazing situation to be in when I finally found out I was so close to meeting my daughter in person! Friday, I was able to check my email and find out our estimated date for departure is July 5! I can't wait...Lillie I am counting the days!

Still waiting

I am still waiting to hear about TA (Travel Approval). Once it comes...things will move a bit quickly with regard to getting our tickets, knowing our consolate date, etc. I will definately let everyone know. There are a few new pics from families who recently traveled. Just wanted to share them with you all!