Thursday, February 18, 2010

It's Up and Running

For those who have asked for an update on where we are at with bringing Drew home, here you go.
As of Tuesday all of our paperwork has been signed, sealed, and delivered (I hope) to our agency's in country advisor. Because of Chinese New Year almost all of China is "shut down." Luckily everything opens back up Monday which is when our paperwork will make it's way to the US Consulate in Guangzhou. Two weeks later on March 8th, our paperwork will be picked up from the US Consulate and be forwarded on to the CCAA (China Center for Adoption Affairs). Once it is in the hand of the CCAA we will wait for them to issue our TA (travel approval).

So, we are expecting our TA sometime in March and hoping and praying for an early April travel date for two reasons. One, since Blake is going with us, his spring break fall during the first week of April (that way he doesn't have to miss as much school) and two, there is a big trade show in China beginning on April 13 and running into the first week of March. Because of the trade show the flights to and in China as well as the hotel rates are more than double. There is NO way we can afford that so we would have to delay travel until sometime in May. UGHHHHHH!

Which brings me to my title, "It's Up and Running." I want you all to go here for a chance at winning some pretty incredible prizes through an online fundraiser we are holding to help us bring our son home. If you follow the directions to a T, you should walk away with several entries, most of them FREE!

15 comments:

Tara Anderson said...

That is one incredible fundraiser, lady!!! I'll be praying that God blesses it immensely!

Valerie and Jeff said...

Matt and Mandi,
I am so happy and excited to see you up and running! My prayers are with you all as you prepare your hearts and home for Drew. I am also praying that this "suggested donation" fundraiser is a huge success!
I am leaving a comment, I blogged about your event on our blog this morning, I am a follower of your blog and of course I will be donating :-)
All our best to you and we look forward to continuing to follow your journey to Drew and Beyond!
Blessings!
Valerie

Love for Lilly Yin said...

Hi Mandie, I used the chip in to donate $25.00 to bringing home Drew. If I can find more money, I will come back and give you more. We were in almost the same situation before we traveled to get Lilly in May of last year. This is going to work out...it worked out for us, and it will for you too. We did a church fundraiser, and "found" the rest of it. All but 9k and we put it on a CC, and lucikly I begged them to cut the rate and they did. We owe just $56.00 a month for that 9k, and are working towards putting extra on it to may it off sooner. ((hugs)) for you from someone who understands exactly where you are right now.

Love for Lilly Yin said...

Following you too...

Tami said...

Glad you're getting closer! I'll check out the fundraiser.

((Hugs))
Tami

Sarah said...

Hi Mandi,
I found your blog through Tara. I can't believe what a fabulous fundraiser you've orchestrated! God is so awesome!!! I can't wait to see pictures of your son in your arms.
God's blessings,
Sarah :D

Alyson said...

I'm touched by your story and have just added your "button" onto my page. What a great fundraiser! I bet that took a long time organize. I look forward to start the adoption process soon myself. I will be praying for you and I know that the Lord will provide for you.
Alyson

Mei Mei s and Mayhem said...

What a great fundraiser you have organized!!! What a amazing bunch of people on etsy to help your family with this!!!

Praying that you go above and beyond your goal!!!

Joy said...

I visited your site for Drew. I will pray that you reach your goal and can hold that adorable little boy in your arms soon.

We came home at the beginning of December with our 2 year old daughter.

Our blog is www.theweaversworld.blogspot.com

Joy

Kim Turner said...

Hi,
My husband is always reading to searching blogs and he came across yours. We want to help you guys bring Drew home as well. We had family and friends help us with fundraising last year so we will pay it forward to you guys. If you will let me know where to send $25, we will do that to help. I would also like to send you some homemade hairbows that I make so that you can auction them as well. I commented here and I joined your blog and I will your blog to ours. (So add up our points!) Our blog is http://thissideofchina.blogspot.com
We are awaiting Shiloh from Baotou Inner Mongolia. We are also praying for you guys.

Kim and Chuck Turner

Shannon said...

Hi!!!! I just found you from La Dolce Vita! I have watched and prayed for Drew for awhile! You are 100% right, when the Lord calls it is time to follow even if it does not make sense in the eys of others! I am excited to watch your journey!!!!!

Ashley said...

Just checked out the new blog. It looks great! I will be praying for you guys and following you on this journey!

Anonymous said...

I look forward to checking out the fundraiser.
I will definately mention it on my blog.
We are in the same boat, just not quite as close to travel as you guys are. I will begin praying that God makes the paths clear to bringing home that sweet little boy!

Michele said...

Holy cow Mandi, you are rocking the fundraiser! You seriously have some awesome stuff!

I will be praying for you guys and sweet Drew!!

Kel said...

Hi Guys,

I've used the chip in button on your fundraiser blog to add my $25.00. Follow you all the time and cant wait for Drew to be home for you.

Best Wishes

Kelly