Reality and Updated Pictures

So, I've been a little down in the dumps lately. I think the reality of us going to China before the end of the year is finally setting in.

Traveling over Christmas would be so hard in regards to not being with my family, but it would make everything else so much easier in regards to Matt and the other kids. The kids are off school for two weeks for Christmas break as well as Matt's mom (she is a teacher) so she would be able to help with the kids while Matt is at work. I have no idea what we will do if we go after Christmas.

In order for us to leave on the 23rd, we need a few things. First, we need out TA asap. Our Article 5 was picked up and sent to Beijing on Friday. I have seen TA's take as little as three days and as long as a month to come in. We are also in need of travel fees. Unfortunately, adoption is expensive and we have and continue to work very hard to raise the funds necessary to bring Kalia home. (You can read about our latest fundraiser here). We also need a miracle. But I think what we need most is prayers. Please pray that out Christmas wish comes true, and that I am on a plane before the end of the year. He hears them, I know He does. So, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

I realize that His plan may not be the same as mine, but I just keep praying that we are on the same page.

I posted earlier about how I desperately wanted to send a cake to Kalia for her birthday, but Matt and I decided not to because we are trying to save every penny to put towards bringing Kalia home. Within minutes of posting about that, I had several people contact me wanting to pay to send a cake to Kalia for her birthday. They didn't want us to have any regrets about not sending one. So, someone donated and was specific that it go towards a cake for Kalia for her birthday. It was a little late for her birthday, but you know the saying, "better late than never."

We used Ann at Red Threads to have the cake sent and also requested updated pictures of Kalia. Ann e-mailed us back and said that she would send the cake, but couldn't guarantee pictures. Honestly, I didn't expect pictures since we have just asked for some through our agency and was unable to get them. So, I was completely surprised today when I was checking my e-mail while waiting to pick up Andrew from school.

I have to admit, when I saw these pictures, I couldn't help but cry. She is absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to bring her home. Despite the sadness I feel about possibly not being able to travel before Christmas, I can't help but smile when I look at her beautiful face. And I couldn't wait to share the pictures with all of you.

Kalia Faith De Le

I asked Jaxon what they were doing and he said that when it is your birthday, you get a wish and this is how they are making their wish.

She has such an angelic face.


Not sure what she is pointing at, but the writing in pink says "my dream is to be a dance teacher." That is what she said in an interview when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up.