While we wait...

Dearest Family and Friends,

Well, here it is...finally a place where friends and family may visit to find out how the adoption of baby Olivia is moving along. We must say that it is moving at a snail's pace, but we are hanging in there. On December 20, 2005 we were approved by China to adopt a healthy baby girl between 7 and 14 months of age. At the time we expected a 6-7 month wait, but a lot happened in the meantime. China experienced a large number of international applicants and baby trafficking issues arose (closing down one of it's larger orphanages), thus creating a massive backlog. Our wait time has increased to 15-16 months since the 12/20/05 approval. We are currently looking at a June 2007 referral (pictures and info), although Rich has high hopes for late April. We would travel 4-6 weeks thereafter and spend 2 weeks in China with our baby daughter before bringing here home.

On February 2, 2007 families up through October 13, 2005 have received their referrals. December's families (ours) are not too far behind, therefore we try to remain very optimistic. Mother's Day would be a beautiful thing, but Father's Day is more realistic and just as wonderful! The wait is very difficult, but we truly believe it is all part of God's plan.

And thank all of you for your kind words and reassurance during this very long wait!