Update

I don't have much to post. I have finally talked to CHI. I really didn't get any new information than what I already thought but CHI did tell us we have moved up on the list, remember we started at number 11. They have told us they feel we are in a good spot, which I really don't what that means but I guess I just have to trust them. There have been 2 families that are traveling in Tver now. This is good news because Tver had not given out new referrals since August to CHI because of the judge change and I'm sure the pending accreditation didn't help. Right now CHI is not giving out time frames yet for families waiting because they really don't know yet how the accreditation will affect them. We are hoping things start to really move and that our time lines told back in August of May-July '08 will improve. Right now we know of 1 couple that is over there and they have a received referral of a 9 month of boy. That is so exciting!! However if this was us I would have to buy more clothes because all the clothes I bought would be too big, I think this would make both grandma's happy because I think they are dying to buy clothes since I already bought so many!! Right now I am trying to be patient. It is very hard some days but I know in God's time our son will come.
We had a good Christmas with our families. We got lots of good things and had good bonding time. My favorite moment of Christmas was the Christmas Eve service we attended at our church. It was so nice. We sang lots of Christmas carols and the children had their Christmas play. It just really helped me to get in the Christmas mood. Thinking back to what Christmas is all about helps to put a lot of things in perspective for me. Knowing that Jesus came to this earth and was adopted by Mary and Jospeh always brings me back to having peace about the whole adoption. I know that God wanted us to do this but when you run into so many problems you do start to wonder. Christmas came at a perfect time for me. It really showed me that God is with us and to have patience in a time in my life when all I want is for things to go fast!!
I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas!!

Best Christmas Present Ever!!!

Yesterday we received an e-mail from Children's Hope saying that on Friday the 21st of December they were invited to the MOE to get their accreditation certificate!! We were so excited. Today it looks like the MOE actually accredited Children's Hope on Dec. 14th however the certificate will come tomorrow. This is the the best Christmas present ever, well 2nd best, having a referral would be the best Christmas present ever. I have sent an e-mail to our agency to find out what this means for us. We still don't really know timing but we are so excited to be working with an accredited agency. It is tough in Russia right now if you are not working with an accredited agency. I had been praying for a Christmas surprise on the adoption, and my thought was getting a referral but God had other plans which I'm glad he did b/c getting the accreditation for CHI will make things easier for our adoption.

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I will get better. I have more pictures to post of the baby shower my mom and sisters had for me. I got some great stuff!! We are all ready. I really can't think of anything that we really need!

Merry Christmas to all!! I know this year I am very thankful to know that God is in control and I know he has a special baby boy for us waiting in Russia for us. Hopefully soon we will get to meet him!