Miracles

I am not good at keeping this blog updated, but so many of you are praying for us and Dottie....I wanted you to know about the miracle that we experienced this week.

Last week, I realized that my name was different of 2 very important documents:
I800 (we received this 1/17): Emily Cathryn Lesley
Passport and other documents: Emily Kemp Lesley
Seems like a minor issue, but in the adoption paperwork process, every piece of paper must match and be filled out correctly.

Last Friday (1/23): Holt emailed us and let us know that we must call the USCIS office (they issue the I800) and beg them to manually change my name on the form. No travel arrangements, appointments in China can be made until this issue is resolved, and we are already in a time crunch situation. I called and left a voicemail. No return phone call.

Monday (1/29): Brian sent our USCIS officer an email stating our case and attaching medical emergency letter. After multiple phone calls with Holt (our adoption agency) and USCIS, we had no other choice but to fill out a Supplement 3 form to get my name changed. This was costly and was going to set us back about 3 weeks.

Holt had told us that we could try to email the Chinese consulate and plead our case, but good luck as it was not very probable that they would allow forms to be different. Brian felt burdened to email them even though the situation seemed to be already determined.

At 5:00, Brian sent a FedEx package to USCIS with our forms filled out and a check. It was overnight delivery and our Officer, who had been so kind, assured us that she would be watching for it and return ASAP.

In the midst of this craziness, I prayed God would give me His peace. He provided peace, reassurance that He was in control, and a reminder that He loves us and that He loves Dottie more than we can imagine. It was a long, mentally and emotionally draining day. We went to bed knowing that God was in control of this situation.

Tuesday (1/30): I checked my email when I woke up. We had received an email from the Chinese consulate that our I800 was fine as it was. No need to get a name change. UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Our case worker at Holt was shocked too! He said that he had never seen the Chinese consulate be so gracious. Never had they know the Chinese government to accept forms with 2 different names. MIRACLE!

Brian immediately email our USCIS officer and asked her if she could stop the Supplemental 3 process and if there was any way we could get a refund. USCIS does not issue refunds, but we
thought we might as well ask. She called, she would stop process, and she had requested a refund
from her supervisor and it had been granted. Another MIRACLE!!!

Miracles celebrated!!! Sometimes, God must bring us to a place where we are unable to "fix" our circumstances...we can not rely on ourselves. During these times, I am reminded or my false sense of control, my pride, and my inadequacy.  God reminds me of His mighty power!

"We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure......But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God. ...We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us."   2 Corinthians 1:8, 10

Thank you for continuing on this journey with us. Your thoughts, prayers, and sweet comments have been a huge blessing to our family. Every time you ask about Dottie or the process, we are reminded that we are not alone....you are a very important part of this process. So thankful for each one of you!

I-800 Approval

Praising God....we are one step closer to Dottie! We are celebrating the small victories and thankful for the hurdles that we have crossed. We  received our official paper stating that our I-800 had been approved today! WoooooHoooo!

I-800 approval - Our petition to classify a convention adoptee as an

immediate relative has been approved.

 

This week, I have had a hard time with the wait. Anxious for travel approval, but realizing there are still many steps that need to be completed. Knowing that Dottie needs to be seen by the cardiologist, but unable to get her to the doctor. Wondering if she warm, being held, happy. I read this devotional to the kids this week (Thurs., Jan. 16):

 

 

 

I smiled when I read it. God provided this for me. I needed this reminder that His timing is always perfect, His plans are always perfect, and He always hears my prayers! I am always amazed and humbled as God provides exactly what we need when we need it.

On Thursday, I needed a little boost of encouragement, and He provided!

And on Friday, He provided confirmation that the process is moving, and He hears my prayers!

He restores my soul...again. I will rest in His sovereignty.

 

"God's people cry to Him night and day. God will always give them what is right, and

He will not be slow to answer them."   Luke 18:7

 

What's next?

We received our LOA (Letter of Approval) on Dec. 23! It took less than 1 month. Holt had told us to plan for it to take 3-4 months for approval to arrive. Many of you have joined us in praying for an expedited homecoming for our baby girl, and God is answering our prayers. Keep praying!!! We are on Step 3 of 8. We are praying that we will travel the first week of March. With God, we are confident this miracle is possible. We are trusting in His perfect timing.

Below is a timeline of "What's Next".

China Family Timeline:

1. Family receives match
2. LOA arrives to Holt China Program
3. Family files I-800 Application with USCIS (this is where we are)
4. Family receives I-800 Provisional Approval
5. Family receives NVC confirmation. Holt sends family's documents to China
6. US Consulate will issue Article 5 approval which will be used for final travel approval.
7. Travel approval arrives in Holt Oregon
8. Family travels


What is an I-800?
It is a petition to classify convention adoptee as an immediate relative. China is a Hague Convention Country. Countries that are considered Convention Countries must abide by certain regulations and standards during intercountry adoptions with the US.

Who Approves an I-800?
USCIS-United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is part of the Deptartment of Homeland Security.

What is a NVC confirmation?
National Visa Center letter saying that our case has been forwarded to the China Embassy. This document allows our agency to start the process of arranging appointments for us in China.

What is an Article 5?
The Article 5 is issued by the US Embassy in China. The consulate must review Dottie's visa application (DS-230), to make sure it meets the qualifications for an immigrant visa, and then signs off that everything is in order for the adoption to be completed. We can not obtain custody of Dottie until the Article 5 is issued.

What is the time line?
We really do not know they timeline. We have been told to expect 3-4 months from LOA (Dec. 23). We are praying that we will travel the first week in March.

Please continue to keep praying for us as we continue the paperwork chase, wait for for travel approval, and prepare for family transitions. God hears our prayers!

Thank you for being part of this journey to bring Dottie home. We are so gratful and truly blessed!

Meet Dottie!

With hearts full of joy, we introduce you to our baby girl,

Dorothy Elizabeth Li Lesley

"Dottie"

 

Born: March 30, 2012

 

So many of you have so diligently prayed with us during this 2 years, and Brian and I can't thank you enough for being a part of this journey with us. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by supportive and encouraging friends and family. Our match was official the Wed. before Thanksgiving (Nov. 28), and I think we are still somewhat in shock that we finally have finally been matched!!!

 

We thought it might be helpful if we posted some of the most frequently asked questions here to help you better understand the process, Dottie's needs, and our needs.

 

 

When do you get her?

Typically 6-8 months from our referral call. We are praying that this time frame will be shorter.

Where is she?
Due to certain regulations, we are not allowed to share her exact location. She is at an orphange in Southern China. Due to the same regulations we are not allowed to post her face on social media until eveything is finalized.

 

Why does it take so long?

Red tape. paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!

Here are the next steps for us:

LOA: Letter of Approval (This is the approval that is received after our dossier has been reviewed. This can take 3-4 months).

TA: Travel Approval (this step allows us to start booking airfare. This step can take 3-4 months).

Gotcha Day: The day we officially "gotcha" Dottie.

 

How long will you be in China?

We will be in China for 14 days when we go get her...includes court appointments, interviews, orphanage visits, and some sightseeing in China.

 

What is her special need?

Dottie has a congenitial heart defect. A pediatrician specializing in internation adoptions and a pediatric cardiologist at UAB have reviewed her medical file. Both doctors agree that she needs to be home before she is two for possible surgery. A letter to expedite her home has been sent to the Chinese government.

Why doesn't she have any hair?

It is easier for the caregiviers to care for and clean the children when their heads are shaved. All the children have shaved heads.

 

What do we need?

We are praying that God will intervene, and she will be home before her second birthday...March 30. Please join us in praying for a miracle. We have hope that this is a possibility because we know that God is bigger than any obstacle that we face. We will put our hope in Him. We have seen God working in our lives throughout this entire process in big and small ways. We know that He has great plans for us and Dottie, and that He is in control. We serve an awesome God!

 

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory for Your love and faithfulness."

                                                                                                                                              Psalm 115:1

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways remember Him. Then He will make your paths smooth and straight."      Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

The Crucible Challenge 2013

Awesome 4 mile obstacle course...beautiful weather, fabulous friends, and fun, fun, fun!!

A lot of the proceeds went to ReClaimed Project: www.reclaimedproject.org
Reclaimed is an orphan ministry that is truly making an impact in Starkville, MS, the US, and around the world. Reclaimed Project was birthed out of a desire to exalt Christ by fulfilling the biblical mandate to serve orphans and the poor. The ministry is based on James 1:27

So..two things accomplished:
Lots of fun and lots of funds for a great ministry!



Our team..."Team TuTu"


Brian and Trey ran in an earlier flight than Team TuTu


Loved having my sis, Elizabeth, compete with us!!




Stinky Feet was so kind to give our cheering squad some cool T-shirts!!

Definitely planning to do it again next year...

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Happy Easter and Happy Birthday!

We had a super fun and super busy Easter weekend! Our baby girl turned 3 on Easter Sunday. I can not believe it...

 

We had a small "Easter Birthday Party" on Good Friday. We had a egg hunt, cake and ice cream, and a short visit from the Easter bunny.

 

Egg Hunting (or candy eating break) with Cousin Cline

We were so glad that Cathryn's great grandmother was able to attend her birthday party

 

 

The weekend was busy with dying Easter eggs, learning more about the "real" meaning of Easter by making Ressurection Rolls, and spending some time with family.




















Despite the rainy weather, we had a wonderful Easter Sunday. We enjoyed worshipping our Risen Savior at FBC, eating yummy lunch at Cook Cook's house, and playing lots of Easter games.

 

 

Cathryn had another birthday cake!


Three years old and her 1st Easter. Time flies when you're having fun!!

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!"
-Bill Gaither

I'm back from blog vacation!

It has been over 6 months since my last post and WOW a lot has happened.....
Halloween happened...with Spyros (Beckett), Luke Skywalker (John Scott), and Strawberry Shortcake (Cathryn)
We lived through a "small" renovation that turned major...we started the first of Sept. and finished the end of Jan. We are loving our new space!
We had a wonderful Christmas spent with family and friends.
On the adoption front, we have had a really hard 6 months. We have experienced some heartbreak, disappointment, and doubt, but through the "hard" we have been able to see God's face more clearly. We have experienced Him more personally and truly know more about His character.
We know that in all things God has a plan and a purpose. We must be obedient to follow Him.
In following Him, sometimes we must make hard, "scary" decisions.
Brian and I had been begging God to reveal to us His plan for our family. After lots of prayer, conversations with several professionals, and some research, we changed programs. We are now in the China Special Needs Program with Holt International (we are using the same agency). It was a hard, "scary" decision, but we are at peace knowing that we are following God. God has changed our hearts, and I know in this wait, He is preparing us for His will.
I love the song by Jeremy Camp...."I Will Walk by Faith"
Especially the chorus:

"Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me."

I'm not sure about a "timeline". Every time I try to figure out when we should get a referral, God gently reminders me that He is in control of the timeline, and His timing is always perfect! We are currently working on our dossier and updating all of our expired paperwork.

Please continue to pray for us on this journey!

Here are a few pictures from the last 6 months......



John Scott playing at Pops and JoJos


Beckett has joined the family of God. The angels are rejoicing!!


Cathryn growing up with brothers!


A trip to the American Girl store


We had fun playing in the snow!


Santa came to visit


A fun day at the Zoo

"And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28