When we first started this journey to Emme Jade, we prayed that God would give us confirmation that this was His plan for our family. Sometimes it's hard to discern between what our heart wants and God's will for us. Could we love another was never a question. We already know that we can do that. But the things that we describe "of this world" kept popping up. Things that we all think about such as raising 4 girls in this crazy world, expense, time, our age, college, weddings, etc. would creep in and get in the way. Then one Sunday we heard a sermon on making decisions that have eternal value. Clearly God doesn't care about the price of college.. We believe He will provide what we can't in that way. Wouldn't He rather have us focus on teaching out kids about the things that really matter. Matters of the heart, that challenge our children to make great decisions in life. Lessons that teach them about love, respect and serving others. Ultimately, teaching them that the Father who created them, loves them more than we ever could. These are the things that motivate us to go back...

Without writing a novel today, I will say that God quickly showed us that He did call us back to China one more time. This time for a precious little girl named Yang YuQuio. He used my blog to introduce me to a very special woman named Sue with a daughter from Yangzhou. Sue, without me asking reached out to the orphanage for me and got us the first amazing set of photos we got of Emme. Photos that were truly like a road map pointing to Jiangsu, China. In the way they came, and on the day they came, it was such a blatant answer to prayer that this was His plan for us. We will always be grateful to Sue for her boldness that day!

Next came a connection to Emme's orphanage through two Yahoo groups. One that the SWI actually reads and responds too. This led to not only an email to me from the nannies, but it connected me to two more special Mom's that would be traveling to Yangzhou soon.

The first Yangzhou Mom, Patti, was with her girls visiting Yangzhou for a very special reunion a few days ago. Patti is American, but she lives in China.. I reached out asking if she could check on our daughter. Not only did she do that, she blessed us with an email while she was with Emme! She talked to the nannies and the doctor on staff, and she took amazing photos of our girl! In her words she said, "She is just a perfect little girl. I talked as much as I could to the nanny and she said she is happy, cute and her health is good!..She went on to say, I talked to Emme and gave her a kiss for you." A priceless email from a mom who knows what it is like to wait.

In April, a special family is traveling with their Yangzhou daughter for a heritage trip. They will spend part of their day on April 13th at the orphanage. In her suitcase she is carrying a gift from us for Emme Jade. Another blessing in this wait.

I have stated this before, but Jeff and I believe that when God reveals His plan, and we respond, that He blesses... We could have never prayed for the way God has responded to our need for confirmation. He has taken any fears we may have had and turned them into a love for a little girl that has a smile that lights up our computer screens.. A world away is a precious child, who we know will complete this family in a very special way! The confidence in knowing she is being loved gives us the confidence to wait a little longer to bring her home!

On April 1st our last document will be sent to China. The prayer is for a "Letter of Approval" from China to arrive within thirty days.. If it does, our hope of being in China before school begins is very possible! Blessings from this thankful Mom today!

Last night "The Pearl" told me she can't handle this winter one more day... Last week we had a glimpse of Spring... Two days ago we had another glimpse of winter. I am with Ainsley, it's time for winter to be over... We head to Nashville for a few days next week. Praying for sunshine, 80's and lots of Magnolia blossoms!

Well this morning, Sienna and Ruby asked WHEN they can go swimming... I guess they are over it too. The next thing I knew they were in their swimsuits.. They got two stools, and created their own dive team platforms!! They do not lack in imagination!

Maybe it was 10:40am when they asked for ice cream and I said yes!

Have a great weekend! I am expecting new pics of Emme tomorrow from an amazing Mom who was with her on Wednesday!!! It sounds like smitten does not begin to describe what we will be when we finally have Miss Emme Jade!

Perhaps it is because I am really starting to miss my sweet little girl, that I felt like sharing this treasure with you all today... This was the video sent to us by Oscar's Daddy.. It is their last day together in Yangzhou and Oscar is leading the walk.... We have watched it over and over.. We have laughed and smiled at the joy our girl exudes.. We have studied her surroundings, her silly face, her contagious smile, and her sweet voice... At the end, we crack up every time when we here her nanny say her name. Clearly she is telling our little cutie to get back in line.... We pray that our USCIS Officer approves us tomorrow, so we can be closer to finally holding this precious child!

Enjoy your first glimpse of Emme Jade live!!!!

A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart.

~Author Unknown

Happy Birthday Grandpa! We Love you and miss you!

Ainsley, Sienna, Ruby, and Emme Jade