We Received Our Article V

Woo Hoo!!  Our Article V was approved!!  After speaking with Holt today, I will say that everything that has happened the last couple weeks was for a reason!  God knew the Plan- I just didn't! We still do not have an exact travel date however we are closer to finalizing one.  With the Chinese New Year on Feb. 10th and government offices close for a week (Feb. 9-15th) it does throw a wrench it scheduling. :(  It makes it very hard for them to give us exact dates until after the New Year!!  We can not book until we have our US Consulate appointment.  As hard as it is for me to wait, I know it is HIS timing. We have waited 11 months whats 1 more, right??!!!  Here is an overview on our trip, regardless of when we leave!!!

Wednesday- Fly out
Thursday- Arrive in Beijing
Friday- Beijing
Saturday- Beijing
Sunday- Fly to Shanghai
Monday- Shanghai
Tuesday- Shanghai
Wednesday- Shanghai
Thursday- Shanghai
Friday- Fly to Guangzhou
Saturday- Guangzhou
Sunday- Guangzhou
Monday-Guangzhou
Tuesday-Guangzhou (1st day of Visa appts)
Wednesday- Guangzhou
Thursday- Fly home

Total trip should be about 16-18 days!!!!

(The Consulate does Visa appts. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays.  Whenever we get our consulate appt. day- we will fly home two days LATER!!)

We have spoken to Lotus Travel who will plan and book our entire trip..Start to end!!  We have started a file with them and should receive more information tonight about on travel plans.  :)

While we wait for our Travel Approval (TA), I am praying God is working on Riley and preparing her for a big CHANGE!! I am also praying for him to prepare our hearts and minds for this BIG change. I have no idea what we are getting into... God does and I know he will provide!!!   The saying...God does not give us what we can handle; God helps us handle what we are given.....is speaking LOUDLY with me right now.

So when do we leave?  As of right now......

 WE WILL BE HEADING TO CHINA-

Wednesday, March 6th!! 

 Countdown is on!!!  After receiving our LOA (Letter of Acceptance) we were told of three possible travel dates...This is the last of the three but the one that will work out the best for all.  Why???

• Rheagan will only miss 7 days of school compared to 13 days because of Spring Break!
• Riley's furniture has been delayed now 4 different times...it WILL be here before we leave!!  We will be able to set it up and not have to count on family to put it together while we are gone!

• My mom and sister-in-law are both in education and they will have off 1 whole week due to Spring Break and are able to watch the boys for us....day and night!!
• Shawn is in the process of taking on another company and merging it under his.. this has been a very quick and recent event and a little stressful so this gives him more time to finalize all plans and get everything in working order prior to us leaving.    
• And last.. It gives me more time to shop, shop, and SHOP for Riley!!  I am keeping all receipts however her closet is quite full already with clothes and shoes, and shoes, and more shoes!!  I have every size from 3-5 in there!!!

We are one LEAP and a JUMP away from heading to China.  Please pray not only for us and Riley but that God will help with bringing in the remaining funds we still have to raise!!  

Our love is in China just waiting for us!!!

 We are coming, Riley Jiner Handy...we are coming!!