Brothers!

They've had haircuts since this picture! Looks like the shirt fits!

This week, we had boys all over the place. My oldest son, James, went to Florida with my dad and my sister's family. That was a big treat for him. He has had great fun helping to chase down his younger cousins in water and other parks. We are so excited to have him come home today. Our seven year old son, Mark, spent the week in Central Oregon visiting some friends and staying with grandparents. He was feeling like he might miss out when he goes to China and his siblings get to stay with friends and grandparents, so this was a treat for him. We were also hoping to give him a break from his allergies, but it looks like he is also allergic to Juniper! He came home yesterday. While the boys were away, we spent time doing final preparations for the new brother to arrive. All three boys have quilts on their bunks (thanks to my mother), we picked up a new mattress (thanks to generous friends), have new shelves and lamps for each one (thanks to my husband) and my mother is working on curtains to cover the newly organized closet.

There are rumors that travel approval documents were sent from China late this week and will arrive on Tuesday. We have no way of knowing if ours is included or if our province is allowing appointments yet. Our agency has a travel group leaving at the end of the week. It seems unlikely we would be able to secure all of the necessary appointments even if our TA does get here. The next travel group is expected to leave June 11 or 18. That is only three or four weeks away and seems pretty likely. Assuming no further travel complications, we should have the other brother here soon - very soon!

On the radio yesterday, I heard a song that I also have on my i-pod. It is a good inspirational song during a half-marathon and seems very fitting right now -- see bottom for "There's a Light at the End of This Tunnel".

Last night and this morning, I felt drawn to John chapter 15. There is much to chew on in the whole passage. It is hard to select just a few verses. 15:4-5 (words of Jesus) "Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." It reminds me again of why and how we do what we do and to be certain not to put the mission before the Master. I know that God has a plan for us and for our son and He will bring it to pass in His time.

(This song is especially for you Ginny..."keep holding on")