LEGALS!

Zoe's legals arrived today. 3 days earlier than we had expected. Praising God for this awesome gift today! This verse immediately came to mind when I saw that precious package on my front porch: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20)

~paula (who is shaking with excitement)

ACCEPTANCE PAPERS have arrived AND Legals are en route!

Praise the Lord! I really didn't think I could wait any longer. 56 days after being matched at committee with our precious Zoe, we have her official referral and acceptance paperwork. We also received word that her Legal Documents were sent via FedEx today and will arrive on Monday (so I guess that means I can stop staring the FedEx driver down when he drives down the street for the next few days). Now, Monday, Mr. FedEx man, you better look out b/c I might knock you down to get that package in my hands.

So, as I sit and type this: Michael is printing the INSANE amount of papers that need to be filled out, signed (and some notarized) so they can make their way to Korea. Let's just say it'll be a LATE night here in the Sloan house. I'm about to put a pot of coffee on b/c this mama might not be able to control how fast anyone else moves in this process, but she can control how fast she moves and she prefers "lightning speed"! These papers will be filled out, signed, notarized and at FedEx tomorrow. Who needs sleep anyway?

Here's a quick rundown of what's next:

1. Fill out these acceptance papers and send them to Holt International (our US agency) and they will send them to Holt in Korea. This will get the ball rolling on the Korean side. She'll need things like an Emigration Permit, Visa, etc.

2. Once we have those Legals in hand, we'll fill out and file our I-600 and I-600a. This is with the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). This will clear her for coming here for the purpose of being adopted and becoming a US Citizen.

So, please continue to pray for our family as we proceed (at break-neck speed) to bring our baby girl home. Pray that things are done in an efficient and timely manner and that things are done correctly the first time so that we don't have to go back and re-submit anything. It's my earnest prayer that we have Zoe in our arms by her first birthday! I need to be with her on her first birthday. It's going to take a miracle, but OUR GOD is the one who can do it! Come on prayer warriors, now is the time to rally to get this girl home quickly!

Off to start the coffee!

Teach Me Something Tuesday is cancelled this week...

I just don't have it in me today. I've been stalking my e-mail for my acceptance paperwork and stalking the FedEx man for our legals, but no such luck yet. We've also been working hard getting the school room ready for the fall... school begins in 20 days and I am pooped.

I'm trying not to let this steal my joy. I'm praying for patience, I'm trusting God and waiting on His perfect timing and yet my heart says: 'easy for you to say; my baby is on the other side of the Earth and no one seems to be in a hurry except me'.

I promise to post as soon as we have some papers! Hopefully that day will be tomorrow. Keep praying my sweet prayer warriors!

6 new pictures of our girlie!

This sweet mama, Marcie, is in Korea right now picking up her sweet daughter and they stopped by the Reception Center to drop off a ton of donations and to visit with the babies. Well, lookie at who they ran into! Marcie said "Zoe had her hair in a clip so when I asked which baby had the hair that stuck straight up they pointed her out!!"

Here is Marcie loving on our sweet Zoe. She said she gave her a hug and a kiss from her Mommy!

Bless you, Marcie! You are an angel!

This one is my favorite! I love that sweet, inquisitive face!

That's our girl! I just can't believe how beautiful she is!!!

I love this one of her laughing and smiling! I'm ready to kiss that sweet face!

Here is Zoe and her new friend Lily! Look at that big girl sitting up all by herself!

Those are 2 sweet girls! True blessings from God; changing 2 families forever!

A huge thanks to Marcie, Dave and Lily who stopped by on their Family Day to love on the babies at the Reception Center, bring them some goodies and take a few pictures for a us and the other families. You brightened our day knowing that our daughter is doing well and to see her sweet face is priceless. ~paula

Teach Me Something Tuesday: Pororo the little penguin!

The popular Korean cartoon for young children in Korea is Pororo the Little Penguin. "Far far away, unknown and untouched by human civilization, lies a peaceful island covered in snow and ice. On this white island, deep inside a small secluded forest, is a tiny village inhabited by little animals. No-one knows how they came to live on the island but they naturally came to live together in the village situated in the little valley where the sunshine is warmest and the cold wind is least harsh. In the village lives Pororo, a very inquisitive impish little penguin, good-natured polar bear Poby, smug nosy red fox Eddy, shy and timid little beaver Loopy, friendly penguin girl Petty and happy humming bird Harry. All of our friends have distinct personalities and different interests which sometimes cause little (and sometimes not so little) happenings in their calm white world. But they are all good friends and know how to help each other in times of trouble." (You can explore the Pororo site in English here )

The children love this cute cuddly penguin and there are tons of Pororo toys readily available in the Korean stores (and online) and DVDs and CDs too! I bet we'll stock up on some Pororo stuff for sweet Zoe and her big brothers while we are in Korea to bring home with us! Check out these cute Pororo Chopsticks! I think they're a must-have for our kiddos!