September
We had another family volunteer to take a care package over to S. Korea when they go for their court date in October. We got together a few more things and sent them to Connecticut! They should be there in about 3 weeks and will be able to deliver it to SWS to give to her foster mom.
Thursday, 9/14
Last Thursday marked Abbi Grace's 10-month birthday! I was a little sad that day knowing that another month had passed that I missed, but I quickly tried to remind myself that God's timing is perfect in all of this.
Saturday, 9/16
I went to the mailbox and had an envelop with a CD in it from AIAA (our adoption agency). I immediately started crying because I knew what it was... pictures AND videos! Honestly, we did not expect anything until her birthday in November, so the joy of the surprise was overwhelming! I wish I could just show everyone her beautiful face, but the important thing is that she is growing and she seems content. She smiles, responds, and laughs and really just wanted to chew on everything (we could see those two bottom teeth had come in). The videos showed her opening our previous care package. They were telling her about "Oppa" (Daddy) and her brothers. Her foster mom and the social worker also attempted to call her "Abbi Grace Harang" instead of "Harang" (her Korean name). We have not been able to take our eyes off of those pictures all week.
Wednesday, 9/20
I got another e-mail that we can submit our I-600 paperwork. This is our petition for our exit permit! AIAA sent the paperwork FedEx and it arrived in the mail on Friday. This is a huge step in the right direction, and a lot faster than we expected. We now need to get to it and get these papers filled out to get back in the mail ASAP!
Thursday, 9/21
Mom and I went to Pigtails and Cowlicks. What turned into "let's just see what they have in case she comes home in early spring" turned into an excited Mamaw buying a lot of little girls clothes that I don't even know if they will fit when she comes home. Regardless of whether they end up on Abbi or a friend's little girl, it was very exciting (and overwhelming) to pick out some things for our little girl. Unfortunately, I have learned a lesson already... Girls clothes cannot just be thrown in with everything else. These ruffles and sparkles require a certain care... sigh.
Today
I am looking forward to sending some more things to Abbi Grace to try to get her familiar with us. I plan on sending a package for her birthday and Christmas as well. That's all I can really do. I bought this bear and had a little T-shirt made with John Mark and I's picture on the front for her next package. John Mark thinks it's a little too much... haha! I think I am going to do everything I can to get our daughter familiar with our faces so that when we show up some day she thinks... Oh, there are those crazy people I have been looking at for months!
Next
Next, we wait again. We get this paperwork in the mail and we wait for EP Approval (Exit Permit Approval). This is a huge step. Once this is achieved, we will get submitted for court and be assigned a court date. We are still months and months away, but we want to keep everyone updated and in the loop!
Keep Praying!
