The countdown begins

Today Jane Ramsey and I made a paper chain to count down the days until we leave to get our Gabriel and then when we return with Gabriel.  Every day she asks, "How many more days until we get Gabe."  Now, we can answer concretely and it is so very soon!  13 days until we leave, 17 days until we meet Gabriel for the first time and 26 days until we return.

I have been truly humbled in this adoption process.  I have been humbled by how God has faithfully answered our prayers down to minute details.  I have been humbled that we started this process, trusting God to close the door at any time if this wasn't His will and seeing how he has instead quickly been opening the doors to get our son as quickly as possible.  I have been humbled by the support of our family and friends.  I have been humbled by the love of my children's friends as they are equally excited about bringing home Gabriel.  I am humbled by the support of our greater Cotswold community as the school had a drive to collect supplies for Gabriel's orphanage.  I am humbled by my precious children as they talk about their new brother from China all the time and eagerly anticipate his arrival, asking how we can pray for him almost daily.  

As anxiety tends to creep in as we get closer to traveling and meeting Gabriel for the first time, I am quickly reminded of the above and know that God has brought us this far and His hand will continue to lead us and guide us as we bring Gabe home and he becomes a part of our family.

Gabriel Wen Li Darling, we are coming for you.  We can't wait!

"For the Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with JOY." Psalm 126:3

I plan to keep this blog going with updates…one of the main means of communication.

Jane Ramsey's preschool graduation

My baby girl "graduated" from preschool yesterday.  It truly is hard to believe!  This year has been a tremendous year for Jane Ramsey and one of monumental growth.  Her confidence has soared!  At the beginning of the year (and in previous years) she would not stand up in front of a group with her class to sing.  She would run to us crying and sit in our lap while her classmates performed.  At Muffins for Mom and her "ceremony" yesterday, she stood proudly and sang loudly.  It was a joy to see!  She has literally grown as well,  3 inches and 6 pounds since the beginning of school in September.  She surely is ready for kindergarten…I'm just not sure I am.

She was blessed with 2 wonderful teacher, pictured below as well as some sweet friends not only this year, but every year she was at Trinity for preschool. I did get teary seeing all these precious children that we first met as toddlers walking up for their certificate.  I pray these friendships continue as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.

This feisty little girl is going to make her mark! Be prepared, Cotswold Elementary, here comes Jane Ramsey Darling!  

Drew's Sports Birthday Party

We celebrated Drew's birthday with his friends early since we will be arriving in China on his actual day!  Drew requested a sports party and so that's what we had.  Kickball, wiffle ball, cake, watermelon, gaterade, water balloons and 500 with 10 friends.  Even though a kickball tournament, a company party  and park rangers threatened our birthday fun, it did not hinder us from having a GREAT sports party.  Happy 7th Birthday, Drew!!!

Happy 90th to Doris!

My great aunt Doris turned 90 the weekend we were at the lake.  Not only is she a great aunt but also was the neighbor of my grandmother, Mamaw. Doris still lives in the house on Westview Ave! We gathered to celebrate this special birthday with her and a lot of our extended family.  We had a long discussion on cousins- 1st, 2nd, once removed, etc, that weekend.  I believe one of every type was there!  

With Aunt Doris, the Birthday Girl!

 Emerald, Jennie, Pat and Jack

 Cate with Henry

The "spread"

 Doris, Mom and June- my Mamaw's next door neighbor! So good to see her too.

Sisters

Smith Mt. Lake

We gathered a couple of weekends ago at Smith Mountain Lake thanks to Beth and Scott's friends, the Mundy's.  We had a wonderful time!!  Boat rides, riding "the extreme," water skiing (Jacob), jet skiing, fishing and wading.  Scott was the best boat driver and we all loved being out on the water.  Thanks to Aunt Doris for turning 90 so we could have a reason to reunite in VA!  More pics to come!