EIGHT (loooong) DAYS UNTIL TRAVEL

Since my last post, Marin had her 4th birthday!  October 6, 2014.  Weeks later, we received pictures from the party they had for her.  We sent a cake, learning puppy (getting in some English:), and new pictures.  Her teacher, Jennifer, sent us a video of her class singing happy birthday to her and a video of her reading our letter to Marin in Mandarin. Marin was so still and thoughtful while the letter was being read to her.  She seemed to be soaking it all in.  At the end of the letter she said "I love you" in ENGLISH at the prompting of her teachers.  I have played that clip a million times!  Her voice is so precious!  We are forever grateful to our guardian angel, Jennifer, for sharing pictures and video and for her loving care of Marin.  Seeing her thrive has eased the wait immensely!

On October 30, we received our travel approval!  While we were ready to get on a plane immediately, we received the heartbreaking news that we would be delayed in our travels due to slow adoption processing in Beijing, where Marin lives.  So, while we have read about many families heading to China, we are still here in the US waiting to get on that plane!  We will be leaving in 8 days, Thursday, Novemeber 21.  We are scheduled to meet Marin for the first time on Sunday, November 23.  Oh how my heart is yearning for that day!!!!!  Jennifer has emailed us to say that they are telling Marin every day that we are coming soon and that she is excited.  She also asked her Jennifer if she could bring two of her friends with her when she comes to America.  That one sent my heart into my throat.  Oh how I wish we could, Marin.  I wish we could!