So many things to share!

There have been a lot of developments in the last few weeks.  Kristine is wanting to update many of the specifics and she hopes to blog soon.  In the meantime, I get to share NEW PICTURES!  We received an update today with new pictures of Joylee Aiyu that were taken in September!  She looks amazing!  She's standing on her own and walking!  Remember, she's now 15 months old!  In these two new pictures you'll see her standing and looking at the camera - she's great!  The other picture shows her sitting on the floor playing with a ball.  This picture reminds us that even though she's growing, she's still a little girl. 

We're waiting on some additional paperwork to clear and our passports and visas to come back as we look forward to travel to get her.  Hopefully we will have her home by Christmas!

The end of this week I will be sharing with you all about our Adoption Fund week of fundraising, "7 Days in October".  For now, enjoy the beautiful new pictures of our little girl, Joylee Aiyu!

Don't Cry

I have always been drawn to the power of music, especially the lyrics and the impact they can have on a person.  In the last few weeks of waiting on our Letter of Approval from China, I found myself listening to one song over and over again.  Being a teenager during the 80's I must confess that I am a huge fan of 80's music.  On our return trip from Hudson, Ohio I found myself listening to the song "Don't Cry" by Asia.  This classic 80's song has a unique sound with a catchy chorus.  Bethany had compiled a long playlist for our family's upcoming baby shower for Joylee.  As we were driving I listened to the wonderful list that "Sissy" had put together to play in the background during our first baby shower for Joylee.  I must confess, she did a great job!  She included songs like "Be My Baby" by the Bay City Rollers along with songs like "Beautiful, Beautiful" by Francesca  Battiselli.  She even included one of our special songs from when she was little - "Sugar Sugar" by The Archies.  Like I told you, a great list of songs!  Well, after we were done listening to her list I pulled up my 80's playlist where I had randomenly dumped over 300 songs from the greatest decade ever!  After a few trips down memory lane the song "Don't Cry" by Asia came on.  As I listened and sang along with it I told Kristine and Bethany that it too needed to be added to the Baby Shower playlist.  As I listened to the song, I couldn't help but think about my baby girl in China waiting for me to come get her, bring her home, love her and protect her for the rest of her life.  Ever line of the song spoke to me as I thought about Joylee Aiyu.  From the moment I first saw her picture I feel in love with her and hoped that this was the baby girl God had for our family.  See the lyrics below and see if you don't agree with me about what a tremendous song this is and how it speaks about the beauty of God bringing together an orphan and a loving family.  I can't wait to sing it to her for years to come. 

"Don't Cry" by Asia

Hard times you had before you
I knew when I first saw you
You girl you’ve always been mistreated, cheated

So leave it all behind you
It took so long to find you
I know that we can last forever, ever and more, more, oh



(chorus)
Don’t Cry now that I’ve found you
Don’ Cry take a look around you
Don’t Cry it took so long to find you
Do what you want, but little darling please Don’t Cry

I knew I’d never doubt it
I was so sure about it
Don’t think of all that’s been before

I’ll hear you when you’re calling
I’ll catch you when you’re falling
Don’t worry I will always be there, like never before, or, oh