LOA! LOA! LOA! LOA!

Ok so it has been a long crazy week!  Let's start with the best news ever....we got our LOA on Wed.(day 96)!!!!!  At least the computer system is showing that our LOA has been issued and it should be winging it's way to the good ol USA as I type.  I was starting to worry that it wouldn't get here before the Chinese government shuts down for Chinese New Year so this is a huge blessing.  My other concern, since it was taking so long, was that with Owen's new injury they were going to get picky about our paperwork since the original LOI (letter of intent to adopt) did not mention burns.  Thankfully that does not seem be the case and we should be getting that beautiful piece of paper in hand early next week.  The LOA is the official approval to adopt.  It means our paperwork has been translated, reviewed and we meet all the criteria to adopt this very special little boy.  I just can't even tell you the relief we felt getting this particular call.  I could physically feel the tension leave my body.  Up until you get LOA there is still a chance they will say "No, sorry you don't qualify."  I mean, we knew we met criteria, but anything could happen.  Next we have to apply to immigration to have Owen classified as an immediate relative (this takes 2-3 weeks), then our paperwork will go to the US Embassy in China to have a Visa issued for him, then everything goes back to China and they say "come get your boy!!"   We are hoping to squeak in for travel at the beginning of April, but realistically we are looking at the beginning of May for travel.  We can't travel the last two week of April b/c there is a Trade Fair in Guangzhou (that is where we will be the entire trip) and all hotels, food, etc....skyrocket in price and frankly we just can't afford the added expense.  For now though things are progressing and we are moving along to the next step.

There has been some discussion as to if we are going to be able to medically expedite Owen's adoption due to his new burns.  When we first found out and saw the pictures we absolutely were pushing for an expedite.  However, the newest information we have shows that his Foster Family truly is doing everything they can for him, he is healing well and honestly there is no medical need to expedite his adoption.  The Mama in me wants him home this very minute so I can be the one in charge of his care and make sure he has absolutely every advantage for a good outcome.  The Nurse in me realizes that his Foster Family truly cares for him and is doing everything they can to ensure his health.  The video we received showed that he is moving his arm freely with no apparent pain.  The massage and therapy regimen they have him on are appropriate and truly there is no urgent medical need to expedite his adoption.  Another aspect to consider is that when you ask to expedite an adoption they are moving your paperwork to the front of the pile.  That means other children are still waiting b/c of your expedite.  Deciding to expedite means you have to be absolutely certain that your child's health will greatly suffer without immediate intervention and in Owen's case there is just nothing to support the idea that his health is compromised.  In fact he has gained height (29 inches) and weight (17 lbs) and appears to be healthy otherwise.  The long and short is that we have decided not to push for an expedite.  We have talked to several families whose children have fostered with this family and they all comment about the wonderful care their child received.  We are continuing to pray for Owen daily.  Prayers for health and healing and preparation for his little heart as we get closer to bringing him home.

The other amazing news we received on Tuesday was that we were chosen to receive a matching grant from the Brittney's Hope Foundation!!!!!  This is such a huge blessing for our family.  The way it works is that we fundraise half of the grant amount and they match dollar for dollar up to the allotted amount.   WAIT, it gets better......between our online auction that closed last week and our puzzle fundraiser (that is now closed thanks to some truly amazing friends) our matching grant is FULLY FUNDED!!!!!  I will tell you that when this moment happened Mark found me just crying at the computer.  It is obvious how much we want this little guy home right now, but it is truly humbling to see the sheer number of people that are praying this little boy home.  If you ever doubt the work of God just watch an adoption story unfold.  It's not always pretty, but it is truly a thing of beauty to watch how God touches the hearts and minds of people near and far.  There will never be enough words, but Thank You to everyone who is following our journey.  We appreciate every single one of you.