Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you"
Well two days ago we were told we could leave on Jan. 8th as long as our agency could get us a consulate appointment. Only a week to get ready, to make arrangements for the soccer teams(my assistant coaches are awesome), animals, house, packing, etc... This morning we got the email... no appointments available. Disappointing, but I understand (see above). It looks as if we will have to wait until Jan.29th now. I just want to hold my little girl. These 29 days will be the most difficult, but I trust it is for some reason we don't understand right now, but will. Like my High School team plays amazing in the district tournament or Briley's team continues their winning streak and we needed to be here to experience it all(Most of you know our house revolves around soccer). Or maybe God is working with Mia's nannies and preparing her for the huge transition of her world being turned upside down. We know it is for the best but please continue to pray for us and most of all, the "little ones".
Steve
Mia's room is almost done. Note: Cindy is responsible for all color choices, I just helped design it.
Everyone knows pink is my favorite color.
For some contrast, here is big sister Briley's room, some of my best work. That is North Carolina Blue.
When we came home from our Christmas Eve Service I checked our email and got the best present ever.....New pictures of our little girl and a short message. Here is Yi Ai Hang "Mia" with her nannies. 
They tell us she is their princess at the orphanage. When the director told her nannies she has a family now, they were sad about her leaving, but happy she has a family.
Here is a few pictures of Mia celebrating Christmas and enjoying the cake we had sent. I can't stop looking at her smile, she is so beautiful, it almost makes the month wait until we travel harder. Please keep us in your prayers.
Along with the cake we sent a care package and some photos of us. We'll post more updates as we get them.
Steve
Introducing - Mia Grace Yi Linamen
We have been so blessed since we took the first step to start the adoption process. We are now just waiting to be told the day we leave to meet this little girl God has placed in our lives. Please continue to pray for us as we are so close but feel so far from her.
This morning in China a mother cries
She'll never forget her daughter's eyes
Her heart is broken and filled with pain
The tears run down like the falling rain.
She has no choice but to leave her there
The cost of keeping is too much to bear
She hopes her daughter will one day know
True love can be found in letting her go.
This morning in China a baby cries
Hungry and scared as tears fill her eyes
Her mother has left her in this public place
Another lost daughter of the Chinese race.
Someone passing by has heard her soft moan
She's soon quickly taken to a foster home
It's here she'll reside in the care of another
Until she's adopted by a brand new mother.
That very same moment, in the U.S.A.
A woman cries as she starts to pray
She prays for a daughter she thinks the world of.
"Dear Jesus I ask that your arms would be
Wrapped tightly around the one picked for me
Guard her in China "till I make my way
And then in my arms forever she'll stay."
Tom Fisher
