Approval!!!

Through a series of unfortunate events (mail being stolen in our neighborhood) I have had the privilege of email correspondence with the local hom*ela*nd security office handling our I-600a application (fingerprints). They have been helpful, courteous and timely!!! So timely in fact, that I just got an email that informed us that our fingerprint application has been APPROVED!!! Our formal document (I-171H) is on its way in the mail -- our case has been processed and we can officially wait for our referral. I have chills and tears and am filled with joy!!!

Finished Fingerprint Friday

The Lord showered us with favor on Friday. Not only were we able to get our fingerprints successfully done, but it was very fast and friendly. Once we get our official I-171 - fingerprint clearance/approval - we are officially on the waiting list! We are SO excited and fully trust God for His timing in when we will get our referral.

"So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other." Deuteronomy 4:39

Thank you for your prayers, words of encouragement, and scriptures that have uplifted my impatient heart. And, thank you sweet friends for not only taking care of our kids during these times but also loving on them!

Failed Fingerprint Friday

No fingerprints on Friday (insert my VERY sad face) but it wasn't because we weren't there! This was the biggest snowstorm in over 30 years for North Texas, and what are the chances it would happen the night before our longed for fingerprint appointment?

My sweet Craig got up early and spent an hour digging our cars out of the driveway, trimming and tying back tree limbs so we could open our gate and getting his car unstuck so we could go to our fingerprint appointment. The sweet part, really, is that he knew there was no way this gov't office was going to be open - but he really did it all because he loves me. Not only did he drive us there, but he sat outside the closed doors and darkened office of the USCIS Support Center while I repeated over and over, "I bet they're just running late. I bet they'll be here by 10. A lot of government offices are opening at 10. Maybe they're going to open." It was so pathetic in fact, that I mistook a lady in some kinda gettup with leg warmers and knit hat, for a USCIS worker because her jacket had patches on it. Turned out, when she got closer, they were Harley Davidson and NASCAR patches. He called the USCIS 800# at least 5 times trying to get more information and one time even ask if the supervisor for this particular Support Center had a cell # that we could call. Craig was pretty sure I had lost it at this point. So, if you look up desperate in the dictionary it says: "Jamey Porter on Friday, February 12, 2010 trying to get her fingerprints taken" Then my wise and obviously much more spiritually grounded husband said, "This is God's timing because He knows one of our children hasn't been born yet."
The good news is that there was a sign on the door (posted from the night before when they closed early) that we could come back anytime M-F between 8-2 and our appt would be expedited. They were closed today - Craig is not able to go Tues - Thurs, so we are going to give it another shot Fri morning. I plan to have my happy little self sitting outside that office at 7:45 am!!

I can't wait to share what the Lord CLEARLY spoke to me Sat morning during my personal quiet time with Him. Your hint is: Numbers 13-15

Also - if you placed an order with me, your order is shipping tomorrow. If you live in Arlington I am ready to deliver!!!

Fingerprint appt tomorrow ... maybe

I'm laying in bed posting from my iPhone because I'm too cold to get up and go to my computer. As we lay here, we just heard another tree limb break. That's because Texas trees are not meant to stand up under 10 inches of snow (and the snow's still falling). This is the biggest snowstorm in Texas history. It's really all fun and exciting, except that we have our fingerprint appt in the morning. Ugh! We can't seem to find definitive info as to whether the USCIS office will be open or not, so we are just praying that God will part the icy, snow covered streets and allow this to happen. Bottom line, however, is that I know that my Lord has plans for me (and our family) and they are plans to prosperous us, not to harm us; to give us a hope and a future with our children from Ethiopia. But I trust in YOU O Lord, I say 'You are my God !'" (Psalm 31:14)
We have precious friends (thank you Team Alexander) willing to take 4 extra kids in the morning while we venture out for this appointment- we promise to bring plenty of Shipleys donuts. I do not worry about getting there because I am married to 'adventure man'. As long as the USCIS office is open, Craig will make sure we get there!!
Please pray for God's favor in the morning!!

On a different note - 147million orphans has a new red Feed 1 shirt for me to sell. Pic is in right margin - check it out... Super cute!!

There goes another limb breaking! Yikes!!

Belated Birthday Present

Okay, so it is a few days late to count as a birthday present, but ... WE GOT OUR FINGERPRINT APPOINTMENT in the mail today. I am SO excited. I can't imagine what I'll be like when we finally get our referral and see our cute kids.
Thank you LORD for being a completely sovereign and good God!

Birthday Present

I am hoping for a birthday present in the mail tomorrow .... our fingerprint appointment from USCIS. Is that asking too much?? As of tomorrow, we will have been waiting 3 weeks. Now, I understand the national average right now is 2.5 months and we were told to expect 7-9 weeks, but a girl can still hope, can't she??