Travel approval and changes

Well, we finally got what we have been waiting for all along...we got travel approval from China to go pick up Hudson! This is such an exciting time and hard to believe that it is finally here! It came a little earlier than we expected, but we always like little surprises like this.

As soon as we got travel approval, we knew we were in trouble though, we are very short financially. We haven't worried much about this as we always know that the Lord will provide. But, now is the time where we can tell our agency when we want to go to China to get Hudson and as bad as we want to go asap, we cant. We do not have the money at this point for travel or for the remaining fees.

So, for the first day or two after TA we tried all that we could to get loans, check on one last grant, push our fundraiser harder. Nothing was giving. So we began to pray harder and talk and listed and came up with a plan B. As much as I have visioned and wanted Brock, Averie and myself to go to China to get Hudson together, we had to let that vision go. It has been decided that just I will go to China. It will save us a pretty good chunk of money, having the 2 of them stay home. I know it will be tough for all of us, but it is the reward in the end that I keep in mind. I will have almost 2 precious weeks getting to know our son, getting to learn about his country and bonding with him. When we return home, Ill stay home with Hudson and Brock a few days and then Ill return to work and Brock will stay home with Hudson until he is ready to go to a babysitter or preschool.

While we have made the change in plans to save some money, we are still about $8500 short of what we need to pay the final adoption fees and for my travel. We are continuing to sell the local Mattoon/Charleston discount cards. If you live locally, these cards are great! They have some wonderful businesses on them and awesome discounts! They are $15 each and every penny goes towards our adoption! If you would like to purchase a cards, please contact Brock or myself on FB or via email at bp042900@consolidated.net. I still have LOTS of puzzle pieces still available. If you would like sponsor a puzzle piece, it is $10 and we will write your name or a small message on the piece that you sponsor. Once the puzzle is completely sponsored we will put it together and frame it to hang in Hudson's room. One side is a world puzzle while the other has messages and names from many people who have prayed for or have supported the adoption.

You can purchase a puzzle piece or make a donation in 2 different ways...
1. Click the link to Paypal at the top right side of this screen. The money will go directly into our adoption savings account.
2. Send or drop off a check/money order to our bank:

First Federal Savings & Loan

Attn: Paul Family Adoption

800 Charleston Avenue

Charleston, IL 61920

As much as we hate to keep asking for support, we know that the Lord has a plan for this. His hand is on our adoption and will see it through. We are in the home stretch and have permission to go get him and bring him home, but we have to have the money to complete this journey. Please pray for us as we get this figured out. I will keep posted as to when I will be traveling to China. Also, please pray for my travel. Ive never left the country, never traveled alone and never flown. This will be hard for all of us, but my eye is on the prize....bringing our son home! 

Got this verse from our pastor the other day and I keep reminding myself of it daily:

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."