I800 Approval!!!

I800 Approval-it feels SO good to type those words!  I'm still amazed at how fast it came!  But God isn't!!!  I had mentally prepared myself that it would most likely be the end of next week before we received approval but secretly hoped I'd hear something on Friday...  I love when God blesses us with awesome surprises!  I was completely caught off guard as I sat at my desk today, the phone in my office rang: "unknown number."  Thinking who could that be, I picked up the phone and answered in my usual "Hello, this is Jessica Johnson."  The voice on the end of the line greeted me with "Hello, this is Officer ------.  I am calling to let you know...." as she said those words my heart sank.  Could she have had time to read all 137 pages, is something wrong with our package, did all the pages make it, did they find an error? "That your I800 has been approved and I will be forwarding your file to the National Visa Center today."  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  As I sat in my chair, tears streaming down my face, such emotion captured me and it was all I could do to stay calm and collected for the remainder of the phone call.  I thanked her a few (maybe 10) times and she reminded me that this is provisional approval and the ultimate decision came from the US Embassy in Guangzhou.  I gently reminded her that I was aware and we would pray it through just as we did this.  And then that was it...  So many joyous emotions and sighs of relief all created in a simple 2 minute phone conversation.  I've learned that emotions and circumstances can change quickly in the adoption process and it was wonderful after the difficult and emotionally draining weeks we have endured to experience such joy and happiness with one word-approved.

As soon as I hung up the phone, my colleagues could tell, kinda, what had happened.  The happy cry kicked in full force and I'm sure some observers were wondering why the crazy crying lady was stomping her feet and squealing and throwing her arms in the air!  Let's just say that's my way of praising God for showing His power and mercy!  Of course Ryan was ecstatic when I called to share the news.  Our adoption agency was overjoyed that we had cleared this hurdle and our attorney rejoiced that our daughter is "un"STUCK.  We give God the glory for putting people with specific talents in our paths, or giving us strength and direction, for showing His sovereignty, and for fighting for her!

So, what's next?  We hope that our file will be electronically sent (cabled) to the Embassy in China by the end of next week.  This will allow Maeli's visa application to be approved.  After the file is sent there is a standard two week wait for approval.  This is called the Article 5 letter.  Once we get the letter, China needs it to give us Travel Approval.  Travel approval typically takes 1-2 weeks to be issued.  As soon as we receive Travel Approval we will begin to book flights to go to China.  So, in 4-5 weeks we hope to be making flight arrangements... Just in time for Ryan's birthday!

Much love and thanks for everyone who has prayed, cried and rejoiced with us.  The journey is not over but certainly a significant mountain has been moved.  We ask that you pray for those at the Embassy in China who will do the final review of our file.  Please pray that they will approve it without delay and our sweet girl will be in our arms in a few weeks!