Article 5

Our Article 5 was picked up Friday and should arrive at the CCWA today. Our Article 5 took longer than estimated because they were not able to send it before China's week long holiday. So today will begin the count down to Travel Approval which should be 2-3 weeks. As you can tell each step is taking longer than estimated...that is just how adoption works. Travel Approval is a biggy. Once we receive that we will wait for our Consulate Appointment and our trip will be planned around that date. Usually you travel 2 weeks after TA.
My mind cannot even comprehend how this trip will change all of our lives. We are going across the world to experience a new culture for 2 weeks and bringing home a daughter. Hu WuLei's life will be turned upside down as she is handed over to 2 American strangers. But with time we will teach her what a family is like. She will have a mom and dad who will run to comfort her when she is scared or hurt. We will meet every need she has and when we can't we will find someone who can. She will have 2 big brothers that will play with her, snuggle with her and protect her. We all have already been changed by sweet Hu WuLei. God has already used her to teach Brian and I so much about life, what is important and who we are. We will be blessed just being her parents!! The boys will be taught to accept differences and embrace them. They will (hopefully) learn to love gentle.
We are sooo ready and sooo excited. What we have been working so hard for and dreaming about for so long is about to become reality. We know it will be hard and exhausting but the joy and love will be so worth it.