Yulin, from FOI, left for Beijing today caring a package for Raina. She offered to take a package to China and mail it to Raina from Beijing provided the package was no larger than a tissue box. It is amazing what actually fits into such a tiny box. The first thing I did was buy the largest tissue box I could find! We filled it with a disposable camera, a TY puppy, a photo album, a toy, a small blanket, and pictures the kids drew. I'm hoping and praying that her foster family will take many pictures. I had not sent a care package so far, hesitating because of some unforeseen problems that arose on Wednesday, August 18. There is a small chance that the whole adoption could fall through. I finally concluded that even if that happened, Raina would still enjoy the gifts and hopefully feel the love that overflowed from the package. I try not to think about this horrible possibility, but can not deny that it is constantly in the back of my mind. To say I am not stressed would be a lie, and yet I am also at peace. I know God is in control and ultimately everything will work out as he has planned! That is where I find peace...knowing my God is fighting for what is best for us and for Raina!

On a different note. . .
We are planning to take Malia with us when we travel, but plan to have the boys stay home. They know this is what will most likely happen, but would really like to join us. They clearly remember the incredible moment of first meeting Malia and would like to meet Raina in China as well. The kid to adult ratio is just not feasible. Three kids to two adults worked...four kids to two adults would be next to impossible! I am worried about where the boys will stay while we are gone. We have had several people offer to care for them, which is wonderful! But...I know our kids...they would do so much better if they could be at home with someone coming to stay at our house. I REALLY wish the boys had a grandparent or grandparent figure that would be able to stay with them. This has been my prayer for months, even though humanly speaking it is an impossibility.
These issues are of great concern, however, I find comfort in Ephesians 3:21-22. "Now to him who is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen!"