Wonderful News!

Well, we had a great 4th of July! It was a busy, busy day that started at 5:30 a.m. but it was wonderful! I got up early and made potato salad and brownies and finished cleaning the house. Then we went to church. We got home and Darin put the finishing touches on the ribs and everyone came over around 1:30 to eat. We had a delicious meal and we also celebrated Madison's birthday. Then Will and I headed out to baseball practice at 4:00 and then our baseball team had a cookout/fireworks show over at The Lang's. Finally, we went to our church for the "Celebration in the Park" and they had hot dogs, cotton candy, inflatables, fireworks, etc. I'm so thankful to be an American, live in a free nation, and be able to serve a risen Savior! Wow, we're really blessed beyond measure when you think about it.

4th of July was extra special this year because we were anticipating Mia's reunion with Ashley, Griff, and Mom in China. They left last Wednesday and Mia's "Gotcha Day" was scheduled for July 5th in China. A person from the orphanage drove Mia 6 hrs. to meet her new family. Mia had never been in a car before and she was taken from a place that was her home, even though we don't think of an orphanage as a home. My sister has wanted a daughter for so long and July 5th, 2010 was the day that God answered her prayer. I've heard that blessings follow obedience. As I've said earlier, Ashley felt led to do this even though during the last ten months they've experienced fear, frustation, financial sacrifices and much more. However, she and Griff were obedient to His call and what a blessing they've now received. Don't you wonder what blessings await you and me, if we would only be obedient to His call....

Mia is doing great! She is beautiful, totally beautiful but we already knew that from the pictures we've seen. I talked to Mom early this morning and she said that she's very attached to Ashley, and that she loves looking at a book that Ashley took that has all different types of textures and things. Mia cried when they first gave her to Ashley but overall I think she's doing well. Mia is grieving right now for her home and caregivers but all of these behaviors are normal. Like Ashley said, it's very sad to see a child grieve like this but what she's gaining far surpasses what she's left behind. But, you know what? I don't feel like Mia has received the biggest blessing. Our family has! This little girl is going to bring life, happiness, hope and be a constant reminder of love to our whole family and community in the days and years ahead. It's just a surreal feeling when you really stop to take it all in. So many people have called, emailed, texted and asked us about Mia. I'm so thankful to all the prayer warriors out there. The prayers have been felt and I know Ashley & Griff will continue to need them.

We're about to head out to Collinsville for another baseball game. Will's team lost last night but it's double elimination so we get a chance to redeem ourselves tonight. Let's go Jackets!

Well, I hope you have a great Tuesday! May you feel the love of God today as our family has in recent days.

With Love,

Allison