We have been so blessed to have Logan at Philip Hayden Foundation--the staff there is incredible. Two days after Christmas, we received 6 pictures of Logan taken on Christmas Day! What a gift!! It is so much fun--and very hard--to see him growing and thriving. I'm thrilled to see that he's doing well, and yet my "momma heart" aches to have him here.
Another blessing of having him at PHF (http://www.chinaorphans.org/) is that I have a place to ask all sorts of questions. I had some medical questions, and they were promptly and cheerfully answered by the doctor on staff. One thing we learned was not what we wanted to hear: Logan does not speak very clearly. From my understanding, that can be a result of many things, but most likely one of two: either he doesn't hear well (children born with cleft palates often have ear trouble as well) or his palate repair wasn't as complete as it needs to be. We're hoping and praying that there will be a simple solution to this issue; that ear tubes will resolve a hearing problem so that he can begin learning English quickly. It seems that checking his hearing will be a "high priority" issue upon our return. :)
An additional blessing: I know a family traveling to PHF next month. They've volunteered to take pictures of our Logan as well as hand deliver a photo album and small gift to him! They have a boy adopted from there a year ago or so, and when they leave next month to pick up their next son they will spend a day or so visiting PHF in their travels. We're so grateful for their willingness to play courier for us!
We also have 2 very specific prayer requests. These have been on my heart for some time, and I have been convicted that I need to share them so you can pray. And so, please pray for:
1. Our paperwork to be "completed" on China's end and for us to receive our LSC (letter seeking confirmation, something we must sign and return to China confirming that yes, we STILL want to adopt this little boy) IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS! This is critical!! China closes for Chinese New Year on Feb 7 this year, and if our paperwork isn't through this step, it's virtually impossible for us to travel in late March. All of our big guys want to go with us, and late March timing is the only thing that works for them. Join is in prayer that we will receive this LSC this week, so it can go back to China ASAP and they can issue our TA (travel approval) immediately after Chinese New Year.
2. Logan is currently living at Philip Hayden Foundation's Shepherd's Field Children's Village. He's been there since he was just over 3 weeks old. He does not remember "his" orphanage and knows no one there. But, the process in China dictates that he must be returned to the orphanage as many as 10 days before we arrive to get him. Pray for him through this transition, that it will go smoothly, that someone on PHF staff will be able to accompany him and stay with him until we arrive, and that the PHF staff will be able to explain to him what is happening. Pray for God's protection on him, and for his ears and heart to understand in a supernatural way the transitions he's being asked to make. Those are signficant moves for a 3 year old, and we worry about his emotional health through it all. You can also pray for us, that we will be prepared for everything we need to prepare for as we add a 3 year old to our family. Ryan, especially, is likely to struggle with this transition. We've talked extensively with the girls about potential behaviors to expect and they're as prepared as I know how to make them, but continue to uphold us in prayer as we all work through this potentially difficult time.
Thank you! Tonight during my prayer time, I felt very convicted that I needed to share these requests. Scripture is clear: that "the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective" (James 5:16); that "...if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matt 18:19-20); and "Now to him wo is able to do immeasurably more tha 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." (Eph 3:20) And so thank you. We can't wait to see what God will do!!
One of our Christmas pictures for your viewing pleasure:
