Back in January…just days after the fire, I wrote the following paragraph:
God’s timing is always interesting. He is never late. He is never early. I believe He is deliberate, intentional and precise with each and every thing He does. (And yes, even as I believe that whole-heartedly, it can be very confusing too).
I was referring in that paragraph to the fact that I had literally walked in the door of my friend Kim’s home, still wearing my nightgown, all sooty with my tear-stained face and my cell had rang. It was Chinese Children calling to say that we had immigration approval and now our dossier could finally go to China for our little girl. It had taken so doggone long to get that immigration approval – it would normally have been a giant cause for celebration. Since our home was still smoldering and its contents had just been destroyed by the fire, it was not really the celebration we would have normally planned.
Yet, in the midst of that, we knew that it was the Lords way of saying, “I’m working behind the scenes, even though, at this very moment, you could easily doubt that.”
Which brings me to last week…..with Isaiah’s surgery and Dw’s hospitalization and so desperately ill we could have easily wondered if He was paying attention to all that was going on??? Down deep I just thought….”you are aware of this, right Lord? You are seeing that this is all going on 1200 miles from home?? Yes, I know, I know, You reminded me of our Memorial Box and the symbols that it holds…and I am believing that You are still working the nightshift on our behalf….right?? “And then that next morning, July 2nd, while getting Isaiah ready to go up to the hospital with Liberty and I to see Daddy….inbetween getting the kids fed and talking to Dw on the phone and calling home to check on the kids and all the other stuff….my cell rang. The number was a familiar one. It was A Helping Hand, our adoption agency with both Isaiah and now Jubilee. I thought, “What in the world?? No possible way!!”
Yes, indeed!! It was Dana, the Special Needs co-ordinator and she was calling to say that she had our Letter of Acceptance in her hands for our sweet little Miss Jubilee Promise.
For you who have never adopted from China, the LOA (Letter of Acceptance) is the long-awaited word from China that they have reviewed every little bit of information and you have been completely approved for the child you have longed for.
Wow!! I just sat there and cried and cried. I barely said a word. Dana said she called me because she wanted to hear me say, “Yippee Jesus!” I did say it, but really, my heart was really just overwhelmed that in the midst of all these circumstances God would reach down and touch our lives with the long-awaited paperwork from China. And it was EARLY too!! His timing? Again – PERFECT!!
And to top it off….the exact date? One year to the date: July 2, 2008 we had been given pre-approval (PA) for Jubilee. It took us a complete year to get our LOA.
Introducing – officially – Our Sweet
Jubilee Promise
Birthday: December 26, 2001
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From what it sounds like, I will be heading to China in September, 2009 to scoop up our precious baby girl and bring her home……..she has waited forever for us and finally it’s her turn…Yippee Jesus!!
Hang on Jubilee Promise – Mama’s coming – Mama’s coming!!
I'll say it with you….Yippee Jesus!! God is awesome! Congratulations on getting through this hurdle. Praying for a quick TA (along with Dwight's health). I can't wait to see pictures of Jubilee in her mama's arms!
Wow, Wow, Wow! God's timing is soo incredible!! Yippee Jesus!!!
i actually been thinking about this when you keep us in suspension with "the phone call"..
CONGRATS! September is good! I love September =X Even though wishes it to be earlier!
Can't wait to "meet" Jubilee~
That is great news! And wow, our timing is almost exactly the same now! We will be traveling in September also. 🙂
Praising Jesus with you!!! Yippee 😉
Thanks for reposting your paragraph on God's timing. I needed to read that this evening. 🙂
Praying EVERYONE'S health will soon be on the mend, as you prepare for your tip to China!!!!
OMG! I can't imagine any sweeter news than this in the midst of everything else going on over the past 2 weeks. I pray the blessings and God's plan continue to unfold for you all! I will be praying for the doctor to have the right answer tomorrow for Dwight and for you to be able to exhale and rest yourself. Love you tons, Linny!
Lori L.
YEAH GOD! That is amazing, I can not wait to get to meet little miss Jubilee.
Yippee Jesus!!
I am so excited for you to get that precious girl home!!
It feels so great to get some good news!!
Blessings,
Jean
wooohooooo—-Oh how I LOVE God's perfect timing!!!!! Hang in there sweet little one–your mama is almost on the way! Oh Linny, what wonderful news this Thursday. Yes, something to be VERY thankful for. Wow! I have tears of absolute joy for you. Such joy in the midst of such challenging times. The Almighty.
Rejoicing with you tonight, my friend.
Oh, my, CONGRATULATIONS! I'll be traveling mid August to get my Ciara as our LOA also came early! God is soooo good!
Jackie
P.S. I'm having my first giveaway in celebration, check it out!
oh linny! i am so wonderfully happy for you adn the family. i know things are absolutely crazy right now, but you are spot on with God's timing always being deliberate and perfect. i'm so happy you get to bring home your sweet jubilee soon!
Linny!
Oh Yippee Jesus!!!
We are thrilled for you and rejoicing in His perfect timing!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful news!
Keeping your sick family in our prayers. Hang in there!
Blessings,
Alycia
That is amazing timing! We are so happy for you. We will pray like crazy for DW to heal so he can be a well daddy when his new little girl comes home in September.
Oh – and Linny – one more thing – We just got approval from CIS for our I-800A! With Philip, it took us THREE months to get through their process because of my almost non-existent fingerprints. I was so worried that it would take that long for Eli's adoption, but we don't have three months this time. China needs our dossier by August 27th!
IT TOOK 2 DAYS FOR MY PRINTS TO CLEAR AND FOR US TO GET THE OK FROM CIS!!!!!!!!! THEY SAID OUR APPROVAL WOULD BE HERE NEXT WEEK – ONLY GOD COULD DO THAT . . .Yippee Jesus!!!
Love In Christ –
Janet, Kevin, Ted, Philip, and waiting for Eli
That is so awesome to hear!! God is so good to bless us in the midst of hard times. What sweet news. Jubilee is one blessed little girl and I know your family will be just as blessed.
Celebrating with you!!
Linny – that brought tears to my eyes. What wonderful long awaited news. I cannot wait to hear all about the trip and your precious little one. God's time is always right – easier said than to accept at times.
In His peace – Cindy
MoM(Mom of Many)
http://www.faithfulpromises.blogspot.com
Congratulations!!! I just knew that was what the call was=).
I am so amazed!!!
What an awesome Father we have, …I have no words right now, but know Sweet Family, we are so happy for you….Thankyou LORD GOD!
He is working! Thank you Jesus for your perfect timing! Can not wait for you all to get her home!
He is working! Thank you Jesus for your perfect timing! Can not wait for you all to get her home!
My husband and I have been praying for you and Dw. I was really hoping the news was LOA. Praise God!!!!! I know exactly what that means as we have two treasures from China.
Christy
Oh Linny, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Nashville … here visiting Rebecca's foster mother from China. Goodness sakes alive what a wonderful post to read from you!!! Congratulations!!!! You have no idea how many times I prayed for Jubilee a family while she was on AHH's list. And here you have your LOA. God is good – all the time!!!
Praise God! Tiem to get her home. Jenne in OR
Oh Linny!! I am just in tears, praising God with you!!! Thank you Jesus!! I am so beyond thrilled for you! And sweet Jubilee!
I have been wondering how she was doing and how things were progressing- I can't wait until the day you can hold her in your arms!!
WOW – such exciting news!! Yeah God! So thrilled for your family as you get further along in your journey to precious Jubilee Promise!!
Love you guys!
Oh my!!! Can't wait to see this little princess with her mama, daddy and all of those precious brothers and sisters!
Praying for you all,
Sarah
YEAH!! That's AWESOME!!! I love how God works on our behalf even when we don't realize it. Congratulations!!
Hallelujah! Isn't our God amazing!! I love how He reminds us that He is already steps ahead of us and moving mountains we can't even see!!
God Bless You All! We are still praying for your husband and family!
Okay tears are streaming down my face! Yippee Jesus! Can't wait to meet Miss Jubilee Promise! Amen and Amen! Go get her Mama! 🙂
Congratulations on this huge step!!
May the Lord give you the strength to embark on yet another adoption journey!
Love, Barb
Yippee, Jesus, indeed! Congratulations, Linny and DW! We've been praying for you all these months. We are now DTC again, ourselves!
Blessings!
How Awesome is that! Wow! Just today my daughter was looking at your pictures and I told her Jubilee was still in China! Well, not for long!!
Also, I am really jealous of all the bloggy friends getting together! Anyone going to be in Missouri in mid August?!)
Sheri
Glad you are finally going to be able to bring her home. 🙂 Still praying for DW.
How exciting! God is GOOD!
I just love that last picture – she looks so full of joy. I cannot wait to see her with all of the family – getting loved on like nobody's business! 🙂
Crying happy tears with you! I can't wait to see your precious daughter in your arms!!
When you least expect something…there is GOD with His awesome timing. ; )
Still praying for you and your family!
Many blessings from Orlando…
Barbara
Can't think of anything better to say than, "Yippee Jesus!" Just can't improve on that!
sweet indeed. Sept in China. Perfect.
Wish I could go w/ you.
Congratulations…
Hang on indeed Mama is coming!
It is with tears in my eyes I sing: "Praise God from all Blessing Flow…" and in His timing…
Love,
Barbara Lyman
Marysville, WA
I had dinner with my father this evening and we were talking about how it has been a tough year for our own family, during our conversations I was sharing about how God was placing my own family's problems in perspective, by giving me a chance to pray for other families who are having even harder things thrown at them then us. I used your family to illustrate how even when our lives have been turned upside down that if we choose to see him God is there. I told my dad how I was proud of your family, even with every obstacle thrown your way you are hellbent on bringing home Jubilee. Even if not to the home your first imagined it would be. But home none the less. I guess God had a little timing for me too today, to come on here and read about your LOA.
Anyways, wanted to say congratulations on LOA!!!!
oh, linny…i am just crying tears of joy for you, your family and sweet jubilee. it is her turn.
i love it. i have been encouraged and blessed so much by following your journey just for the last month or so. thank you for sharing some of it…glory be to God!!
Oh the Lord is so good. We are rejoicing with you.
Michelle
Oh congratulations! Perfect timing and such wonderful news!
I have pictures and video of this little sweetie!! She stole my heart!!!
Yippee Jesus! WOW! I couldn't help but cry as I read this post. YOur family's faithfulness through these ups and downs has been such an inspiration to me! I am praising God with you that Jublilee will soon be in your arms and on her way home to the family who has loved her from afar for so long!
Promise…what a perfect name…after the year you've had…not an insignificant thing to note…God does keep his promises! WOW! Thank you Lord!
I have to say it… YIPEE JESUS!!! I was right on both thoughts last week when you left us hanging about the EHM phone call!
Oh, I am so excited for you!
Linny – I've been thinking a lot about Jubilee lately. I searched back and did not find much information on her. Can you share where she is in China? What her special needs are? Cleft lip repaired? Cleft palate? Does she have crossed eyes? Will you be getting updated photos soon? – I hope so.
I am sitting here in tears. Linny, I was praying so hard as soon as I heard about DW that your LOA would come. I know that sounds crazy but that is what I kept praying for. It is time sweet Jubilee gets home to her amazing family.
PRASIE GOD!!!
that is AWESOME news! i am so excited for you and your family ….cant wait to see what else God has in store 🙂
Oh Linny You wo n't believe it. While you were going through all this in Iowa I thought one day, "wouldn't it be great if amongst all theis, they get a call about Jubilee's LOA?" I was going to even ask you if you've heard anything!!!Dana had written on Face Book that she had gotten to call some families and tell them they could get their children. I was hoping one was you. I am sure Dana loved calling you with that news. She rocks!!!! I am so happy. God works in the most awesome ways. I was hoping that this was your phone call!!! You had to wait even longer than we did!!!!!!!
I am soooo happy!!!
Hugs
Kathie
Linn!!!!!!!!! You got your LOA just a few days after ours came! And, when I read Julilee's birth date, I couldn't believe it, she is EXACTLY the same age as our Meisi, same EXACT birthdate, 12/26/2001! I don't know why that gave me goosebumps, but it did. I have had a feeling that you had your LOA, but with all that you've been dealing with, just hadn't had time to share that wonderful news. I am seeing more and more that we will be in China at the same time! I am praying for DW and your entire family, it is time for you to have peace in your heart and in your head.
Love,
Sherrie
Wow, Linn. All I can say is YIPPEE JESUS! I am praying for your whole family–Ty and Sarah as they start their married life together, Dw in his illness, Isaiah with his legs (and hands), the house, the kids at home. Thank you for your encouragement just by opening your life to us.
Love,
Melissa
Your post gave me chills. Congratulations. God is good and God's timing is perfect. Dw and your entire family remain in my prayers.
lauren (the one who keeps your blog music playing all day at church!)
http://www.laurensbaby.blogspot.com
Congratulations!!! She is a gem!
What an incredible journey you and your family are on. I am so happy to be following along1
Why is it that I read about the hospital stays, cabin tragedy, etc… and it's this story that puts a knot in my stomach and tears in my eyes! How blessed that little girl is… Praying for you in CT. ~Mary
Every time I read a entry you wrote I get shivers! I usually like to lurk and sit back and see how awesome GOD can be but this precious gift brought me out from behind my computer to let you know that I am praying for your family and for DW to start feeling better. Your faith insprires me and I always say "I wish I could be part of a church like that". I cant wait for you to hold her precious child in your arms.
Megan
Wow! How absolutely awesome! I'm praising God with you!
Congratulations Linny!!! Never early and never late…always in His time. Hugs,
Ann Marie
joyfullybusy.blogspot.com
YAY!
YES!YES!YES!!!! Awesome Awesome News!!! Lets get that little one home. And who knows, we might get our LOA here soon, and end up in China with you. And then I can hug on your both! 😉
Happy happy news! awesome! Still Praying for Dw.. and still haven't forgot you owe us a little background on your secret from when the team traveled to Uganda. I'm just sayin'. 🙂
Love to you all!
🙂
Amie
I am awed by God's provision again and again.
What will go in the Memorial box to remind you down the road of THIS miracle?
Your post gave me chills and reminded me of our own phone call from Dana. Congrats!
Still praying for Dw and your family at such a trying time.
~Rebecca
you have a fantastic way of making me cry most every time i read an update from your blog!
Praying for everything…all the many circumstances that you have shared about your family, husband, sweet children.
Blessings,
tabitha
Praising Sweet Jesus with you… the Lord is Good,all the time!! We are fellow adoptive parents and have added 3 precious Asian children(from China) to our family. We know the incredible joy that you feel when you get that long awaited LOA.Praying for a quick TA/CA, so you can bring that sweet baby girl home to her family.
Praying for your family that he will continue to sustain you and that healing will take place for your loved ones.
KimS (a bloggy lurker who comments occassionally)
Linny,
Congratulations!!! I know that we don't always understand His ways, but boy are they fabulous in hindsight. Right? I am so excited for you to bring sweet Jubilee home.
Do you remember me asking you to pray for two boys (ages 8 and 7) that have been waiting so long for families? Well in the last two weeks both boys have families interested. One definitely matched and the other awaiting approval to be matched. To coin a phrase from you, "Yippee Jesus!"
God has not forgotten these little ones and He won't forget you, DW, and the rest of your precious family. Be blessed and at peace.
Linny, my Kleenex box needs to be refilled. Oh my, tears keep coming. Another little one has found her "forever home". God is a miracle working God. This is such awesome news. PTL, I'm doing a happy dance here for you. Continued prayers for DW.
Thats awesome news! I will tell Rachel, she will be excited her friend is coming home!
kathy
I am so happy for you. God gives you just want you need, when you need, so you have the strength to keep going…doesn't he? 🙂
I'll pray for wellness for your family so you can actually get out of the country in September!
Linny,
I should have known that was the phone call you were talking. I remember laughing a nervous laugh on the phone with you when you told me, but also saying that it was a sign from God giving you hope through your newest most horrible situation. he has plans for YOU, DW and Jubilee! It was perfect timing!!!
I haven't seen the picture of Jubilee on the bounce house. She looks great!
Loving you in California!
Oh Linn, I am so so happy for you. So absolutley excited. How awesome is our God to keep the ball rolling for Jubilee. I've been praying for her praying for that process to go smoothly for you. God is so so good. Jesus, even though we may not understand circumstances. Thank you so much for your perfect hand in all of it. Praise God. lv you girlfriend, Jen
Oh Linn! That's awesome! Yipee Jesus! I'm so thankful that this came when you needed it most. Can't wait!
You and your family are such a blessing to me. Thank you for sharing your story, God's story!!!
I pray for you daily.
In Him,
Jenay (Shauna Vaughan's Sister)
I got the chills reading this post. Ahhh, our Father is so amazing. What precious and exciting news all wrapped into a beautiful package–Jubilee Promise. Go mama, go!
Yippee Jesus! That is AWESOME! I have been waiting to hear more about her and am so happy for you & your family!!!!!!!!
Awesome!
Yeah, I'm so excited for you. Yes, God's timing is so awesome to watch. We are awaiting our referral, which should come the end of this month. We've been LID since 3/24/2006. And the enemy has tried to distract us many times, also. Give up??? No way!!! We hope to be traveling to China in Sept. 2009, also.
YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!! I CANNOT WAIT TO GET MY ARMS AROUND YOU!
Oh, Linny! – BIG tears running down my face!! You are such a wonderful mom, and I am ashamed to say that I would be second guessing myself and wondering if God was wanting me to move forward or stay on hold at this point. Thank you for being such a wonderful example for all of us moms. Having adopted 3 SN children from China, I have a real soft spot in my heart for these little kiddos who not only need love, but need help with their broken little bodies. You are a blessing to me today.
With love,
Linda from Northern Colorado
WooHoo!!! Praise you JESUS!! Rejoicing with you at such wonderful news! And thank you for loving that little girl like Jesus would! I can't wait to see pictures of her here in the USA enjoying a family for the first time!
And despite the fact that you're probably starting to feel a little like Job, I'm so thankful that you are still giving all the glory to God! Thank you for being such an encouragement to me in my walk with the Lord!
P.S. Will you please tell Autumn that I'm still praying for her!!
YIPPEE JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best news! It so echoed my own experience! But mostly, that I said EVERY morning, to the picture of my darling pinned up next to my computer, "Hang on, baby! Mama's coming!" And on the bus on the way to pick up our babies, the reality swept across me like a tidal wave. I gulped and said to my group "Hey guys, for a month now I have looked at ShaoXi's picture and told her to hang on, mama's coming…and now, I AM!" At which point everyone broke down in tears and said "Oh, thanks a lot, we thought we were doing so well to not cry, and now look what you've done!" 🙂 Precious memories! Who is going with you to scoop up Jubilee?
Love and hugs, and still lots of prayers coming your way from CT!!!
Nancy
That is wonderful news about Jubilee! She is so precious. God does work in mysterious ways! 😉
God Bless!
Ck
OH MY GOSH…..I am among the living for a minute, and I discover this!! God is AMAZING!!!! He has fantastic timing!!!
Praising Him in a BIG way for you!!!
Thanks for praying for us too!!
YIPPPPEEE JESSSUS! There, that one is for you!
She looks so precious!! May God bless you on your amazing journey. My husband and I are waiting a few years and then we cant wait to start to adopt either!! Prayers!
Congrats! wonderful news for you all! Now we need to get that hubby well!
Okay, my turn…YIPPEE, JESUS!
How good is our God, how he loves to surprise us when we are down, how he sends us encouragement just when we need it most.
Praying for you, for sweet Jubilee, for DW.
And, July 2nd, the day my oldest child was born, now 21 years ago, and the day our Brandon met his birth father, just last week.
What a beautiful day!
Robbie
what a sweet reminder that He is in control! what an encouragement for your heart at such a difficult time.
yippee jesus indeed!!
It truly is the year of Jubilee. It was SO awesome to hear DW talk about this in Uganda and how the song was your family's theme song for this year. YAY GOD! We are still praying for DW, Autumn and Isaiah up here in Canada. Be Blessed and stay strong in GOD!!
James
I am sitting here crying for Jubilee. She has her family! Thank you, Jesus, for giving her to this wonderful family. Thank you that she will soon be home!
Yea! So glad to hear that Jubilee will be home soon. I showed our Elijah (10) her pictures and he remembers her as their time overlapped just a bit at PHF. Praying for your family and strength for Dr. Mom as you serve those you love.
Jocelyn
Crying happy tears for you!
Congratulations!
Also praying for your whole family!
🙂
Justine
Crying happy tears for you!
Congratulations!
Also praying for your whole family!
🙂
Justine
YIPPEEEEEEE, JESUS!!!! Congratulations!!! :))) God's timing is so astonishing at times. I think He loves to surprise us. 😉 Sorry to be late with congrats–we've been at my parents' cabin (a log home–which made me think of you constantly!!). I didn't have Internet there unless we hiked to a nearby office, so I'm catching up on blogs and emails.