Update on our Progress

1/10/14 It has been a paperwork/adoption focused week at the Wiseharts! We received our I-800 approval (permission to bring Sadie to the US and classify her as a member of our immediate family) and it was sent to the National Visa Center who we have talked to about a zillion times this week trying to get what is called our Cable Letter so that we could send it to Guangzhou for the next step in our process. It was sent today!!! So it should be dropped off at the consulate there on Monday and from there we have a 2-week wait until it our Article 5 can be picked up, which from what I understand is when the consulate informs China that it has been approved for Sadie to reside in the US permanently and issues her visa. In the meantime, we also have applied this week for our visas to go to China. Once Article 5 is picked up in about 2 weeks, we will be in the TA wait (waiting for Travel Approval!!!) This can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks typically. However, just after Article 5 pickup, China basically shuts down for their big holiday, Chinese New Year. So this may delay our travel a bit. When we get TA, we can travel very quickly depending on how soon we are able to schedule a consulate appointment. From what I have seen many people travel about 1-1/2 to 2 weeks after TA, but with consulate appointments not being scheduled during the 2 week holiday, this may be pushed back as well.
All that to say, we are still hoping for end of February travel!!! It could be early March depending on delays. But hard to believe after all this waiting and seeming like forever until we meet our sweet daughter, it is now just a matter of weeks!! We already love her and are looking forward to becoming a family of 5.
I have had the privilege of meeting through facebook several other families going through the process of adopting from China through our agency. It has been really neat to share in each others journeys and even follow some of them who have been able to go get their children ahead of us. One family is there now, picking up their daughter who is in the same orphanage as Sadie. They tried to meet Sadie but weren't able to since she is in foster care full-time. They were, however, able to meet their daughter's foster mama which gives me hope that we may be able to meet Sadie's as well.
We are still waiting on our update that we were able to request last month. Hoping to get it soon and see how Sadie is growing. We are also anxious to hear what they call her - many children in foster care/orphanages are given nicknames. We know her orphanage given name (which, her first and last name are the same as all of the other children in her orphanage born in 2012 from what I understand. Her middle name is the only one that is just hers, I believe) but just curious to know what she has gone by. We were able to ask 10 questions as well as request photos and video and measurements so we know what size clothes to bring with us. There is no guarantee what of this they will give us but hoping for some more information.
As it gets closer, I am tempted to become nervous. I can tend to struggle with fear, especially when a big change occurs. I have seen God teaching me lately that HE is in control, that I need to relinquish perceived control and perfectionistic ideals, and seek Him above anything else - above even good things. Knowing that I am not in control is not a fearful thing, it is something I should be very thankful for!!! That is hard! I choose to trust, to trust God's heart, to trust His goodness, to trust His kindness, to trust His faithfulness, and to know that He loves us and loves Sadie and is working His purposes in our family! I can stop worrying over details and just be faithful in seeking HIM and rest in His promises. How freeing.
Prayers.....
We ask for your continued prayers for us!!! Praying is the biggest and most meaningful way you can minister to us in this process!

• Please pray that even with the holiday our paperwork moves quickly through the system and we are able to get an early consulate appointment. 
• Please continue to pray that God prepares Sadie's heart for this major transition, for grieving for her foster family, and adjustment to everything new, and attachment and bonding to us
• Please pray that God will prepare our hearts for her as well and enable us to be there for her in the way that she needs as she goes through the transition
• Please pray for peace that passes understanding for us during the wait and during the time of adjustment
• Please pray that God prepares Carter and Myah for the time we are gone and for the adjustment to having a new sister and bonding
• Please pray for safety in our travels 

Thank you for your love and support!!! We are almost there!!!