knots and more

It was one year ago (almost) today that we submitted our adoption paperwork.  It's overwhelming and exciting to think how much has changed in the last year.  We have a daughter!  Honestly, it still feels surreal to say it out loud.  There are days when she's nothing but a picture, and other days she might as well be asleep in the next room because I feel so close to her.  Regardless, everyday is a day closer to her being home.  And being 'real' to us.  I guess that sounds harsh to say, but if you've adopted (or are in the process of) then you know what I mean.  There's so much unknown but we are anxious to uncover it!

So, what's the latest update?  It's hard to know what I can and can't say.  I'll fill in as much as I can.  

The Korean Ministry has begun releasing EPs (emigration permits)...yay!   This is something that many many families have been waiting for.  We all thought EPs would start January 1, but it's taken until March for whatever reason.  It doesn't matter now; we are finally moving!  Since we were match with G later in 2011, I knew it would be unlikely for us to get EP approval quickly.  It was so unlikely that Kevin and I had started purchasing things for a 2 year old, since more than likely that's when she would come home.  We still don't know for sure when we will meet her, but we have good reason to believe it will be soon!  Prayerfully by the end of summer.  

When we were initially matched with her, we began praying for an April travel date.  Though we know how big our God is, we were also soberly aware of how slow this process can move.  Now that EPs are moving so quickly, I can't help but wonder if it was God that placed April in my mind.  Hmm...  :)

Even with such good news on the horizon, we are still facing a BEAST of an invoice.  Let me update a little bit on that end.

1.  The Orphan Run 5K is up and running.  We are excited to see what God is going to provide through this.  Planning this run has been stressful, but I know it will all be worth it in the end.  Check out the Orphan Run on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @OrphanRun5K.

2.  We still have plenty of shirts for sale!  I'm happy to sell them for $10 for the next couple of weeks, if anyone is interested. 

3.  Our dear sweet precious friends recently traveled through Korea on their way home and they picked up some GREAT items for us to sell.  Let me tell you, I'm dying to keep them all!  Here they are with the price listed.  If you are interested, just message me.  

Here we have what's called cho-chung-do.  It's basically paintings of plants and animals and was created to send warm greetings to loved ones.  This artist is (was?) one of the leading female artists of this genre. It looks like there are two paintings in this package.  It's a cloth background, about 12 in x 12 in.  $20

This is a basic little tote, black and gold.  I have two of them to share.  $10 a piece

Journals, both for $10.  Filled with blank pages for you to write away!

Gorgeous red earrings with gold designs.  Love these so much!  $20

These earrings are made in the traditional art of knotting, or maedeup.  The pair on the left is white with silver knots, and the ones on the right are (textured) gold with black knots.  These are beautiful.  Words cannot do them justice.    $30 each

Another cute little tote!  This one is white with blue designs, and I only have one of these to sell. $10

Alrighty, more updates to come hopefully!  Until then...

Sending Hugs