It's Almost Time to Meet Fu Yi!

It's hard to believe but she will be here in 2 weeks! We are gearing up for her arrival in so many ways. There are clothes and other essentials to shop for, meals to plan (that may suit her taste), events and meetings to coordinate, reports to process, children to talk with, and lots of praying to do. We are excited, nervous and hopeful all at the same time. We are opening our schedule and wanting to just be available for her. We've rejected expectations and are open-minded and open-hearted, ready for whatever she brings.

We've planned several opportunities for you to meet Fu Yi. These are group settings, very casual, no commitment. This is a chance for families to discern if she could be their daughter, but it's also a chance to enjoy her company and love on her while she's here (even if adoption is not on your heart).

Sunday, July 24th, 1:00-5:00 - Open House at friends' home in Tchefuncta Club Estates. (Translator present)

Saturday, July 30th, 2:30-4:30 - Birthday party at Coquille Splash Pad. Her first birthday celebration ever... We'll celebrate the first 6 years of her life! Please bring about $10 per family, in lieu of a gift. These funds will go toward her adoption grant.

Saturday, August 6th, 9:00AM-noon - Brunch Open House at the Loman Home in Madisonville. (Translator present)

There will also be days during the week when we will spontaneously plan to play at the park or other location. I will post these play dates on our FB page so you can join us when you're able.

We had planned to host a pancake breakfast fundraiser on July 23rd but for various reasons, have decided to cancel. We feel it's in Fu Yi's best interest that we're not focused on planning and putting on an event while she's here. We are currently selling raffle tickets for an overnight stay at Southern Hotel in Covington and a $100 gift card to Ox Lot 9 restaurant. The winning raffle ticket will be drawn on July 23rd. This will be the last fundraiser for her adoption grant, along with the funds we are requesting in lieu of a birthday gift.

While these group gatherings will be meaningful, we are also available for one-on-one time, as well. If you are praying about the possibility of adopting Fu Yi, we would love for you and your family to hang out at our home, separate from the group times, and privately if you so choose. We would love to come to your home as well, if you prefer having her in your own environment. One of us can bring Fu Yi so our entire tribe isn't distracting.

We are also open to bringing her to worship at your church if you feel there's an opportunity there. We can help educate and bring awareness or simply let her mingle with your congregation, whatever you and your leadership feel God desires. If you think of other interactions that could lead to an adoptive family stepping forward, please bring that to our attention!

It's possible that God will call a non-local family to adopt Fu Yi. If you do not live in our area and are feeling called to explore further, please consider visiting during her time here. If travel funds are not something you have, let's chat. We would love to think of ways to help fund your trip here. We don't want distance to be a hindrance in something that God could be calling your family to. This is too important, and we will help you get it worked out!

While we plan these gatherings now, we ask you to be patient if at any moment we decide to cancel. Fu Yi's heart and behavior will dictate all things. It's important that while she's here she feels safe and loved and that all her needs are met. If we feel she needs to be nurtured quietly at home, we will let everyone know as soon as possible. While we don't know what to expect, we do feel hopeful about these opportunities for you to meet her. Certainly we will have to address some trauma along the way, but we are anticipating plenty of joy and excitement from her as she meets new people. We are grateful for your patience as we enter these unchartered waters!

The latest snippet of information we've received on Fu Yi is that she is "tiny and oh-so-precious!" This wasn't really news but it makes me giddy hearing anything about this sweetie. We are looking forward to seeing and meeting so many of you over the coming weeks. Please contact us with questions or if you need help coordinating a visit with Fu Yi. Our home is open and our schedule is flexible, in order that Fu Yi's forever family can spend time with her and realize she is their daughter!