The last wait

We received notification that our article 5 was picked up in China today.  This means they recognize we have visas to travel and now we just wait for their invitation to travel.  It is the last unknown wait left in our journey.  The wait could be short but will feel so long!  We are so excited to make it to this step but here is the reality.  We must get the travel approval by September 1st (in 4 days) to travel by Septemebr 9.  That seems crazy to even ask or imagine but our God does amazing things.  It's also scary because that would mean we would get approval and leave just about a week later!  As much as we have prepared for this day there seems like a million things to get done if those dates work out.  If we do not receive approval by September 1, we most likely will get approval soon after and travel after the big Chinese holiday and leave October 8.  Either way our boys will be home soon.  Thank you to those continuing to follow our journey!  We appreciate the support we have been shown and ask that you continue to pray for God's timing.  We look forward to updating the blog next as it will mean we have travel news and the big question , "When will you get the boys?" can be answered!

Good News and New Names

Well today was another big day in our journey to get the boys.  Our Article 5 (proof that we have applied for their U.S. visas) was dropped off at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou today.  The turn around is a standard 2 weeks and then we wait for Travel Approval.  We are still praying that God would do a miracle so we can travel in early September to get the boys.  If we don't make the cutoff we will have to wait until mid October to travel.  In order for a Sept 9 travel date we need either
a) the Article 5 to not take the entire 2 weeks or b) if the Article 5 takes 2 weeks, the CCCWA to give us travel approval within a few days of receiving our file.  Both A and B would be even better!!!  Whatever the outcome we know God is still in control and we praise Him for another milestone in the process today.

On another note, many have been asking about the boys' english names. Well ask no longer because we decided that when we got to Article 5 drop off we would reveal their names.  Drumroll please....... I now would like to introduce you to...

Cavin Tao Benefield (Tao is his Chinese middle name)

Caffrey Xing Benefield (Xing is his Chinese middle name)

Now that you know their names, we would love for you to pray for them by name.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1

Critical Week

The question we get most often now is, when will we be traveling?  Well this week could provide that answer.  We received pre approval from immigration via a letter on Saturday.  That letter was also sent to the national visa center where we are issued a "number."  We need that number to complete the 2nd to last piece of paperwork before we get travel approval.  If we get issued our number tomorrow we have a chance to get the final 2 steps completed within the next 2 weeks and therefore could be issued travel approval for the final "gotcha day" in September.  If we do not get the number it is almost mathematically impossible to complete the final 2 steps and get travel approval before the big holiday at the end of September.  Of course we know God can do anything so I hesitate to even type the word impossible!    Either way we will know soon and should be able to definitively answer the most asked question!

On a side note we received updates on both boys from families who are currently in their province picking up their own newly adopted children.  One even sent a video as they told one of the boys that his mommy and daddy were coming to get him soon.  It was a very special moment and we are so blessed by the adoptive community we have met who have helped us keep in contact with our boys!

Here are the most recent photos taken by the families there this past week!

 

Also stay tuned because once we get this number and complete the step this week we will be announcing their new names!  Thank you again for your continued prayer and support!


Continuing to remind ourselves that God is in control and He is sovereign.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21