Today is the day!

It is 6am in China right now and I made myself stay in bed until 5! We are so tired at night but can't seem to stay in bed asleep in the mornings. In just a few short hours we are going to get Ellie! I am so excited and nervous all at the same time! It is almost hard to describe the way you feel, it is a moment you have been waiting for and praying for for so long that it is hard to believe it is really happening!
Yesterday, we got out and did some exploring of the city. Shanghai has about 25million people living in the city. The air pollution has been terrible while we have been here. People are wearing masks and there is just a dark haze that looms over the city. We enjoyed seeing the Yuyuan park, the Shanghai Museum, and we finished up at a place where they make silk! We packed a lot into one day but today will be big enough! It is supposed to rain the next few days so there will be less exploring to do.
I will update this blog as soon as I can after we get Ellie! Thank you for your prayers and support during this amazing journey!















- " I used to think I could shape the circumstances around me, but now I know Jesus uses circumstances to shape me". Bob Goff's book Love Does

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

We made it!

Well it was long but we all made it! The boys have been troopers for sure. A huge praise, all 5 pieces of luggage made it! We hope to get some rest the next 2 nights before we go get Ellie on Monday morning. I have been thinking so much about her little personality and what she will like and dislike. We will soon get to find out, and she will No Longer be an orphan!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone





A piece of art in our hotel!





Still smiling after all the flights!





He was worn out before we even started our 15 hr flight.





This was us after 30plus hours of flying! A shower never felt so good!

Location:Fuzhou Road,,China

Let the journey begin!

Well it is really happening! We are headed to Shanghai to go get our sweet Ellie! I almost feel like I should pinch myself! I have been amazed by God's timing in all of this. There are so many people praying for us and those prayers have surely been felt! These past 10 days have been filled with lots of packing, shopping, school events, early birthday celebrations and many more. Honestly, sitting on the plane is kinda nice. I feel like I can actually begin to relax and think about the coming days. We have told our boys it is going to be like an alien abduction for Ellie. We are a family who loves her but we are coming to take her from everything she has ever known. That can be very scary for a 2 y/o. We have been praying that God would begin to knit our hearts together many months ago. We have also been praying for the transition that she is going to make! It does not mean that this will be easy or happen quickly. We do not even speak the same language! But we do serve a God who will not leave us or forsake us.

" Being a Christ follower means being acquainted with sorrow. We must know sorrow to be able to fully appreciate joy. Joy costs pain, but the pain is worth it. After all, the murder had to take place before the resurrection." From the book Kisses for Katie
Thank you for your prayers and for coming along side us during this journey!









Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:I-85 N,College Park,United States

Thankful!

  As I am typing this post my heart is overflowing with thankfulness at how the Lord has answered our prayers over the years!  We officially began this journey of adoption a little over a year ago and we began praying that we would travel over Christmas and the Lord has answered those prayers.  Our journey is really just beginning as we get ready to travel halfway across the world to go and get a child whose picture we have fallen in love with but yet do not truly know.  Ellie Kathryn Jiang Beckham was born in May 4th 2011.  She is in an orphanage in Shanghai.  We hope to have her in our arms on Monday December 16th!

This November  (even though I am a few days late) I am thankful for:

 1. Jesus Christ dying on the cross and that his grace and mercy are new for me each day!

 2. My Family - Heath, the boys, and the rest of our family who have been so supportive throughout this process!

 3. God calling us on this journey of adoption.

 4. Auburn Football (War Eagle!)

 5. Our Church home (Shades Mountain)

 6. My Friday morning bible study

 7. My Sisters (Anna and Mary Kathryn)

 8. Heath being a part of my life since I was 17!

 9. The friendships that I have made along the way of this adoption journey.

10. For our adoption agency Lifeline!

The list really could go on and on.  The Lord taught me many years ago to be thankful for all things.  Sometimes those things are easy and sometimes those things are not but I know that no matter the circumstances he is continually shaping me into his image.  I have been memorizing Phil 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation with prayer and petition, and with Thanksgiving, present your requests to the Lord.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

  We found out today that we got Travel Approval and so we hope to begin our long trip to Ellie next Friday December 13th!  I am new to this whole blogging thing but have loved reading about others who have gone before us.  So I am going to do my best to update this while we travel.  It will be a great way for you to pray for us as well!

Many Blessing to you and your family!  Hope you have lots to be thankful for this Christmas season!

Jamey