Waiting for Travel Approval and Adoption Traditions

Small update from this week:  I heard from our adoption agency this week, and their wish is for us to be in and out of China before May 1st or 2nd.  That's right!  Our agency does travel during the trade fair in Guangzhou, so no need to worry about waiting until May to travel!  Also, China celebrates their Labor Day on May 1st, so the government will be closed for a couple of days.  The agency would like for us to be finished and either on our way back on May 1st, or at least finished with paperwork in China by May 1.  That is, of course, as long as we get our Travel Approval in time.  

Another family in one of my Face Book groups that is one week ahead of us with paperwork actually got their travel approval last week and is traveling in less than 2 weeks!  So, it is entirely possible that we get ours this week, or next.  Now that, my friends, is crazy.  Hearing that pretty much sent me in to list making mode…..ok, ok, maybe I had already started a list or two….but seriously, I started making SERIOUS lists.  

We had a couple of family get togethers this weekend to celebrate a new baby on the way (Carla & Whit) and birthday (Tom).  We realized that this may be the last time everyone is together until they meet us at the airport to meet Olivia.  Also, a shock to the system!

Now on to traditions…there are three adoption traditions that I have been meaning to write about:  Ladybugs, The Red Thread, and the Bai Jia Bei.

Ladybugs are believed to be good luck in the adoption community, so whenever you see a ladybug, think of Olivia!  In fact, there's one in my office that stays with me most of the day.  :)

The Red Thread:  "When a child is born, invisible red threads extend from the child's spirit and connect to all the significant people who will be part of the child's life.  As the child grows, the threads shorten, drawing closer those people who are destined to be together."  This is an old Chinese legend that is still around today.  The Chinese adoption community has embraced it as a motto.

Bai Jia Bei:  To welcome and celebrate a new life, it is a tradition in China to make a Bai Jia Bei:  a 100 Good Wishes Quilt.  The custom is to invite family and friends to contribute a square of fabric and a wish for the baby.  Most of the square of fabric is made in a quilt, while a smaller piece and the good wish goes into a scrapbook.  The quilt contains luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed.  We actually started collecting fabric and good wishes for Olivia back in 2006 when we started our wait. I still have the fabric and plan to have a quilt made for her. If you would like to send a piece of fabric, we would love to include yours.  Please message me for the dimensions needed.

That's probably enough for today.  Hopefully, you will hear from me again really soon!  As always, thanks for reading and for your prayers and support.  Have a great week!

Jill