Spring is Here!!

I can't believe April is only a few days away!! This winter has been a productive one, and a healthy one for the White family. With only the occasional cold, we are thankful for good health when so many are fighting nasty sickness.

We are still "on hold" in our adoption process. This has become a real test of perseverence and faith--when we have absolutely no control over our situation. The only thing we can do is wait and pray that God will bring our daughter home to us. We trust that Program 3 will open up and begin referring babies again in the next few months. This "hold" on the program was to last 6-8 months while TWCA restructured to better meet the criteria of AIT. That period began in November, so we are coming to the end of that wait time. But, we have learned nothing during this season of waiting. JOH has updated us monthly that they have no further news from TWCA. I know international adoption is a tight-lipped kind of process, where you just have to be "at the mercy" of two governments, and respect the authority and culture of the country from which you are adopting. And, respect means. . . remain silent and wait.

We are continuing to hang in there. But, Anna Grace is beginning to show signs of frustration. Two and a half years is a long time for a 7 year old to wait to see the face of the sister she's prayed every night for. She was 4 1/2 when we began our process. That is a lifetime for a child. She drew a picture of her sister on her dry erase board with a note to the Taiwan government (she views the government as a mean and nasty person) to give us her sister. It was a pointed message. Then, she called me in to show me and began to cry. She wants her sister to be more than a dream in her mind. She wants to hold her and love her and teach her things. She is going to be a wonderful big sister. I believe she will appreciate her sibling so much more now that she has had to wait so long and pray so hard.

The album is almost complete---one more song to record!! The amazing thing about this journey is what has happened during this process. It started with me recording covers of great classic jazz standards. But, the Lord has done something really cool. He has been giving me songs. The songs He has given me are primarily gospel/blues, and have messages of hope and faith. Marc Phillips (my producer and an amazing musician), has gotten very excited about these originals and has created the arrangements for them. He told me last week at a session that he is more excited about the originals than the jazz tunes. I have to agree! I love all of them, but it is truly amazing how the Lord has grown me and shown me more of who I becoming through the songs He has given to me. Stay tuned to hear when the album is released!! And, once I have my website up and running, I'll let you know that as well. I am so thankful for this opportunity to grow and thankful for having such a wonderful and supportive husband who has encouraged me each step of the way! What a blessing! This album journey has helped, tremendously, in dealing with the uncertainties and disappointments during our adoption journey.

Pictures are coming soon!!! Geoff is uploading some. I know I've promised. I'm going to make good on that promise.

Have a wonderful Easter, everyone!! And, thanks for reading!