It is 11 p.m. and I will be leaving for China in 5 hours.  As I sit by the Christmas tree my mom put up today, I am finding the need to journal a little.  The emotions are so strong tonight as I sit and pray and think about what is about to happen.

The suitcases are packed and in the car ready for the airport - and yes they weigh more than they should!   The house is as close to being ready as it will ever be.  All of Maggie's things are ready for her first night home.

I have some awesome friends and family that are helping me get to China and back and taking care of my house.  I want to thank Barbara, my neighbor,. for the big sacrifice of taking us to the airport at 4:00 a.m.  Now that is a good friend!  There are so many people who have helped me prepare for this trip and prepare over the past 5 years.  I could not even begin to thank you all.

Bless my brother, sister-in-law and nephews' hearts as they are taking care of Izzy while I am gone.  Now that is a sacrifice but I told my brother that payback is hell - remember all the times I kept the boys?  LOL

Today was my last day at work before my 3 month leave.  The people at the firm are my family and they have embraced Maggie as much as I have.  She is one lucky girl.  Today they gifted me with $1600 to help cover the costs of me being off for 3 months.  THANK YOU Burr & Forman, you guys have blessed me!

My agency, Lifeline Children's Services and especially my social worker Karla Thrasher have been absolutely awesome!  I was stressed getting all my paperwork ready to take to China and I went in to meet with Karla.  She handed me an envelope and said this is what you take to China with you - nothing else.  She has taken my crazy question calls for 5 years and has held my hand along the way.  She was even the one who introduced my daughter to me.  A Big Thank you to all of you at Lifeline but especially Karla!

Maggie, I sit here so emotional as I think of how our lives are about to change.  Me, I've been waiting for you my whole life and cannot wait to be your mother.  You, you have no idea what is about to happen to you.  I know you will be so scared and if I could take that away, I would in a heart beat.  Just please trust that God has brought us together and He knows best.  We will be okay - both of us.  We will take it one step at a time, one day at a time.  I promise to love you, protect you, teach you, laugh with you, provide for you, and even cry with you.  You are my daughter forever.  I will celebrate our family day on Sunday and please know that I will never leave you.  You are part of me, my heart and soul, and I love you!

I cannot wait to meet you soon.  Hang tight, I'm coming for you Sheng.  I love you more than you will ever know!

Mom (gotta love writing that!!!!)