My husband was so wonderful and helped plan a quick getaway to Colorado for us last week. Wednesday thru Saturday I was with my sister in Castle Rock. Seeing Carrie (who is due with her first baby in February!!) and my brother-in-law was so wonderful. We celebrated her baby (I had gifts shipped ahead and we opened those together.) We celebrated my birthday (a wee bit early) and they gave me wonderful, thoughtful gifts. It was just a nice time!
Well, I knew that our agency's offices were located in Centennial, Colorado. I wasn't sure how far that was from Castle Rock, but after looking at a map, we realized it was only about 10 minutes! I asked if anybody would mind if we took a detour from our Friday plans and ran by really fast. I was mostly hoping for a picture of the building and sign. Just a fun momento for Laney's baby book. They (Troy, Michael, my sister and the kids) were all great about it and said sure. So we went!
Here is a picture of my sweet family of 5 (almost 6!!!!) in front of the CCAI offices (click on any of the pictures to see them larger):
We popped into the office around 10AM. I peeked in the front door and told the receptionist my name. I mentioned that we were a waiting child family -- matched with our daughter back in May. I asked if Pam was in -- since she was the waiting child specialist who called us with our match. The desk receptionist was very kind and said she knew Pam was in and she was sure she would really want to meet us. She did let me know that it was a Match Day (families w/LIDs from November 18-21st of 2005) and so it was a little crazy around there that day. We waited a couple of minutes, and then Pam came downstairs and instantly hugged me. For you CCAI friends, let me tell you that she is as warm and sweet in person as she is on the phone!
We talked for a few minutes and the she said, "I'd love to give your whole family a tour!" We started around the building, and let me just say, it is quite evident that for Josh & Lily Zhong (the founders of CCAI) this is far more than a business. This is a calling -- a ministry. They were both there, celebrating Match Day with all the families arriving. Josh was handing out muffins and treats and helping to take pictures of the couple's with their beautiful new baby referrals in their hands. It was festive and beautiful and emotional -- watching so many couples/families receiving their exciting, miraculous news! Troy & I were both choked up. Watching someone's dream come true is a powerful thing.
Lily & my daughter, Lily, chatted for a long time and took pictures together. Here is a picture of all of us with Pam & Lily in front of one of MANY walls in the office complex --- decorated with the beautiful photos of the thousands of children CCAI has helped bring home to loving families.
Pam led us around to all of the different departments. We were able to meet some of the dossier team (Hi Andrea!) and the other Waiting Child Specialists (Hi Sarah!), and finally to the Travel Department room. When we walked into this particular office, all the girls
in travel jumped up and were all smiling. I thought, "Man, they are just REALLY friendly here." LOL!
Then one of them stepped forward and said, "You're the Schoeppners?" I said, "Yes." She said, "Jin Yu Rao's parents?" I said, "Yes." Then she held up a red document w/ seals & Chinese writing and said, "Well, this is what a Travel Approval looks like. Here is what you will be receiving soon."
I was nodding my head and not paying very close attention, but Troy nudged me and said, "Becky, look!" I focused in and suddenly saw our daughter's picture on it! There was Laney -- on this official red sealed document! Then Erin looked at me and grinned and said, "Well, it looks like this would be your travel approval. It just came in this morning!"
Suddenly the sun started shining very brightly and everyone was laughing and hugging and smiling -- and I was crying so hard! Happy tears! It was a wonderful, amazing moment.
Pam just grinned and said, "Yes, the travel department had *just* called me about 20 minutes before you arrived and told me your travel approval was here. They were going to call you after lunch. Then the receptionist rings me and says, "The Schoeppners are in town, they're here and would like to meet you."
Pam started laughing and said, "This is too perfect!!" She said, "I leaned my head out the door and told the girls in travel you were here. They said, ' What do you mean 'they're here?' Do you mean they're in Colorado?" and Pam said, "No, I mean they're DOWNSTAIRS!"
So they all scrambled around and led us on the tour and all got in on the
surprise. What a wonderful day! Here we are receiving the happy news:
So we are so thankful for God's goodness and we are thrilled to be leaving on August 23rd to bring home our precious gift!
