no stones & a change of heart

So it's been a full week of anxiety around here! Waiting for news of Jase's visa has worn on me emotionally and physically! Unlike the painful anxiety attacks I had while waiting for Joel...the end of this process has just made my stomach churn in knots and I've had some pretty mean headaches.

Our courier emailed last Monday and said that the consulate was asking for a sworn statement {in addition to our LOA that they had, as well as a letter from Jase and one from our senior pastor explaining the reason for our trip} stating that he would not be performing any church duties while in country. He filled it out and he signed, scanned, and emailed it back within minutes. Our visa applications were resubmitted on Tuesday, a mere day before the new requirements went into effect. It was a gut wrenching week waiting for news.

Kennedy was overdue by a couple of months for her 12 year old physical and so I took the opportunity to ask our doctor for some travel meds on Tuesday when we were there for her appointment. We are loaded up and ready with a mini pharmacy in tow! Yay for that.

On Wednesday morning, Jase had his annual urologist visit. We talked a lot about his appointment and whether or not we should keep it or delay it until after travel. I think he was partly afraid of what the x-ray may show by way of stones in his kidney. We knew a year ago, that he had two that were still there. So we were hoping beyond hope that they hadn't gotten much bigger...the man drinks more than 2 liters of lemon water a day. Surely it would help them to at least not get so big that he needed another surgery.

You wanna know something?

Those stones are gone. 

Yes indeedy. The Lord has moved them away! We are thrilled and relieved. And more than surprised. Of course we know He is capable of doing that. We just hadn't stopped to consider that He would.

Goodness, y'all.

This is huge for our peace of mind knowing what is in store for us over the next month. No stones! He got loaded up with more prescriptions just in case and so now, we are really set with our traveling pharmacy!

Friday I was headed down to the 'ville to my parents' house. I had had a senior photography session that was rained out twice during Honey Camp and we rescheduled for Friday evening. I went down a little early to miss the traffic and spend time with my family. It was good for my nerves and my spirit to be with them and laugh and hold my sweetie Claire again.

I was casually sitting on the sofa when my phone rang and my heart nearly stopped when I saw that the caller ID said the name of our courier. I jumped up and ran to the guest room where the other voice on the line said, "Hi, Kam! Good news!"

That's really all I heard for about 30 seconds.

My was heart pounding and my head spinning.

Good news. Breathe. Jase has a visa.

She was kind enough to repeat it all to me.

A three month, single entry visa good for 22 days once he steps foot in country. 

Can I get an amen!?!

My hubby will be with me when I board a plane for 20+ hours of travel to China.

He will climb the Great Wall with me and laugh at how out of shape I am!

He will lay beside me in a hotel in Zhengzhou, China and tell me that everything is okay.

And he will be holding my hand when strangers walk into that Civil Affairs office with our  Gabe and give him to us.

It's been a difficult week for me. But the Lord has been faithful. He has met every need. He has sustained us and shown us favor. We are humbled by His goodness and marvel at His love. Most likely, in just a few days from now, WACAP will call and give us the last bit of news that we need.

Travel Approval. 

It's coming soon and we are just basking in all that means for us and for Gabe today.