Can't wait to squeeze him!

One of the highlights of this adoption journey is always getting to see new and different photos of the child you already love and learning more about them. Well, this week has been an explosion of new photos of Stephen and we couldn't be more thrilled!!

One of the precious moms on our yahoo group (families that have adopted or are in process to adopt a Korean child from AMSA rehab center in Seoul, South Korea) has a son named Braiden, and apparently, he and Stephen were quite close in their time together at AMSA. The two of them are pictured above waiting to leave for school. They are both just over 2 years old here. These are some photos that were given to her last May when she traveled to bring Braiden home. The Korean ladies that care for these children truly love them. They prepare a photo album and write endearing letters to each child, so they will remember that they were deeply cared for at AMSA. This is one of the first times I have seen this much emotion on his face. I just wanna kiss those sweet cheeks!

2 Cute!! This is Matthew,?, Braiden and Stephen.

Matthew is getting a new brother soon who lives at AMSA with Stephen right now.

His name is Joon Soo!! We have a video clip of Stephen giving baby Joon Soo a sugary smooch right on the lips! It was the kiss that stole my heart just a few months ago.

BUDDIES!!

Left to right: Stephen,Braiden,? and Matthew

Braiden and Matthew live here in the US with their new families. The other little boy (I haven't figured out his name yet) is now the only one in their little group still waiting for a family. I have really prayed that he would find a home soon. His whole story is featured on Rainbowkids.(Which you may go to by clicking on the sidebar link) We have some video of this little guy and he is a real character. Wink, Wink.

Ready for bed? Not a chance!

Ok, well, maybe we were a little tired...........

It is very normal to sleep on the floor in Korea as the floors are often heated. Stephen is sleeping each night with five other children in the room and one care nurse. Yippee...sounds like his adjustment here will go just fine. Move over Landon and Wil, make room for one more ;-)

As if this wasn't enough to make a momma proud...I got an email from Peg (Children's Home Society) who is my contact person and the one who travels to Korea to learn more about each child and advocate for them. She sent an updated report and this always includes new photos. We were thrilled!! The kids and I spent the better part of the evening analyzing every photo and compiling a collage of all his sweet expressions. I am amazed at the pictures that really take my breath away. The last time it was a picture that showed his bare feet for the first time. In these recent ones it was a photo that captured him watching television. It only showed the back side of him and how tall and lean he had gotten. It was overwhelming. He had gone from babyish toddler to big boy three year old seemingly overnight. I missed it....again. *sigh* Not too much longer....hold on JaeHo mommy is coming.

I have been praying this verse over our adoption process from Isaiah 45 that says "He will go before you and make the rough places smooth, He will tear down walls and break through iron bars.."

If I have learned anything over these past three years it is that "He who calls you is faithful and He WILL bring it pass" 1Thessalonians 5:24, but He decides when and where. No matter how much you beg and scream and cry yourself to sleep: He has a plan and it will not be overdue a single day! Be patient. He can be trusted.