Another Smile

We got a VERY exciting email today--our I600 receipt! Now we are officially waiting on I600 approval! Another step closer!! :-)

May Smiles

Although this has been a hard month, we've had some fun times too. Here are some May pictures. The last one is really special as it was taken Mother's Day--the day before my dad went to be with the Lord.

Another Small Step

I just received an email from our agency that our I600 was sent to USCIS! I never thought I would be so excited about this small step, but it's been a long wait to this point so we'll take it! Next step: we're waiting on an email from the US Embassy confirming submission.

God is Good--All the Time

The past few weeks have been some of the hardest I've ever experienced--both physically and emotionally. But God has been so good and He's used this time to draw me closer to Him and to learn to trust Him more. I feel like everyday gets a little better--and I'm going back to work tomorrow. My mom is also doing a lot better--she has good times and bad, but is also making progress every day. She's actually going to be starting work tomorrow (part-time) so pray for her as her life continues to change.

"When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." --James 1:2-3

Arrangements

The arrangements for my father are as follows:

Visitation Thursday evening from 6-8 at

Davis Funeral Home
1003 East Franklin Street
Monroe, NC 28112

The Memorial Service Friday at 2:00 at

Midway Baptist Church
4615 Olive Branch Road
Wingate, NC 28174

I just cannot begin to think everyone enough for the phone calls, food, emails, and most importantly, prayers, that you've been sending our way. God continues to wrap His loving arms around our family and we continue to feel His grace.

Dad

Just wanted to quickly post that my Dad had another heart attack this evening and passed away. Please pray for my family--particularly my mom--during this hard time.

Sleeping Beauty

What a great surprise! We got two new pictures of Molly today! She's filled out so much and of course we think she's just getting more and more beautiful! :-)

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Maybe it's my love for Hispanic people or maybe it's my love of Mexican food, but Cinco de Mayo is definitely one of my favorite holidays. We had a Cinco de Mayo celebration at school tonight which was SO fun.Then we went for fajitas at Chilis. You gotta love Cinco de Mayo! :-)

Ole! Ole! Ole!
It's Cinco de Mayo Day!
Ole! Ole! Ole!
It's Cinco de Mayo Day!

No Molly YET?!

After being out for my dad's surgery yesterday, one of my little pumpkins ran up to meet me this morning and asked, "Mrs. Hines, was you gone 'cuz you was gonna get Molly?" No, I wish, Sweetie! Then, at lunch, another one of the kids noticed Mrs. Austin was gone (she's at a conference this weekend) and asked, "Mrs. Hines, where is Mrs. Austin? Did she go to get Molly for you?" So, Mrs. Austin, if could swing by Vietnam and pick Molly up for me that would be super! :-D

No, unfortunately there is no Molly yet. Still no word that our I600 has been filed, but I did hear that Vietnam has a holiday right now so maybe next week.

Dad update: Hopefully Dad will get moved to his own room tomorrow and I will FINALLY get to see him. So far, he's doing great! :-)

Surgery

Whew! Dad is FINALLY out of surgery. The surgery we expected to last 2 1/2 hours took almost 8. Then, the hospital staff brought us into a conference room. Of course we expected the worst, but he's doing well. It was a lot bigger job than the doctor expected due to his size, but he's recovering nicely now. Mom and I haven't eaten since VERY early this morning, so we're going to grab a bite to eat and hopefully Mom will get to see him soon. (Unfortunately, I have a nice little case of conjunctivitis and won't be able to see him for while.) Thank you guys SO much for all of your thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray for Dad as he recovers.