Our progressing adoption journey...

Summer is in full swing around here!  We've been having fun reading books, watching movies, going to NRH20, having sleepovers and playdates, and battled a summer cold or two.  June has lots of reasons for us to celebrate around here... Father's day, family birthdays and Eli turned 7!  We have had a great time making memories as a family and with friends!  I look at my children in wonder and amazement at how big they are now.  It seems like not so long ago, I was cradling Jadyn in my arms and keeping her cool during her first summer.... or watching Eli splash on his first little splash pad with his squishy chunky self erupting in giggles...... then, taking Asher to his first Rangers baseball game and carrying him in my ergo.  Time fast forwards to today where Jadyn and Eli are now 8 and 7 years old and Asher asks to be held and when I pick him up, his legs dangle to nearly my knees it seems!  As I snuggle his long body, I think to myself, "How did my baby get so big already??"  Soak up these moments, for they go fast!

These days find us celebrating each step as our adoption is progressing along.  Today, we had our fingerprinting appointment at the US Citizenship and Immigration center.  Once those clear the FBI, we should hopefully have US approval to adopt internationally!  The next big step will be all of dossier paperwork heading to China! This is a BIG milestone in the adoption journey and we are sooooo close! :)  I've been working on filling out grant applications these days.  So far, we've been awarded our first grant and hoping for more!  Each grant foundation has their own timeline of when they review applications and distribute funds, and each application is time consuming to fill out.  Needless to say, it's pretty draining filling out your life story, financial status, and why you want to adopt, but it is sooooooo worth it when you get that notification that you are being selected to receive a grant from that Foundation! So the more grants I fill out, the better our chances of receiving more funds to cover adoption costs! Jay and I also know that regardless of how many applications we fill out, it is ultimately in the Lord's hands and we know that He will continue to provide, just as He has been faithful to do so far!  To date, we've been blessed with just over $10,000 in donations, fundraisers and our first grant!  To God be the glory in each step!  We are over 1/3 of the way through our adoption costs and almost half way through our journey to bring Annika home!

We are continuing our shirt fundraiser (see pic below) and also have plans in the works for a Family Play Day Adoption Fundraiser in September! 

Thank you for your continued prayers and support on our adoption journey.  We are anticipating traveling in December to bring our little girl home!  Once we have received LOA (Letter of Approval) from China, we will be able to share Annika's picture on social media!

If you feel led to contribute financially, you can click on the link below or PayPal to jaysapp@gmail.com.  All money goes straight into our adoption account!
https://www.crowdrise.com/adoptingannikajourneyoflove/fundraiser/shannonsappington

Well, time to read bedtime stories and daily devotionals to the kiddos.
Have a blessed evening!

Love,
Shannon