Happy birthday, Branda. It’s no longer your birthday where you are. But, since it’s Wednesday the 29th still where I am, happy birthday to a woman with a heart that overflows for that which makes His heart overflow.

Branda’s son John is from the same orphanage as our dear Lydia. And, I’ve so enjoyed getting to know Branda since January 2010 when we were first matched with Lydia and desperate for any information we could find about Baoji, Shaanxi, China. Branda has been such a help and encouragement from that point on–and I know she is that for many.

A few days ago, after lots of paperwork and waiting and more waiting and fundraising and doing all that is required in order to bring a child home, Branda and her family met Gabby, the 8 year old daughter they have been working so hard to bring home. Go here to read about the moment they received her. It’s moving and describes so well the experience of welcoming an older child into your family.

Hours ago, Branda watched her new 8 year old daughter Gabriella–Man Yu–say goodbye to her foster family, an event that was heart wrenching for everyone there. Go read their newest post and leave them some encouragement while you are there.

Jiayin Designs joyfully (loads of joy) contributed to Branda’s big fundraising raffle on her blog to raise travel expenses for their family. The winner’s custom charm (“Mama”) arrived Saturday. And, just today, I finished up the homeland tee shirt (which turned out stinkin’ cute on the lime green tee) included in the bundle with the other good stuff. Love that it’s all finished up and getting packed up to send out to Danae (who HERSELF is posting her last blog post from China, coming home with TWO little ones!) on Branda’s birthday no less.

Go give them both some love!

Whenever the mailman comes asking for a signature for a box from China, I get a little giddy.

I love seeing the new charms that come in–charms for children still waiting in China whose mothers will wear that charm everyday until the child comes home, charms for Chinese girls who are getting older and whose families want to give them a gift to celebrate their story, charms for mothers who want to wear their child’s name proudly and share about the journey of adoption to anyone who asks.

And, sometimes, I get to see some new handiwork to try selling. And, I’m pretty excited about these that just arrived.

One of the Chinese names for owls is “xiao.” The characters representing “xiao” are also used in expressions relating to ferocity and bravery. Perfect for my two girls.

And, Helen also sent a few of these