Friday, June 17, 2016

Here we go!

There have been moments when it has felt like this trip would never get here. Nine months ago we committed to adopting Marla.

It has been quite the journey so far, and we still have a ways to go... BUT we get to see her on Monday!!  

We get to read to her, and show her pictures- we get to hold her and tell her we love her.  

We leave tomorrow night, and arrive in Eastern Europe Sunday evening.  

It's here.  Finally months of waiting will end in us meeting our daughter.

I can give you a brief outline of what this trip holds for us.

On Sunday evening we will arrive in her country, where we will be picked up by our translator/driver/all around helper.  He will take us to our hotel and be responsible for taking us to see Marla every day.

Monday we will meet with the director of the orphanage, a social worker, Marla, and our translator will also be present.

Tuesday through Friday we will visit with Marla in the mornings, and again in the late afternoon/early evening after rest time is over.

Half way through the trip, we will complete some paperwork in country, solidifying our commitment to adopt Marla.

I don't know if you have noticed our fundraising amount listed to the right. BUT we have reached our goal!  In fact we have exceeded it.

I can't express our gratitude.  You can't see me- but I can't write this without getting choked up.  THANK YOU.

It is daunting to hear the number 32-35,000.  An outline of expected expenses is right there on some of the first (of a lot....) of paperwork that is given at the beginning of the adoption process.  And I would be lying if I said I never had a moment of worry over how we would afford this.

In the beginning I was certain we would need to pursue a loan.  We would have, there is no doubt that we were led to Marla, and even though I can't always completely squash my worry, my God is always bigger.  I refused to believe (well, Timmy refused to believe, and may remind me every so often!)  that we would be called to adopt, if we weren't able to do so.


That isn't to say things have been easy, but things have been possible! And it has been, eye opening, to look back and see God in complete control (as always) of this journey.

My brother, James, is picking us up for the airport around 5pm tomorrow evening.

Dexter, Bea, and Simon are hopping around between Meemaw and Pap pap, Aunt Joc and Uncle Mike, Aunt Dayna and Uncle Tommy- the kids are really excited for all of their sleepovers and Timmy and I are so blessed to have such help from our family!

We will have lots to share when we get back!