Five Years! + Jelly

It was 5 yrs. ago today that we started the process to adopt Megan.  Back then, the wait was about 8-9 months from LID.  God has obviously taken us on quite a journey and something we never could have imagine.  However, he has been in every detail.  As I have mentioned before, there were some things that I needed to learn before Megan came and I only learned them 6 months ago.  Even the timing of our travel has been a blessing.  It has been very good to us to be home for the girls for the 1st week of school and the adjustments that entales.  Brian's parents also decided to come up over Labor Day weekend to give my friend a break.  Then my sister and my mom will be coming 5 days later. 

I think reality has set in for our girls.  They are nervous about being gone from us for 2 weeks and staying at someone else's house.  I think that once things start rolling they will be fine, but tomorrow might be rough.  I'm so glad that we can bring them to school before we leave. 

Some of you will laugh when you hear about what I did on my last day before we leave, but those of you know me well will not be surprised.  I spent 4 1/2 hrs. making jelly with friends.  Since you can't pack your toothbrush the day before, I figured I might as well keep myself and my mind occupied.  No sense staying at home and worrying if I packed everything.  So 4 friends and I made juneberry and choke cherry jelly and I came home with 24 jars.  Jelly anyone? :)

Almost there

2 more days and we're off to China!  Brian had a very frustrating day as his computer crashed and put him behind at work to complete a number of tasks before he leaves.  Still working on efficient packing.

Packing and Prayer

Have you ever tried to pack for an international trip that lasts for 15 days, includes 3 people and fits in 2 carry-on bags?  Not an easy task.  Also remember that we must pack all common medicines for all possible scenarios of illness, snacks, and all items needed for a baby!  Whew!  It looks like we are going to make it though.  I also worked on packing stuff for the girls.

Now on to the important part:  prayer requests.  This is obviously a big trip and we covet your prayers.  Please pray that:
We will have a safe trip

Megan will attach to us quickly
We will all sleep well
Everyone will be healthy - Richel’s hip and back having been bothering her and Brian's back has also been troublesome at times.
Miranda and Mikayla will do well without us

Thanks for praying for us.

Final Travel Plans and 1st day of school

We received our final travel plans today.  Gotcha Day will be Sept. 5, the same day as we get to Nanchang!  That's a week from Sunday!  Wow!  I also got our money figured out.  Now I'm trying to finalize all the paperwork we need and the info. that my sister and friend will need for the girls. 

Today was the girls' first day of school.  They were ready to go 20 min. after they got up.  That never happens!

Travel Dates!

We bought our tickets today.  We will be going to China Sept. 2-17.  We decided to spent an extra day in Hong Kong on the way home because otherwise the connections are crazy.  Now we are trying to determine who is going to have the girls when and get packing and activities figured out. 

5 years

It just occurred to me tonight that we will likely be leaving for China 5 yrs. to the day that we started this adoption process (Sept. 1, 2005).  I am excited that we are finally so close, but sad that it has taken this long.

Travel Approval!

We received news today that our agency received our travel approval today!  Yeah!  The bummer is that there are no US consulate appts. available until after Sept. 8.  So they predict that we will leave for China Sept. 1 or 2.  It will be nice that we are home for the 1st week of school to get the girls all settled in and hopefully have activities figured out.  We should have firm travel dates next week.

P.S.  We had another person say Megan looks like Brian!