Update

We have several praises in this update.  First, we want to thank everyone who gave toward Elena's adoption!  We wanted to let people know that we reached our support goal for money raised through Promise686!  Praise His Holy Name!

We received word today from our facilitator that we should probably hear back from the Ukrainian government next week with our appointment date.  Our appointment should be about 2 weeks after that!  We are very excited yet also very, very busy!

Additionally, we have received our packing list.  What is a packing list you ask?  Well, it contains many detailed items of what we are to bring along with us.  There are many items that need to go in one bag for each of us!  We were told to bring LOTS of crafts and games so we can play with Elena along with the other orphans interested in joining in the fun. There will be plenty of down time, and we will definitely be bringing books to read (we are avid readers) but must be careful not to exceed our 50 pound limit. We will also be bringing Elena's things since we can expect that she will be sent off by the orphanage with the clothes on her back.  We would like to find room for birthday goodies and much to share with her friends there. Yes, if all goes smoothly and on schedule we should be there for her 11th birthday!   That has been our prayer if the Lord wills!   What an amazing birthday gift for Elena-a forever family!  Can you just imagine that?!   "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

We also have  incredible help lined up to care for our kids as well as a very dear friend staying in our home to help care for our kids.  That is an absolute huge help and answer to prayer!

While we pack and prepare, excitement fills the air. Yet, we have detected a bit of our youngest being extra clingy. We must remember that 2 weeks being apart from both of us is almost like a year or more to our precious little ones and a month might seem even longer!   We must also remember that as much as we are overjoyed to be bringing Elena home, we can expect her to feel a bit conflicted and her departure may be more of a bittersweet one as she leaves behind all she has ever known and enters into the "unknown".

Please stay tuned in, and get ready to fasten your seat belts with us on this incredible journey ahead!