Our bags are packed and we're ready to go!

Two...One...

Okay...it's actually only 9 hours before my parents pick us up for the airport and then we begin our journey to China. But...yesterday, day two in our countdown...was packing day. My mom came over and we spent all day packing and making sure we had everything needed. Thanks Mom! Today was a "normal" day, actually kind of quiet. I brought Nat's science project in this afternoon and she explained it to her class. She will be missing the Academic Showcase at school so we did her project early. Tonight we reminised and watched the video of Natalee's adoption. Hard to believe that was 6 1/2 years ago. God has blessed us so much...and we're ready to receive our next amazing blessing. It was 34 months ago (may 2006) that we began this journey to our daughter. God has stretched us through this process....our faith has deepened and our trust made stronger. This verse meant a lot to me during both our adoptions and it was given to me by one of my former students who has an wonderfully compassionate heart.

"But these things I plan won't happen right away, slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place, it will not be delayed." Habakkuk 2:3 Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Four....Three....

Today I was able to get the house all cleaned and we enjoyed our last night of dance and Chinese classes (at least for a few weeks). I can now say "I can speak a little Chinese" - in Chinese. ;)

Tomorrow I'm going to start organizing "piles" for packing and at night we have our Caravan kids group at church. Three days...wow...it's almost hard to believe that we're this close.

Six...Five

Luggage....UGH! Last night we decided we'd better figure out exactly which luggage we were going to take for checked bags & our carry-on's. Well, after measuring everything it looks like our bag is about 3" too big and empty it weighs 15 lbs thus only allowing us to pack 35 lbs. Yikes! On our first trip to China the bag started out at 83 lbs but I got it down to 74 lbs... there just doesn't seem like anyway possible to take our big bag. So...we'll have to borrow some luggage. Oh well....

Eight....Seven...

The countdown continues....yesterday we did our last minute shopping and now have everything we need for travel and Megan. Today we continue getting our long list of "to-do's" completed. It's surprising just how many tasks there are to complete before leaving for a long trip. We never realized how many "hats" we each "wear" until we started making a list of all the things we needed to do and all the responsibilities of each "hat". It can easily overwhelm me when I stop to think about each day and what needs to be done, but I can't allow myself to go there....it is what it is...and I know that it will all fall into place.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness....the Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him..." Lamentations 3:22-23,25

NINE more days until we leave...

the count down has begun! Today I focused on Beacon of Hope tasks....worked on our insurance issues....enjoyed a field trip to go maple sugaring....visited a friend and her new baby (she's adorable)....took care of household stuff....actually made dinner & ate with my family....caught up on my favorite TV show....now, off to bed and get rested for day #8!

Prayers Answered!

I received the call a little while ago from our courrier service that our Visa's had been picked up - they are approved and we will have them tomorrow!

Praise the Lord!

Now...we wait for our final itinerary and we're on our way to Megan!