OUR TRAVEL DATES

Okay guys I am now home and have the time to quickkly tell you about our phone call today.

I emailed Lorien, because I did not feel it was necessary to have our FBI results, apostilled anytime soon...but, I wanted to know what she recommended just in case. I quickly began getting ready (a la make up), to take the boys to grandpa's to go fishing (today is Veteran's day=no school)..and so, that is when I got the phone call! I answered not really expecting too much, and I thought perhaps she wanted to just explain to me on the phone, what she wanted me to do, concerning the apostilles. We continued talking about the email, but then she was telling me about getting things done in December, along with our VISAS & HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS! I really didn't catch on to that at first..but then something inside me did..AND SO I WAS IN TEARS!!!!! I have always told myself (as strange as it seems) that I would try not to cry...hahhahahah..but I failed miserably!..and Lorien was just laughing at me!!! OMG..I ran down the stairs and had her tell my husband also..and he had a huge grin on his face...in which I took a picture of..to remember this day...cause it was priceless!

Last night an ESPN Documentary on my uncle had aired on t.v., and the family and I watched, while we were in tears, because of what had happend to him (all over again), and because ESPN had done such a great job of portraying the truth..which gave us hope....for every other passing day, that it may get better and better, until truth finally arrives.

Today though, I received news about a different kind of hope,..MY HOPEE GIRL!

And with these two kinds of HOPES in my life, I have a lot to be thankful for, and have a lot to place in our prayers this CHRISTMAS..and on our tree..we will place very special memories..

Now, GOD willing, we expect to travel in January. Our appointment date with the DOE is January 19, (Noah's 3rd BDAY poor little guy). We have very limited info on her, except that she was matched with our family, and that she will be turning a year old and just coming off of the Russian registry in January, 2010. We do run a small risk of a Russian adopting her first, of course..but we are quite optimistic..it's her older bro's birthday, and we are not going to Russia for nothing, wink*!!!

I am absolutely elated!! I can't tell you that it feels real...it doesn't! My husband will take vacation time to spend it with us, during the holidays & to finish up things around the house..in preparation of our fourth child. Her room is done and soooo sweeet, now that I bought the bedding..its just complete and ever so special to me. This is still just the beginning..and there is so much to look forward to, and I thank God for that hope and opportunity; to be able to look forward to something, so special and close to my heart..for many, many reasons..maybe I will share that one day on here. Everyone's story is truly unique and different, and GOD has HIS own plan for us all..so just keep asking HIM and HE will reveal just what is in store for you, and you will see that it will be at such a perfect time in your life..its EARTHSHAKING really..I can't even find the words to describe the feelings.

I will continue praying for the rest of the PAP's that are waiting..you all deserve to feel this way too;)

P.S. I have to write this publicly, and I hope she doesn't mind...but you all should know the kind of sweetness that exists around our agency..Chandra, who has brought home a little Russian Beauty already, offered to give me her daughter's snowsuit to bring home Hopee in..I just feel like, this whole adoption experience gets better and better..and just teaches you so much about so many things in life..this thoughtfulness deserves recognition, and will never be forgotten..and it is just so special in my eyes to have this honor! Chandra also wanted me to know, that the idea of this snowsuit is, that we pass it along to the next PAP, when it is their turn to bring home another Angel,..and I will surely do so. So PAP'S, stay tuned..cause you may be receiving the suit next!

Thank You Again CHANDRA..YOUR JUST AWESOME!

Also, THANK YOU -Lighthouse Families (you know who you are)..for being so helpful and supportive;)


J.