We're Going to China!!!

This past week has been the very definition of a whirlwind week. On Monday, in a HUGE answer to prayer, we received our Travel Approval (TA). Our Consulate Appointment (the one date around which the entire trip is scheduled) was set the next day and we were officially good to go. We leave on the 22nd. 

The day travel dates are confirmed is always insane, but this time around it seemed particularly so because we had one week before getting on a plane. Not much time to settle everything - finances, plane tickets, accommodations on either side of when we're with the CCAI tour group, etc. My children were left to entertain themselves for way more time than I'd like to admit, and I have spent more time on the phone (and computer) over these past few days than I have since I was in High School. (That is hyperbole... but you get the point. Lots of back & forth. It was crazy)

Our wonderful family at Crosswalk Community Church threw us a "Suitcase-Filling Shower" on Wednesday night. They loaded us up with diapers, puffies, necessary items for Zach. They also blessed us with a super generous amount of gift cards, which I was able to use last night when I did the usual pre-travel clearing out of the pharmacy. I now have a medication for every single illness possible. That is always fun... getting really strange looks because of the sheer volume of meds I've got in my shopping cart! But we are pretty much set. 

With every item that gets checked off the To Do list, my excitement grows. I relished sorting through the Zach Box yesterday and taking inventory of everything I've accumulated in preparation over the past months.  There's still a ton that has to happen before we get on the plant though. 

For those who like specifics: Gotcha Day will be the 28th. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we get everything pulled together, and pray for Zach. He has been bounced from place to place so many times. I don't know how long he's been with his foster family, but I don't see him being particularly thrilled with being taken from them and placed in the arms of a couple of blonde strangers. Finally, pray for the rest of the kiddos, who will be having a blast with Mohmy while we're gone. They are excited, but as always, excitement and anticipation can come with uncertainty and insecurity. Everyone is extra emotional these days. 

We'll keep you posted as we head out on this adventure!