What's Next?

One day, I'm going to learn. I'm going to learn that I cannot have any expectations in regards to timing with our adoption. I had so hoped to be coming to you this morning with the dates of my final trip to bring the boys home. It dawned on me that I haven't shared the details of how that trip will work, so while we wait, let's jump in!

For our pick-up trip Marty is staying home with Eli and Julie. They had a wonderful time in November staying with their Aunt Meagan and Uncle Larry in Maryland, but we want them to be in as much of their normal routine as possible, when we bring their brothers home. Since, Marty couldn't find a friend willing to travel to Bulgaria and wrestle 2 boys for a week in a hotel and then a 20+ hour flight home, I got the job. I do have more than one friend, who is willing and eager to go with me. The most logical and exciting choice for me was to take my long time, best friend, who I haven't seen in going on 3 years with me. 3 years is a long time and when I knew I needed to take someone with me, Marty suggested Daniell. He earned super points for that.

I thought, well, I'll ask, but I met Daniell when our husbands were both in the Navy. Her husband is still in the Navy and that makes travel difficult. Time away for a Navy Spouse is almost unheard of, probably for a spouse in any branch of the military. Thankfully, God is always in the details and Daniell's husband, Stacey is going to be able to take some time off for her to make the trip. I so thrilled she's going to meet our boys and how much fun will it be to take my best friend with me to the other side of the world.

Anyway, now, you know who my traveling companion will be, so let me tell you what happens when we arrive. This is my best understanding...we will fly into Sofia, Bulgaria on a Thursday and drive directly to Joseph's region, where we will spend the night. Friday morning we will go to his orphanage and pick him up. This should take about 45 minutes, then we drive to Samuel's orphanage on the way back to Sofia and pick him up. All so we can be back in Sofia to file for passports before 2 pm. Then, we settle into our hotel and wait. Wait for the passports to be ready and for the boys' medicals to take place on the following Thursday. We should get the all clear on Thursday and board our flight home on Saturday morning.

We're hoping to arrive at the Raleigh/Durham Airport on Saturday evening, early enough so our friends and family we'll come out and meet us and the boys. Now, all we need are dates! Please, pray that we receive them quickly. It's making everyone here a little edgy waiting. One day, I will learn, maybe during our next adoption...did I say that?

Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something!

Hidden in Christ,
Mandy