The Abraham Family’s Journey to Russia to Bring Home Their Daughter

June 14, 2008

Preparations

We don't have exact travel dates yet, but at least we have a general idea. Our VISAs are being processed with a one week turnaround. Martin was/is nervous about including our original passports with the VISA applications because of the ordeal we went through to get them renewed last year. It still looks like we'll be going to Russia the last week of June. I have most of the items we are taking organized, not in the suitcase yet, but set aside ready to pack. I have been busy running around getting updated medical documents because they expire every three months. Finally, I am making lists of the boys' schedules, house rules, and their individual likes or dislikes for our sitter, Ms. J, who will be staying with them while we're gone. Ms. J is such a sweet lady and a wonderful cook, they'll be spoiled rotten when we get back.

You may have noticed the changes to my blog. I'm trying to update the look a bit, but since I'm learning how to do this as I go, it will be a work in progress for a while. This blog was created to be a place for friends and family to keep up with our adoption and a place for others just embarking on this journey to get a realistic idea of the process. However, the closer we get to bringing our little girl home, the more I am realizing the need to balance all that with the fact that we can't be too careful about the information available on the world wide web. Russia has very strict rules and we've come too far to do (or say) anything that would jeoparize our adoption. I may need to set up another private family blog, but honestly, I don't know where I'll get the time to update two sites so we'll see how it goes for now.

I have always admired families who adopted internationally, but now I have a new found respect for them. Martin and I have been on an emotional roller coaster this past week and it's not over yet. I know everything will be okay, and I can't go into any details, but this stuff is hard. Really, really, hard. Please try to remember us in your prayers in the upcoming weeks.

Congratulations to The Pattersons, Becky and Keith, Carol and Lance, and The Harrisons on getting court dates last week! WhooHoooo! I've always heard the summer months are slow for Russian Adoptions, but there are lots of great things happening this month! I sure hope it continues that way!

2 comments:

Becky and Keith said...

Definitely let me know if you'll be in Moscow at all the last week of June! We'd love to meet up with you! Thanks for the congrats - we're starting to get very excited! :-)

Melissa said...

I am sure you will hear this a million times, but it will all work out. All the stresses; all the snafus; all the heartache will blow over fast and you will have your little girl in your arms. Enjoy this time if you can. It took me a long time, but now it seems like a distant memory and I wouldn't trade it for the world.