Getting closer...

We are still waiting on a travel date to go see Joshua. We are hoping that the date comes this week but it could be next week. We spent our weekend hitting all the area garage sales to gather up some clothes for Joshua. Without knowing his size we managed to get a few of size 9mos all the way till 18 months. I washed them and folded them in his dresser. It is starting to feel more real as I do these tasks. It also helps to keep my mind off of the wait.

I spoke with a radio dj in our area that also heads up his own children's foundation! It looks as though we will be able to receive a $750.00 grant for our adoption. He is also going to interview me on the air to tell our story and educate others that might be thinking of adopting special needs children internationally. This is very exciting for me because the more exposure to these children the more chance for them to find families willing to step out of their comfort zone and go save them.

We have been so blessed by all the donations and help along the way! We still have about $4500.00 left to be fully funded but we are amazed by how far we have come. I have to be honest I still do not know how we are going to raise the rest of the funds. Giveaways have not always been the most productive on our end but to be just within this amount is truly amazing. I would love some ideas if anyone has any out there that maybe we could do. I do not mind attempting another giveaway but would love to know what people would be willing to donate for a chance to win. A couple families are doing kindle giveaways and Dave and I do not feel right "competing" as we truly believe that all these children are worthy and do not want to offer something that others are offering to raise their funds.

I am really beginning to see  God's timing in this. With the urgency that we were feeling about changes in Joshua's country we really thought we would miss our children's graduation services. As you remember, Ryan graduates from 8th grade on June 3rd and Cody from High School on June 5th. All the paranoia about USCIS approval etc.. well it looks as though we will make it for both. And it also looks like we may have Joshua home or close to it when my oldest son comes home from leave end of July. It would be such a blessing to have all my sons home soon!!

My birthday is this Wednesday. Not that I expect anything but maybe for that day instead of buying yourself that coffee or donut you could make a tax deductible donation to Joshua! Or please say an extra prayer for us that we are able to finish raising the funds we need to bring the perfect birthday gift home for me. I have celebrated many birthdays (no I won't say how many) however, my son did not even get to celebrate his first. That will change soon!! Very soon!! I am posting Joshua's picture again... why? Because I want to make sure everyone sees his face and remembers why we are on this incredible journey!