8 days and counting

Eight (8) days- That is the time we have till we leave our comforts of home and travel to a land that holds my youngest son. A land with little comforts compared to here. A land that is living in the past that does not see the potential and value in every child. A land that has a rich resource of beautiful, worthy children just languishing in orphanages and institutions. I pray that one day this country realizes riches are so much more than money. I pray that the country educates their citizens that caring for children with disabilities will bring much more wealth to their lives and value to their lives than any worldly possession. I pray that the powers that be in this country educate themselves as well. Far too many of these orphanages and institutions lack the basic needs for ANY human being. No human being regardless of their disability should be treated as less than the valued human they are. It just shakes me to the core that these things exist and that they would be acceptable to anyone.

We had a pretty busy weekend. Ryan graduated from his school on Friday night and Cody graduated from High School yesterday!! It was a sentimental weekend for sure. New chapters in both of their lives will be beginning. I cried many tears and all the tears became muddled for many reasons if that makes sense. I cried how my 14 year old would be moving on to high school next year, how my 18 year old would be starting college soon, how Jake would be starting preschool this fall, leaving in just about a week to travel to get my son from a far away land while leaving my other children at home.... I just cried. So many reasons.. some of sadness and some of joy.

After yesterdays graduation service, Dave and I went to the store where Joshua's grandma bought him his crib. We are waiting on putting it up until we bring him home but it is in the house and awaiting him. As we get closer to realizing this dream I have to keep reminding myself not to get too far ahead in this journey. There is still the judge we must convince that we would be good parents for Joshua and that he would be better off with us than where he is. To most people understanding that would be a no brainer however we are again talking about a country who does not value these children as they should so they need convincing that these children have value. I pray that I find the words and express myself well enough that the judge rules in our favor.

We are still short on the funds needed. Dave and I talked about what we could do to cut corners here and there. We are figuring being busy in the initial days we can cut down on food costs by eating one meal a day. Our biggest concern will be the flight home. It is going to cost us about 1500 for those. Thankfully Joshua will not require a separate ticket. So Dave and I are just hoping to at least raise another 1500 if we cant raise the funds to be fully funded. This is where I ask you to please share our story- donate if you can- pray if you will for us. Maybe it is difficult for you to donate but maybe someone out there reads our story and wants to make a tax deductible donation to help us finish our journey. We are in the nesting phase of this paper pregnancy and the beginning stages of labor are soon to follow and we could use any help or kind words you could offer! Thanks for continuing to follow and I can't wait till everyone can see the efforts of all when we reach our son and bring him home.