Since we last posted…

A lot has happened.  Emily, Colt and Abby earned a nice sum of $ to donate to AAI for the holiday party fund at the orphanage.  They all worked hard at Grandma Jonie’s doing odd jobs and such.  The girls each had some babysitting jobs and contributed part of their wages.  Abby’s teacher, Mrs. Mark, even donated some homemade plum jelly for the PB&J week.  I was proud of all 3 of them for being so focused on helping Courage and Delight have a Merry Christmas.  It was fun to watch them work… 

On December 6^th, Courage turned 9.  I was sad all day because we didn’t get to talk to him.  However, I wonder if he even knew it was his birthday.  (They don’t make much of it over there).  We’ll make sure the festivities are exciting and memorable next year.  I think I heard somewhere along the way that Job took him down to First Junction and got him some Obama biscuits.  (Cookies. I hope they didn't leave a bad taste in his mouth. lol)

On December 16^th, we overnighted our i-600 application to Homeland Security in Texas.  This approval process typically takes 2-4 weeks, and (minus business days not worked because of the holidays) we are 10 days in.  We don’t anticipate hearing anything back until the latter part of January.  After that, we’ll just need to get the visas for the kids and then wait to be given a pickup date.  My gut feeling is late February, but I’ve learned not to count on anything.  Everything is technically ready for them to be here now, but with each day that goes by, I get one more extra thing done in preparation for their arrival (you know, silly things like: organizing the pantry, magnet walls in the kids’ bedrooms, painting the baseboards throughout the house, and sewing curtains and pillows.  Things I’m sure they’ll be concerned about and relieved are done before they get here…ya right!)

John is a Craig’s List genius and was my hero the night I came home to find a “nearly new” bunk bed/desk assembled and smiling at me when I walked into the boys’ room.  He paid $250 and it included two new mattresses still in the plastic.  Such a blessing!   We also found a bunk bed with a trundle for the girls’. They have reorganized their room and it is now tidy, inviting and ready for Delight to get here and make it her own.  Getting the beds found, purchased, assembled and ready for everyone was one of my biggest worries.  Now it is done and I can move on to other things to worry about (like cleaning the garage…also something I’m sure they’ll be very glad to see is done.)

It’s been nearly 2 months since our court day, and we likely have 2 more months to go.  We’ve been blessed with a calming peace that things are progressing and we’ll be under the same roof soon.  Timing is everything…

We’ll let you know when the i-600 approval is granted.  That will be a big day.  Until then…

Jenny