Things To Do:

We must be IN CHINA by August 19th!  My list of Things to Do continues to grow !  Everytime I cross something off the list I remember something else and add it. ( 2 steps forward, 2 steps back).

 We are continuing to look into travel flights and are hoping the prices come down a bit- we do not need to make flight arrangements and book anything until our liason gives us our actual in country itinerary.  However, we are on our own during our time in Hong Kong so we are looking at places we want to stay and explore during our time there. 

Leah's birthday is July 1!  Please pray for her on her birthday- we were so hoping we'd have her home before that time.  We did send her a little care package so she could get a photo album, a present, and a birthday cake on her birthday.  Hopefully, our liason will be able to get new pictures of her when she delivers her gifts. 

The girls are super excited that we have now come to the time when we can actually buy things for Leah.  I have held off purchasing anything so far and I have nothing for her!  Well, she has a bed, and a family- but no clothes or toys.  It has been awhile since I've looked at clothes for little girls so this will be fun!

The logistics of care for the boys while we are gone has been semi coordinated and the care for the menagerie of pets continues.  I also need to make sure everyone has school supplies at the ready since we will literally be returning right when school starts. I need to schedule Dr. appointments  and an eye exam so I can see while I'm there- and try to figure out how to pack lightly. 

I also need to find the following items-

voltage adapter ( I had one when I was in Europe but can't find it now)
neck wallet
travel pillow
extra carry-on (preferably one with the zipped compartment for your computer)

If you have any of these things I could borrow let me know!

Travel Approval has Arrived!!!!!

Today we received word that our travel approval arrived! 

We have chosen 5 dates in which we would like to travel and should hear back by the end of the week when our consolate appointment is and when our travel date is set!  We are praying they accept our first choice of August 15th. (July travel is not an option as the flights are double the price).  Mid-August gets us in and back before the start of the school year.

In the meantime, we continue to request updated info. on Leah.  Her orphanage is not as forthcoming with information as some of the others.  We only know she is healthy.  We have not chosen a middle name for her yet- we have been waiting to hear what they call her in China.  She has a Chinese name but we were told that she is not called that- she has a nickname but they will not tell us what it is. FRUSTRATING!  We'd love an updated picture of her and a list of some of her favorite toys, foods and activities, and sizes?  I've held off buying anything for her . I will need to start doing that soon.

Awaiting Travel Approval!

We are now officially awaiting travel approval.  We are assured that we will be traveling towards the end of July or early August.  I was freaking out that the process was taking too long...now I am freaking out that it is happening in the VERY NEAR FUTURE!!  Still so much to do.  We don't have a lot of stuff for her yet as far as clothes, toys, shoes.  We have a room ready and that's it. 

Right now I am focusing on the fundraiser I organized. We have been unable to enter our garage for the past several weeks as it is plum full of items for the sale.  I still need to finish organizing and pricing things as we start on WED!!  We are  trying to raise enough money for the considerable orphange donation required once we arrive to pick her up.  We're almost there but could still use a little help. Here is a list of items available in case you are interested:

Really Nice housewares, retro kitchen items, sports equipment, bikes, snowblower, furniture, clothing for everyone, tons of toys, Thomas the Train sets, car tracks, antique dishware (BEAUTIFUL)! car seats, stroller, trikes, lots of books, BRAND NEW BOUNCE HOUSE, Halloween costumes, bake sale items, jewelry.  SO MUCH STUFF!  If you love a garage sale don't miss this one!

Fundraiser garage sale date changed!

I just wanted to let all my wonderful friends and family know that I have changed the date of our sale to May 24, 25, & 26.  (I did not want to compete with the Woodbury sales on the 10th).  So... that just means I have more time to organize and collect items for the sale! (And Tom has more time to clean his garage).

BIG BIG Thank you to all who have donated items. Lots of really great stuff has been donated so far.  People have been so generous and kind!

I know May 24-26 is Memorial Day weekend, but we will be hoping for lots of traffic on Thurs. and Friday BEFORE everyone leaves for their camping.  Mark your calendars and come out to see us!

LOA HERE!!!!

I received a call this afternoon that our letter of acceptance was in office at our agency.  That means we are now in the final steps of the adoption process and the really LONG waiting is over!  We will be going in tomorrow AM to sign our paperwork and talk about some travel plans.  Here is what we have yet to do:
1. File form 1800 with the US government classifying her as our child. (2 week wait).
2. File for Visa approval (2 week wait)
3. Get article 5 approval (2 week wait)
4.  Receive our consolate appointments and get travel approval (2-3 week wait)
5.  Make travel plans!

Again, paperwork to China is never an exact science, and wait times can vary, but I am excited that the approximate wait times are down to weeks and not months!  This whole process has been so surreal- knowing that I have a child in another country and not being able to see or communicate with her.  It is just like my God to know that just when I felt I couldn't wait any longer, progress begins!

Adoption Fundraiser

The Nordahl Family is seeking donations for our fundraiser garage sale.  That's right people! If your spring cleaning has left you with some gently used items you would like to donate, here's the perfect opportunity!  All proceeds from the sale will go towards the orphange fee in our adoption of Leah.

The sale will take place on May 11, 12, & 13.

Donations will be accepted throughout the month of April and can be dropped off at:
501 Trillium Lane
Hudson.

or you can call us to arrange a pick up time!

Thank you Everyone!

Day 20; List Making

We are on day 20 or our approximate 60 day wait for our letter of acceptance.  But I am ready to leave Now!!  Not in 8 or 12 or 14 weeks, NOW!!!  Practically, we have a few more things to work out before we go, like care for the animals, mail, having enough money to pay for the trip.  But emotionally, we want to go NOW! RIGHT NOW.

So, while I wait I am obsessed with list making.  There are lists and post its everywhere of random things I want to remember to bring.  I've been checking other adoption blogs and websites to see what others have brought with them and I am surprised at all the stuff people pack.  Like a steamer trunk of supplies!  Do I really need to bring the entire medicine aisle of Target there with me?  Medications to relieve some adventurous eating seems reasonable, but a suitcase full of remedies?.  I'm pretty sure there is a Walmart in China should I need something special.  I'd prefer to pack lightly since I plan to shop in China!  I'll need the room!

If  you have made the trip, let me know what you brought and what you needed and I'll add it to my list!