"A Man Came From Across the Sea with a Package Wrapped Just for Me"

Just a few minutes ago, I received the best going-away gift! An e-mail was sent from the US post office, confirming that a package we had mailed to Thea was received at her orphanage. This particular package was REALLY important to us. I created a digital photobook for Thea – 54 pages and almost 60 hours later, to be exact - Pages full of a story about her forever family. I made a page of each of her siblings and a description of them and a short letter from us. I made pages showing our home, her grandparents and her extended family. I included a picture of the United States and then showed her pictures of our four seasons. A wonderful family friend (THANK YOU Jenny!) translated all of the English to Mandarin and wrote on each page so that the nannies could read it to her. I’ve never spent more time creating something in my whole life. Now that I know she gets to see it before meeting us in person, everything seems perfect. One of my biggest concerns for Thea was how scared she must be. I prayed that this book would help her with the transition. I will post a couple of photos of the book tomorrow. We also mailed her a little sundress and lip gloss.

Only a couple of hours left until we are on our way to China! After waiting so long, it is hard to believe it is finally here.

The important things are done, the not so important are not. Pack camera – check, pack I-Pods and DVD – check; pack all necessary chargers, batteries, USB cables – check; buy Thea a toothbrush and other toiletries – check; pack snacks, M&M’s and beef jerky – check; Kari give herself a manicure and pedicure – nope :)

The luggage is by the door and things are pretty much in order, except sending out the link to our blog. That is my task for the next hour – letting friends and family know how to follow our trip. That brings me to a thank you! If you are reading this, thank you for your friendship and support. It means a lot when we are so far away to read “hellos” and encouraging words.

Well, I’m off. Time to get everything packed in the car. I’ll post again soon. The next time, we’ll be on the other side of the world.