We are packing our bags:)

I can hardly believe this as I type but almost 48 hours ago I received word that we would need to arrive in Kiev on October 12th for our court date with the State Department of Adoption to receive our referral paperwork for Marina on the 14th at 9 am. This has gone from a dreamy state of existence, knowing we would likely travel in October,to hitting the pavement and scrambling like maniacs. It has been a good thing but I feel unprepared by a landslide. I think the reality of it all has taken a giant leap. Understatement number 3.
I wanted to paste this here for an updated photo of Marina (for whatever reason the link is not showing up-will work on this later today)

This is written in Ukrainian and so I would assume that the photo will have to suffice. But without a doubt it is her. A year and a half later than when we started. I am grateful that we have overcome so much. I am astounded how much has been overcome. And how many many other people it takes to make an adoption team. From prayer warriors to fund raising help, to facilitating, and translating, and encouraging words, and notarizing, and homestudy do-overs, and medical form rewrites and medical poking and prodding, and truly I have not even scratched the surface. But it literally takes hundreds of people to assist in a journey like this. And it takes many thousands of dollars. We are still short for our travel expenses by roughly 5 thousand dollars (total cost now around 30k). If there is that extra money designated for humanitarian needs laying around your home, all dusty just waiting for a cause, we humbly submit our own. We have very little time left now and we place this in the hands of God. (we actually did that some time ago for the sake of argument) The bracelets are still available but we have gotten down to limited quantities of about 50 left. The link is on this sight on the right hand column. Donations directly to Reece's Rainbow will be difficult to obtain at this point but direct donations to paypal can be easily accessed. The email addy for our paypal account is foggydogs@yahoo.com.
Alot of people in this world feel like if a family cannot come up with the funds to adopt then maybe they are not supposed to. With that argument, those that have funds, should adopt. Period. And that is not the way life is. I am not a fan of redistribution of wealth unless it is your choice. And I think America is great because so many people do share. For all of those who have donated, I thank you from the very bottom of our hearts. Marina will indeed have an opportunity to have a real home, with real love and real family. Money can't buy happiness but it really can change a circumstance. If you feel lead to donate we have about a week to process this as it takes three days for Paypal to release funds to us. Therefore, time is essential to deciding. There is now a Paypal donate button at the top of Marina's photo on the right hand side. NO amount is too small if you feel lead to donate.
Countdown to travel, 12 days.