And we wait...

It's been a while since I've updated... nothing new really happening (at least from our viewpoint).  Rita and Lera have been sick for the past few weeks with some kind of flu or virus.  In fact, I think the whole family has been sick over the course of the past month. 

We were able to connect through skype this past Sunday which was great.  We had a camera so they could see us, but they don't have one yet, so we couldn't see them.  But the voice connection was very clear. 

We purchased the 2nd bed for the girls room and I have it set up.  We will go shopping once they get here so they can have some input on decorating their room.  I'm working on getting all of the unsold garage sale items out of my house.  I will donate some, consign some, still trying to sell some, and the bowflex is going to a friend.  I've finished the girls welcome posters for the airport and made a couple of ornaments for them for our Christmas tree.  My goal this weekend is to clear the back porch so we can set it up for a 'den' for the girls and to have extra space for family to gather at Christmas. 

So, at this point, we are just waiting for a referral and a travel date.  Our dossier was delivered to our lawyer on 10/7, was taken to translation, then was received at the Children's Ministry office on 10/24.  Another court hearing was held on 11/11/11, but I've not heard anything official. 

Fundraising has slowed.  Not making progress on getting a location for the Israel presentation.  We were approved for LifeSong and the Both Hands project.  We hope to do that in the first part of 2012, but I need to get a travel date before we set a date for working on a widow's house. 

Separation Anxiety

I got a letter today from our facillitator that the Orphan Court is requiring a letter from both families (us and the Fletchers) stating how we will keep the two sisters close.  There is no issue on our end, or the Fletchers, but we just need to let the court know that we understand the importance of this relationship between the two girls.  So pray that we can convey that to them and that they finalize the separation.  Otherwise, there will be 3 girls who may not get adopted! 

I don't think I updated previously that we are hosting our 2 for Christmas!  They will arrive Dec 11 and return Jan 8.  We were hoping to be traveling during this time, but because the court wants to make sure the separation is best for the girls, that has put a delay in our travel.  So, we will have a very busy, fun, exciting Christmas with Michael and our 2 girls.  Then, all of Marks family will be here Dec 27th until Jan1.  Plus we will get to meet Tysa (17) for the first time, and they will all get to see Hailey (5 months)!  I think the girls will outnumber the guys for the first time!!!!

Received our notification

Yesterday we received our notice of receipt from the Latvian Childrens Ministry saying they have our dossiers.  I don't think they are doing anything with them yet, but at least they have them.  The girls have another court hearing on 11/11/11 to finalize their separation (supposed to be just a formality). 
We were told there was no way we would travel before Christmas and not sure how long it will take before the girls are 'available', so we decided to host for Christmas.  So, it will be a wild and crazy Christmas this year!!!!