even in the small things...

For anyone who knows me, even a little bit, knows that I love my dogs.  They've been my “kids” the past couple of years, and they bring me so much joy.  They were quite the upgrade from my numerous house plants!

When we started this adoption process, I began to really pray that everything would be ok with the dogs and whatever child(ren) we would bring into our home.  I know other families who brought their kids home from overseas and the kids were terrified of dogs.

We included pictures of Calvin in the first photo book we sent to Beya.  We made sure we mentioned that he was a “nice dog.”  Our first Skype date with Beya, she wanted to kiss the doggies on the computer screen when we introduced her to “CAL-vin” and “MAY-zee.”  I thought that was a good sign.

I've also been worried about what we’d do with them when we travel.  Keith works from home quite a bit and so they aren't used to being alone for more than a few hours a day.  We've usually been able to rely on my sister, but this summer she has a round-the-clock home healthcare client that she’s caring for, so she’s really not free to come stay at our place and babysit our crazy canines.

I hate to kennel them – we jokingly call it “puppy prison.”  But we found a place that was a reasonable price and that they’d let both the dogs stay in one pen.  It wasn't ideal, but it would work.

Then, Keith sent me a text yesterday saying that his step-mom offered to stay at our house with the dogs while we’re in the Congo.  I couldn't have imagined a better scenario for taking care of our puppies while we’re away.  Rosanne loves our doggies and they love her.

As I’m typing this, it seems like a sort of silly little thing to devote an entire blog post to, but I couldn't help but feel God’s care and provision for us even in these small details.  My heart is grateful.

Calvin at our open house fundraiser in December -- he got all dressed up

final push!

We're making one final fundraising push over the next couple of weeks to help offset our travel expenses!

Here are a few opportunities if you're interested!

1.  Family photo session with our amazing photographer friend Rachel Joy.  She's offered two photo sessions to two lucky families who donate to our adoption fund.  These sessions are a $200 value!  If you're interested, check out her facebook page and leave me a comment (or message me), and I can answer any questions you may have.

2.  We're selling some stuff!

Antique tool chest from mid 1800's -- advertised at $350

Union Caboose No. 29 stove - advertised at $1500 (or best offer!)

Pier 1 desk -- advertised at $150

table w/ 4 chairs -- advertised at $150

chairs that go with the table!

Butler's Pantry Lenox China -- 12 place settings and various platters, bowls, etc.  Also available, 11 Mikasa crystal water goblets -- over $1000 worth of fine dinnerware!  Give us your best offer!  

3.  The "donate" button on this blog is open for payments for purchases and general donations!  every dollar helps!!

If you or anyone you know might be interested in any of these things, please feel free to pass this along.  Leave me a comment or message me if you have questions or want more information on any of these things.

Thanks everyone!!

We're coming, baby!

We have confirmation from our agency that we can be in the Congo by August 1st! We finally passed through the investigation hurdle, and should have Beya's visa from the US Embassy by the last part of July.  All we'll need once we get there is an exit letter from the DRC, allowing us to leave the country with our girl.

I can't begin to describe the roller-coaster of emotions over the past couple of weeks.  It is such a crazy feeling that we're really on our way soon!