Ever closer...

WOW! Things seem to be moving so quickly now. Paperwork is moving much quicker then anyone anticipated. We've heard back from the USCIS with our approval, 3 1/2 weeks not 8 - 12. Our contact Elona in Lithuania is working at lightening speed. Where was all this rush back in October?? All well, we're moving now!! It looks like we will here our court date by next week and then it's booking flights and hotels. While I want to be there quickly, I hope they give some time to plan and organize our trip. I have to speak with the kids' school and hopefully get some of their work to take with us. I'm working hard to get ahead at work. I worry about leaving my little muchkins at church, but I work with a great team and I know they will take good care of them. I just have never left for this long before. I love my job!! We aren't a 100% sure where we are staying and flights can be so expensive if you book less then 2 weeks. Either way, we'll make it work. I'm just so excited that it's almost here!!!

It's a New Year!

Broderick and I had a rough start to the year. We had to cancel our annual New Year's Party and drive out to New York for his grandmother's funeral. While we missed ringing in the New Year with our friends, it was great to see all of his family again. It has been years since I have seen them all. Grandma Norkus was 94 when she died and she has been looking forward to going home and seeing her husband, Grandpa Norkus, again. So while we all miss her, we know she's dancing in heaven and is very happy.

We are moving ever closer to our court date in Lithuania. More paperwork has been requested and while this duplicate paperwork drives me absolutely crazy, I know it must be done and I won't care about it after I have Tori in my arms.  I've started to make phone calls to inquire about where would be the best place for her to start school and preparing the boys for the long trip.  It's exciting when I think past the paperwork and think about our life with Tori in it!

I often get asked "How's the adoption going?" and some are hesitant to ask because they worry I've been asked too much or it will make me sad that I don't have anything new to report, but it's just not the case. It helps me to realize just how many people are pulling and praying for us. How many people care about the adoption journey we are going through. We are just so blessed to have the love and support of so many people. So NEVER worry about asking! I've also been asked "What can I specifically pray for for you?" And I think my biggest prayer is that the Lithuanian judge waives the 40 day waiting period. Lithuania has a 40 day waiting period after your court appearance for International adoptions in which we would have to leave Viktorija at the orphanage (heart breaking!) and come home. And then return after the 40 days (expensive) and finish the adoption process and then bring her home. I just don't like to think about this possibility, but it could happen. We are putting together letters from doctors and professionals to help us convince the judge that it is in Viktorija's best interest to come home sooner rather then later. So if you are reading this, please say a prayer for us that the judge waive this waiting period and we can complete the adoption in one trip. We thank you so much!!