the one with the chaos before we travel

ok, so I have totally been meaning to post several times over the last couple of weeks, more things about preparations and I had some pictures of our puzzle fundraiser...but I have been busy and when I wasn't I was kind of overwhelmed and I didn't get around to it. so here it all is, on the night before we leave :)

first, thank you to EVERYONE who has helped us bring this little girl home...from donations for the garage sale, to prayers, to cash donations, to those helping care for our kids and our house/yard/turtle while we are gone....we are so grateful for you all!

we "sold" 65 puzzle pieces. and I had pictures of all the names on the backs of the pieces...but the computer  can actually get the pictures off the phone with, is conveniently packed away for is leisurely trip to Ch*na.

as I have been packing, I have kind of been in this fog...like it's not really happening. today I kind of lost it and zoned out...I feel like I have forgotten so much and yet can't think of a single 'nother thing we need (except a kitchen sink, so if you can direct me to an inflatable one I could stick in my carryon...that'd be great!) but when we weighed them today everything was a good 5+ lbs under china's limit of 44lbs! now I definitely feel like I'm forgetting something!  I just assumed it would be a struggle and I would have to make decisions on what stays and what goes...but NO! amazing!

 I know some of you want to follow along....

so, of course I hope to be blogging things as we go so you will see pictures and first hand accounts of what we are doing each day.

please pray for us to travel safely, for our kids at home to be healthy and happy til our return, and for our new daughter, that she will fit right in!

and we're off.....