12 days . . .

12 days!

Just 12 days until Vlad and Dima come and stay with us. Vanya is more excited than he can say, and asks about the boys all the time. He calls it a "sleepover", which is a great way for him to think of it. Well, for all of us to think about it! Now to get the bunkbed put together (thanks, Dad!) and cleaned up (all your stickers are coming off, Eric & Jon).

We are working on a "gift list" for Vlad and Dima. SOOOO different from a "santa" list! As a part of our journey to both Ivan and Thor, and further to hosting Vlad and Dima, we have redefined our "needs" and how we want to live. Even in the midst of a tight financial time, it is refreshing to be able to give out of what we have and to share as we are able. And we have seen God provide for us. Whether great grocery deals and a pantry that can handle an influx of cereal and provide food for us (no matter how random some of our meals might be) or an IKEA "as is" deal. God is looking out for us and providing what we need. Even the need to NOT eat artificial colors and flavors works to our good and is being provided for. God is good, all the time. In the midst of joy and in the midst of discouragement. All the time, God is good.

At this time, almost all of the boys fees have been paid. Praise God! We are starting to gather some of the things that they need. When they arrive, they are likely to just have the clothes on their backs. Their coats may not be warm enough for a Minnesota winter (or a Latvian winter!). We want to send them home with clothes that will keep them warm and dry. Often clothes are shared in an orphanage, so whatever we send with them will be worn for years to come. The suggested list of items to send home with them include: tennis shoes, 1 "dressy" outfit, 3 pairs of jeans, 3 long-sleeve shirts, 1-2 sweatshirts, winter coat, winter boots, hat, scarf, gloves/mittens, snowpants, socks, underwear, swimsuit, hand towel, and washcloth. These items do NOT need to be new, but we don't want to send worn-out clothes with them either. It amazes me that this may be the extent of their wardrobe. How many of us or our children have a wardrobe that we can list like this? If you have clothes that you are willing to give to these boys, please let us know. We (and they) appreciate it! We would also like to be able to let the boys choose out a few of their own clothes, and so gift cards to Target or the Children's Place would be appreciated (the outlet in Albertville so often has good deals that our money goes far there with the discounts they keep sending me).

Now off to make this week's grocery list and fold laundry . . .