We got our TA!

We're gonna leave to pick up Lucy on Friday, September 3! We are thrilled that this 2+ year journey is going to culminate in about 3 weeks when we meet our new daughter for the first time.

We were contacted by our adoption agency last week, and we were told that there was a 90% chance that we would be traveling on August 13 (which would be tomorrow). Christy began running around, making arrangements to leave in a week. But on the following day while she was in Raleigh getting a document authenticated at the secretary of state's office, she received a call that we wouldn't be able to travel on the 12th and that we would have to wait until the next group left the beginning of September. Needless to say, Christy was heartbroken, but now realizes that the extra time to pack and get the house ready is a blessing.

By the way, after a lot of prayer and discussion, we've decided that Christy and Lauren will travel to get Lucy. We feel that the smaller party will be less intimidating to Lucy. We also feel that having Lauren there will help with the transition, both for her and Lucy. And one more factor - having Tom stay back with Anna Claire and Lily will save at least $10,000 of adoption costs. When Tom explained this to Anna Claire, she asked if while Christy and Lauren were away, she and Lily could spend some of that money. ;)

Please continue to pray for us as Lauren and Christy (and her mom and aunt who will round out the travel party) as they prepare to leave. Also, please pray for Lucy as her life (and ours) is about to change forever.