Today is "Lift Off" Day! . . .

It is in the wee, early morning hours of the 19th & today is THE Day we board the plane for Pakistan. It has brought back many memories of 5 years ago, when I traveled to adopt Nicholas. I was franticly trying to get all my work organized with co-workers, trying to make sure I hadn't missed anything, etc. The same held true for today . . . I worked until late afternoon & still had most of the packing yet to do when I got home. I even had a parent/teachers conference late afternoon today with Nicky's teacher! And, I still have a couple hours before I can say, "I'm packed & ready". But, I wanted to stop for just a few minutes & jot down what it feels like to be dong it all again.

It feels . . . WONDERFUL!

I'm so tired . . . but so at peace! (just like when I traveled for Nicholas).

I know in my heart, my core being that creating my family through international adoption is what I am supposed to do! No doubt about it! However, it does require a strength that goes beyond the everyday, it is not easy . . . it is extremely difficult at times.

The WAIT for both of my children HAS seemed ENDLESS, but I knew down deep inside that I had not been brought this far to stop. And, over the 15 months of wait for Nicholas (in 2004) & now 3.5 years of wait for Sweet Pea, I have learned that I have to be willing to humbly accept if a different outcome becomes the obvious direction. I had to "give up" the dream to finally receive! I learned that Flexibility is key & Faith is mandatory!

Difficult as it is . . . I wouldn't want it any other way! The JOY of my family is just so much sweeter because of the endurance, perseverance & tenancity required.

So, now on to the final packing . . . How about a little contest - Once packed, how much to you think Sweet Pea's suitcase weighs????? Below is the "pile" that (yes) went into her suitcase. And, yes, it ALL fit!!! LOL!

All 3 of us (Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea), almost packed & ready to go!!!

However, the MOST important item in our luggage that we couldn't possibly leave behind . . . Sweet Pea's Dossier!!!

:)