I have finally made it to the day before leaving. The last 2 weeks have been a blur of shopping, to do lists, packing, and more to do lists. Getting ready to leave the country for 3.5 weeks is kind of overwhelming by itself. Add to that all that is necessary for the adoption (paperwork etc.) and things for Abby and well, you start to get an idea. :-) As I have said so many times before - it is worth every second. I simply can not wait until I can hold her for the first time!!!! Some people go through a delivery in a hospital and I am going through a delivery of a different kind. Actually I think the real delivery will be the 30 hour trip home. :-) Only, I'm guessing the flight attendants won't be giving me an epidural.

I was finally able to get almost everything in my bags last night. When I say almost everything, that does not include the extensive list of things I have already deemed must stay home. I am down to the absolute basics now as to what I am taking with me.

I am traveling alone on this trip. Many families have travel partners but I will be the only person from my agency in Uralsk. I am not worried about this as I have heard only the best about the in country facilitators who will be taking care of me. And there will be other families in Almaty when I am there with Abby (for the last week in January). Who knows, I may come back preferring Russian television. I have heard that Oprah speaking Russian is about all anyone really needs for entertainment. We'll see.

For those of you who are interested, my schedule is as follows:
Jan. 5 – Fly to Frankfurt for a few hours layover and then fly to Almaty.
Jan. 6 – Arrive in Almaty
Jan. 8 – Fly to Uralsk (where Abby is!)
Jan. 21 – Tentative court date
Jan. 21 – Fly with Abby to Almaty
Jan. 28 – Fly back to Frankfurt for a few hours and then fly to Atlanta!!!

Also, if you would like to email me while I am out of the country, I will be using gayla059@yahoo.com. I would love to hear from anyone (especially in English). :-)

Alright - I need to get back to packing and organizing my paperwork. I will try to post at least one more time before leaving tomorrow. Have a great Sunday!