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Ava is home! Naturally, Kari is itching to get back to her crafts, and now she has a new model! Continue to check out her blog to see the latest and greatest.

We now have a blog devoted to Kari's fundraising crafts! Please take a moment to browse the website and, if you like what you see, share this new blog with your friends and family! http://avaadoptionfundraising.blogspot.com/

Friday, February 27, 2009

Preparing for our trip to bring Ava home...



Now that we are certain to be leaving soon, the last minute preparations begin. We have had plenty of time to think about traveling considering that we have been in this last phase of the process for 6 long months. Over the last year and half we have collected several toys, dolls, blankets, etc. and are now deciding what to bring and what to leave here. We have decided to wrap some of the special items so that Ava can open them and hopefully realize that they belong to her. Can you imagine a three year old child who has never in her life had a toy or item of her very own? We are told that if we don't bring clothes to the orphanage on the day she leaves, she would leave completely naked and without a single thing. We are also preparing picture cards with images of basic needs; a bed, food, toilet, etc. so that she can use them to communicate her needs to us. Thanks for the encouraging comments on our blog. We love reading them and are thankful that so many of you are going on this journey with us!
~ Notice Zoe is the back of the picture going through Ava's toy box. This is sure to soon be the story of our life. Zoe has only child syndrome pretty badly.

6 comments:

Kelly Vroman said...

BEST BLOG YOU HAVE WRITTEN!!! I AM SO EXCITED for you guys! I didn't realize you knew which beautiful child you were getting! I can't wait for you to get her home and post pictures! Lucky you and Lucky her!

Lou Ann said...

How exciting for all of you!! It's wonderful that you know her age and I hope you have a picture you can keep close to your hearts until you can hold her in your arms.

Safe travels!
Lou Ann & Lexie too

PS- Toys, bring lots of toys. They are VERY expensive over there and I found children's clothes to be very affordable and very cute.

Lyle and Darcy said...

We have been in Kyzylorda since Feb 12. Wouldn't that be funny if this is where you are headed? Please let us know. We are so happy for you. Safe travels in meeting your daughter. We have finished bonding with our 19-month old boy. He's a dream!

qmiller said...

So happy to see that you're in the final stages of getting ready to meet your daughter! I'm looking forward to following you through text and pictures back to KAZ!
Much Happiness--
Quaintance

Becki Stone said...

Yeah! How exciting! I LOVE her room!

pam said...

We can't wait to get to know Ava and do all of those fun things grandparents get to do! We are praying for a safe trip, without any road blocks! We love you and can't wait to hear the news when you are in Kazakhstan.
Mimi and Papa