In the last few days, we have been getting some interesting questions from friends, family, and blog readers, about how we are preparing for what will be a life changing trip to Ethiopia. We (Hilary, almost entirely) has been slowly but surely building up an inventory of stuff we will be taking with us as we prepare for the "long stay" in Ethiopia. In future days, we will probably post our list of items. This list is an accumulation of reviewing other lists, and then adding to make it our own.
Here are some pictures of some items that we have already purchased and gathered together (for those who care :) )
(don't mind my foot in the pic above, but yes, it will join us in Ethiopia as well)
So, much of this stuff is ready to go. Now the question is whether we have thought sufficiently of everything in preparation of this trip. How will we entertain the girls for those long flights, those many days, and weeks in Ethiopia? Will we be able to get all of the stuff we want/need into 4 suitcases to get to Ethiopia (I suppose we will probably be allowed 8 suitcases on the way back since we will be 4 travelers, so coming back should be easier)? So many questions, and things to prepare for...
Now all we need is a date to prepare for!
So readers (adoptive parents and everyone else), anything in these pictures surprise you? Anything that you think is overkill? We will try and post a list in the next few days, so you can get an even better idea just how loaded down we will be on our way there.
Looks like you are well prepared! I think you may have a few too many hair scrunchies, though. Unless you plan to entertain the girls by letting them do Sheldon's hair?
ReplyDeleteI believe the thinking here is that they are light, and worst case scenario we can donate them to the orphanage if there are just too many... That being said, knowing my ability to lose things, we may just barely have enough :)
ReplyDeleteHow long will you be in Ethiopia? I can't really imagine how I'd pack for an extended stay in a foreign country! Will your precious girls be living with you the entire time? I am praying you won't have to wait much longer!!
ReplyDeleteWe do not know how long we will be there. If all goes according to plan, and we pass court on the first try, we would be able to immediately have the girls with with us. We may delay that by a few days to get a few other things taken care of before. After court, we are waiting for visa's for the girls. I think this wait can be anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months. Our expectation is 8 weeks, but we have been planning for longer if needed.
DeleteThe wrench in the plans come if we fail to pass court on the first try. If that occurs, we may come home, and wait until passing court before heading back out there to get our girls.
Wow, so much uncertainty. I will continue to pray for patience as you wait on God's perfect timing, and peace while you persevere.
DeleteI think you guys have done a great job! You'll always wonder if you've thought of absolutely everything, but as long as you have the basics & essentials you'll be able to make do!
ReplyDeleteI think that it looks great!!! Its such a great feeling to start getting ready. Praying for that letter!!!!
ReplyDeleteIs there a camera in any of those pictures??? You will want to snap lots of photos!!
ReplyDeleteoops! I was signed in with Kiandra's account. That was me that commented about the camera.
ReplyDeleteSoup is a great idea! Also, when I was sick, I was so grateful for my cups of applesauce! You look so prepared! I am praying it is your week!
ReplyDelete