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We have been waiting for weeks now with the evaluations that allow us to say "Yes!  We want them!" and submit our letter of intent.  It seems so silly.  Waiting for these documents when we already know we want to bring them home.  Yet, here we are... still waiting.  Maybe today will be the day.  I admit, I am very excited to get some current information on our daughters.  I can't wait to pour over the pages and learn more about them. 

We spent the past two weeks updating doctor clearances and re-submitting FBI clearances.  I met with a foreign travel specialist and got some great tips as well as info on immunizations.  Brian and I got immunized for Hep A and B.  I went to the eye doctor because I glasses prescription was very old and needed adjusted (hence the headaches when I read too long).  Just the beginning of a long list of things to do before we go.  So much planning.

After talking to our agency yesterday, we are expecting closer to mid-July for travel.  Could it happen quicker?  YES!  Once these evaluations come in, it is all up to ICBF (Colombian Child Services).  It could take 2 weeks or it could take 8 (or possibly longer I suppose, but we won't worry about what that would mean) for them to do what they have to do.  Then another 4-6 weeks till travel. 

We are SOOOOO ready emotionally... financially?... ummmmm, not so much!  Our agency is saying they are going to charge an extra $7,000 over what we were told.  We are trying to work that out, but as of right now, our second grant will not be able to help pay for any of our travel and in country fees.  Please pray for us.  Pray that our fundraising is HUGE over the next month or so and that we receive another grant to help us go to Colombia and bring them home.  It's not just about the trip, there are significant fees in country... legal, medical, agency.  We appreciate your prayers and know God funds what He favors. 

We did find out something cool yesterday.  When we first found our girls on the waiting list we were told by that agency they were in Boyacá, which is a rural department (think small state) up in the Andes Mountains a few hours from Bogota.  When they were transferred to our agency, we were told no, that they would go through the Bogota courts.  This was unwelcome news for a couple reasons.  One (and most importantly), Bogota has the longest wait time generally.  While Bogota courts may take 6-8 weeks to complete the process, many of the smaller regions only take 2-3 weeks (which means total in country time of a month or so).  We are praying Boyacá will be one of those!  While we are looking forward to our time in Colombia, 2 months seems a little overwhelming, especially because Brian can't stay nearly that long.  The other good is that the town of Tunja is closer to the size of Evansville, IN vs Bogota which is the size of NYC.  It has a low crime rate, is beautiful and very historic, and is probably much more my speed.  There are numerous small cities and villages within easy driving distance (we will be provided a driver) and many interesting things to see and do.  Because it is rural, we will have to be careful, but Boyacá is known for being a safe department for travel, and we feel really blessed our girls are there.  We will still spend our last week in Bogota for embassy and medical clearances, but I am so excited we will get to experience some of the amazing culture while visiting.  Check it out:  http://www.colombia.travel/en/international-tourist/vacations-holidays-where-to-go/boyaca

I know many of you think of us and wonder what is going on.  It's a day by day process with many unexpected bumps and hurdles.  It is never cut and dry or black and white.  We spend our days doing what we can to meet the next goal or cross the next line in the sand... and sometimes, more often that not, we just wait.  We are almost there now. 

If you want to help support us, please PRAY!!!  Pray for our family and the girls to have open hearts ready for bonding.  Pray our agency acts truly on our behalf and the behalf of our girls.  Pray that both governments move quickly and find no fault with our documents that slow us down.  Pray that the needed funds are available when the time comes.  Pray we stay strong, work hard, and never let the evil one take the joy of the journey from us.  If you want to help more, we would be blessed by your love and support.  You can help financially by going to www.dogwoodcove.com/adopt (our address is listed there too).  Or you can help by planning a fundraiser on our behalf.  Or you can help by posting about our adoption and spreading the word.  We thank you for every prayer and every minute our family is in your thoughts.   Hugs Everyone!