Rescuing Victoria

Dear Victoria,

Don't worry little girl, we haven't forgotten about you, not for one second.  In fact we are thinking and praying about/for you more than ever.  It's hard not being able to just come to you.  Knowing that we have done everything we can up to this point and are just waiting is not easy.  I've been working REALLY hard at being extremely frugal and saving saving saving.  I've been making meal plans every week so that we eat at home and save money.  Whenever I want to buy something that we don't NEED right now, I look at your beautiful picture and am reminded that it can wait.  I was so proud of myself today as I went to Wal-mart to get the weekly groceries and only spent $26.00 and didn't buy anything that wasn't on my list.  I think that is a first!

We pray every day that things will get moving along in your city so that we can make that first trip soon to come and meet you.  There are lots of people out there praying for you.  Your picture sits on top of the fire place and we look at it all the time.  When I'm playing with your sisters I look up and try to imagine what it will be like when you are here playing with us.

People often ask me what happens next, so I'll try to explain it as best as I can.  Once our paperwork is submitted to your country they will give us your referral, then we will get more information about you, like your medical history, whatever information they have about your family history and hopefully more pictures of you.  When we get the referral we will be given our first travel date.  We will have about 2 weeks to book our flights, lodging and get visa's.  Then we will spend about a week in your country meeting with you at your orphanage for a visit each day and also meeting with people in your country.

Then we come home and wait for a court date.  That can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks or so.  We will then fly back to your country for about a week and go before a judge to plead our case to adopt you.  From what I understand special needs adoptions are still fairly new in your country and its hard for them to understand why we would go through so much to adopt a child that isn't "perfect" in their eyes.  I just wish they knew what we know, that you are the definition of perfection.  If the judge rules in our favor, then you will be ours.  We will have to wait 30 days until we can bring you back home with us, so once again we will have to fly back home without you.  After the 30 day waiting period we will be able to come back and get you, bring you home and have you with us forever.

It will be hard to be away from your sisters for those three trips, but we just have to remember that it will be worth it when we have you home with us.  We know Heavenly Father will watch over all of us and help things workout the way they are suppose to.  We are getting close, I can just feel it!

Love Mommy

P.S.  Thank you to everyone that participated in our fundraiser and those of you who have been donating to our account.  Every little bit helps and we are truly humbled by your generosity to help us bring Victoria home.  We also appreciate the prayers that are said on our behalves.  It means so much to us to have your support.