Travel Approval
March 30, 2006
Today we received our Travel Approval (TA) from China. This is exciting news because it means we'll be traveling soon.
It looks like we will be leaving for China on about May 5th, so it's time to get serious about the packing list and other things we need to get in order before we leave.
I've had several people ask me about the financial responsibilities facing us, so I thought I would share that with all of you:
- Adoption Agency Fee: (Balance) $2,000
- Travel Costs (Hotel, Airfare, Tips, etc.): $7,000
- Donation to Orphanage: $3,000
- Paperwork (Civil Affairs, Passport for Grace, Consulate): $1,500
I must say that paying our utility bill causes far more anxiety than writing checks to get our girl. I've asked some people how much they would pay to ransom one of their children. Of course, they reply that the sky's the limit. So when you think about the total cost of this rescue mission, it really isn't all that much.
Prayer Requests
- Please continue to pray for Grace that she will remain safe and that those who are watching over her will care for her with kind and gentle attention.
- I put my car up for sale last week in order to free up some money. Please pray that it would sell. (If you're interested in a 2001 Diesel Jetta, let me know:)
- Please pray for the various arrangements we need to make to prepare for travel.
God has been gracious to us with a dear friend who is willing to fly from her home in Illinois to serve as our nanny while we are away. She is sacrificing two weeks of her busy life to stay with our children. I praise God for her demonstration of service on our behalf. We are humbled.
