Christmas, Adoption, Prayers and the Next Trip

My Christmas was fine. I know, I can't stand it when people use that word. But it's the word that fits. I had a truly wonderful time with my family. A little food, a few presents, and a lot of laughs. (Dawn and Kineta - it was not enough time!!)

My mind constantly wandered off to Haiti. What were the babies doing? How was the staff celebrating? I was told the kids celebrated Christmas on Monday the 26th. Nikki was overwhelmed at the amount of presents that were sent down. She said it was far beyond what she ever expected. It took 5 volunteers 2 full days to wrap the presents. You all provided a very Merry Christmas for the babies!

I'm sure she'll upload the pictures when she's got a spare moment. They have 48! babies right now, so she's extremely busy. I'll let you all know as soon as I've got access to the pictures.

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Adoption Update
Jason and I had a paperwork meeting on Wednesday with our home study agency. We accomplished so much in that hour. It felt really good. And yet, there is still so much more to do.

Right now our biggest challenge is money. The home study is going to cost us $3,430. That's just the fees I know about at this point. My dear husband is a bit freaked out about that cost. (Oh honey, that's just the TIP of the iceberg!!) I'm happy to put it on my Discover, but he's not to thrilled about that idea. I need to send him to Haiti for a week. He'll 'get it' then! It's just money...

Once we have a completed home study I'll be able to apply for adoption grants. I'm trying to negotiate with him. Cough up the 3 grand right now, and I'll take care of the rest. He's not an easy one to negotiate with. But there are two people in this process, and we need to have an agreement along the way.

Just imagine another sweet face added to this picture!

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Pray, Pray, Pray
For those of you out there who are prayer warriors for the babies, please send up some extra prayers for the newborn we're trying to get up here for surgery. He's been admitted to the hospital in Milot with possible meningitis. My heart breaks when I think about his parents who are doing everything they can to save him.

Please send up extra prayers for this little guy!

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The next trip
I sent an email to Jamie yesterday to start talking dates. I'm committed to getting another trip in before we are assigned our little girl. That means late June/early July. If you are seriously considering joining me, please send me an email and let me know your availability. I'm going to confirm dates with him soon! karen.gigure@yahoo.com