I'm Not Ready For This!

We are so close to being able to claim the full amount of our matched donations!  Only $286 and we get the FULL $1500!  

This is awesome!

Last night I received a $30 donation from someone I've never met before.  Included with their generous donation was this message:

"Each year for Christmas our children buy small gifts for each other. This year they've agreed to forgo those and help your family. Bless you and your open hearts!"

I'm not ashamed to admit that this sweet note caused my eyes to tear up a bit.  It was very touching to hear that somewhere there are children sacrificing for the good of Albina, Alina and Maks.  It is so humbling to be a part of this process and see the many acts of kindness and amazing sacrifices that so many are making and continue to make to help these orphans get home.  And in spite of the evil and crazy violence in the world, I am blessed to be able to see lots and lots of goodness because of this journey I'm on.  So...

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE OPENED YOUR HEARTS TO OUR CAUSE!!!  YOU ARE SAVING CHILDREN, AND WE ARE SO GRATEFUL!!!

Unfortunately there is no other update yet.  We are still waiting, and waiting, and waiting to hear from Ukraine.  It's getting more and more difficult to stay positive.  I'm not sleeping much at night since recently we learned that the invitation is likely to come to my email.  I wake all through the night and check my email: hoping and praying that it has arrived!  But nothing yet.

This morning I realized that if I'm still here for Christmas that I AM NOT READY AT ALL!

It's going to be a different Christmas for us this year.  I'll have to come up with some creative ideas for celebration.  Perhaps we'll spend the day volunteering somewhere?  Or maybe we'll go and  sing and perform for the beautiful men and women at a nearby Assisted Living Facility?

Regardless, I suppose I need to start thinking about how we're going to spend our Christmas day.  In truth, these different ways of celebrating are quite exciting to me!  However, I'm still saddened by the thought that I will have to wait to go to Ukraine.  :-(  (I had really hoped to be volunteering my time in a different way this Christmas).

Maybe it'll happen.  I mean, there's always a chance for a miracle, right?