Look! We did it!

I know not everything on this blog is updated (yet) but suffice to say, we are pleased and excited to announce that we reached every goal set for us.  In the process, we were able to help another family (and working on helping another!)  That is how we pay our blessing forward and spread the provision that has been offered to our family. 

We will be able to rest knowing that our adoption, through matching grants and funds, will be covered.  This does not mean that our family will not spend more money.  It does, however, mean that the calculated funds we've determined are necessary for this adoption have been provided.

Later today, we will END our giveaway and draw names through random.org.  Please stay tuned as we give out the prizes we've accumulated!  That is always an exciting part! 

Thank you for your shares and prayers and thoughts.  We couldn't be more grateful to our friends, who guided us, and all who donated and shared.  Two weeks from now we board a plane to meet a child whose condition continues to worsen and who needs to immediately be redeemed.  One area of deep concern is his eyesight.  Based on the videos and information we have, there are real concerns that his visual impairment is greater than we originally estimated.  His eyes were supposed to be patched for a long time, but they have never been, and our international pediatrician is concerned that he may be partially blind - or worse.  Also, he was reported to be "walking", however the video we have of him doesn't show him actually walking independently.  His physical condition appears somewhat improved in terms of nutrition, but it is not where it needs to be quite yet.  Though he is not one of the emaciated and neglected on the top floor of this horrendous orphanage, we can no longer accurately classify him as a "mild special needs" child.  His needs fall into a higher category and may not be correctable in some cases. 

This is why it is so important for us to work quickly, and the funds we've raised will help us to do that.  There is a surgeon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that has some success with severe nystagmus and that may be a route we must follow.  It may be too late to rescue some of the eyesight he's likely lost, but there may be time to save some of it. 

In two weeks, we will meet the child we expect to call our son, and we cannot thank everyone enough for...well...EVERYTHING.

Please stay tuned for THE WINNERS!