I received a gift a few days ago that brought tears to my eyes. We know a college student (who obviously doesn't have much money) who regularly contributes as she can to our boy's homecoming. She has a big ole heart for the orphan and puts it into practical action. This time her little sister watched as she was putting her gift into an envelope for us. This little girl is only six, but was herself an orphan just a little over a year ago and knows first hand how great it is to have a family who loves her. When she figured out what her sister was doing, she insisted that she wanted to contribute too. So she took money out of her own savings and gave it to us to help get Isaac home. Folks, that is GOLD! The amount given by these two girls isn't large in the world's eyes. But the spirit in which it was given, and the sacrifice it represents touched me so much. They truly illustrated Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Thank you, girls! May God bless you richly for the care and love you've shown to our Isaac.
This last week has been a very busy one. The unexpected arrival of the hard copy of our LOA last Monday triggered a flurry of activity. It apparently took our agency by surprise also as our referral paperwork wasn't even here yet! They like to have it completed, notarized and returned to them by the time our LOA is issued. Ethan took a half day off work on Tuesday so we could complete these very important papers, and over night them to our agency.
Perhaps the most important of the bunch was the i800 immigrations forms. These set in process our intention to declare Isaac - specifically - as our immediate relative. The i800 was sent on its way from our agency on Wednesday, and so we wait - again! Most people have the approval in about two weeks. It took nearly a month last year with our girls (we've never been the "average" wait time where USCIS is involved), so I'm not counting on that two week timetable. But, hopefully we'll have an approval in a few weeks, anyway. Once that approval is received our Article 5 paperwork is initiated at the National Visa Center. We are getting down to the last few steps!
Since our LOA has been issued, our agency now allows us to send a care package. I'm trying to gather photos (and my thoughts) to send Isaac a letter. BUT, I really want to include a photo of his room. So this week has also included a lot of moving things OUT of the guest room to prepare it for Isaac. I am finished painting, but there is still lots of work to do. Maybe I'd better send a letter and photos now and again later?
Another thing back in the works (finally!) is the ramp. We waited literally for weeks for the county to come to inspect the holes that were dug for the posts that will support the ramp. Then our area was hit with REALLY cold weather. I got a phone call this morning that the crew is coming tomorrow to pour the concrete and set the posts. Yay! All around, there is steady progress towards Isaac's homecoming. I can hardly wait!
