Well today is the day we pick up Tonya. We will be leaving in a few hours for Logan Airport (Boston) where she and the other “New England children” will be landing. As instructed by the agency, we have prepared a “gift backpack” for her containing a collection of fun & personal items that should appeal to a little girl (a brush, comb, nail polish, grooming kit, toothbrush, games… and an adorable stuffed cat with a broad happy smile). Jo and I have decided to kennel our two dogs tonight so they won’t be left in the house alone all day. We really don’t want Tonya’s first impression of our home to include “dog mess” on the floor! I will be leaving to do that as soon as I publish this post.
There are 2 dampers on what should otherwise be one of the most exciting days of our lives:
- Our niece, Lexi, has been in the hospital for more than 6 weeks fighting cancer. She is currently in Boston Children’s Hospital and receiving excellent care. We are going to try and visit her on our way to the airport if she is up for it.
- I was laid off this morning, along with all of my work companions. The company’s severance package has all the compassion of “walking the plank”. Unbelievable. If I do not find work within a few weeks, Tonya may have done better staying at the orphanage.
But alas, Jo and I have to compartmentalize all of these things so they do not interfere with Tonya. I really don’t want her first impression of America to be, “They sure cry a lot over there”. Perhaps it is fortunate that we are not allowed to drink alcohol in front of Tonya because the idea sounds mighty tempting right about now.
Anyway… we have to bring the dogs to the kennel and do a final house cleanup. We should have a lot of pictures to post shortly, and some more interesting blog entries!
PS – Please Pray for us!
