Delayed in The Dells

We had been planning this vacation for almost a year. So when we were notified that our travel date had been pushed back (and, as of 2 days ago, pushed back even more), we were devastated.

The bright spot in all of this: we got to go to The Dells!

Every year my parents have treated the entire Belin crew to a few days of fun. Past years have included Sea World, Disney, North Carolina and this year we added Wisconsin to the list.

July marks the 1 year anniversary of our move to Fargo (and the McDaniels' move to Chicago). We wanted to explore the Midwest this time around and found a touristy spot between our new locations.

Enter:

Water park capital of the Midwest - pools, water slides, wave pools, nightly story time - we did it all. A few side adventures included a Horse Carriage Ride and trip to the Country Bumpkin Farm Market. If you are ever in the area with littles, we highly recommend both.

Bummed our trip to Hungary is delayed, pumped we got to spend such special time with family.

In adoption-related news, we finally received the official referral! We are still waiting for a few more medical documents to be translated which has moved the new travel date (God-willing) to mid-August. I will keep you all posted!

One Week

We are traveling in One Week! 

Yesterday we finally received the go-ahead to look for plane tickets. It. Is. Happening! I feel like my mind cannot catch up with the pace of action.

The plan is to drive to Chicago on Friday (July 20), spend the day with my parents and sister on Saturday (July 21), fly on Sunday (July 22) and arrive in Budapest on Monday (July 23). If all goes according to plan, we should return to the States during the first week of September.

These past few days, Angel and I have contacted grant organizations to follow-up (more on that in a moment). I have tried to get the kids school supply shopping out of the way since they will have to miss the first week, maybe two weeks, of school. Everybody got a haircut. 

Here is Addy with her new haircut.

I finished decorating the kids' rooms. The boys will share the bunk beds and Addy will have a room to herself (she is excited about this)

I made a picture book for Tomas of our family to be sent before we arrive, but now I wonder...will it even make it in time? Also, we have divvied up household tasks for our church's community group. They will get the mail, take care of our dog, and water our plants while we are out of country.

With friends from church taking care of our home, my sweet tomato plants now have a chance. I may yet see them again!

With One Week to go, the final countdown has begun! In addition to all the details that come with a growing family (such as me realizing - I have to put another car seat in the van!), God is graciously bringing in the funds we still need.

Before travel - we need to pay $12,500. This covers the Hungarian side of the process: paperwork, translators, official documents, transportation, medical exams, lodging for our family, government fees, and so forth. Here is a breakdown of where we stand.

$3,000 from a good friend of my sister's (cue: crying eyes. We cannot believe the generosity. Thank you, thank you!)

We're now at $9,500. 

A friend from church (and fellow adoptive Mom) set up a GoFundMe account for our family (cue: more tears). Friends and family have generously donated $570 (as of this posting). Thank you, thank you!

A sweet friend from college surprised us with a $250 check in the mail. Whaaatt???!!! (tears...again) More thanks!

We're now at $8,680

Today we received a call from a grant for which we had applied and they are giving us $4,000! (bring on the waterworks)

We're now at $4,680 with One Week to go!

We are awed, humbled, and amazed. Thank you, God and thank you, friends and family. We appreciate every like, posting, retweet, share, prayer, and donation. ❤

Update - Sunday, July 15

My parents called yesterday (Saturday) to tell us they are bringing a $1,000 check from some of their friends. (We are now officially in shock!) 

Caleb brought me $11.27 from his piggy bank to help "pay for Tomas" because "he loves me very much" and I am a blubbering mess.

My sister called a consignment store in Mississippi where they had left some clothes before moving to Chicago. She's giving us the $40 in their account. (#superawesomesista)


We're now at $3,628.73 with 6 days to go.

Today at church a friend from our community group handed us an envelope from an anonymous someone with $500 inside. (My reaction: speechless)

I just received an email from our Adopttogether Website another donation has been made for $500. (Angel's reaction: Someone is now Tomas's godmother! #youknowwhoyouare #catholicbackground)

We're now at $2,628.73 with 5 days to go.

Soli Deo gloria ♡