ohmygosh ohmygosh!!

I still have SO MUCH to do!! We had our final travel meeting with our agency this evening and I am methodically checking things off my list, but I still have quite a way to go.

We had a whirlwind of a weekend with five soccer games and our neighborhood yard sale. Let me tell you about this yard sale -- it was AMAZING!! I received so many donations from family and friends; I'm talking a garage packed full of boxes and bags -- clothing, housewares, furniture, linens, electronics. You name it, we had it! I can't believe I didn't take any photos but I was a little overwhelmed by the site of it all.

I started organizing and pricing Friday afternoon and envisioned an all-nighter. To the rescue came my good friend Holly. Truly, I don't know how I would have managed without her. She stopped by to deliver some goods for the sale and stayed until nearly 11pm helping me organize and price -- she was a machine and a TRUE friend!! Thank you, Holly, from the bottom of my heart.

We raised over $1,600!! Can you believe it?!?!? That more than covers the increase in airfare and hotel accommodations we are incurring because we are travelling by ourselves and thus, didn't qualify for the group discounts. God is so good and we are blessed by the generosity of our family and friends. I was exhausted Saturday evening -- wheelin' and dealin' is hard work! Jennifer and Tim, who are adopting a little girl from Guatemala, came by Saturday evening and loaded up everything that was left for their yard sale next month -- good luck guys! So after I cleaned up, I showered, got in my pjs and was in bed by 9pm. Not a single piece of luggage packed (sigh).

But on Sunday, I packed Oakley's bag, organized all of our medications (we look like a pharmacy), and created my packing list, which I will post upon completion. I spent most of this evening getting schedules, contact lists, medical release forms, and notices to the schools mapped out for Sullivan and Hagan, who will be staying home with family and friends while we travel to bring their little sister home.

So, for all of those who want to follow along, here's the Curd Family Travel Agenda. We are so excited, nervous, anxious, elated .... there's a lot of emotions going on over here!

Thursday, May 24
We begin our journey to China at 5:50am!

Friday, May 25
Arrive in Beijing at 1:45pm and check into our hotel, the Temple of Heaven Beijing (Zhongcheng Holiday Inn)

Saturday, May 26
Have breakfast at the hotel
Tour Tian An Men Square, Forbidden City and Great Wall
Fly to Fuzhou and check into Lakeside Hotel

Sunday, May 27
Have breakfast at the hotel
Meet Oakley at 3:30pm!!!

Monday, May 28
Bus to Civil Affairs office for registration

Tuesday, May 29
Shopping and visit Xichan Temple

Wednesday, May 30
Bus to Fuzhou Zoo

Thursday, May 31
Bus to a forest park

Friday, June 1
Fly to Guangzhou and check into the White Swan Hotel

Saturday, June 2
Have breakfast at the hotel
Take Oakley's visa photo
Oakley's medical check-up

Sunday, June 3
Go to church

Monday, June 4
Tw0-hour river cruise

Tuesday, June 5
Bus to US consulate to take the oath
Prepare passport

Wednesday, June 6
5am Wake-up Call
Fly to Hong Kong
Fly back to States
ARRIVE HOME WITH OAKLEY!!

For those of you who know Michael, did you notice how many bus trips we'll be taking? Do you remember how carsick he gets in a vehicle if he's not driving? I bought lots of Dramamine, which will unfortunately, completely knock him out. But I figure I'd rather have him comatose than heaving out a window. Poor guy .... it's going to be interesting, to say the least.

PLEASE keep us in your prayers as we prepare for the journey of a lifetime. And say special prayers for Sullivan and Hagan, who are both trying really hard to be brave and understanding!!