We're Going to Latvia!

So, where were we? Ok, we received the e-mail from the Ministry in Latvia giving us rights to adopt a girl age 7-11 years. On Wednesday we received another one describing Gertrude as the girl they had available for us, and we replied that we accept. Then yesterday, Oct. 27, Agnese e-mailed us our court dates---my birthday was the 26th so this was a great present! We have dates of Nov. 13 and Nov. 24, which is excellent. This means we will only have to be there 2 weeks total. Usually the court dates are exactly 2 weeks apart, so you end up being gone over 2 1/2 weeks. Tena will only miss 8 days of school, when we originally thought she might miss 3 weeks. This is because one of the weeks we are there is Thanksgiving week, when she doesn't have school anyway, and our court dates are 3 days closer together than we thought . Scott will only miss 2 weeks of work. It is really working out well. We found airfare on Travelocity and for all three of us we are only spending $2,300.00 It might sound like a lot but the fares seem to be generally closer to $1.000 each so I think we made out. We are a little concerned about where we are staying, however. Our attorney has found a place for us that is suitable and sounds nice but you never know. We know of 2 places that are decent (one that is actually "nice") that others have stayed in but may not be available. So, who knows what we'll be looking at? We hope to have internet access but not sure of that either. It is much easier to communicate that way we have been told.

Tomorrow we will call Gertrude and tell her we will be there on the 10th and she will stay with us. I have been told she will not have to go to school during that time so we will have her with us all day! We are happy for that for 2 reasons..we get to spend more time with her, and we don't have to go through the hassle of getting her to/from school every day. Transportation there is not nearly as convenient as it is in the U.S. and it could be a real bear taking her and picking her up every day.

We're excited to see Gertrude and the place she has called home for the last five years. Also to meet her half-sister. This will be an interesting experience in this country. The stories we have heard are amazing...I get the feeling we'll have a good time but will be very ready to come home after the 2 weeks! So, lots to do to get ready to go and not much time to do it in. Better get busy!