And We're Off!

We're packed, sorted, sorted and packed.  Weighed suitcases and weighed again.  Shifted and weighed some more.  We actually have fairly small suitcases, for which I'm thankful, because they only weigh 40, 30, 24 and 20 lbs.

It's going to be so easy to come home!  I bet we can fit everything into only one suitcase!

Daisy pointed out, while we were weighing suitcases, that she would be too heavy to check through.  Guess she won't be stowing away!

Sunshine has the calendar I made for him memorized.  He knows exactly who is caring for him each day and what they will be doing.

Right now I'm showered and ready to go and playing dolls with Sunshine.

Some last minute donations:
Thanks to
Brack & Amy
Dawn & Tim
Blake & Michele

Last, But Not Least: Rachel

Almost-9 year old Rachel has had quite a life.  She came to Sarah with a broken leg which had been improperly repaired and improperly cared for.  The leg was in a cast and it was swollen, misshapen, infected and really a mess.  Because of her rough experiences, Rachel is very fearful--of new things, of people, even of what we might consider unreasonable things (puppets, dogs on TV)  Although heaven knows, I've always thought puppets were creepy, myself.

Rachel does not have any learning challenges, other than orphanage delays (meaning she is behind only because she was never taught anything).  She does have some other health issues which prevent her from going to school right now, but Sarah is hopeful that she will be enrolled in school soon.

Rachel loves dolls, her toy cell phone, jewlery....she sounds like a girly-girl to me!

She loves to imitate English and picks up on sign-language easily.  She'll be a fun challenge to reach, with her insecurities, but I look forward to trying.  I think once she warms up to us, she'l have a blast in our group.  I hope we don't scare her off the first day!

Rose Bud's Travel Tip #2

"More people are killed in donkey attacks than in plane crashes each year."


(not sure where she gets her data, but that sounds reassuring. I think)

It's All Chaos Now

Everything is just a jumble and a blur.

What cards to bring?  AAA?  Driver's license?  Credit? Debit?  Medical card?

How many batteries?

How heavy is my bag?

Where is my passport?  (kidding.  I know that)

Statue tickets.

Plane tickets

Did I pack a brush?

Where are my shoes?

What if I forget my shoes?

Where is my plane outfit?

Socks!  I forgot socks!

How many meds should go in my carry-on?

How early to the airport?

I'm getting a cold.

And RoseBud's Travel Tip #1:  Never shout "MOMMMMMM!" in the airport.  It rhymes with a security no-no word.

Presenting Paula!

Paula is one of the smiliest little girls!  She always has a huge grin on her face in her pictures.  Paula is 8 1/2 years old.

Paula does not have any cognitive disabilities, but she does have delays in her learning from never having had an opportunity for education before she came to Sarah.

She has cerebral palsy and some issues (not yet resolved, nor clear) with her legs that keep her from walking, so she is a crawler for now.  Sarah fully expects her to be able to walk someday, with treatment.

Paula loves to do artwork and is very gentle and happy.

NO MORE ROOM!!!

Must. Not. Add. Anything. Else.

The suitcases are F-U-L-L!

Not too heavy, just full.

One more last-minute shopping foray tonight. 

10 Kool-aid packets for making playdough.  $3 (that's rounded up just to make things easier)  If you've never made your playdough using kool-aid, you are missing out!

The colors--So Rich!

The scent--Way Better than wet salt and flour! 

Just dump one packet of unsweetened kool-aid in with your water before you mix it with your salt and flour (I actually use the cooked oil/cream of tartar recipe for playdough--it's not as gritty)

Beautiful!

I don't plan to make 10 batches when I am there; maybe just one or two.  But I will leave the extras.

I also bought a few random craft supplies.  Did I mention that Sarah sent our schedule and Rose Bud and I will be working with our kids for EIGHT hours each day.

Eeep.

So I picked up a couple of extras to fill some time, if we need it.  Pipe cleaners, pony beads, balloons, a skein of yarn, and straws.  $28 (the beads were expensive).

And now the suitcases are full.  No room! 

I feel like the innkeeper.

Toothbrushes!

Today was our semi-annual dentist extravaganza.  All 7 of us go at once.  Mr. GT starts us out first thing in the morning, then dashes back to work.  Rose Bud went next and Nonny very graciously agreed to drive in separately and dash RB back to school.  Nonny also graciously agreed to take Sunshine after his cleaning back to her house.  Sunshine and the dentist's office are just not a good match.  Too much expensive equipment for him to finger.

Anyway, following all that, the other 3 needed x-rays and sealants and I finally got my turn.  Through it all, we talked about everything with our sweet hygienist, Linda.  Linda and her husband, Dr. Dan have been my dentist pair for almost 20 years.  Early on I converted Mr. GT to their office and when my mom moved here, sent her there as well.

It's sort of a family affair.

And now they see all of our kids.

Anywho, we talked about the trip, a lot, and at the end, Linda said, "Oh, and before I forget, I have some toothbrushes for you.  You can fit in some toothbrushes, can't you?"  Wow!  I didn't even ask for anything and never thought about toothbrushes!

So I will be coming 36 toothbrushes heavier to India.

Also thanks to
Roger
Sandy & John
Cindy & Alan
David & Heidi
Luann & Barney