DTC

For those of you who don't know what DTC stands for, it is DOSSIER TO CHINA!  In other words, our dossier (the thick packet of paperwork that includes every detail of our lives) is IN CHINA.  Today!  This also means we have been moved from the "Compiling Dossier" page on Reece's Rainbow to the "Almost There" page.  Although it will still be several months before we travel to pick up Kellin, this is another huge step forward.  At this point, we are waiting for China to issue our Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which will likely take 2-3 months.  After that, there is some more paperwork, and then travel comes 2-3 months after that.

I first saw Kellin's profile on April 14th so it has been less than 4 months since we started this process.  Although this seems like it's taken too long, we've actually managed to do this in a shorter-than-average time, thanks to all those who have been helping us along the way, especially our wonderful adoption agency and our Facebook community!

Our fundraising is coming amazingly well!  We are continually overwhelmed and blessed by all the people who are supporting us in our journey, including many we've never met.  Take a second to look at our thermometer.  That's right; we are only about $4000 from being fully funded!  This is of course according to our best estimate - but it is possible we will need a little more now that there is a good chance travel will include three weeks in-country instead of two.  It seems impossible that we have come so far in three months.

Our big garage sale fundraiser is coming up on August 15-16.  We have TONS of items, donated by many friends, co-workers, family, and church members!  If you are in the area, please come by; I'm pretty sure that everyone can find something that they "need."

This is a picture of Kellin at around 18 months of age.  This was taken shortly after he was moved from his foster care home back to the orphanage.  I think you can see the pain and confusion on his little face.  :(