End of The World pt2

So Sunday Night I get to leave.  We have had a ton of problems with this whole adoption.  Here are some the highlights:

1. Ordered Visa's to Russia On Tuesday Afternoon.  Told them we needed to Land on the 27th and be home on 12/18.

Problem: The agency had  us leave a day early...our passports won't let us into Russia.  When we get to the Airport tomorrow, if they can't put us on a later flight we might have to stay a day or so in Warsaw airport waiting for a new flight into Moscow.

2. You need to bring a boat load of Brand New Cash.

Problem: They told us on Tuesday we where going!  Cash takes 10 days to order.  I went to 4 different banks looking for new 100 dollar bills.  Took Hours.  The cash we have now is all 10-15  years old, and that is really really bad.  Apparently the money exchangers in Russia HATE used cash.  The good news is we found enough that had no markings on it that if we put some newer bills on top we might slip thru.  If they reject our cash, we might not be able to do the adoption at all.  It sounds stupid, but alot of people have had problems using American money in there adoptions because the cash wasn't new and crisp.

3. Wife and I are sick.

Problem: While I am almost done with my cold, my wife has been dealing with most of this adoption stuff, so she has really gotten sick.  Also she sat on the bed with me and made phone calls to airlines last week for 5 hours.  When she got up she messed up her back.  She has never had back problems before but now she can barely walk and is in a lot of pain.  Our hope is there is a precedent for the Adoption Judge in Russia to cancel the mandatory 10 day wait if the parents are sick.  They figure it's easier to get better when you are home.  We are really hoping this happens for us.

Also I put icy hot on her back and then touched my mouth.  My lips are on fire.

4. We are poor.

enough said.  If someone tries to make us "Gift" them, then we are screwed.  This adoption has seen us borrow over 30k and we will have put at least 5k on our VISA.  It's going to be very scary paying this back.  Unexpected expenses are going to be terrible!

5. We must bring items for the orphanage.

It all has to be brand new with the tags.  We didn't even buy the kid we are getting new clothes!  They are so expensive!  Anyway we filled up a huge duffel  bag like 85% full.  My wife is freaking out because it is not 100% full, and they told his to fill a bag up all they way.  I offered to put it in a smaller bag, but she doesn't want to.  We might have to stop at Kmart or something and buy a few more items.  Maybe a winter coat or 3?

6. Travel Time = Game Time:
The PSP is loaded. 

For Media:
I have 2 gamespot video shows, 1up tv show, 1up podcast, 4 church media podcasts, 5 various other videogame podcasts....that should be a ton of watching and listening.  I also have it loaded up with pictures of our Kid so I remember what I am going to Russia for.

For Games:
1. Loco Roco...my wife loves it, and I am only 80% done, and I could replay a ton of those levels
2. Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee...You can play that game forever.  Great Fun
3. Final Fantasy Tactics...looks like fun :)
4. Syphon Filter....I am 75% thru this as well.  I like it, but have never finished it.

I also have the book A Game of Thrones packed up.  I have never read it before and it looks interesting.  I would have also brought book2 but it is a fullsize hardcover and I don't have the room.

Also, this is the Christmas list I sent out to the families:
1. Adoption Debt Reduction
2. 1080p LCD at least 42" or greater.  Hey Grandma and Grandpa both of them have some money being wasted on retirement :)
3. Uncharted, COD4, and Assasians Creed.  I told them all I will be dissappointed if I don't get those games.  My Dad said he didn't care because he was getting a grandkid for Christmas so he doesn't have to please me anymore :)

So this whole thing has been totally full of challenges.  Not only did we only get 6 days prep time, many of those days where weekend or holidays for people, so it is amazing we managed to get anything done.  We are also thinking about paying a fee to get in a vip lounge in Warsaw.  If we get our flight changed then we will have a 6 hour layover.  The vip room has comfy chairs, power, wifi,  bar, snacks.  The power and wifi could make those 6 hours fly.  It looks like it is going to be $35/person to get in, but we don't know if we can get in b/c we are not freqent fliers or anything.  We will see.

So many questions, so little time to get the answers, such big consequences  if we fail......I am happy, excited, and want to puke all at once!

Hopefully I can post again when we get to Russia....