2 days until we fly out of the USA

So the count down has begun....

We have a few more things to do - and we are starting to realize that we will be leaving our home for a month. We go out to dinner and say "Wow, this is the last time we will be able to eat here for more than a month" - weird I know, but its the simple things you miss when you are away from home. For me it will be Target and my favorite Thai restaurant.

Going to get my last Target "fix" today - one of the duffel bags I bought was the wrong size, so I need to get a bigger one.

Also need to go to the bank today to cash all the gift and loan checks and clear out the savings account. I've been avoiding logging on to my bank account, afraid that all my money has disappeared or something. I know it hasn't, but the anxiety is still there.

Had to drive to the FedEx main office to pick up the envelope with my loan check in it from my aunt and godfather. I got there as they opened the doors, and still was late getting back for my meeting at work - 11 miles from FedEx to my office and it took over 45 minutes. Welcome to Atlanta! haha

I'm really nervous about carrying that much cash out of the bank. I'm not worried about the bills being brand new - we've never had a problem in Ukraine with that before - in fact we had more problems with the new bills since the design has changed - many exchange booths didn't know about this change and didn't want to accept the new bills. After I get the cash, I'm going to put it in labeled envelopes (thanks for the idea Beth T.!) so we don't accidentally spend our kids visa money or anything.

In good money news, I talked to my credit card company yesterday and they raised my credit limit by $300 for this trip! Its not alot, but every bit helps.

Heard from our friend George in Ukraine - I had him call the girls uncle to let him know about the FedEx package I sent to his home for Belle's birthday. He told George that the director of Cinderella's orphanage wouldn't let her visit with them, and that both girls were going to "camp" on July 2. I find that odd since I know that Cinderella's director KNOWS we are coming and said she pulled her name from the hosting list....Belle's director on the other hand....the phone is still dead so we can't get in touch with her. But since our appointment at the SDA is on June 27, I assume the SDA will call the orphanages to let them know we are coming, and tell the directors to pull the girls from the hosting/camp lists.