Another milestone...

Yesterday was set aside for some last minute shopping & travel preparations. We both love this phase of travel preparations as things go fast, we start packing and our trip feels real & very imminent..

Maya's orphanage will only take their mandatory 'donation' in Chinese cash (RMB) so we had to order the whole amount a week ago & picked it up yesterday. It would have been nearly impossible to get it in China as we aren't citizens so we had almost no choice but to take it in cash. It's a strange feeling to be walking around with so much cash - even if it is RMB... We also got our travellers cheques and another money order for our agency. Our bank account balance has certainly plummeted in the past few days.

We also made visits to TJ's Kids, Crocodile Baby, Whole Foods & London Drugs to pick up the last essentials needed for the trip & for when we first get home. Change pads, baby monitors, safety gates, bath toys, baby travel products, etc. Bags & Bags of stuff!

While at the bank, I had a conversation with my adoption agency. Fonnie excitedly told me that she had just received the original of our Approval to Travel (TA) as well as our Passports & VISA's. These were the last few pieces we needed. It was one of the last milestones we needed to reach. I mentioned this news to John and, while standing at the teller wicket in the middle of a very busy branch, he let out a happy yell and gave me a big hug. I love seeing him so excited about meeting Maya...