Friday, July 10, 2009

We got the official referral!

As I was leaving for a haircut and to get documents apostilled in Springfield, I got a call from Kay at Tree of Life...our official, signed referral from the Ministry of Justice in Bulgaria had arrived! We should have certain travel dates on Monday after consultation with the orphanage director. What a relief. Kay sent a copy of the referral by email.

While I was in Springfield, I found the money belts we had been looking for (check out the luggage department at Bergner's). Since Bulgaria is primarily a cash economy, credit cards and traveler's checks are rarely accepted at hotels or shops. Usually you have to go to a bank and pay a fee to get a cash advance or cash a traveler's check. So, the money belts will come in handy. I also found luggage locks that are airline approved and a couple of possible gifts for us to take with us on the trip. It is so hard to find something to give as a show of appreciation to the orphanage director and nannies who have cared for your child for four years. How can any gifts really be appropriate?

When we got home, Mark and I opened the referral together. The photo on the referral is one we haven't seen before that looks like it was taken on the same day! She is smiling. What a doll.

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