Let the countdown begin!

We have less than 3 weeks until we leave for Russia. My head is beginning to spin with all the last minute things we need to do. I just applied for my visas. What a pain they are! Ukraine didn't require visas, so this is new for me. I am ready to get out the suitcases and start packing them up! Why wait, right? I've thought about doing a little supply checklist and trying to put together some things for the orphanage. Still debating on whether to do that before this trip or before the second trip, when I will know more of what the orphanage needs. You know? Thoughts?

I ordered myself a warm jacket for the trip. It's 70 degrees outside my window here in FL, but it's 21 degrees in Nizhny Novgorod. Wow. It's hard for me to imagine being cold in a few weeks!

We are looking for a family from church to stay with during our time in Russia. I hope we can stay with a family and help them out financially, rather than just pay a hotel. Times are tough everywhere right now, why not help someone else out other than just our kiddos in Russia?

Orphanage supplies

I am going to plan to take a bag of supplies to the orphanage(s) in Nizhny Novgorod. I am thinking to ask the kids' school to see if any of the students/teachers want to donate items. Most people want to help orphans, they just don't know how. This will be an easy opportunity for them.

Has anyone used asaptickets.com to buy plane tickets? They're quoting $800 for a roundtrip ticket to Nizhny Novgorod, whereas, other sites show $2000...not sure if I should trust asaptickets or if I've hit the goldmine? What airlines have you used (or do you know others have used) to go to Russia?

I am putting together some really fun fundraisers for our adoption. Stay tuned!