Hello from RI

Hello to everyone,
 After a long road trip, which took us much longer than expected, we arrived to RI on Friday, April 15. We cannot complain, though.I was afraid thinking how Stephen would react when things would not be so easy and so comfortable as they are at home. Quite to the contrary, the trip proved to be a very positive bonding experience. Once again, I must thank Catherine, Gerard, and Warren for everything they did and keep on doing. Also I must thank my mom, who put up with excruciating pain with a smile n her lips.

The antiques, which are in storage since 2008, will remain in California indefinitely---until such day when I am able to pay for transportation, if such day ever arrives. Catherine drove a Penske truck with most of our everyday furniture and possessions, with one of the twins riding with her. I drove the family van with my mom, the other twin, and the three smaller ones. Catherine's Grand Cherokee was shipped on an auto transport company.

The very first days in RI were really hard. The gas expenses had been much higher than expected, and there was no more money left. It seemed like all our dreams were crashing down. It seemed like Maximilian and Philip were even farther from us. Yet, as we knew, God was always there. Some funds did arrive, and some more are arriving before the end of the week. After all, if we had some difficult days during the Holy Week, what was that compared with Jesus' agony n the Cross?

Given that rental rates in RI are significantly lower than in CA, the monies that we were expecting, which will be arriving any moment now will be more than enough for first month rent and security deposit for a large home in a nice residential area. Still there are more monies needed for adoption expenses--and before I'd have been horrified at the thought of asking for help. Yet,despite giving me a very privileged upbringing, always my parents and grandparents stressed the importance of humility. It is not just for us, but also for Maximilian and Philip. We want them so very much that it is hard to think that we're doing all this for them to have us and not just for us to have them.

I do apologize, but now I need to take care of a couple of things regarding a prospective future home---which is not for sure yet.

From the bottom of my heart, thanks for joining your prayers to ours, thanks for any eventual help, and also thanks to all of you who are following our journey. Knowing that others are interested in what is going on is a big help. Knowing that others are praying for us is reassuring. For all those who are able to chip in, any small amount is deeply appreciated---and no amount is too small.

God bless,

Lillian