this week...

I really can't believe that we will be leaving in a week. It doesn't seem like reality at all, that's for sure.

Recap: I spent time this week preparing my work for me leaving. Fortunately I get approved for FMLA while I am gone, which doesn't mean any money, but no worries re: my job while we are away. I have stored up some vacation time that I will use, which will be a nice stipend of sorts while I am not working. I worked with HR on insurance information concerning both our Colombia travel (we are covered!) and the inclusion of our kids on our insurance. There will be some paperwork when I return, but for the most part, Stantec's HR department has been really nice to work with. What a blessing.

It has been back to work this week, too. After a few shorter pay periods (vacation, losing three wisdom teeth) I am back up to my usual 50 hours a week. It is as busy as ever at work, which makes me extremely happy that Janine has been so good about getting us prepared and up to speed so that we have minimal paperwork, etc. to worry about before we go. After all, loose ends should not be our focus at this point.

Which leads me to the kids! I am getting more and more anxious to go. It is very difficult to find motivation to work, but fortunately my job has allowed me to leave two days earlier than planned, which is a good thing for my sanity. Like I said, though, I am anxious to see the kids. I can't even imagine how they feel, though, and wouldn't even pretend to have an idea. It is still so very much removed from my imagination, though, as I know that it is beyond my mind's capabilities. Even now, as I write this, my mind feels scattered.

Tomorrow is a shower that friends from the church are throwing for us. It will be a big help to receive the gifts from our friends. I will be working (on a Saturday), so I will not make it, but I am curious to see how much of a hit our registry at Target will take after tomorrow. God has blessed us with many friends in our 2+ years here, which is wonderful.

Excitement runs deep, and we will meet our kids in 10 days!

P.S. I am sleeping better again. Praise the Lord.