Packing for home
The way she feels about cars we don't have the heart to tell her we are going by plane. So, we just let her practice her flying here. (Superman couldn't fly with that belly!!)
Andrew is trying to be sure we're not leaving any good stuff behind in our closet.
Everybody is ready for home and pitching in on the packing.
We took the kids for their physicals today. Andrew is 27.5 inches long and weighs 18.9 pounds. Elizabeth is weighing in at a healthy 18.2 pounds and is 26 inches long.
The last measurement we had she was 2 pounds behind but as you can see she is gaining fast.
Both kids went on floor patrol to be sure we were leaving our apartment clean!
We can hardly believe this is our last full night in the apartment. We should leave the apartment in about 25 hours.
Our flight leaves Almaty around 3am for Amsterdam. We will have an 8 hour layover there which should be interesting with the 2 kids but I think I will take the time to introduce them to a happy meal while we are there. (Now $12 doesn't sound so bad!)
From there we fly to Memphis and will do the paperwork to establish the kids as US citizens. (They retain a dual citizenship until they are 18 years old at which time they will choose where they want to be citizens) (Kazak law!!)
Then it's one more short flight to Paducah. We are scheduled to land around 8:30/8:40.
This trip has gone smoother than we ever imagined it could go. (except for court:O) We have never heard any other family returning home as soon as we are scheduled to. We know that without the prayers of our family and friends this trip would not have gone as well.
At times I know I sounded like I was complaining and I apologize. I told you most of the negatives of this trip simply because I thought they would be more interesting.
I would gladly face this trip again, and much more to aqcuire the precious gifts we are returning with. This has been the trip of a lifetime and it has literally made our lives!
While we have been out of the US, The storm of the century hit the Gulf coast, Gas prices have soared to well over $3 per gallon, The Chief Justice has died and the over all economy has been brought into question.
However, at no time that I am aware of has The God we love and try to serve ever left his thrown. We know times have seemed uncertain but we also know they are not. We all know how this story ends, we just don't know when.
We hope that our travels have taken your mind off of some of the events going on in the US right now. But we also hope you can see that While all this was going on your concerted prayers were being answered on the complete opposite side of the world.
We could never express how much we appreciate and love each one of you for supporting us and lifting us up in prayer. We hope you have enjoyed following along with us as much as we enjoyed having you along.
In crazy times God still takes the time to show that he is listening. We hope you know that it was your prayers God answered and We love you for it....
See you verrrry soon,,,,,Love The Dunnings
posted by Sam and Holly at 8:43 AM
20 Comments:
you never complained. just told what was happening in an amusing way. we have loved the pictures elizabeth "perking up & filling out" andrew delights us with his curiosity. waiting to see you in paducah
love kk
You're right, God is still King of Kings, watching all things. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, I'm reminded that this world is not our home. However, while we are here, He wants to bless us with earthly blessing, so that we may be spiritually fruitful to His glory. You two return "fruitful" and very much to His glory. It's been wonderful to "read" along with everyone else. I'm already looking forward to this year's Christmas Card... I better be on the list! God Bless the family unit He has joined together in such dramatic fashion! His hand is a strong and faithful one!
I HAVE CERTAINLY ENJOYED YOUR JOURNEY.Sam you have been a very good narrator. MY SISTER, Judy said that Julie asked "where did SAM LEARN TO WRITE LIKE THAT:. tHEY WERE IMPRESSED..bEEN PRACTICING MY GOLF SWING. Its coming around . We can hardly wait untill Saturday night. We will be watching and praying...love poppy
Thank you soooo much for allowing all of us to be part of the journey! It has been an experience we will never forget:) Still gonna pray for smooth flights, calm and content babies, and yummy food:) Hopefully the flight from Memphis to Paducah will be better smellin and smoother ridin:) Have loved all of the humor! Thank you again! Love...Christy
Well, as usual, I am on the computer for a long time and when I get off you get on. How you do dat? I don't even care this time, am quite content after talking with both of you this a.m.
Did my story about Joy Beth inspire you to show more pictures...They are priceless as always. I've been thinking Elizabeth will catch up with Andrew in weight, but you can tell he has the larger frame. They look happy..
Love Nanny
Praying for a safe and calm ride home. Remember to have a blanket easy to get too. During the layover you can put the blanket on the floor and let the kids play on it. I know when Keaton is confined alot all he wants is to get down and explore. When they start teething, they also make Hyland's homeopathic teething tablets that are very good. Did not have with Kenzlea but found with Keaton (cuts 2 to 4 teeth at a time). You can find them at walmart around the vitamins. The kids are preciuos. Who ever says miracles do not happen in our day and time needs to read this story. You can feel Gods hands all over this story. God bless,Jennifer, Mark, Kenzlea and Keaton
hey buddy and holly now i know you are wonderin why i am not in school right now.. or maybe your not but i do have an explanation i had an ortho appointment and then we had to stop at the bank and then we had to go eat luch at popeyes!! yea and then we had to go put the groceries away at home and of course just happened to be here so we got on well mom says nanny called and let us know we had betta get home and check it we have a game tongiht murray is a tough team also i am goin to a football game tommrow night i have never been to one of those before so its gonna be fun i can't wait to see your kids and ya'll of course but i am gonna get off fast b4 mom makes me retype the whole thing she says i need commas periods "commas plural you need more than one of those" so i g2g talk to you lata luv ya lotts
**~!!whitney!!~**
Can't wait for you to get home. I will be praying for smooth travel. Be sure to feed babies when taking off and landing. It helps with their ears. I am also praying for empty seats on the flight so you can have some extra space. It makes the world of difference.
Love you and can't wait to see you.
Andrea
Oh by the way, took Samantha to the doctor today. She weighs 18 lbs.and 2 oz. and is 26 inches long! Only she is about six weeks younger than Elizabeth. Thought it was funny their size was the same. Andrea
The babies look like they are ready to come home! Since I cannot make the trip to Barkley you must keep the blog going until we all see them home, please! Love to you all!!!Aunt Jane
By the way, we have really enjoyed Poppy's messages being typed in all CAPS some and lower case some....he he he. Just wanted to give you a hard time Poppy!
Hey i cant wait to c everybody on sat. night. i am planning to come home early and stay till tuesday afternoon because, hopefully i will be starting my new position on wed. thats all i have to say i just stopped by the library to send u one last message and get ready to c u in two days. have a safe trip back and we will be waiting for u in the motherland(ha ha)
Love Uncle Derek
I think everyone that followed this journey enjoyed it, I know I sure did. I never felt you were complaining,but even if you had on occasions you had the right (horse meat, still can't get over that). We will continue to keep you in our prayers for a safe & uneventful trip to HOME SWEET HOME. Again thank you for allowing us to "travel" along with you through this wonderful journey. We serve an awesome God.
May God continue to bless your family.
Lori (Sharpe)
I never dreamed you would post again. I have obviously missed out on some great pictures. I am so happy for you, however I will admit I am a little worried about myself. I use to turn my computer off every night but throughout this whole blog thing I have been leaving it on so that I can get on quicker and I don't have to wait for it to boot up. If nature has called in the middle of the night so has the computer just to check if there is anything new. I'm sure it sounds like I don't have much of a life but believe me I actually stay very busy, I have just been extremely intrigued and fascinated by this whole adventure. So for those of us who have acquired an addiction to this I will be glad to open my home for monthly detox meetings. Ha Ha!! I am so happy for you and can assure you that even though you will be returning home soon I will continue to keep you in my prayers because believe me the fun is just beginning. I'm sure you can't wait to sleep in your own bed and wash a load of clothes and eat anything and everything. I'd better go. Happy traveling.
HIP-HIP-HOORAY!!
I am so glad that you guys will be getting to come home early.when you get back it sounds like you have a line of baby sitters waiting,you know just so the both of yall can get some rest.HAHA
Sam and Holly yall have such a good support group.When will other people understand that when you have GOD you have favor and great things happen.Yall need to write a book about this adventure.(and of course add the baby pictures)Have a safe trip home.
in my prayers, mechele
Oh i went by MT ZION today, i didnt know where it was at. I was going to see the new Prespertian church near Gage.(you can tell i am Baptist dont know how to spell the other but i tryed)
Cain't wait until Sat. Night to see our babies.(all 4)..Love You Mom & Dad
For all of you that have so faithfully followed, supported, and prayed our children thru this once in a life-time adventure,,,
From the bottom of our hearts,we,(the Grand-Parents; Dave/Poppy, Judy/Nanny, Tommy/Dad, Gail/Mom), thank you all. As all of you go back to your daily routine, things will really pick up for those of us involved in helping raise these two new members of our families. Next project; Take movie film of the airplane from Memphis coming right over our house for it's landing at HOME, with one of the finest young men that we have ever met, a young lady that has been a blessing and joy from the day that she was born, and the Two new wonderful additions to our families. ....Thanks Again....Dad
Today it's Grandpa Tommy that brought tears to a proud Nannys eyes. I say ditto to all you said cause I couldn't have said it better. Thanks Tommy
Sincerely, Judy
Well, I don't know if you will see anymore of your messages before you arrive home...but I just wanted to say thank you again for keeping us all so informed on this amazing journey! We have all been so blessed and reminded of what a blessing our children are:)
Andrew and Elizabeth, I can't wait to meet you and give you lots of lovin myself! I know God has a wonderful plan for your life and is going to do great things with and through you:)
Sam and Holly, We love you guys very much and are ready to hug your necks too! What an amazing beginning to the next chapter in your life! We are praying for safe and happy travel. I wonder what they will think about their first experience gumming on a McDonald's french fry!
I didn't get to comment yesterday. God has been so good Sam and Holly. We have been privelaged to watch and read your journey. We have enjoyed so much watching God Work. It was all in his hands from the begining and has taken care of everything just as he has promised us if we leave it to Him. we love you all. Have a safe trip. See you in Paducah! Elva
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