Itinerary

What a complete whirlwind!  We have waited for this to happen for over 2 years now- ya think we would have been more prepared.  Nothing like 13 days notice to fly to Africa!!!

INSANE.

BUT...we did it...even through this awful sickness.

 Luggage Packed, Donations Packed, Gifts Packed, 

3 kids packed for 10 nights of sleepovers, head attactched.

When we left for India for 10 days the boys were 2 and 5 years old.  I was terrified that Caleb would think that we left him- it was so sad. 

The kids are a bit older now so it's not as horrible.  Jacob (Mr. Social) is excited and see's this as his own personal vacation w/ friends.  Caleb is kind of quiet about it- but I think he's happy for an adventure.  Sova-Grace is quite vocal about how this is way too long to be away.  She does best on routine and structure...a bit worried about this one.

When I think about them being away from me I will cry...so I just dont think about it. (seriously)  I will pray for them before we go and while we are away but then I stop thinking :)

With that said:  I LOVE TRAVELLING!  I love long car rides, I love airports- even thought about working in one to just pretend Im travelling.  I love planes, I love reading magazines that I always wanted to pick up at the check out aisle but never do, I love bumpy dirt roads,  I love culture, I like nervous excitement jitters, love hotels and love having 10 days alone with my husband :)

So this is what our trip is gonna look like:

7/24   Tuesday night we fly out of JFK

Wednesday at 7:45pm we arrive in Dubai (United Arab Emrites)

What's the coolest is that  Emrites airline is going to put us up in a very nice and very FREE hotel for the night.  (They do this with all excessively long layovers)

I cant get over the fact that we will be sleeping in Dubai on the Persian Gulf.

Leave Dubai Thursay @ 10:30 am and Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia @ 1:30 pm after 2 days of travel.

Friday- Meet the Twins!  Aghhhh!

Sat-  Celebrate our 11 yr anniversary by spending the day with the girls again!

Sun- Mike and I will fly to the northern region of Ethiopia so visit their 1st orphanage, drop off donations, see the area where they grew up and take hundreds of pics. 

Monday- spend the day up north- in the evening we fly back to the capital.

7/31 Tuesday- *COURT*  2 new Turner's!

(* visa's will take at least 2 months after court...thats why we cant bring them home on this trip.  They will stay in the smaller orphange until their visa's are issued.)

Weds-  our church recently partnered w/ 'HopeChest' in Ethiopia- we sponsor almost 200 kids that live in a large garbage dump called 'Korah.'  (see how you can get involved!)  http://www.hopechest.org/community/hands-for-the-needy/sponsor/

We are thrilled for the opportunity to visit this amazing minisitry and to visit our sponsor child and bring over donations!

Friday August 3rd- arrive at JFK bright and early at 8 am- beyond ready to see our kiddos and prepared for a VERY long day dealing w/jet lag and emotions!

We are still battling sickness and are feeling pretty horrible.  We covet your prayers for our health and saftey, for our kids at home- for their protection, and for the twins- for their healing of their broken hearts.  Thank You!!!

Hopefully internet access will be good while we are there so I can keep the updates rolling!

 Yahoo!!  I cant believe this is happening!