“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

     That last couple of weeks in the Atchley house have been quite busy, but first I would like to start out with a thank you. A thank you to a very special person that I am not sure I can ever pay back the kindness she has bestowed upon our family, Aunt Marie.  She has been there for our family along with her daughter in some of our families toughest times in the past, and now she has done it again out of no where.  I have not discussed the financial aspect of the international adoption process due to the fact our family can shoulder that burden currently.   However, out of the blue we receive a small letter from our aunt.  As I opened it I really did not think that there would be check inside, but there it was falling out on my kitchen table.  The amount was not important, even though it was significant, but the thought behind it made me speechless.  In fact Liz had to call her first because I had no idea how to really receive the gift or say thank you appropriately.  I at first instantly felt guilty as Marie always seems to be the person to think of us, and I can not think of a time when I have thought to do something for her personally.  I figure Aunt Marie you must be reading this for you to know about what is going on around here, so I want you to know how much it means to us and Thank You.
     Second on the Atchley's week of excitement list and the reason it took awhile for me to publish this blog is Aunt Marie's granddaughter Jordyn came to interview here for a job in a transplant ICU.(She thinks she wants to be like me, hopefully nicer though)  Even though they offered her the job almost immediately it was a tough decision for her to make.   I finally got word today that she will be moving to OKC from Las Vegas to accept the job.  Our family can not be more excited as we really enjoy Jordyn and her families company, and look forward to seeing them for the holidays again.  We also hope it will entice her little sister to maybe think about attending University here.  It is really going to be a blessing to us to have such a wonderful part of our family come to stay with us.  So, Jordyn if you don't mind staying with your geriatric cousin, your room is ready.

     Last on our blessing list is some news about Masha.  Our paper work has officially been submitted as of today.  Now we sit and wait on a travel date to go get her.  We have heard it can be 2-3 weeks for the date to be given, and they usually give you 2-3 weeks to make arrangements to come.  So we are looking to travel the end of October to the first of November.   Please keep us in your thoughts as we are still conflicted on how to make the trip, and the decision does not seem to be getting any easier as we get closer to actually having to do it.