Vorfreude ist die schoenste Freude

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that this was written by someone who believes she is maybe 3 weeks away from travel. This would not have been written if I thought that I have much more than that to go. I will take it all back if we have to wait longer.

There's a saying in Germany "Vorfreude ist die schoenste Freude", which loosely translates to "The joy of anticipation is the greatest joy" and it's true. I am giddy with excitement that we are getting closer to Ben being home. I wake up in the morning and think of all the things we need to do before he comes home and am full of anticipation. Almost every sentence out of the husband's mouth starts with "When little HoYoung is here....". I spent the entire day yesterday out with my waiting buddy looking at Hanboks, Dol Towers, Korean grocery stores and then at clothes for the boys and gifts for the foster family. Then I went out shopping for Ben clothes with the husband.

This adoption process really is quite something. People refer to it as a rollercoaster ride, and that's exactly what it is. I've had some low points (like when I was frantic for an entire week because I was convinced our legals were getting lost in the snowstorm) , but boy do the high points make up for that.

There's nothing like hearing that progress is being made. It is an incredible rush to hear that something was submitted or approved. We're not home free yet, I am sure I will have another meltdown (or two) along the way, but ever since we heard that our I-600 was approved, I am on a total high. I am finding myself writing in CAPS A WHOLE LOT MORE. I'm on a total adrenaline rush. There is no other feeling in the world like this.

I am truly having the time of my life. We are so close (I think)!

It is so strange to think that we've almost made it. For over 1.5 years I have been thinking about this adoption all day, every day. There was always that next milestone to look forward to, always another high. This entire time I thought I hated "the process", but now I realize that I am actually enjoying this a whole lot more than I wanted to admit to myself. I think a little part of me is going to miss being in process.