Last Minute Preparations

So now that we have the passports/visas in hand, I can focus on the last-last-last minute things we wanted to do. One of them was to pick up a special gift for our coordinator, Saule. I have heard from many that this woman is amazing and that she really, really cares about the kids. I know just from comments she has made that I have shared here on the blog that she has a soft spot in her heart for Toktogul, so I wanted to get her a gift that was more meaningful than cash or lotion or some other small trinket.

I had an idea to have a small quilt made for her. I approached a friend of ours from church who I knew was an avid quilter and shared my idea with her and asked if she would be willing to make it for me. Betty Ann graciously agreed to do so, and then insisted that she not be paid for it, saying it was a pleasure to be involved with such a special little project. I gave her a general idea of what I wanted to do with it, and she took it from there. I knew I wanted the hearts and the flags of America and Kyrgyzstan, and I wanted Toktogul's photo incorporated somehow. So we both went to work, I with Photoshop and a Russian translation to add to his photo, and she with her quilting skills and creativity (of which I have none!). Thanks to a friend who kindly interpreted for me and sent it via email, I was able to add to his photo "Thank you for finding my family, Toktogul LaJoy". On the back of the quilt she added a white heart where we can sign it as well.

When I saw it today, I was so thrilled...it could't have turned out better! It was exactly what I had imagined, and is beautiful. I only hope that Saule loves it as much as I do!!