SO Close!

As you can see on the Wish & Gift Lists post, we are almost to our goal. So, will I stop taking donations? Actually, no. I will be accepting donations until the compilation comes out. Why? Well, for a couple of reasons.

I mentioned in my very first post about this, extra money means I will be able to travel to Oregon to meet Leo in January, during his advance training. Leslie really wants me to come up and meet him before team training. I want to go and meet him, too — like all of you, I've only seen pictures and videos, and I can't wait to sink my fingers into that glorious coat and scratch behind those soft, soft ears.

In addition, when I researched and created the budget posted here, there were many miscellaneous expenses I left off because I was afraid to ask for too much, to ask for what I really needed. (Like ground transportation to and from the airport from my home, no small expense as I live so far away from any nearby airport.)

I never in even my wildest dreams ever thought I could raise $2,000, much less $5,600, so I set my goal for only the very barest minimum expenses I had to have, figuring I'd have to eat oatmeal and go without everything for several months to cover the rest.

Well, once again, you've proven me wrong, and I bow humbly before you in gratitude and thanks. Please know and trust that every single penny raised will be used only for expenses related to team training, visiting, and bringing Leo home with me in spring 2012. I promise you a full accounting of funds when this great adventure is complete.

I know I have to contribute to all of this, and I have and will. I put down the earnest deposit with Leslie before I had any idea of how I would raise the rest needed (including the $8,000 I had before I came to you). I'm fully expecting and prepared to have to cover all sorts of bits and pieces when I'm up for team training or a visit.

I am so blessed to have you as my people, my family. The support and love here is unlike any I've ever experienced anywhere.

Thank you all so very, very much. From the bottom of my heart,
Mal