$980

That's the amount that a good few very generous folk have donated via Laura's paypal button toward our travel expenses! Yes, NINE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY DOLLARS! That's like a million bucks! :)

I don't even know how to thank you guys. It's just amazing and wonderful and... well, I'm running out of adjectives. You've been part of a miracle that means we get to spend time with my mom - and dad says she really needs to have something like that to look forward to.

The biggest thank-you of all goes to Laura, who took major initiative for someone on the other side of the planet and did Very Good Things. She's one awesome lady!

I'll be paying our fare today and submitting our visa applications. We leave here on 29 April and return on 18 May, giving us 2 1/2 weeks with my parents. I hope we can make it a good time, enjoy it to the max with them. I'm pretty sure we'll manage that!

Thank you again, all you wonderful people. If I could personally give you each a big hug, I would. You've filled my heart (and bank account) with joy and blessings. I'm completely overwhelmed.