It's Official (Kinda)

Today was a big day. We had court at 10:00 am (although the jurors arrived at 11:00). We were prepared for the worst, but it really wasn't too bad. We were asked about our ability to take care of 3 children. We were asked if we had heard about the woman who murdered her child from Russia and if we were suprised to see a woman for a judge (there was an Italian couple who was in court previously and they were surprised by this.) Then there was conversation regarding the documents and conversation regarding the children and how much we care for each other. We were asked if we understood A&D's health conditions and could we provide them with healthcare. We really were prepared for the worst and it was over in about 45 minutes. The judge said she wished us many good wishes for our family and hopes that we would be happy. And then off we went to lunch.

Please pray for us, we are really having some difficulty with our translator. There are so many things getting lost in translation that makes this a very difficult process. I have been praying that I could be Christ-like to her, but the woman is driving me nuts! So you might pray for her, too, 'cause I am, for sure, not doing a very good job of serving as a witness!

We met a girl today who translates for a Baptist Missionary couple. They are interested in adoption from Ukraine, so we are hoping to have dinner with them later in the week. And tomorrow we are going back to the HUGE outdoor market. We are excited to go back and are going to try to finish buying A&D their clothes and other items. We are on the hunt for some more soccer balls, these boys need balls of any kind to play with, otherwise they just hang on the playground with nothing to do. Addi O. - I found a special purpose for the $ you sent. Dima's teacher says that there are 6 girls in his class and they do not have any hairbows for them. And let me tell you, hairbows for girls are VERY IMPORTANT for these girls. I have seen some girls where the tops of their heads look like a Christmas present! So anyway, she asked if we could find some bows for them. I told her a very special girl in America sent some money for a special reason and this was it! I know you will be so happy to know that you are blessing the heads of these little girls. I am looking for the bows tomorrow at the market for you and will try to get pictures of the girls with them on. This will make those girls so happy!

After lunch we came home, changed clothes and headed to the orphanage. We asked the director if we could take the children out for shopping and for Dima's (Nate) birthday on Friday. She said, "yes." We are so happy. So we will take them Wed & Thurs for a couple of hours for shopping, and then we will plan the zoo & ICE CREAM for our special boys birthday! Dima is so ready for ice cream he is having delusions. I pulled out a baby wipe the other day and he sniffed it and said it smells like ice cream. Dad, it will be real important for you to have your car pointed to Braums for this boy! He is a true Thompson! Dima played well with S&K today. They built legos. I am reminded that it doesn't matter how the boy (man), they will never outgrow legos. The 3 of them built and Army Medical Truck complete with medical staff. It was really cute. Today Dima asked us to take his toys with us. Normally, he rushes to put his toy/present in his cubby or his desk. Today he said that Maxim & Dennis always break his toys after we leave. So we took them with us and will bring them back tomorrow. Dima is precious and has such a good heart.

Anya was great today. She really is bonding well to me. She will come sit with me and pretty much stays by my side most of the time. She is making good eye contact and really likes our "giddy up" time. Almost every day, we bring the children a banana. Well imagine Anya sitting on my lap facing me, with her banana peeled, ready to eat. Just at the moment she is about to take a bite, I bounce my legs so she can't get the banana in her mouth. She belly laughs and then she tries to beat me by getting the banana in her mouth before I start bouncing my legs again. It is a hoot. We will have to get it on videotape. Anya & I played house today. I have not played house in 25+ years, so I had to reach way back in my brain and remember how to do this. My world has been StarWars and legos for so long, it was a stretch for me. I managed and we had a good time. I made dinner for my pretend grandchildren (her babies), apparently pretend meatloaf & cheese is very good and we had a lovely time. A few days ago, I french-braided her hair. Oh the simple joys of mothering a girl! She loves it and likes to feel the smooth braids. Yesterday, my clip was falling out of my hair and she wanted to fix my hair for me. What a joy! It's a good life!

We can finally see coming home. Just a few days ago, it seemed as if we had been here forever and were destined to communicate with our family & friends through email for all eternity. But there is light at the end of this tunnel! Yeah God! We have enjoyed our time here, but are soooo ready to get home that we are just "chomping at the bit". We are ready to get these kids to the lake and start our summer. I really can't wait for all of us to speak the same language.

I think Scott is going to post a few pictures from the circus yesterday and from visiting the kids today. We now get two computers when we come to the internet cafe. He has work, I have work, and then we both want to post to the blog, that taking turns is cumbersome.

We love you and pray that you are doing well. Hope you are enjoying sunny, warm weather. It is still about 45'ish around here. Sometimes cold & rainy, sometimes cold & sunny.

UKRAINIAN TRIVIA: If you can't find a parking space on the side of the road, it is perfectly acceptable for you to drive up on the curb, honk at the pedestrians to move, put your car in park, and get on with your business.