and still more paperwork....

Well today was more of the same. We had to get approval from the regional gaurdian councel of Mariianka, and some other things signed by the judge. Sergei was very happy with how thing went today. We got everything wrapped up and sent off on the train to Keiv. The NAC now must sign off on everything which should be mid-next week. We hope to be in court next Friday if all goes well. We got to play with the kids at Nicholai's orphanage today while various paperwork was being done. It was something we will never forget....the kids are all so sweet. We also met a couple from New Mexico and their daughter from the same orphanage. Nicholai is still up at camp, and we plan to visit him on Friday.

We visited the Mariianka Fire Station today. Not quite like home, but the brotherhood was the same. They were a bit rough at first but warmed up quick. They had about 8 guys on shift. There was a Bat. Chief ranked guy....he said he made about $300 a month. The firefighters made about $200 a month. The weird part was that it was station 72....which is my station in Issaquah. They all thought that was cool. They invited me back to have beer whenever I wanted (New York?). I gave them 2 Dept. T-shirts and some patches....they gave me a patch which is really nice.

Things still continue to go great. We really couldn't ask for a better situation. Thanks for the hello's Dane, Matt & Tony. Tony- Hope all is well at the house and the animals aren't driving you nuts....we owe you big time! And yes, I think he can run a bobcat....he loves Tractors (Only you really have to roll the "R" when you say it in Russian.

JP

I'll keep my post short.  We are really exhausted.  We have been in the car for the last two days running around and doing this paperwork.  Sergei is the best and is trying everything he can to speed up this process and we thank him for that!  The highlight of our day today was playing with the kids at the orphanage.  They are so sweet and did their best English for us.  They were so excited to get our attention and to just simply throw around a ball with us.  I told Jon these children are amazing to watch - they are still just happy playing with a pile of dirt and a ball that must be 10 years old!  Their clothes and shoes are terrible but I think all of their resources right now are going to the repair of their building.  We have seen their new cafeteria and it is awesome!  I only hope the rest of their school can look as well when they're done!  We are so looking forward to seeing Nicholai on friday!  We can't stop looking at his picture.  His teacher at the orphanage gave us a picture of him that was taken when he first came there.  I look at his sweet, innocent little face and can't imagine what he has seen and been through in his short little life.  I hope that our love and care can make up for all the pain he has been through.  I can't get his sweet little Russian speaking voice out of my mind!  I also cannot wait to get him together with Kailyn - they are going to have such a great time together!  Thanks to everyone for all the support and well wishes!  It's so nice to read them everyday.  (Sharon - sorry about your cat!  That is so sad!)  Thanks also to the people out in the adoption community that we don't even personally know.  It's nice to share the experiences with you all.  Until tomorrow....

Summer