Photo Update

Hey Everybody –

We have three weeks at home before we go back to Donetsk for court. Well, actually, now it’s more like two weeks before we leave on October 27. While we’re glad to be home for SEVERAL reasons, there’s so much to do, it’s almost overwhelming. I’m just trying to make a list of the stuff that absolutely must get done before we leave and work on that first. It’s so good to have so many friends and family that keep volunteering to help out. You’re all AMAZING!

An Italian couple we met before we left Donetsk sent us an email with some new kid photos. Apparently there was some kind of recital or program in the playroom, check out these photos. Alex Maksim and Talia Ira are in them, but no sign of Vala. Must have been just the older kids.




Sitting around a mushroom? I don't get it.































LOVE the raccoon and fox masks.








This may be the most quiet we've ever seen them.




















These polka dot hats crack me up.






On the home front, we've been collecting like crazy. We have beds (although one hasn’t arrived yet), car seats, and some clothing and toys. Most of the essentials. It’s definitely much easier to prepare when you know who will be arriving. I’ve been picking the brains of lots of experienced parents with kids this age, especially our friends who have adopted. It will definitely be a zoo when we all get home, but it will be a happy one.

We have a Russian-speaking friend who will be flying to Kiev to meet us, then fly home with us. So the kid-to-adult ratio will be 1:1, much better odds. By then John’s back will be almost normal, although he’ll still be limited on what he can lift. Just having Tim there to help communicate with the kids and to read the signs in the airport will be great. What an answer to prayer – thanks Tim and Karen!

We'll try to post a couple more times before we leave, but no promises. Too much to do!

JoEllen : >