We're finally coming home! Tomorrow is the big day. The boys and I are so excited (not to mention my Mom, who is also thrilled). Please pray for safe travel for us. We have a LONG trip, including a 6 hour drive home from DC in the middle of the night. Then, we'll have lots of adjustment once we get home, but for now we are excited to show the boys around our house and town. And, of course, we cannot wait for them to meet all our awesome friends and family!
On another note, I just want to say that I have an awesome, awesome husband. The poor guy has been home alone with Charlie and Andrew for 17 days, shuttling them all over town to friends' houses while also trying to work hard (especially after having missed 3 1/2 weeks of work while in Ukraine). He is exhausted. He has also fed them, clothed them, taken them to their evening activites, taken them out in the boat, camped in the backyard with them, taken care of the yard, and last (but DEFINITELY not least) he and the boys spent much of the weekend cleaning the house for me. God certainly blessed me with an awesome husband. What an awesome example he is going to set for all four of our boys. It brings tears to my eyes to think that Taras and Bohdan are going from being "fatherless" to having one of the best earthly fathers I know. Rick is truly a superb dad. All four of our boys are truly blessed beyond measure to have him in their life. As am I.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
It's been a while...
I must apologize for my complacency in updating the blog. I will attribute it to my lack of sleep, though I'm not sure that accurately explains it. Regardless, I cannot wait to get home to my very comfortable bed!
Bohdan is back. He has been wonderful. Children are always challenging, but he has been no more challenging than any other child, and actually I would say he has been less challenging than most over this past week. He's been extremely helpful and kind. One of his best qualities is that he is extremely considerate. He gets up and makes tea for himself first thing every morning. He makes one glass and then offers it to everyone else before he takes a sip. Often Taras will say he would like the glass, so Bohdan graciously gives him the glass and then heads back into the kitchen to start the next glass. It's very cute. Also, he is extremely expressive! When he's angry you know it, but when he's happy you know it too, and it's very cute. He reminds me of an Italian man. (He actually resembles a southern Italian in many ways!) We are down to the three day countdown now, and he is getting very excited. He truly wants to come to America, and he can't wait to get there! I have drawn out our house a couple of times for him so he can see where he is sleeping, etc. They know our house is three stories, and they are very intrigued to understand exactly what rooms occupy each story. This morning, Bohdan came in and said (in not so many words) that he should have the "single" room, while Taras, Charlie and Andrew share the other room. I laughed. He smiled and said (in a very exagerrated manner), "Yes, Mommy, YES!!" Like I said, he's very cute.
Taras is acting more like a typical teenager (and man, in general). We went to the dentist a few days ago, and found out Taras has seven cavities that need filling while Bohdan needs 4 teeth extracted (none permanent) and had 4 cavities. Well, we went to the dentist a couple of days ago, and Bohdan had half of his work done, as did Taras. (As a side note, you are probably thinking, "YOU ARE TAKING THEM TO A DENTIST IN UKRAINE! ARE YOU INSANE?!" However, this is the dentist that the US Embassy workers and their children frequent. It looks exactly like an office in America, except for the fact that all the magazines lying around are written in Russian. Oh, and the price is 1/3 of an American dentist. For those of you who know my husband at all, you now completely understand why we are seeing a dentist our last week in Ukraine.) ; ) Anyway, one of Taras' cavities was rather large. The dentist said he might have slight pain for a couple of days. He did not even recommend Motrin or anything. Regardless, I started administering Motrin immediately. 600 mg every six hours. Regardless, he has been complaining NON-STOP about his tooth pain. MEN! You would think his mouth had been run over by a truck. Seriously. Anyway, I suppose he's feeling better this morning, because he is actually smiling. Little does he know that we return for the second half tomorrow. If I have realized nothing else on this trip, I have realized that sometimes it's very convenient to speak a different language than your children.
We are off to the US Embassy now to complete our Visa work. This is the last step in the adoption process. It's been a trip, and we are all finally ready for last leg - flying home!
Love to all and again, countless thanks for your amazing prayers and support!
Bohdan is back. He has been wonderful. Children are always challenging, but he has been no more challenging than any other child, and actually I would say he has been less challenging than most over this past week. He's been extremely helpful and kind. One of his best qualities is that he is extremely considerate. He gets up and makes tea for himself first thing every morning. He makes one glass and then offers it to everyone else before he takes a sip. Often Taras will say he would like the glass, so Bohdan graciously gives him the glass and then heads back into the kitchen to start the next glass. It's very cute. Also, he is extremely expressive! When he's angry you know it, but when he's happy you know it too, and it's very cute. He reminds me of an Italian man. (He actually resembles a southern Italian in many ways!) We are down to the three day countdown now, and he is getting very excited. He truly wants to come to America, and he can't wait to get there! I have drawn out our house a couple of times for him so he can see where he is sleeping, etc. They know our house is three stories, and they are very intrigued to understand exactly what rooms occupy each story. This morning, Bohdan came in and said (in not so many words) that he should have the "single" room, while Taras, Charlie and Andrew share the other room. I laughed. He smiled and said (in a very exagerrated manner), "Yes, Mommy, YES!!" Like I said, he's very cute.
Taras is acting more like a typical teenager (and man, in general). We went to the dentist a few days ago, and found out Taras has seven cavities that need filling while Bohdan needs 4 teeth extracted (none permanent) and had 4 cavities. Well, we went to the dentist a couple of days ago, and Bohdan had half of his work done, as did Taras. (As a side note, you are probably thinking, "YOU ARE TAKING THEM TO A DENTIST IN UKRAINE! ARE YOU INSANE?!" However, this is the dentist that the US Embassy workers and their children frequent. It looks exactly like an office in America, except for the fact that all the magazines lying around are written in Russian. Oh, and the price is 1/3 of an American dentist. For those of you who know my husband at all, you now completely understand why we are seeing a dentist our last week in Ukraine.) ; ) Anyway, one of Taras' cavities was rather large. The dentist said he might have slight pain for a couple of days. He did not even recommend Motrin or anything. Regardless, I started administering Motrin immediately. 600 mg every six hours. Regardless, he has been complaining NON-STOP about his tooth pain. MEN! You would think his mouth had been run over by a truck. Seriously. Anyway, I suppose he's feeling better this morning, because he is actually smiling. Little does he know that we return for the second half tomorrow. If I have realized nothing else on this trip, I have realized that sometimes it's very convenient to speak a different language than your children.
We are off to the US Embassy now to complete our Visa work. This is the last step in the adoption process. It's been a trip, and we are all finally ready for last leg - flying home!
Love to all and again, countless thanks for your amazing prayers and support!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Perseverance
I have not written much about Taras except that he is a great kid and he fits perfectly into our family. Truly, there is so much more to tell. I am inspired and in awe of Taras. I had no idea how hard his life had been until we met with the head caretaker at the orphanage who told us much about his past. Out of respect for Taras, I will not divulge the details at this time. There may be a day when they can be told, but it is his story, not mine, to tell. What I can tell you, is that he is a boy/man to be admired; he truly is "great". Greatness is born by perseverance in the face of adversity. As Calvin Coolidge wrote: "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." Or as Paul wrote to the Philippians, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ." Taras has persevered in the face of much adversity. He is mature and able. He is courageous and kind. He is trustworthy and respectful. He is joyful and affectionate. He has overcome more than I could ever even imagine in this life, and yet, he has become much more than I could ever hope to become. Jesus Christ has strengthened him and equipped him and I have such great hopes for him. My hopes for him do not include success as defined by the world, but rather, succeeding in holiness, as defined by Christ. My prayer is that Rick and I may now be equipped to "let [Taras] live up to what [he] has already attained". (Phil 3:16)
Monday, July 19, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Hard Day
This has certainly been an odd and emotional day to say the least. This morning, after a nice breakfast of pastries and tea at a local patisserie, Bohdan told me he did not want to go to America. After much conversation between Taras, Bohdan and I, he was insistent that he does not want to go. I think this was a test, because I have a child who tests me often already, so I am very familiar with being tested and having to stand firm, and I am 80% confident that was his motive. I asked him if he wanted to go back to Nikolai (the orphanage director) and he said "yes". So, I made a few phone calls, we drove for 1 1/2 hours and I left him at the orphanage with Nikolai. He will be there at least 5 days. Nikolai is having him to hard labor for those 5 days (the orphanage is on a farm, and so there is a LOT of manual labor to be done, and it is VERY hot here right now). According to our facilitator, it is Nikolai's plan to ask Bohdan, "Do you want to go to America where you can go to a University and earn your degree and work in an office, or do you want to stay in Ukraine where you will do labor like this for the rest of your life? It is your choice." Obviously, he is also going to talk to him about family and why it is best to have a family to support and love you. But, he knows Bohdan best, and he thinks the hard labor will make a strong point with him. I have no idea what is going to happen, but I am honestly not very worried.
Taras is adamant that he IS coming to America and he keeps telling me Bohdan is crazy/stupid. The fact that Taras is so adament and was so upset with Bohdan today definitely put me more at ease with the situation. Now I am just praying that God will guide Bohdan according to His will. I want what God wants, whatever that is. Please pray for Taras during these 5 days with just my Mom and I (kind of boring for an almost-14-year-old boy). We already decided to see a Ukrainian museum tomorrow that covers the history of Ukraine starting from 3,000 B.C. That should be fun. So, in three days, I have gone from 4 kids in the apartment to just one. Kind of weird and quiet.
Thank you God for giving me peace in the midst of turmoil. Please give Taras that same peace, and help us to have a fun and happy 5 days of bonding together. The good news is, Taras is going to learn English especially quickly now!
Love to all, and as always, thank you for your prayers...
Taras is adamant that he IS coming to America and he keeps telling me Bohdan is crazy/stupid. The fact that Taras is so adament and was so upset with Bohdan today definitely put me more at ease with the situation. Now I am just praying that God will guide Bohdan according to His will. I want what God wants, whatever that is. Please pray for Taras during these 5 days with just my Mom and I (kind of boring for an almost-14-year-old boy). We already decided to see a Ukrainian museum tomorrow that covers the history of Ukraine starting from 3,000 B.C. That should be fun. So, in three days, I have gone from 4 kids in the apartment to just one. Kind of weird and quiet.
Thank you God for giving me peace in the midst of turmoil. Please give Taras that same peace, and help us to have a fun and happy 5 days of bonding together. The good news is, Taras is going to learn English especially quickly now!
Love to all, and as always, thank you for your prayers...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Well, today as I said good-bye to 3/5 of my boys, tears flowed freely and heavily down my face. I am so thankful my Mom is coming today so I have that to look forward to. Not just her coming, but introducing her to our new boys and showing her around Kiev together.
Thanks to all who have been praying. Please pray especially now that our process would continue to go smoothly, but that also it would be extremely efficient. We all LONG to fly home July 30th.
Thank you, Lord, for this process. It has humbled and grown us. Thank you for increasing our family; for adding arrows to our quiver. We pray for safe and quick travel for Rick, Charlie and Andrew. We also pray that Mama's trip would continue to go smoothly and that she would get a lot of sleep on the planes. Lastly, for our time here, we pray that you would move among us, bonding us, and helping us to grow in faith and love. Please expedite our process, Lord, that we may be re-united as a family very soon.
Thanks to all who have been praying. Please pray especially now that our process would continue to go smoothly, but that also it would be extremely efficient. We all LONG to fly home July 30th.
Thank you, Lord, for this process. It has humbled and grown us. Thank you for increasing our family; for adding arrows to our quiver. We pray for safe and quick travel for Rick, Charlie and Andrew. We also pray that Mama's trip would continue to go smoothly and that she would get a lot of sleep on the planes. Lastly, for our time here, we pray that you would move among us, bonding us, and helping us to grow in faith and love. Please expedite our process, Lord, that we may be re-united as a family very soon.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Saying Good-bye
Today is the sad day that prefaces the very sad day, tomorrow, when I have to say good-bye to Rick, Charlie and Andrew. And, I won't be saying good-bye for a week or even two weeks, but rather anywhere between 17 and 23 days. My heart is burdened as I prepare to say good-bye. Please pray for me.
Also, today Charlie made an analogy to his new life that astounded me. He asked Rick and me, "Why do I now have to be your whipping boy?" If you know anything about fifteenth century England, you know about whipping boys. Unfortunately, Charlie's analogy rings partially true in our new life. Bohdan often does things to Charlie that should elicit punishment, but instead of punishing Bohdan (which we indubitably would do with either Charlie or Andrew), we have been trying to deal with him in love and understanding (as instructed by all of the adoption books I read before we came). Charlie, in his own understanding, takes this to mean he is bearing the punishment when Bohdan hits him, yells at him, etc. He is right. However, Jesus was the ultimate Whipping Boy, and are we not to follow His example? This will be a lesson in humility, sacrifice and depth-of-love for all of us. Please pray for all four boys and their relationship.
Our hope and prayer now is that the Lord would grant Rick, Charlie and Andrew safe passage to America, and that he would allow the rest of us to return July 30th. Thank you for supporting us in prayer, love and support.
Also, today Charlie made an analogy to his new life that astounded me. He asked Rick and me, "Why do I now have to be your whipping boy?" If you know anything about fifteenth century England, you know about whipping boys. Unfortunately, Charlie's analogy rings partially true in our new life. Bohdan often does things to Charlie that should elicit punishment, but instead of punishing Bohdan (which we indubitably would do with either Charlie or Andrew), we have been trying to deal with him in love and understanding (as instructed by all of the adoption books I read before we came). Charlie, in his own understanding, takes this to mean he is bearing the punishment when Bohdan hits him, yells at him, etc. He is right. However, Jesus was the ultimate Whipping Boy, and are we not to follow His example? This will be a lesson in humility, sacrifice and depth-of-love for all of us. Please pray for all four boys and their relationship.
Our hope and prayer now is that the Lord would grant Rick, Charlie and Andrew safe passage to America, and that he would allow the rest of us to return July 30th. Thank you for supporting us in prayer, love and support.
Friday, July 9, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARLIE!
I almost forgot, Happy Birthday to our now-eight-year-old son, Charlie! We love you SOOOO much and are so proud of the Godly boy you are turning out to be. We pray you would continue to grow in the love, grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray we would be good examples to you, and that you would grow to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. May God bless you with many more years of life!
Much love from...Mommy and Daddy : )
Much love from...Mommy and Daddy : )
Family of Six!
We are now officially (at least we think it's official -we were the receivers of many congratulatory handshakes!) a family of SIX! We went to court today, which was actually way more intense than I expected. It wasn't too bad for Rick and me, but it was intimidating for the boys. Taras did great, he didn't waver at all, and was very confident and relaxed. Poor Bohdan was a nervous wreck. His whole body was shaking as he tried to answer the judge's questions. In the end, it all worked out and we got a favorable decision!
Now we have a ten day waiting period, and then we will try our hardest to RUSH through the rest of the process in only 8 days! Please pray HARD for this, as it is unlikely that we will finish without help from God. According to our legal facilitator, the biggest obstacle will be getting the kid's ID numbers changed in a timely manner - something we have absolutely no control over. Our returning plane tickets are scheduled for July 30th, and our ten day waiting period ends July 20th. I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to get home on the 30th. REALLY, REALLY!!! We've already been here 3 weeks and we are ALL wanting to get home. On the upside, my Mom will arrive on the 14th of July, and I have a lot to show her. On the downside, Rick, Charlie and Andrew will return home and I will miss them all terribly. We all will. We covet your prayers!
With much love to ALL our followers, friends and family...
Rick, Erica, Taras, Bodie, Charlie and Andrew PENNY (!)
Now we have a ten day waiting period, and then we will try our hardest to RUSH through the rest of the process in only 8 days! Please pray HARD for this, as it is unlikely that we will finish without help from God. According to our legal facilitator, the biggest obstacle will be getting the kid's ID numbers changed in a timely manner - something we have absolutely no control over. Our returning plane tickets are scheduled for July 30th, and our ten day waiting period ends July 20th. I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to get home on the 30th. REALLY, REALLY!!! We've already been here 3 weeks and we are ALL wanting to get home. On the upside, my Mom will arrive on the 14th of July, and I have a lot to show her. On the downside, Rick, Charlie and Andrew will return home and I will miss them all terribly. We all will. We covet your prayers!
With much love to ALL our followers, friends and family...
Rick, Erica, Taras, Bodie, Charlie and Andrew PENNY (!)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Andrew
Today was not a great day. U.S. Embassy in the morning went well, and then in the afternoon we went to visit the most beautiful "lavra" (monastery) Rick and I had ever seen. (Mom, it will be a definite, "must see". We will leave the boys at home.) However, neither Taras nor Bohdan were thrilled with being there, and complained practically the ENTIRE time to "go home". Currently "home" consists of an 800 square foot apartment, which with four boys, was clearly out of the question. Finally I called our legal facilitator to translate what we had been trying to get through to the two boys for at least TWO hours...we are NOT going home! It worked for Taras. He stopped complaining and cheered up immediately. Bohdan was another story...
Anyway, as many of you know, our little Andrew is one of the funniest children I have ever met. And, today, he made, perhaps, one of his all-time funniest comments:
Andrew: "Daddy, I hope I'm not dreaming"
Rick (looking around at the totally unsanitary bathroom): "No, I think this is pretty real, Andrew."
Andrew: "Because if I'm dreaming, I'm pooping in my bed right now."
Don't know if it was the day or what, but Rick and I were rolling around on the floor when he told me...we were laughing so hard. Andrew has truly been a blessing on this trip. He walks around the city humming and picking up coins. I think he has collected at least 20 gryvna in coins by now (a LOT of coins). He is such a joy. Please pray for Charlie and Andrew as Bohdan has been an "unexpected interruption" in their lives. He was "expected", but his attitude wasn't. It's been hard on them. Fortunately, Taras has showered them (particularly Andrew) with love. And, that has been a blessing to watch.
Charlie turns eight tomorrow. I ordered him a beautiful (and EXPENSIVE! - don't tell Rick!!) all chocolate cake from a wonderful "patisserie" around the corner. Happy birthday, Charlie! I'm sorry we'll have to spend the whole day in court... We love you very much and are so proud of the boy you are and are becoming.
Thanks again for all your prayers. I cannot overemphasize how important they are to us.
Anyway, as many of you know, our little Andrew is one of the funniest children I have ever met. And, today, he made, perhaps, one of his all-time funniest comments:
Andrew: "Daddy, I hope I'm not dreaming"
Rick (looking around at the totally unsanitary bathroom): "No, I think this is pretty real, Andrew."
Andrew: "Because if I'm dreaming, I'm pooping in my bed right now."
Don't know if it was the day or what, but Rick and I were rolling around on the floor when he told me...we were laughing so hard. Andrew has truly been a blessing on this trip. He walks around the city humming and picking up coins. I think he has collected at least 20 gryvna in coins by now (a LOT of coins). He is such a joy. Please pray for Charlie and Andrew as Bohdan has been an "unexpected interruption" in their lives. He was "expected", but his attitude wasn't. It's been hard on them. Fortunately, Taras has showered them (particularly Andrew) with love. And, that has been a blessing to watch.
Charlie turns eight tomorrow. I ordered him a beautiful (and EXPENSIVE! - don't tell Rick!!) all chocolate cake from a wonderful "patisserie" around the corner. Happy birthday, Charlie! I'm sorry we'll have to spend the whole day in court... We love you very much and are so proud of the boy you are and are becoming.
Thanks again for all your prayers. I cannot overemphasize how important they are to us.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Amazing Grace
So, last night we got no sleep. Bohdan was coughing uncontrollably the entire night. I don't think any of us slept well, particularly Rick and me. First thing this morning, I told Rick we needed to ask someone at church if they knew of a doctor around who could check him out. Also, perhaps due to my tiredness or perhaps not, I was doubting everything this morning. Bohdan has continued to be hard, and I have been doubting my ability to care for two difficult children. (Taras has still been great.) Not only will I be parenting them, but home-schooling as well, and this morning it seemed that he answered "no" to EVERYTHING I asked him to do or "yes" to EVERYTHING I asked him NOT to do. My doubts and fears were running high. Then we went to church...
We arrived, made the usual greetings, then took our seat in the back near the English translator. Soon after we were seated an American missionary couple came in and sat in front of us. It didn't take us long to figure out we were all Americans. It also didn't take long to discover the husband is a pediatrician. One prayer answered, thank you God! But this was just the beginning of what God had in store for us today. The pastor prayed a LOT during the service (awesome!), but his first prayer was about the children. (Claiming people do not have a lot of children here is an understatement. Ukraine's birth rate is one of the lowest in Europe, and Europe has the lowest birth rates in the world. Those who do have children are often alcoholics; consequently their children end up either abused and neglected or sent to an orphanage or both.) I can't tell you how fitting it was to our new family. I wish I could have recorded it, because it was so Spirit led, and it touched both Rick and me deeply. The words perfectly captured, and reminded us of, our first sentiments: the reasons we were in Ukraine adopting and the reasons we had to persevere through all the ups and downs. Last, but definitely not least, came the sermon. We were blown away! It was based on Psalm 127:
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, the children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."
Need I say more? God truly spoke to us. He spoke loud and clear. My doubts have receded and my fears have subsided. Rick and I are not building this house, God is. He has given us a heritage, and we will not be put to shame.
We arrived, made the usual greetings, then took our seat in the back near the English translator. Soon after we were seated an American missionary couple came in and sat in front of us. It didn't take us long to figure out we were all Americans. It also didn't take long to discover the husband is a pediatrician. One prayer answered, thank you God! But this was just the beginning of what God had in store for us today. The pastor prayed a LOT during the service (awesome!), but his first prayer was about the children. (Claiming people do not have a lot of children here is an understatement. Ukraine's birth rate is one of the lowest in Europe, and Europe has the lowest birth rates in the world. Those who do have children are often alcoholics; consequently their children end up either abused and neglected or sent to an orphanage or both.) I can't tell you how fitting it was to our new family. I wish I could have recorded it, because it was so Spirit led, and it touched both Rick and me deeply. The words perfectly captured, and reminded us of, our first sentiments: the reasons we were in Ukraine adopting and the reasons we had to persevere through all the ups and downs. Last, but definitely not least, came the sermon. We were blown away! It was based on Psalm 127:
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, the children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."
Need I say more? God truly spoke to us. He spoke loud and clear. My doubts have receded and my fears have subsided. Rick and I are not building this house, God is. He has given us a heritage, and we will not be put to shame.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Court Date
We got a court date - next Friday. Was hoping it would be early next week, but we got one nonetheless. Hoping and praying we will not have the full 10 day waiting period; that perhaps they will cut it short and give us 7 days or something. (Not sure if that is even an option, but with God anything is possible, so I'm still praying.) I just really, really, really want to be able to come home on or before our flight date of July 30th, and I'm a bit worried that having only two weeks after the 10 day waiting period to finish everything is not going to be enough. I think usually 2 1/2 weeks is standard. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pray that we will be home by July 30th. The boys want to go home (all 4 of them), and I really want to go home to my shower, my bed, American food, and the luxury of living in my OWN HOME!!! Living in a tiny apartment with 4 boys is exhausting to say the least (not to mention the LONG days of paperwork when we've been sitting around waiting in a car for 8 long hours - thank goodness we brought a soccer ball with us!)! I can't wait to get home to our large yard and house where they can run around and expend all of the God-given-typical-boy-energy they have. Now I totally understand why people who live in a large city have only one or no kids!! Rick says he could stay much, much longer, but then he doesn't have to spend 6 weeks here like me, only 3 1/2... Not trying to complain, it really is beautiful here, and everything really has been going well for us. Just longing for home and our normal life together (and another bathroom so I don't have to share a toilet with FIVE boys - YUCK!).
On another note, there is a VERY, VERY cute boy in the orphanage who I would LOVE to see adopted. He is ten years old (kind of short for his age), smiles all the time, and is so friendly and kind. He is REALLY, REALLY sweet. He is also extremely good at soccer. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please let me know!
On another note, there is a VERY, VERY cute boy in the orphanage who I would LOVE to see adopted. He is ten years old (kind of short for his age), smiles all the time, and is so friendly and kind. He is REALLY, REALLY sweet. He is also extremely good at soccer. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please let me know!
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