Only Savannah,Andrew and I

Derek and Luke flew out of Kiev this morning and should be arriving into Seattle in about an hour!! We miss them already and so do the boys. Peter said "Why did Derek have to leave?" This morning we went to the open air market, it is the largest in Europe. You can find everything from meats,nuts,veggies, fruits, honey, milk, cheeses,clothes,shoes, books etc. So we loaded up on fresh veggies and fruits and got the boys some shoes and more clothes. Yesterday we were able to get the boys some clothes at an exclusive toy store. I have never even seen a store like this in the states. It is located right across from our flat. We are conveniently located close to the square where you can find most things. Just down the street is a great bakery and a few restaurants. Anyway, this toy store is 5 stories and it has animatronics on every level, babies moving around in cribs when you enter, life size bears playing instruments on a stage on the second level! The top level is a huge playground and kid-themed restaurant. There are guards on every level and endless employees just standing there!! That seems to be the norm here in Ukraine, employees just standing around and not working!! What about payroll taxes-that is what I'm thinking!! The clothing is expensive, but I did buy the boys some shorts and pants there because the level of quality anywhere else is not good. Drew had a fun time jumping around on the toys and said, "Mom we have to bring the boys here."

Today we worked on flashcards with the boys after they had apples we brought for them and some fun,squishy,toy spiders!! The boys have a clan of friends who like to come out and play when we arrive, although lately we have arrived during the "silent time", so our boys have hours with just us. Their friends are very sweet kids and I pray that people would come and adopt these precious little ones. If I could, I would take more of these boys home with us. They tell us there are 43 children here but I have not seen 43. Maybe we have seen 20. Today I asked them what is the first thing they would like to get when we leave the orphanage. Viktor said clothes and Peter said toys and also Peter said he wanted to give toys to his friends. He is quite the social bug! We might have a going away party at the orphanage, but it all depends if the Director will allow it.

So the 10 day appeal process will be over on September 5! That is a Saturday and it's not clear if we can pick them up on that day or we have to wait until Monday. Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Please pray for Savannah, Andrew and I as we finish out this process and bring home our newest family members. Homesickness is starting to set in but I'm ignoring it. We have been here for 3 weeks, tomorrow. We miss everyone terrible and can't wait to see everyone's wonderful faces!!! May the Lord bless you and carry you,

Lana