An update at last

Hello friends and family. We have been anxious to update you. We had an interesting overnight train ride from Kiev to Donetsk. That was Tuesday night. Everything has been a whirlwind since. I can hardly tell you the order of all that has happened over the past few days. We are still whacked out on our sleep. I know what it is to be nocturnal....awake during the night but not able to sleep during the day. We have been here there and everywhere.

In all the chaos of the past few days, there is one moment that stands out in my memory. The only moment that you really want to hear about anyway...The moment we pulled up to the orphanage. Valera had been driven from the summer camp to the orphanage that morning. When our cars pulled up we dashed out and he ran up to each of us giving us hugs. He told a friend standing next to him "these are my sisters". As soon as he finished hugging us I saw him run into the orphanage. Before I could even blink he was back outside with wet hair. He was brushing his hair down with the palms of his hands as if to be looking his best. It was precious.

We quickly tossed out a brand new soccer ball. We all started kicking it around until Ted, Valera, and I were called inside. The director needed Valera to write a statement. He kept making mistakes and finally said "I don't want to write. I want to play soccer." We laughed and Ted said "all boy".

We barely had time to look around or play before we headed off to the next place to do paperwork, etc. Here we are two days later. We are settled into an apartment now that has wi fi. Expect more consistent updates now that we are settled.

We have the weekend to just enjoy Valera's company. Mary Kate, Ted, Valera and our facilitator went ice skating last night. We walked to a grocery store and tonight we are going to a dolphin show.

We have court dates and what not next week. Nothing is official until 10 days beyond the court date.

We have to leave now....the dolphins are waiting. Pictures to follow later. Please keep us all in your prayers and pray that the Lords will continue to be done. Thank you.