On to Odessa

Nov. 5/15
We spent the morning sightseeing in Kiev.  We've done a lot of walking these past few days:)
In the afternoon we picked up our documents from the SDA and flew to Odessa.  It was wonderful to see a familiar face, MJ when we arrived.
We are wondering if we will be able to see the kids before the weekend or if we'll have to wait until Monday.  Wondering what their reaction will be.  To think that we've been praying and planning for 9 months but they have no idea.  The time is drawing near.

Nov. 6/15
This was a very l-o-n-g day.  We met our translator, Alyona.  She's a wonderful Christian lady, very friendly, has a heart for orphans.  She believes all children should have families.  She has been/is a blessing to us and the kids. 
Alyona said that both of the children were told yesterday that we would be coming.  Now we know that they've had a night to wrap their brains around the news.
To start the day we went to the Child/Family Services office in Odessa for more paperwork. Next we went to the orphanage to meet Vica.  After meeting with the director, Vica was called to join us.  She came into the office with a huge smile.
Later we went to a trade school where we met with the directors and then met Slavik.  I think he was more nervous than we were.
Alyona then arranged that we could get Vica and visit with both kids at McDonald's.  Both of them had lots of question which we answered as best as we could.  They asked about everything from where we went to church, would they have their own rooms, could they keep contact with their grandma, what about their names, could they work part time while going to school, do we have any pets ...
We came home (MJ's place) very tired, not so much physically as mentally/emotionally.  We're looking forward to seeing the kids tomorrow and hope that they will choose to be part of our family.

Nov. 7/15
Amazing birthday present - both kids have said that they would like us to adopt them:)  God has answered our prayers.
I never thought I'd be celebrating my birthday in Odessa, half a world away from home.  
We went to the wedding of one of Slavik's friends.  Later we took Vica and one of her friends to a restaurant for pizza.  
In the evening we played games - Jenga and Qwirkle.  There was a bilingual chocolate birthday cake (Зображення для запиту Happy Birthday).  Two teenagers who were visiting MJ made me the cake.  People have been very friendly and kind.  (I have to see if we can find a Qwirkle game to put under our Christmas tree.)

Nov. 8/15
This morning we went to church with MJ - a bilingual church service.  We would sing a song in English and then in Russian.  The scripture passages and sermon were also translated.  Whenever I hear God's praises sung in other languages I am reminded that we have brothers and sisters in the Lord all over the world.  
It's nice to spend the afternoon at home relaxing.  This evening we will be visiting Slavik.  
Tomorrow promises to be a busy day as we will starting a new round of paperwork.  Praying that this will go well.