We know that many people are praying for us and we want to you to be encouraged because there is an abundance of evidence that God is hearing your prayers! Today's big news is that the head inspector submitted our completed report to the mayor for a signature. This step, we are told, commonly takes a week to 10 days. Praise God that ours was done in 1 day! Please continue praying that the paperwork goes smoothly as there still can be 2-3 weeks or more before we can leave. The other big news is that we would like you to pray about a girl named Halle who has an unbelievably bright, sunny, radiant personality. She is 10 years old and other than that we just don't know a whole lot about her. We have officially put in an inquiry about her. We don't even know if she is available for adoption, but if she is, we plan on pursuing her. If she is not our hearts are burdened with a desire to help her.

We were told that Anastasia and Ivan would leave the orphanage with absolutely nothing! So today was a big day for them. We got to take them out shopping for everything from socks to pjs to coats, shoes, and so on. The experience was very telling about their personalities. Anastasia has a very clear idea of what she likes and doesn't like, though she was a bit shy about it. Ivan was all boy, as long as it was comfortable he didn't care. The day however was very overwhelming for both children as well as for us. Anastasia is showing clear signs of attempting to take in all that is ahead of her. She is even asking questions about the plane ride home.

Even though the conditions are very poor at the orphanage and especially in the surrounding areas, this change is catastrophic in their lives. It will take some time to adjust to the idea of a new home. Ivan doesn't seem to be processing things nearly to the depth that Anastasia is, but is very eager to be loved.

After shopping for clothes we enjoyed some ice cream in the mall. (Note the movie poster in the background with Brad Pitt.)

This picture of Mikey carrying the bags is something he is definitely not happy about. You see, it seems to be a tradition in Ukraine that in the presence of a man, it is not polite or accepted for a woman to carry her own bags. Mikey said, "This is just great. Rosie gets to shop 'til she drops and Mikey has to carry all the bags!"

Most importantly, Mikey and I feel that God is growing us in wonderful ways. We realize that not only is He meeting the needs of children by the service He has given to us, but it has also been His intention to change us along the way.