Praise God who has brought us this far and "things could not have gone better," said our guide today about the process so far! We asked God to make it very clear whether these children were the children he wanted us to bring home, and it could not have been more clear! We asked God to make us all feel at ease during our first meeting together and all it took was for Mike to stick out his tongue at Ivan and the barrier was broken and the bonding began! God has heard and answered our prayers. Thank him with us.






Nastia and Ivan are incredible kids. Nastia has a wonderful disposition and took to Rosie immediately. She likes princesses and swimming. She has a beautiful smile and a sweet spirit. She is definitely the leader of the two.

Ivan's energy increased it seemed with every minute we were there. He has a great sense of humor and a great smile. He likes cars and riding horses. He is on the shy side but Mikey easily won him over.

We were told that neither Ivan nor Nastia was much interested in school work. It was obvious to us right away that the reason for this was their visual impairment. Both have astigmatisms and Nastia has a weak eye which makes her look cross-eyed. The orphanage is in one of the poorest (and dirtiest) regions in Ukraine and simply does not have the funding for their much needed glasses. There is absolutely no question in our minds that if they were able to see well, they would flourish with their school work because they are clearly curious and motivated.

It was while we were showing the kids our photos that we noticed how they struggled to see the photos (even more than Mike without his reading glasses!)

Looking at family photos was so much fun with them. Nastia and Ivan were fascinated with Abbie and Hannah. They lit up when they saw their smiles and funny poses-especially the one where Hannah has icing all over her face! They also loved seeing Bailey and Maggie. Nastia was relieved to know we no longer have rats for pets! The children did not know what a roller coaster or a buffalo were, but they had been to a beach.

Abbie and Hannah are going to be such great big sisters!

Talk about a sweet face!

After about 30 minutes we were asked if we needed time to think, but Mike already knew. They asked the children if they wanted to belong to our family. They both immediately answered "da." We knew it was a match made in heaven!

Nastia and Ivan loved taking pictures with our camera. Nastia took this one of herself...She also took pictures of the orphage director, social worker and psychologist who were observing. We could tell that though this is a poor orphanage, the staff were genuinely caring and that the children felt comfortable with them.

It was great being with them, however overwhelming the task ahead. We know God will give us a generous supply of his love for these precious ones so they will know him and love him.

Looking at these photos again tonight only increases our love for them and we can't wait to see them tomorrow. We will get to spend time with them everyday after school while we are here. From the orphanage we went straight to the notary to officially apply for their adoption.

As we drove around the town on our way to the offices and to the orphanage, we asked a couple of times to stop and take pictures. We were told, "later." So when our guide went in to the notary office Mike took the opportunity to snap a photo of what we saw all over this town. Piles of litter and trash like this one right outside the notary office in the quad were common. We could not even imagine how poor, dirty and depressing this area is. It is such a blessing to be able to take these kids out of this environment.

Please continue to thank and praise God for all he has done and to pray for the process as the legal work is just beginning. We ask for expedition of each legal step and for eyes to see what we need to in order to meet their needs during our visits with Nastia and Ivan over the next several days as well as for ever increasing love for them.