David is 40 today!

Today was an interesting day. Zhenia left the flat around 7:30 to start on his day of running around getting papers completed. We layed around the flat all morning. For David's big day, he wanted bread, butter and bologna with tea and a boiled egg. So....that was breakfast. We then got dressed. Our friend who just left this area told of a market and some other stores close by. So, me and the boys went exploring. There is a bazaar, a fruit stand, a bread store and a nice market within short walking distance. We came back and got David so he could go with us to see it.

Zhenia then called. There is a snag. A & N have grandparents (which we knew) that are very happy we are adopting them. However, the grandfather wants to meet our family and appear in court and tell the judge that he is for this adoption. This is great, however, it causes a big time delay- as now the inspector says it must be done. She wants a written document from the grandfather before she will complete her paperwork. So, we are all figuring out how this will work. It ends up that Zhenia is heading to Kiev tonight by train to pick up this document which the grandfather is happy to send there so that the inspector will have it. We must have the inspector's signature before we can sit before the assistant mayor and before we can get the court date assigned. Then the grandfather and the grandmother will come to Poltava this Sunday and we will meet them and get to know them. This accomplishes both tasks with only a minimal delay. We are very pleased to meet them, we just do not want the time delay.

For David's birthday, Zhenia took us to this delicious bakery for cake and ice cream. It was a very nice and special treat. We all sang happy birthday to David. A & N were very shy and didn't sing, but laughed and thought it was fun. We then took Zhenia to the train station and then took the children back to the internat. It was a short time with them today, but the time with them was good.

As I was fretting over the time delay earlier today, God brought Prov 3:5-6 to mind: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. I was wondering how to fix this situation and this kept coming into my head. It is good that we will meet their grandparents. It is wonderful that they are happy we are adopting A & N. I don't have to understand it all, but only trust in the Lord and He will work all things out according to His will.

Please continue to pray with us that the asst mayor will have an appointment open for us this Thursday or Friday. This will allow us to set up our court date for next week.