Meeting with mayor's asst

We had our meeting with the Asst Mayor today. We went to the office of the inspector about 5 minutes early. When we got there, she told Zhenia that the Asst Mayor wanted A & N there, too. Zhenia said it never happens, but OK. So, off he raced to pick up the kids. He returned in about 30 minutes (we were left sitting in the hallway). As we waited, the inspector came back out and gave the boys a big candy bar to share. When they all got to the office, out of breath and in their school uniforms, we all went very quickly into the Asst Mayor's (AM) office. We were all introduced to each other. He asked us a few basic questions, asked A & N some questions and then Jacob and Caleb. When they were asked to stand up, they both did with great big smiles and a loud "Preveyet!" This got a huge smile and laugh from the adults. When the meeting was finished, in about 20 minutes, he said he agreed with the adoption. We then went back to the inspector's office to sign a paper.

We all then walked over to the courthouse. It took a little bit to find it and then we had to wait around. We were really hoping to get a court date on Thursday, but with the holiday on Monday (another one) Zhenia felt it best not to chance it. We received a court date of Friday, May 15, at lunch time. Apparently, the judge is fitting us in. Then Zhenia got a car and raced to the SDA in Kiev to submit our papers from Poltava, as they had to be in by a certain time. We have to have SDA papers completed before our court can take place. I must honestly say I am disappointed with the day delay, but trust in God's timing.

We had to get the children back to school. So, the driver took them back. We went to the market...again. Then came home and played Uno. At about 3:15, once our late driver came, we went to the internat to pick up A & N. They wanted to come to our flat. Once here, we played on a playground a short time, walked to the market...again, and then came inside. It was movies, playing, baths and showers (their daily request), dinner and just being together. A is saying "No Ukraine" and N is counting the days until she can live with us. It is getting harder everyday to take them back to the internat.

The boys are getting homesick. Last night was a rough one for them. Please pray for their patience, their compassion, and their heart's protection. They don't handle change well and they are about at their limit. I have to say, I want to come home, too. It's hard being here while we wait, try to find things to occupy our time and juggle everyone's emotions. But, I am glad we are all here together and wouldn't have it any other way. I think we have about 17 days until A & N move out of the orphanage and maybe another 5-6 days after that in Poltava, then on the Kiev for final paperwork. I read on another blog that they check all forms of communication about 5-10 times a day. David and I do the same thing. Thank you for your encouraging notes and comments. It makes our day!