Saturday, Day 37

Not much excitement today. Both Natalie and Benjamin are sick with a cold. This has slowed them down a little. We stayed in until around 1:00. We went to exchange money and walk to the bazaar. It was really hot today. All I have are long sleeve shirts and it was hot. The bazaar was a little walk from us. It is outside, so no relief from the heat. We picked up some tennis shoes for Natalie, as hers are worn out. Benjamin and Natalie also wanted a play telephone. Benjamin really likes his. Natalie wants a real one and I guess she thought it would substitute well. She thinks it's fun, but lost interest quickly. We walked to the market afterwards then came back home.

We spent the evening playing games, talking, eating and watching movies. Does this sound familiar? Everyday, I get the opportunity to get more information from Natalie about her and Benjamin's past. I am so thankful that she shares and look forward to when we can really communicate, so that I can get to know them more closely. All of our children are getting along pretty good. There is the occasional outburst, but all is good.

Jacob and Caleb found out today that they will make their Route 66 party on the first Sunday after we return and they are really psyched about it. This is a party at the end of the year held by our church's children's ministry. Any child who has said all 66 books of the bible may attend. They accomplished this last year, but are able to go again this year. It's alot of fun and they have been looking forward to it for some time now. So, I am glad they will not miss it. They had to miss Cub Scout camp and this was a real disappointment for them.

Benjamin and Natalie are excited about going home and talk about it often. What will we do there? When do we get there? Tell me about my room again? Can I get my hair cut there? Will we go shopping. Those last two are from Natalie, she is all girl. Today, she showed me all of her pink things and said she really likes pink. This is good, so do I. Her new shoes today were pink.

Zhenia says we should get our passports on Tuesday, then we will all head to Kiev. He said that Wednesday will be a very busy day. Please continue to pray that all gets done in Kiev to allow us to fly out on Thursday evening.