Castle Day

In the place where we are staying both elevators broke and there are people stuck in one.  I think we will be taking the stairs.  We are on the top floor - 6 floors up!  The elevators are the size of a phone booth.

 Today we took the boys to see a cool castle!  It's actually the ruins of a Turkish fortress called Yenikale.  It was such a cool place to visit. I'll post pictures!  You could even see Russia in the distance.  There was such a beautiful view!

We got to go with friends of ours from New York.  They are such a blessing to us!  He is a pastor and they are adopting 2 boys.  They speak Russian so they have been able to talk to the boys. 

Fear not

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I love this verse!  I'm so thankful for God's word!!

Friends at the orphanage

Wisdom

Thanks for the prayers for Kevin! He did really well and is home sleeping. :)

Things are going well here.  We have been here 2 weeks tomorrow. :) Our court date is August 17th at 1:30.  Please pray for wisdom about whether I should come home or stay for the 10 day waiting period. After the 10 days it could take a good 3 1/2 weeks to process them out of the country. We have a lot to figure out!!!  There are two other families that will be here so I won't be totally alone, plus God is with me!!

Thank you all for your encouraging words and prayers.  We would not be able to do this without them. Proverbs 3:5-6

Prayer

Praying for Kevin as he will be getting his wisdom teeth out this morning at 9:30!
Here are a few more pics from our time last summer with Roman!

No internet

This morning we woke up to no internet. It was like my arm was cut off.  So we went to the front desk and bought some wifi.  We have no idea what we bought because it was all in Russian and the lady at the desk didn't speak English.  I don't care - just thankful for some internet! Being here has opened our eyes to many things that we just take for granted.  So thankful for the opportunity to be in Ukraine. Today a little more paperwork and we should be good.  Looks like our court date will be August 17th.

A note from The Resolution for Men:
His love for us is based upon God's choice, commitment, and unchanging character, not on us.  God loves us not because we are lovable, but because He is so loving. Nothing we can do can generate more love from Him or take His love away from us - because it was never based upon us to begin with.

A Home

Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young --
a place near your altar
Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Psalm 84:3

More pics

The Paper Chase

More paperwork today! Finally the paper got signed today and sent off to Kiev!  We are so thankful for many things! God continues to guide and direct each step along the way.  It looks like court is going to be the 17th of August.

We are so thankful to have such a wonderful church family supporting us in prayer and helping out family back in Pennsylvania!! Facebook is such a wonderful way to keep in touch and I am so glad we are able to skype Kevin & Hannah often.  It is a lifeline for us. 

Travel has been interesting here! I will post some more pics. The van is going to feel like a huge bus when we get back! We even have SEATBELTS in the van. hahaha