Monday, July 26, 2004
What a Day!
Our day started with a fabulous breakfast buffet. It's included in our adoption rate here at the hotel. Sue, you might want to consider coming to Moscow for the bargain, it's that good.
After breakfast we went to the agency office (un air-conditioned of course) in our Volga automobile (un air-conditioned of course) and spent two hours in a seminar. Then we went to the Ministry of Education to receive our referral. After waiting outside on the street (un air-conditioned of course) for about an hour, we finally got to go in to the building which was well you get the point on the A/C I think. The ministry looked something like the Howard School building if it had been hit by a small powered bomb. After waiting about 40 minutes inside, we got to go in to receive our referral. They asked us some questions and then gave us the referral. He's an 8 month old little boy living in an orphanage about an hour outside of town.
The five of us (Michael the driver, Ludmilla the boss, Anastasia the translator and us) made the drive to the orphanage in the un air-conditioned Volga and arrived in time for the children's nap. As they run a very strict schedule (unlike us), they would only let us see him for 5 minutes. He wanted nothing to do with Steve and let Vonda hold him. We will get to see him for about 3 hours tomorrow and get to feed him and take him outside. The orphanage was a lot like we had imagined and it's not a place you want to visit.
Over the next two days, we'll get more medical information and feedback from the Vanderbilt clinic and be prepared to make the decision to accept the referral. We're going to wait until then to post a picture. We hope you understand, but we need to be absolutely sure. His name is Nikolai (how bout that Nicky White?).
Please pray for us that things go smoothly and that God is able to give us peace. This has been an even more emotional process than we had prepared for and we covet your prayers.
God bless you,
Steve and Vonda
PS. Allie if they're reading down this far for you, we love you more than you can ever imagine and cannot wait to see you. Have fun in Texas and take a lot of picture for us. Keep your phone handy and we'll talk to you soon.
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
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16 comments:
Oh, my gosh, you guys are so in my prayers, and on my mind and yes, I am still weepy about this whole thing. :)
I love you and pray that God's hand is on this WHOLE adoption procedure.
Have a "deluxe: time in Russia in between scheduled appointments.
Love, hugs and prayers, Marilyn
The water works have started up again in Nashville...You are in our prayers..love Carol
Okay, I'm crying once again. I'll be praying.
Love,
Kristi
I just read your message and I used an entire box of tissues. You are in my thoughts and prayers now, as you have been since December. Keep us updated. Love, Melanie Britton
We are so happy to hear all the news. We pray he is healthy and that all continues to go smoothly. The prayers are constant for you all and Allie. I hope you guys can rest tonight since emotions do take it out of you. Talk care. Maria
This ought to be a Lifetime movie--but then I never cry at movies or the t.v.--so I guess this would be the very best one I had ever seen - thanks for sharing your journey--we are praying for you!
steve that last anonymous comment was from Nan -I am not very good at this yet--
Steve & Vonda - I am SO excited for you both! I can't even imagine the excitement you are going through! I'm getting teary eyed reading these! We are all thinking of you!
Diane
Steve - So about this lack of AC - are you getting used to being warm? If so, we will ask Faye to warm up the office! Your e-mails sound exciting and I am praying the Lord will give you clear direction on the decision you and Vonda must make.
Julie McGlasson
Steve and Vonda,
We finally got security clearance to post to the site. We have all been thinking about you and are so happy for you. It sounds like it is going great. I will be praying for both of you, Allie, and Nikolai. We love you guys and wish you the best!
GeLynna
PS. Great Job on the narrative, you could have a second career as a novelist.
Praying for all four of you. Much love,
Clarissa
(The bathtub pic? C'mon, first things first.)
wonderful! praying all the best for you, Eve
Steve,
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. You and Vonda are very special people and you strength is an inspiration. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Dalton
God is so good!!! Thank you guys so much for sharing this experience with so many! He has given you your heart's desire and He has been with you every step of the way. Thank you for reminding us of His greatness. May each moment there be filled with a peace that comes from being in His hands. You all (including Allie) are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Janet
Steve and Vonda
Alan gave me the address to your blog site. Congratulations to both of you. We leave early in the morning for our annual mission trip to El Salvador, Central America, so I wont get to check for a picture until next week, but we will be praying for you and your family.
Johnny and Daphne
Veronika has her new cousin's picture hanging in her room. He is beautiful!! I am sooooo happy for ya'll!!!!
we are all on the edge of our seats waiting for any more news, keep it coming.
Tiny j.
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