Just 4 days until our return ...

Yes, Sarah and I are counting down the days. Sarah gets out of school tomorrow morning after her awards day and then will spend the next day or two with Mom and Dad. It is strange to think that I will be gone from work for another 3 weeks or so. I plan on coming in and working some while the girls are at camp and busy with other things this summer. That is the only way I can make it this summer with no income. I am grateful for the Family Medical Leave Act which allows me to have a job when I come back, but taking 7 weeks without pay is tough, especially due to our adoption expenses. I'll just continue to pray that God will provide for us and we'll be okay this summer. We may just have to live on bolonga sandwiches -- okay just kidding. Sarah and Jon would never go for that.

I heard from Masha, this morning and she had come from seeing Almira. I got some more pictues of her at a program at school, in her uniform. She said Almira is starting to get nervous, but is very excited about coming. Almira had found some English books and was learning some English expressions. I just wonder what kind of book it is. :-)

The first picture is Almira at a concert today at the orphange for several children that had birthdays today. She explained it was similiar to when they had a concert for her. Looks like her friend Katya sitting next to her. The other picture looks like Almira was in her gym clothes.

Masha told us what a great daughter we had and that in her eyes she sees a kid and an adult that understands everything. She said that Almira made this decision to come with us after seriously thinking about it and being honest with herself. Masha also said that "we have a daughter that will never make us sad and will make us very proud".

Masha also mentioned the two little boys that hung around Jon all the time, Maxim (the little blond) and Viktor. They are now spending time with Almira and Masha and giving Masha flowers. She said that both little boys want to be adopted very badly. Jon agreed they would make someone wonderful sons, especially little Viktor, who had a ready smile and just loved being around Jon. I can almost see the wheels spinning in a few of my friends heads, like Nanci, Apryl and Jody. We're done with travelling for a while, ladies. Unless of course we win the lottery in the next few months or find some generous donors. :-)

I'll make sure I've posted a picture of them. I think I did while we were there.

I'll post again when I hear from Kaz. Boris is taking some of our girls on an outing Thursday for Vika's late birthday and Almira's going away party. I wish I was there for it. Those girls are so precious and such fun.

I can't say enough wonderful things about the Antares Foundation. I have never given to an organization where you see the results so quickly and personally. This is a great foundation and you don't have to make a large monthly committment. I can't say enough how much difference it makes in the lives of these children. Even Sunday school groups or businesses can sponsor an entire family, which is like 25 kids. Even if it means just sending school supplies or Christmas presents. Jon and I personally witnessed how much it meant to these children to know that someone cared about them enough to put something in the mail, just for them. Can you imagine what it would do for your kids here in America to have a friend that is half way around the world that they can help and send packages to? The kids can write back and Boris takes pictures and sends updates on your kids that you sponsor. Sarah loves going and picking out things to send to the orphanage. It helps her understand that other people are not as fortunate as we are. We have already selected another child to sponsor since Almira is coming home. I will never forget those children. It would be impossible to forget them.

Kathy