Paperwork Frenzy

Sorry I've been quiet for a few days. We got word yesterday that some of our paperwork hold-up may soon be over. It was exciting news and kicked us into gear to complete more paperwork. Our goal--all current paperwork complete by Tuesday, January 27. Please pray for us as we complete the official dossier that will go to Russia. We excitedly anticipate the day we will bring D and V home.

The Airport

The airport was today. Time to say goodbye to the 14 Russian Orphans who have been visiting Tulsa this week. Host dads fought tears. Host moms gave up the fight and let the tears flow. Young host children were extremely distraught over saying goodbye to their new friends. Lots of hugs and wishing we could say, "See you real soon."

Anton was himself, through and through. Mr. Personality was as charming as ever. All of the host families and adoptive parents walked the kids up to security, said our final goodbyes and watched as they went through security and headed to board the plane. All the way through the lines at security, Anton kept wilding waving with both hands, calling my name, Juuuuliiiiii, and blowing me kisses. We will miss him terribly. We pray for his forever family. For them to hear clearly from God. For them to know without any doubt that God will equip them to care for Anton's needs in incredible ways. We pray for Anton's safety, for him to seek God, for him to use his leadership skills in positive ways to honor God, for him to find his permanent home soon.

Geography Fair

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We appreciate so much the families that participated in the Geography Fair and Fundraiser for Dima & Vova last night. Thank you to Laura Barnes for coordinating and to Osage Skiatook Homeschool Association for bringing everyone together. Christy Rowden has blogged about the evening and put up some incredible pictures.

http://momof2girlygirlz.blogspot.com/

URGENT NEED

Why the urgency? The kids leave on Sunday. If someone has a tiny bit of interest and can meet the child while he is here they will save an entire trip to Russia. Once the kids leave on Sunday that opportunity is lost. This is an intense week of trying to find homes for these precious children and we're nearing the end. Please spread the word any way you can so that Sunday morning we know there is at least someone interested in each child. Here is the link to four of the children that would love to meet you onon Saturday. Without any interest, it is likely they will age out of the system very soon and be left with grim chances.
http://russianorphanlighthouseproject.blogspot.com/2009/01/still-waiting.html

So helpful!

Anton is always looking for ways to help around the house. Today he was carrying groceries and even looked for places to put them away when we got home. He loves to cook, also. Last night he was very specific with how to cook the Pelmini. Tonight he is excited to be peeling the potatoes and has asked several times if we are going to mash them. He must really like mashed potatoes. Wish I could show you his cute way of making a mixer sound over the pan of potatoes.

Krispy Kreme & Fish

Today started with an early morning at the dentist. Thank you to Dr. Mongrain and Mary for a great visit. We appreciate their generosity with lighthouse project. Then we joined the group for a Russian version of The Lion King at Circle Cinema. Now Nathan and Timothy realize what it is like for Anton to watch an English movie with them. They at least knew the story line of this one.

This afternoon Anton was quiet and a little mopey. It was a great day for a taste of home. We went to the EuroMart at 71st & Memorial. It was just what he needed. He picked a few of his favorites and a few things he wanted us to try and picked up a treat for the fund raiser on Saturday. Then Anton hosted a feast for us with Mackeral, pelmini, Norwegian cheese, cok, hot strawberry tea, and a type of sunflower seeds. It was quite delicious. He enjoyed the cooking and you could definitely tell it was not his first time in the kitchen. We also got some sardines for tomorrow. He was delighted and I was glad to see the spark back in his eye.

Then driving home we saw the red light. The Krispy Kreme Donuts were HOT!! We stopped and he was enthralled with the machine that makes the donuts. We probably spent half an hour watching the machine, even when it ran out of donuts. He was very intrigued with how it works. He liked the donuts, but I think he liked watching them made even more.

He ended the day playing wii with the Thomason's while we went to a meeting. Thank you very much for your ministry to Anton while we were gone. He had alot of fun and loved seeing the mustang.

A Thousand Words

We are having a blast with Anton. He is always smiling and cutting up. He keeps us laughing. Those big eyes and dimples make the best puppy dog face ever. He is adorable, charismatic and charming. Today we had free lunch donated by Chik-Fil-A. (Thank you very much for your support!) Anton was given a balloon. Next thing I knew he had come back with a balloon for each of us and knew exactly which color each of us needed. He is always opening the doors for me and checking to see if I need anything. He is very sweet.

He also loves to play and play hard he does. He really wanted a picture of himself today at the Putt and Jump (Thank you for the disount!) He wanted a picture of himself doing a flip. I tried hard and have about 30 pictures of our trials. I told him he was fast and I was slow.

All are in bed because we have a very early day tomorrow. Please pray that Anton finds a family by Saturday. I'm going to leave you with some pictures. Julie