Hello Dear Friends and Family,

We found out that there is a way to expedite the kids passports so we may be able to knock about 5 days off of our stay. I know that doesn't sound like much, but I counted today and we've been gone 47 days. At this point every little bit helps. Pray that we are able to get that successfully done. I'd love to be home by March 20th, but that is pushing it. HOWEVER, God can make that happen with no problem.

prayer specifics:

~pray that everyone we deal with will be thrilled for the children and eager to help us get done quickly (without paying any bribes)

~pray for our first days living together as a family. We are hoping to get all of the paper work done and have the kids spend their first night with us on Wed 3/12.

~we are scheduled to have dinner with their family. (grandmother, aunt and family, adult brother and family, I think that is all.) Pray that it goes smoothly and they will like us and they will have peace about the children coming with us. (it is a done deal, I just don't want them to worry. I know this is hard for them,  but they have already agreed to the adoption. They must love them very much to want the kids to leave them for a new life. When they told their grandmother she cried b/c she was so happy for them, but also, of course, b/c she will miss them.)

~pray for safe travels and good health.

~pray for us to quickly learn more Russian. It is amazingly hard! Pray for them as they learn English. Not being able to communicate is their biggest fear. Especially Andrei, and he understands most of what we say already. He just can't answer us very well yet.

~pray that the kids will bond well with each other and there won't be any jealousy.

 

Thanks so much for all the prayers. They mean so much!

love,

Chad and Wendy