Today has certainly been one of those days. You know the ones-where you have probably experienced every emotion ever known to man. That’s me!
First, let me start with the special part about today. It’s my firstborn’s birthday. Eleven years ago today Anthony and I discovered the joy of parenthood. It was a day that changed our lives forever. Before this boy was born I never knew what a blessing it would be to be called Mom. He changed everything for me. He showed me what I wanted to be when I grew up…Mom!
Happy birthday, precious Connor. There are no words to describe how much I am longing to be with you today. I love you with a passion.
Whew!
Thank you to ALL of you who prayed for me, and my situation here today. It has been a heck of a day.
Yes, God was faithful (as I knew He would be). Finally everyone seems to be okay with me adopting the girls. It seems that everything is in order and they have given me permission to adopt. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Such a huge relief. I cannot even begin to tell you.
While I am rejoicing over the sweet victory, and God’s amazing faithfulness, I must confess that I am really fighting discouragement in this place. I am just feeling so weary of the battle. I feel so emotionally drained. There seems to be one obstacle after another. And the journey is still very far from over.
Unfortunately, in light of the recent Russian adoption fiasco, things are clamping down big time here. I knew it would happen, just maybe not so soon. The result today is that there will absolutely NOT be any waiver on any waiting period. Out of the question. The glimmer of hope that I was given is now completely gone. Nothing I can do about it.
That’s one delay, but then there’s another…
Last week I was promised a court date this week…today it has been pushed forward to the end of next week. Tentatively I have been given April 22 as a date to appear in court. But that date may very well change and become even later. Unless they receive back my INTERPOL (police) clearance, nothing will happen, and I will have to continue to wait.
As I type this, things are so uncertain. It really is just a day-by-day thing for me here. Nothing is etched in stone. With adoptions in these countries as shakey as they are right now, tomorrow may look vastly different from today.
I am learning that His grace is sufficient for me. I am being forced to rely on my Father in heaven when things seem so crazy and messed up. I wish I could just pour out my whole heart, and my experiences, but unfortunately I have to be very careful what I say on a public blog. I cannot put anyone else’s adoption in jeopardy. I know you all understand. It’s a fine line that I struggle to navigate at times.
I feel like I am dealing with emotional overload. But I am constantly reminding myself that He is more than able to carry my burdens and the things on my heart tonight.
A few of you have written to ask me why I am here alone. Sorry, I forget that newer readers may be in the dark. The very short version of it is that when we found Hailee last summer we learned very quickly that we could not adopt her the normal way, with a husband and wife doing it jointly. The Ukraine has a very strict policy regarding there ONLY being 45 years between the parent and the child. That disqualified us as a married couple as Anthony was over the age limit. We were told that there was a loophole and I would be able to adopt her as a ‘single person with consent from my husband’. Great idea, but I was not an American citizen and could not do the necessary paperwork to get her back into the USA. So, in a drastic hurry we completed the process for me to become a citizen, and then began the adoption paperwork. That is the only reason why I am allowed to be here without Anthony-the Ukraine does not even look at him as part of the adoption. It’s a crazy thing, but it has allowed us to adopt TWO little girls.
Okay, changing gears to some girly news.
You know how I have posted a few times about the fact that Hailee is always dressed in either blue or green? I never really thought twice about it, I just assumed that no-one cared enough to dress a girl in pink. It seemed that the onesies that she was always in were just what they had available.
Then I read a few comments about some concerned bloggy friends wondering if Hailee was, indeed, a girl. I chuckled when I read them because I had never thought twice about it. While my hubby and I chatted one night he said, “Honey, did you read the comments about Hailee? Have you had a peek to make sure that she IS a girl?”
Um, no, actually I had not had any peek yet.
The next morning I asked my facilitator whether “Violetta” (her Ukrainian name) could be a boys name in the Ukraine. She totally laughed at me. As we drove out to the orphanage I sat in the backseat thinking of all the boys names that I loved—just in case. As many of you know very well, with adoptions anything is possible.
We arrived at the orphanage and Tatianna (my facilitator) told the caretakers that Adeye’s husband thinks that Violetta may just be a boy because she is always in boy colors in the photos she sends him. They thought it was too funny.
Before I know it, the blue onesie is being whipped off, she gets changed-and they present me with my very own pink bunny….
Aaahhhhh…so much better!
Too darn cute for words.
But never fear, the blue is never too far away.
Oh, and yes, I did still just take a little peek…just to be extra sure.
I absolutely adore these two precious angels.
The little yellow hat is there for a reason. Hailee has a habit of scratching the back of her ear. It is raw behind there. The hat stops her from scratching. At least it’s girly I say.
LOVE the look on Harper’s face as she checks out her sister. “Um, are you sure she has to come home with us too?”
“Really? She’s my sister?”
“Yep, I’m your sis, can’t you see how much I love you?”
There truly are no words to describe how adorable these two are. They melt my heart. They truly do make every up and down of this journey so absolutely worth it. Every moment I spend with them reminds me that there is always a cost to obedience. It is never easy doing the things God calls us to do. But oh my goodness, the prize when I finally reach the end is going to be simply glorious.
Pressing on toward the finish line-and praising the Almighty Father for a sweet victory today. Faithful God!
Wish I could send you some strength for the remaining time you have left! I am sorry about the 10 day wait, but so thankful that everything else went the way we all prayed it would! Your baby Hailee looks beautiful in pink, and its such a funny story!
I also notice she appears more and more “alive” in each new post….like she is already blossoming! And her sister is just stunning as well!
Well, mixed news, but blessed news just the same!!!
You are being covered in prayer! Seems like you are hanging on tight to Jesus and doing okay.
LOVE the pics of the girls. Hailee used to be a boys name didn’t it?
She actually looks very pretty in pink doesn’t she! I can NOT believe that she had that on under her onesie!!!
Praise God that you found favor with the judge! I completely understand about missing your son’s birthday, too. We were on our 1st trip to meet Andreas when my Connor turned 12.:) It was so hard to miss his birthday!!
Your daughters are beautiful and blessed to be gaining such a wonderful family! Continued prayers coming your way.
I am thrilled to hear this update!! I am supposed to be on my way out the door for some very important business
but…I had to check ONE MORE TIME!!
I was both relieved AND sad when I found out that Anthony could come…later to help you!!
Makes me giggle. I’m so glad she’s not…she’s a heroine for sure 
What happened to her face? She has a new boo boo 
)
I am so sad about the no waiver stuff but not surprised in light of recent events. And I cannot wait to get together with you this summer and talk for real…because my heart is VERY burdened for HIV orphans in that very country you are waiting and waiting in.
If you need to go home and return…NO ONE is going to judge you. The Lord will clearly show you the way.
I wish I was there with you
(You understand why)
I can’t imagine wondering for even a minute if sweet Hailee might be a boy
Happy birthday to your sweet firstborn! Soon…even though it may not FEEL soon…soon…you will all be togehter as a family again and what rejoicing that will be!! Wish CO was close enough that I could come over and help you pack!!
God will provide…He is Jehovah Jireh!!
Love,
Holly (Purpose Driven Family Holly- I noticed you have more than one Holly friend
Oh, you were my immediate concern when I saw the news from Russia and I hoped you would be spared additional hoops I’m sorry to hear of your day to day struggles and while I know your faith will carry you through all of this neverthless the days can be long and weary.
I hope the many prayers in your behalf create a physical blanket of comfort until you are all safely home.
So relieved for you Adeye!
I was worried about that meeting.
Praying for a court date soon!
I’ve brought in the big guns and now have quite a few of my ministry groups praying for you as well!!! We will not allow Satan to discourage you by focusing on the circumstances of this adoption. We will stand in the gap for you and help you keep your hands upraised as you fight this spiritual battle. We are more than conquerors my friend!
Still wish I could jet over there and hang out during the oh-so-annoying wait time!!
Kristin
So thankful that you have been given the green light, though wishing you could be home sooner with your baby girls. Prayers are flowing from here, friend. By the way, my oldest turned 10 yesterday..our boys are only one year apart. Now if we just lived closer…:)
Oh Adeye, I am so sorry and oh I know the pain of being away on your childs birthday. I also missed my babies birthday when we were in China.
I wish I could hug you right now but please know I’m praying for mountains to be moved once again for you. Don’t forget God has moved many of them for you so don’t stop believing in that.
Huge sigh of relief! PTL! God is good. Could you please if you find time pray for our daughter. She is in Russia, deaf and blind and with what is happening now we are not sure if our adoption will be halted. Our paper went to the MOE a few days before this incident so we have not heard anything. I called the embassy in DC but they said nothing. God is bigger!
Your girls are looking better and better and so beautiful! Praying for you!!
Happy birthday to your son.
Be blessed
Whew. I’ve been worried and am relieved to read that things are moving along, even if they are not moving along as fast as we’d like. So many people are praying for your sweet family. May you feel their strength.
Yesssssss!!!! Rejoicing with you and continuing to pray!
Shelley
Oh, sweet friend!
First, we serve a MIGHTY God! Even in the den of lions, stand strong! If the 10 day waiting waiver is not going to happen, let’s stand together and pray for a court date SOONER than the one they gave you! Let’s band together in prayer for that!
Praising God for His provision today, though! One step closer (even if it appears to be an OH SO TINY step!)
Second, I do believe pink is Hailee’s color! Although, she did look cute in blue. I guess I’m just saying, she’s so stinkin’ cute either way! Both are!
Love to you from across the pond!
So glad the questioning went well and you were so peaceful during it. Love your faith in our Lord.
It is so hard to be away from home during special occasions- like your dear son’s b-day. What a great picture of the two of you!
Also glad Hailee is Haliee and not Henry!
Okay- I do not see the all downs characteristic in your two girls. Their cute little tongues are all I see that remind me of downs. Are you sure they have downs syndrome. Or maybe they were just grouped with the DS kids? Just a thought since were all asking questions.
They are adorable!!
Wow, so much to take in. If anything I have learned through your process that I should never complain about the little ‘delays’ in ours. When I first started researching internat’l adoption, I was looking at Kazakstan, but the in country wait was so long and would not work for my husband. God eventually opened the doors to the SN program in China. Now we only wait for our TA to be signed so that we can be on our way. We thought she would’ve been home by now, so the wait has been hard. But following along on your journey has been such an eye-opener. Your hurdles far out-weigh any we have come in contact with. And I know I’ve said it before, but your faith in God is SO inspiring and you truly are a vessel He is working through to reach others! I’m so glad that you were granted permission to adopt the girls, but I am sorry to hear about the delays and the long waits. I’m sure it is daunting some days. But know that you are being lifted up in prayer and that you are not alone. I can’t wait until you are all safely HOME and that this is all a distant memory. I’m certain lives are being touched in the Ukraine by your love for those precious little cuties. OH, and Hailee looks just PRECIOUS in Pink!!
Glad there are no more ‘questions’ lingering there!! ;o)
Blessings & Hugs,
~Tanya
p.s.>>> Your b-day boy is SO handsome…and he clearly looks like his mom!!
No question he’s your son.
Happy B-day Connor!
I have been praying and thinking of you. I’m so sorry that the time is looking longer.
Those little ones are so adorable. I love seeing pictures of them and Hailee looks so cute in pink!!!
loves friend.
ps - How gorgeous is that little bean in pink!!!! Halelujah!!!
Oh, Adeye, I’m praying, Sister! You’ve certainly been through the gamut of emotions. Don’t grow weary or lose hope! The enemy wants you to give up, but the Father has equipped you foir this!!!
Congratulations on being there! I am soooo sorry we are behind in your great news! I know the frustration of delays. I stayed 8 weeks each adoption 2007 and 2009, but only 4 by myself. We have many friends in Ukraine if you need English voices or praying persons “near by”.
May God give you strength for the journey and peace during the storms! HE is not surprised, you are where he wants you to be!
You have so much faith and I’m sure it will be worth it when you look back w/joy at all you’ve been thru to get these beautiful little girls. Soon it will just be a memory so please keep your faith knowing this and try to enjoy these little ones to the fullest. I can see so much happiness in these two little faces that were not there in the beginning. I think each day they see you they get even more beauttiful and you get to bond closer. I know you’ve already been thru so much looking back but you’re nearing the end of the journey. You are a very special person. Happy birthday to Conner. He looks just like his mom. In my family we never get to celebrate birthday’s on the exact date around here. Toooo many grand’s and family members. God Bless, Hugz, jann
Last night I couldn’t sleep - so lay in bed and prayed for you for a long time. I also prayed for my Aaron and all the other families who are walking this very lonely, very overwhelming, very hard and very rewarding path. I was so glad to know that YOU GET TO ADOPT THE GIRLS!! Hurrah! Praise God!! Amen and Hallelujah! In our weakness - He is strong!
Praying for supernatural strength to come your way!! Keep leaning on God and He will see you through this!! The girls are so beautiful!!
Happy Birthday to Connor!!
Praying here for the Lord to comfort you and fill you with His peace and strength. AND to send His angels to this strange land to lift you up!! Sheri
I have been thinking about your meeting all day today. We are only 2 hours behind your time in the Ukraine and I prayed for you again this morning as I got up. I am so glad that the adoption has been approved, just sorry you are going to have to wait so long before taking your girls home.
Such a funny story about Hailee! Good to see her in pink!
Happy birthday to Connor!
Even with all the ups and downs, your post is still vary encouraging! Thank you Lord for the for the favor he had given you today with the judge. I totally agree that Hailee is looking better and more alert each day! And yes, she is totally amazing in pink! May God never seize to maze you and may He fill your cup, till it run over each day…may He prepare a feasting table in the presence of your enemies!!!
Karien Prinsloo, Pretoria, South Africa
Oh my I thought of you today,
With all that is happening with Russia..it is to be expected the Ukraine might want to go ”by the book” and make you wait those 10 days. At least prayers came in strong and they saw you as you are a wonderful parent. As hard as it is to be away from home and family, keeping a close eye and hands on your girls is..priceless. Lets keep on praying and we never know what might happen.
Keep strong woman! You are.
Marie-Claude
Violetta-SO CUTE! Love her in pink too, she look darling! Thanking HIM for allowing you to indeed adopt these precious ones-WHEW~ Happy Birthday Connor!!
Praise the Lord that you are allowed to continue. We continue to pray for you as you wait through these tough days to bring your girls home.
Michelle
PS. Happy Birthday Connor
My heart dropped when I read your prayer request, I was afraid something was going to drastically change because of the situation with that poor Russian boy. So this is blessed news to read today!
Hang in there, I know how hard it can be to be so far away from home with uncertainties. Please know I’m praying for you!!!
And, OH MY GOODNESS those little girls are so precious!
Many blessings,
Amy <><
Is it just me, or do you think Hailee has been taken off the tranquilizers? She seems MUCH more more alert!
Thinking of you every day…and hoping to be traveling soon.
Hi Adeye!
So relieved to hear that the girls WILL EVENTUALLY be coming home with you…what a VICTORY!!! And we will just dwell on that news for today:) Well, that, and the fact that your son is having a birthday!!! Well, that, and the fact the Hailee is dressed in pink finally. Some wonderful things to praise God for and just leave the rest in His lap as well as you can.
Thinking of and praying for you!!!
Lisa
PS
So fun chatting with you yesterday!!!
they are amazing little girls!
Oh sweet friend,
I can hear the discouragment in your voice….and I (and a boatload of others) continue to pray that the God of peace will flood your heart and give you hope and joy inspite of the wait. And one day you will look back on all this “as waters that have passed by”…promise!! xo
AMEN Adeye -there is always a cost to obedience. You are displaying what trust and obedience looks like gracefully!
I love you and am praying for every detail of this journey! You are a constant inspiration and make me sing praises to our King for Sisters that are real like you!
Hugs,
Jill
Yes, the girls are absolutely too cute for words!
praise YHWH for answered prayer! (the judge’s heart being softened).
Hailee looks so pretty in the pink hoodie
I’m praying that He will give you peace through this trying time of waiting and not knowing.
You’ve been through the wringer and THEN some, huh? Oh, my dear friend, I don’t have to tell it will all be worth it. You know it. We certainly know about the cost of obedience… and the REWARDS of it, too. Everyone at church was concerned about the Russia debacle, and so we are just praising God with you that everything WILL happen in the Lord’s perfect timing, and He will give you grace, strength, balance, wisdom and revelation for the days ahead. Praying against loneliness and discouragement, and also been praying that you are taking good care of yourself, eating well, resting well… Missing Connor’s birthday is so hard, but you will more than make up for it once you get home! And there was never a more understanding boy than Connor. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CONNOR! Love you and all the Salems.
so sorry things are taking so long! there is nothing so frustrating as being so out of control of the process. especially when someone is not doing their job. will pray things get moving soon!! good luck, hugs
Just loving you and your sweet girls through all your ups and downs!!!
This too shall pass!!! In the near future, this will just be another blurb in time, but such a meaningful time!!
Oh so sweet to finally see Hailee in pink!
She is so precious. I love the pics of the interaction between the girls. Happy Birthday to your firstborn (I’ve missed a few of my kids’ birthday’s on adoption trips…know how painful that is).
“For I am the the Lord, your God, who holds your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.'” Isaiah 41:13
I know how much you’re hating being away from your big boy on his special day - but I know he is being surrounded by love.
Rejoicing with you on such great news. I know this is such a rollar coaster ride.
Those sweet girls will really make it ALL worth it. We are all in love with them! And you are right. That pink outfit is so much better. : ) We are all praying for you, sweet friend!
Praise the Lord for a step forward, and no steps back. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
It’s easy to see that Hailee and Harper are blossoming with their mother’s love. There is more life in Hailee. And she is adorable in pink. Are you able to spend more time with them yet?
Oh Adeye, my heart rejoices with you that you can proceed with your adoptions, but aches with you as you continue to wait and miss Connor’s birthday. Your girls are so precious. Hailee is even more beautiful in pink.
I know this time is agonizing. My husband and I traded off living in Guatemala for 6 weeks trying to get our son home. We were physically, emotionally, and financially depleted. I’d call home and hear my other children on the phone crying for me to come home.
I’d ask God why obedience had to be so hard. But then I’d think about my own adoption by my Heavenly Father and realize that any sacrifices I might make to bring our son home seemed so insignificant compared to the sacrifice of my Savior for my adoption.
You, your husband, and your children, remain in our prayers. Praying for you to have strength and wisdom in the days ahead.
Much Love,
Kathie
I found your blog a couple weeks ago through Laurel’s (Mama D’s Dozen) sidebar. I was excited to see you were adopting 2 RR girls, as my best friend and her husband adopted from Ukraine through RR last year. I remember seeing both Harper and Hailee as I looked through pictures. How exciting for them to have a forever family!
I was thinking of you and praying for you last night and today. So glad things went well with the court… so sorry things have been slowed due to the poor choices of others.
Praying for continued strength and comfort for you, Mama!!! Love the pictures and videos of the girls. It’s always great to see new pics after the profile pictures on RR. They are both soooo beautiful!
Praying for you all!
I prayed last night for your court hearing and I am blessed to hear that the heart of the judge was swayed. Keep your eyes on the Prize sister!
Love from the North,
Summer
Good morning - It’s funny - I found your blog thru another reader - the day after I heard about the ‘adoption issue’ from here in the states - and then I saw you were in Russia (the urgent prayer request post) - and I thought to my self “there’s no way - they’ll over react and put a stop to all adoptions”…and we prayed - all of us - and it worked….huzzah!! We’re so happy for you guys getting through the day. OK - not as timely as you wanted - but - in the grand scheme of things - what’s a few more days (OK - yeah - I spent a ‘month in China one week’ - so easy for me to say right - I’m state side right now!!) Really - you’ve been in worse conditions!!
We’ll keep you guys in our hearts and prayers!
hugs - aus and co.
Keep pressing on. You and God CAN do it! Hailee looks beautiful in pink! I love Harper’s expressions! PRAISE that you are found suitable to parent! Happy Birthday Connor!
By the way, I missed my little guys birthday while we were gone too, it’s hard, I know.
Just have to try to remember, its ONE birthday in many and the really important thing is WHY you’re there in the first place. How many more birthdays would these girls have if you hadn’t come for them?
That’s what I told myself anyway
Blessings,
Jodi
I’ve been so worried about you with the news from Russia.
Still praying for you don’t quite know what to pray for so I just leave it all up to God.
You crack me up, I’m sitting here with tears poring down my face again, and laughing about the the boy girl?
She is beautiful and I’m so glad they cared enough to change her colour clothes.
I’ve been following a few adoption blogs now and just wondering if at your daughters orphanage if the girls seen to have one person that they are attached to?
A few of the little ones being adopted from different orphanages seem to have a carer that bonds with them, is that the case their?
Hello my friend! Don’t be discouraged…this time is special in its own way - being able to spend time with just the 2 girls, bonding, playing and getting to know them more is precious time… Mandz (UK)
Arent your girls the sweetest?!!!
Oh Adeye, I pray that God sends some encouragement to you soon… I cannot imagine what you are going through… while we wait for our own adoption to get past the waiting stage, I often have to ask God to hold my heart - I pray that He is holding yours too.
I know that you know it, but keep remembering that this whole Russian adoption fiasco never took God by surprise, like it did the rest of us… he sent you there for these girls at a time when He knew this would happen, and God has enough faith in you that He knows you can handle it (isnt that mind boggling? It always is for me)
Know that God is smiling as He hears so many of us (including your sweet family) lift you and these girls up to Him…
And Happy Birthday Connor!
Dear one, Les and I have been following your journey and keeping you and the family in our prayers,thoughts and hearts. We will be coming to Colorado in late June and can’t wait to see these bundles of God’s joy! While we are waiting, He is working…always. When Jonah was in the whale doing little, the whale was moving…right back to where God said! Love you, Les and Tammy
uh-oh…no Adeye update today. Guessing your internet was down!
I missed your posting and am praying for you while you sleep!
The Lord is at work for good!
love,
Holly (purpose driven family)
AHHHH the cost of obedience…so painful at times! I am encouraged by your persistence and devotion and confidence despite your challenges. As I prepare to travel to Ukraine in the next weeks for our third Ukrainian adoption, know that you are a true encouragement for me, as I know the cost is great, but the reward is even greater! I pray that I too can be an encouragement to those who are preparing for the adoption journey. Thank you! Blessings to you an your beautiful family. I pray for God’s swiftness as you move through the process.
Adeye, you are constanly in my prayers!!! LOVE the pink!!!
My dearest friend - I just want to tell you that I am praying for you all the time (but you knew that :-)) and that my heart is so with you. Your two girls are sooooo precious - I am still hoping for a day that I will be able to give them each a personal hug. God is so faithful and He is right there beside you, I just know that. I know the road is tough, but He chose the perfect person to walk that road. You are NOT alone and you are HIGHLY favoured my friend. Love you always xxxM
Oh my friend - what an emotional time for you. I know you will find the strength to get through the next few weeks. Cant be easy… but remember that I’m not far from you….You little girls are just so precious, I can see how they are melting your heart. Love Hailee’s outfit - how funny! Take care of yourself. lots of love
I coppied this song from someone else’s blog. Hope that TODAY it will encourage you!
Oh You Bring (hillsong)
VERSE 1:
Oh You bring hope to the hopeless
And light to those in the darkness
And death to life
Now I’m alive
Oh You give peace to the restless
And joy to homes that are broken
I see You now
In You I’m found
CHORUS:
And You opened the door for me
And You laid down
Your life to set me free
All that I am will serve You Lord
And You opened my eyes to see
All the wonder and awe of Christ in me
Jesus You’re everything I need
VERSE 2:
Oh You fill those who are empty
And rescue those in the valley
And through it all You calm my soul
Oh You find me in my weakness
And heal the wounds of my heartache
I worship You in spirit and truth
BRIDGE:
All honour
All glory
All praise to You
KARIEN PRINSLOO
Hello: I am sure you have already asked, but now that you know what the drug is they are giving Hailee, is there any chance that it should be tapered off for her safety rather than for her to go cold turkey when she leaves the orphanage? Is this a possibility? Seems like the less drug the better and the adjustment may be difficult for her.
God laid you all on my heart pretty heavy this morning. I’ve been praying for you since.
I just found your blog. Hailee and Harper are just beautiful! I’ve been reading some of your posts and I’m so thrilled to see such faith and love for God in every aspect of your life from marriage to leading you to your children to the little things! That’s so hard to find these days!
And (belated) happy birthday to your Connor! I know it had to be hard not to be with him on his birthday (I have an 11 year old too). We are waiting to bring our 2 year old son home from China.
I’ll be praying for you and your family! And I’ll be following along your journey!
Hugs,
Tammy
Oh, what an adorable picture of you and Connor!!! It makes my heart melt to read about your passionate love for him and how sad you are to be away from him on his birthday!!! Keep going and “fighting the good fight” of faith on this journey! I know it must be amazing in so many ways and so hard in others!!
Loving you, dear friend!!!
Anne
Praying that the adoption situation in Russia is resolved quickly so you can move forward quickly. -Andrea