More Sights and Sounds of Sumy

We had such a great trip. Can't wait to go back one more time! O.K., I'm not looking forward to the trip, but can't wait to bring Zhenya home!

We Made It Back!

We arrived safe and sound Saturday afternoon. It's so good to be back. Our plane arrived a half hour early, so there was no one there to meet us. It was sure great to see them when they did. Here are a few pictures from our last days in Sumy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

I wanted the greatest family in the world for my birthday, and guess what? I GOT IT!!! I sure do love you guys. Thanks for taking care of each other while we've been gone. You are the best. You are all awesome, truly! Thanks so much for your love and support. We couldn't have done this without you. Not much longer and we will be complete.
Hey everyone this may be my last post until we get home. We had another fun day with Zhenya and Tanya yesterday. We moved apartments as the Straders left for Dnipro. We spent some time at the orphanage and downtown. We went bowling for a couple of hours. It was so much fun. The bowling alley consists of only two lanes and six balls to choose from. I have pictures, but gave the camera to Zhenya last night when we dropped him off so he could take pictures of the orphanage and his friends there. We will see him again this afternoon. Tomorrow we will do a little paperwork here in the morning, then get on the bus for Kiev. We will get there in the early evening and try and sleep before leaving for the airport at 3:00 a.m. We will arrive as scheduled on Saturday. I think the Keller's may be on the same flight. Not sure about that though. Because of the uncertainty of how things will play out in Russia, we felt it best to come home and let Vlad do his thing. Best case, I will return in two or three weeks. That's what we all need to pray for now. Zhenya wants so badly to come with us, but he is very understanding and accepting. You guys will love him! Can't wait to see all of you again. We love you.

"OF COURSE!"

Jesse and Brady, you can start celebrating now. There is officially another male member of the Evenson family! We did have our day in court after all. Things went really well. Lots of talking on my part and answering some questions. A few questions for Zhenya, but the most important one, "Do you want to be adopted by this family?" His reply, "Of course! This is just inside the court room with us and the judge. Afterwards, we all went to eat out at New York Pizza. Those of you who have been here will recognize some of the faces. I'm going to add a video even though after I viewed it, I realized it was quite shakey. Sorry about that.

VLAD TO THE RESCUE!!!

We had heard that Vlad was a miracle worker. It's true! After our bad luck of having the judge's mother die, Vlad was able to find another judge that was willing to squeeze us into her schedule and hear our case. It was a judge that had never heard an adoption case before. Not only did she get us, but the Straders as well. After a trip to the ever popular notary office, and some time waiting at the court, we had our cases heard. It couldn't have gone better. Thanks for the prayers.

Early Mother' Day for Missionary Moms!!

For the Ketchum and Moore families!

No News Is Good News!!!

Sorry I cut the last entry short. It is Tuesday morning as I sit here writing this. Court was supposed to be at 2:00 this afternoon. I just got a call that it has been postponed. The judge's mother passed away. We don't know yet when she will hear our case. They are saying maybe Friday. We won't be home Saturday for sure now. If we get a hearing Friday, the earliest we will come home would be Tuesday. Obviously, we will keep you posted. The Straders as well will have to wait. They were scheduled to have their hearing today also at 3:00. I feel badly for them. They have been here longer than we have and have a daughter waiting to be picked up in Dnipro. We are glad we have each other. Oh well, more time at the market for Ray-should have brought a bigger suit case! Does any one need me to pick them up something? More later when we find out what is going on.