Contact!

We arrived at the Kherson orphanage around 11:00 a.m. It is actually a fairly nice facility. It is more of a compound, which contains within a walled exterior, a main bulding for classrooms, 3 buildings which are similar to dorms,a chow hall and a large soccer field and other play area. Once we got to the orphange, we waited for our appointment to see the Director of the orphanage and hopefully have him sign off on our adoption of Vova. The Director's approval is not required, but it can make things go a whole lot easier. We met with the Director for about 30 minutes and he expressed some concerns which I cannot address here. However, we are hopeful that the Directors concerns will be addressed. He is a very nice man and only has the best interests of the children in mind. The Director has up to 10 days to sign off on the adoption. Hopefully, he will sign off earlier for us. The clock had started today. After our meeting with the Director, we were taken to a back room and told to wait. About 5 minutes later, Vova comes strolling in, wearing his school uniform. Judi and Vova have a very emotional embrace. It was awesome. Vova tried to hold the tears in, but he was clearly happy to see us and that we had not forgotten him.

Dad then gave Vova a big bear hug. For the next 20 minutes, that kid never stopped smiling. He was so excited. It was awesome to see. Afterwards, Vova took us around the entire orphanage and introduced us to his rooomates, Dima and Sasha. We played with all of the kids, and to say that was an experience of a lifetime would be an understatement. I will post some Videos we shot at the orpanage on facebook. Vova sent out a special hello to Kellee, Erik, Corey and Drew. Miss all you kids. For the past few days, Judi and I have been thinking about Vova's name and whether we would change it. The logical argument for changing the name is that "Vova" is very similar to the name of a female body part. We were concerned about the teasing which would accompany the name "Vova". Then, our adoption facilitor told us that Vova had recently won the Golden Gloves (boxing) semi final championship for boys 12 and under for the entire city of Kherson. And he is only 11. I looked at Judi and said: "He may get teased for the name, but I garauntee it will be but just once!" Vova fights for the championship tomorrow night and we are attending. The next week we expect to hang on with Vova and all the other orphans. These kids are abolutely adorable.

Please pray for our family, Vova and the Director's heart. More tomorrow...