We Are Home!

I know I should have posted earlier because everyone is wondering if we made it home or not. Especially when we traveled on the highest security alert day ever since 9/11! But we did make it home safely. We caught all our connecting flights, despite the extra security measures, and we only had to lose our juice boxes, and water bottles. We lucked out!

I wanted to post some pictures, but for some reason it is not letting me. I am not sure what the problem is. So I am sorry. I got some beautiful pictures of the girls that I wanted to show off, maybe I can figure it out when I have more time.

The miracles didn't stop after the adoption for us. On Wednesday, after court, we had to fill out a lot of paperwork before we could leave. Our lawyer, Svetlana, was worried we had not allowed enough time (we left at 1:00 pm), so she started working early that morning. We had to get everything notarized (especially our power of attorney for Maria) and when they went to the notary's office, the power was out. That meant no printing, no computers, no paperwork!!! I am so glad I wasn't there at that time because I would have panicked! But luckily (or by the grace of God), there was a construction crew working nearby who had a generator. They were able to give the office some power for an hour or so, so we could get the paperwork done. The lights went out while we were signing, but that was OK because you don't need electricity to sign papers! We were so thankful, we were able to catch our flight and head on to Almaty.

On the plane to Almaty we met some Americans from California who had adopted a little boy, that was fun. And we met an American woman who married a man from Kazakhstan. She was very nice and is staying in Almaty until August 31st! I was hoping I would be able to catch up with her when I returned, but it looks like I am not returning until September 1st. Our little Nathanael also threw up on the flight home, just as we were landing in Almaty. Without a barf bag handy, Larry was quick and caught most of it in his hands until I could pull out a crumpled plastic cup I had in my purse. It is a rough ride in those old little planes!

When we landed we were asked if we wanted to stay in a hotel or apartment. Since we really loved our apartment in Petro we opted for the apartment, but asked real fast, does it have hot water??? We were told yes! We got there, I bathed Nathanael and we feel asleep since we were totally exhausted. And guess what happened in the morning when we got up to shower??? Yep, they turned off the hot water for a day! It was just our lot in life!

One thing that was wonderful that happened the one day we were in Almaty was Larry's chance meeting our church's missionaries. We did not think our church had missionaries in Kazakhstan, but when Larry went to the supermarket that morning he saw two young men in white shirts and ties. Now, all the store clerks were young men in white shirts and ties, so how Larry knew these were missionaries is truly remarkable, but he did, and they were just as surprised as he was. We took them to dinner that night. We found out that there are about 40 members in Almaty and we got the address and time for church. I was so excited to see them there because when I return I will know I have someone I can call if needed. Also, they will be able to teach my girls all about the church in their native tongue, and I will get to take the girls to church in their country so they know a little more about what they will be doing when they get to America! It was such a blessing and a miracle!!!! Can you imagine, we were only in Almaty one day, there are over 1,000,000 people that live there, and we meet them at one of the 1,000's of supermarkets, at the right time, at the right place. I know it was another tender mercy of the Lord. Especially because we were not even looking for them because we had thought they weren't there!

We had a little more drama after we got home. Little Maria (our daughter) was put in the hospital after we left. She was complaining of a stomach ache and then fainted. She has been in the hospital in Petro this whole week. We don't know when she will be released, but I am so thankful that Maria (our translator) is there and watching out for her! We think it is because her anxiety is so high. She told Maria that she had cried all night because she didn't want us to leave. I feel awful, but what can you do. I am just so grateful big Maria is there to comfort her and take care of her. She has been taking her fruits and juices and toys. We owe her so much! Maria will be OK, and I can't wait to see them on September 2nd!!!!!!