The Game Plan

Just left a meeting with Yulia, Natalya and Nastya -- they had Nastya go and talk with our child today before we went for our visit. The child has many questions and concerns about stories that she has heard on TV and radio about what Americans want with children her age. Slaves, body parts or whatever -- all those concerns were laid to rest and much talking was done about what would happen to her in America and what will happen to her if she stays in Uralsk. Nastya was pretty open about what she told her -- in Uralsk she will have 2 years left of schooling and then the orphanage will put her out to earn her living. In America she will have choices and no matter what her future holds she will have a family to be with her . . . . our daughter now has time to think.

The visit today was a bit better. She smiled & even had some eye contact. Hailee and her played Moncala and checkers which both seemed to enjoy. We had Luba translate how school will be, what expectations will be (you know the drill Micah), etc. She had no questions for us . . . . the social worker came once again to see if she could get an answer out of her, but there was none. She did work with Luba for a while on an English lesson book -- that could be positive.

Tomorrow we are taking her for lunch (Tropicana for pizza -- I've heard ketchup & cheese, but we'll see) and a visit to our apartment. At the end of the visit Yulia and Natalya tell us that we must sit her down and tell her that this is our last visit, she must make a decision if she feels we are right for her and tell this to Yulia on Monday morning -- this gives her a day to think. At this point Jack, I and Hailee must wait for her answer -- we will not bring her home if she does not want to come. We will have our answer on Monday as we cannot see her on Sunday . . . I can't describe what it feels like to know that a young child has your future & your hearts in her hands . . . .

We are still well -- enjoyed our daily walk to the market, Hailee found ice-cream -- and it was yummy! Tonight will be our usual -- dinner (who knows what), movie & bed. It's amazing how tired you can get when on this emotional journey.

Love to everyone -- it is so good to hear from you -- it keeps us going, truly! So, please sign in & let us know your thoughts.