Thank you!

Thank you so much for all your prayers. Jacqueline and I had quite the day yesterday. We found out on Tuesday that Mira has severe prolapsed rectum which is/could be indicative of several things. When I saw it, I went into a short of shock and Jacqueline and Yulia (our facilitator) nearly fainted. I couldn't imagine caring for this until we got home and wasn't even sure that after living with this for 2 1/2 years that Mira could have it repaired. It is not something that is seem in the USA, usually only in underdeveloped countries. I won't go into too many details, but Mira is needing some serious testing now, including one for Cystic Fibrosis and parasites. She also will be referred to a surgeon for this type of thing next week. We have a full work-up on Monday morning at our pediatrician's office.

So, yesterday, Jacqueline and I left Priluki at 4:45am on a local bus. Quite the experience. After a 2 1/2 hour trip, we had our first experience with the "standing" toilets. My thigh muscles could barely stand it. We then met our facilitator and driver at the regional capital, Chernigiv. We then drove 1 1/2 hours to the record of deeds office near the village of Stara Rudnya, where Mira was born. We spent three hours here getting proof of termination of parental rights and the new birth certificate!!!!!

We drove the 1 1/2 back to Chernigive and spent another 3 hours there getting Mira's passport. That was quite an ordeal and I can't go into details on how we got this done, so email me if you need the details. It was costly- I'll say that:) All that, only to find out that Mira's name is spelled wrong on the passport!!! We didn't have time to change it as we HAD to be back in Priluki by 5:20 and it was already 3:45pm. Please be in prayer over this passport issue, because if the visa is issued with a different name it could cause problems. I'm checking with the embassy tomorrow to see if they can work with me.

Our driver wore his seatbelt on the drive back to Priluki. Which means that he drove OVER 100 most of the way. I was scared and carsick. Have you SEEN these roads? We got back in time to get all of Mira's state money signed over to the orphanage- nearly $2000!!!!! YAY for more diapers!!! I also got to meet the executive director of the orphanage and she is so nice!! Everyone is so happy for Mira.

We then packed up our hotel room and checked out. We went to the orphanage to pick Mira up. They were happy that she has a family but her caregivers were a little sad. It was a sweet, sad moment. I almost felt sad about taking her away from there. Almost:)

We drove 2 1/2 hours to Kiev and fell through our apartment door, exhausted!!! Mira went to sleep pretty easily and slept all night. She woke up happy and has been pretty content today. She had her medical check up this morning and now we are headed to the apartment for a nap! I'll check email again tomorrow! We are pretty close to an internet cafe here.

By for now!