We met the Boys!!!!

All,

We met the boys, and the meeting went very well. The oldest one is clever, and has the noteworthy description of not being behind in his development, a rarity for orphanage children. The younger is a handful, full of energy and having little patience for sitting in one spot. They are both very healthy, for which Kelly and I feel very lucky, even if they are a little small for their ages.

The meeting was kind of torturous at first, because the director kept talking ABOUT them, when we knew they were in the next room waiting to meet us! When she finally asked us if we had any questions or if we wanted to meet them, we both blurted, "we want to meet them!"

The oldest was very well behaved and walked in and stood at attention. He promptly rattled off a long poem much to our delight. The younger was acting shy, but was on Kelly's lap within a few minutes. Our translator asked the older if he wanted us for his parents and he smiled and said, "Da! Da!" (Yes! Yes!)

Before meeting them, Kelly and I had some questions as to how long we would have to talk it over and decide if we thought they were right for us. However, within 5 minutes of meeting them, the director surprised us and asked us if we wanted them. Neither Kelly nor I hesitated, and both said "yes" at the same time. It feels very right, and we both slept like babies last night.

Since we did not have time to find an internet cafe yesterday, what with the travel and having to find an apartment, we have actually visited the boys a second time this morning since our last posting. Today we got to play with them for a longer time, and the little one forgot all about being shy. Both, in fact, were full of energy and very communicative. There are 2 or 3 other couples here adopting, so the room they allow prospective parents to play with their kids in was full today.

The orphanage is very nice, and all the kids seem happy and healthy. We will be able to visit them from here on out for a couple of times each day, for 2 hours each time. We will be renting our Donetsk driver from 10 to 6 each day, so transportation will not be a problem.

Well, we have an empty fridge, and no treats for the kids, so we are off to the market right now!

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers!

Peace and Love,

Kelly and Bill