Good News....

Tuesday, May 30

This morning when I looked out my window it looked like it was snowing but I knew the temperature was too hot and the sun was out. It was definitely looking like big flurries going around but they were going up! Upon closer inspection the tree in our “backyard” in the courtyard was blooming big white plumes all over and the wind was blowing the feather like pieces all over. I kid you not it looked like it was snowing! I tried to take a picture but it did not turn out well enough to see.

We went to bed praying and praising God and expecting something good to happen today. Several things did. I know what Paul meant when he said, “I thank my God for every remembrance of you.” Garrett’s parents Ray and Sandi and Brandi his sister called us at 9:00am…which is 11:00pm the night before at home, to cheer us up. What a blessing to hear from love from home and a familiar voice in English! It was definitely good medicine to us to hear someone is pulling for us and praying for us. Sometimes it is too hard to go it alone. We are thankful we have each other but had become a little weary. It is hard to have so little say about what you say and what you do especially when you are so independent. Going without a car and needing help to go different places is a challenge on your perseverance. But we are not giving up! The prize is to valuable! We know it is not the easiest path we have chosen to stay here the whole time but we know God is with us and we will get through this. We heard much encouragement and good advice yesterday but most important it is good to know you are loved and missed! We love you all so much. Thank you!

We also got a call at 7:00pm from Galina, Marina’s assistant. She told us in her limited English that she had GOOD NEWS for us. Our court date has been moved to June 1st at 9:00 am!!! We are so excited! This puts us up a little bit and every day counts. This means our waiting period of 15 days starts on Friday, unless the judge decides to make history and be the first in Karaganda to waive it! Hey, it could happen! Somebody has to be first, why not us? So obviously we are very glad about this news! Praise God!

Sasha has needed a complete ensemble for court. He does actually get to come and address the judge so this is a big day in his life. We bought him some khaki pants in America and a blue shirt and tie. The shirt and tie fit great and the pants are…shall we say high riders or flood pants! That is unacceptable and he has found out Garrett is wearing BLACK pants and shoes….so off we go to the Zoom. We found a great little pair of black shoes and quite reasonable at 2600 tenge, about $24.00. We were unable to find pants. It is hard to find basic black this time of year apparently. He remembered he had a pair at the orphanage but now that we will be going to court Thursday morning we do not have time for the 40 minute drive to get them so we will have to go back shopping to another place…maybe Green Bazaaaaarrrrrr. I wish you could hear them say it. It has started getting hot here so outdoor shopping does not appeal so much to me.

We had another English lesson today and Alona told us about how smart they both are and how quick Stella is picking up English and memorizes her words. She has a difficult time reading fast and I think it is because of her vision. We have an eye doctor appointment for both when we get home.

We went to bed with praise on our lips for God’s favor.