Thursday, February 26, 2009

Hey everybody! 6:34pm on Thursday here (10:34am there) and we have just gotten home for the night. Our facilitator went to court for us this morning to proof our birth certificates for us. He said it is very difficult to correct any misspellings or incorrect birthdates after the official copies have been made. He said everything was correct already and no changes had to be made! Then he and our driver picked us up and took us to exchange some money first. Lucky for us (not for Ukrainians), the Grievna(spelled like it sounds to me) has lost value since we arrived. We had heard that the exchange rate was around 5 grienva per dollar last year. When we got here it was 8.15 grievna per dollar. Yesterday, it was over 9 per dollar. We heard it is going to cross 10 per dollar before we leave to come home. We are getting such good deals on our food and stuff for the boys. But, we have also heard that prices will soon start to go up because of the poor exchange rate. Anyway, just wanted to give you all some details about our money because some of you had asked. After changing money we went to lunch, followed by some delicious ice cream, and then back home for a bit. Yari, our driver, picked us back up and we headed to the orphanage. Today was a fun visit with the boys. We took them some special trucks (Jackson, too) and they all 3 had a blast playing with them together! Ryan had a little temper tantrum and Greg just held him until he stopped. Then, he wouldn't let go of Greg for the rest of the day. That made Greg so happy because he worried about being too tough on them too soon! They all 3 climbed on Greg and he carried them around....it is the best work-out he has gotten while he has been here. Then Philip got down on the floor and started doing push-ups....up on his toes and everything. Greg got down and did some with him and Jackson, too....a child after Greg's own heart! He said the "Perfect Push-Ups" would be proud of Philip! We really enjoyed ourselves. Carol has made us a calendar to count down the days until we get to come home....so today was day 1 of the 10-day waiting period. One day down, only 9 to go....at least until that part is past us! We love and miss you all!

This just in.....Jackson lost tooth #2! Can't believe it...2 teeth in 3 days!

4 comments:

  1. Hello,everyone,

    I just returned home from playing bridge--I won high for a change. Your pictures, Daddy and Philip, Mommy and Ryan, and Jackson with 1 less teeth are all so good. I have shown the picture of the 3 kids to several of my card playing friends, and all are so amazed at how much they look alike. I know you are anxiously awaiting your trip home, and I pray that it will be a pleasant and safe one.

    All is well here. Snow flurries are predicted for north Alabama this weekend.

    With my love and prayers,

    Elizabeth

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  2. Your family is absolutely beautiful!!! It is going to be such a great feeling landing in Birmingham. I will continue to pray for your family. I know the next year will be one of joys and tears as the children adjust to America and Jackson adjust to having siblings. God has truly blessed your family.

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  3. That family of 5 looks beautiful. I truly shed tears of joy for you when looking at the picture. We love you guys so much.

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  4. Oh and that is so crazy and cool about Jackson's teeth.

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