As Grandma in North Dakota would say when frustrated "Oy yoy yoy yoy yoy!"

For those of you Texans, the above phrase is said under one's breath as you are bewildered by the events taking place...

Today, we learned Nikolas was taken to a 'hospital' for his preventive treatment. When we inquired about what we were preventing, we were told a heart murmur. (I am not sure how you prevent one that supposedly exists! A heart condition was news to us!)

While preventive care is welcomed, it is for long 10 days! We visited him today and left perplexed...the entire situation is vastly different from what you would expect. We are concerned about the entire process...more to share later...please pray for him to keep his spirits high!

We were planning a 16th birthday party tomorrow for Sveta as our first true family event. However, since Nikolas is not able participate, we are moving to plan B.  We are going to celebrate her birthday at the ice skating rink with her friends and bio sisters. (Her official party will be after we return home. This will allow both babushka's and deedus's to be present-Granny, Grammy, Papa, & Poppy)

The good news, we accompanied a local government official to the local college where Nikolas's brother studies to witness his written approval of adoption. It was very obvious he loves his brother, but was brave to agree to our adoption petition. He asked us to attend his cooking event at the local mall Sunday. He is very excited as he has been studying with an Italian chef and loves this type of food. While we are thrilled to go, we are saddened to know Nikolas is not able to attend.

Secondly, we are making inroads with the issue of the girls adoption. (The way the process works- the birth regional government must approve as well as the government where the orphan resides.) Although the birth region is non decisive, the local regional inspector is advocating the entire process. We are planning to drive to the girls birthplace on Monday to make our plea. Please pray!

On a lighter note, it has finally turned cold enough to wear a winter coat! When we were in Kiev Wed/Thur, we ran into others without coats and we approached with the assumption of them being American. (because they were without coats, too) They also, found humor in the obvious identifier. We have been told by one of our facilitators that Ukrainian culture teaches you to bundle up to protect yourself to avoid sterility and sickness. Boy, do we stick out from the locals!

We really do miss home!!!!!!!!!!! There is not one Mexican restaurant here, nor is the queso/chips and salsa anywhere on a menu! The local restaurant where we blog thinks we eat 'steak' every night...actually, we do...it is a pork chop and the only thing the waitress knows in English!

Lastly, we are typically VERY bored from 7-11PM local time. Feel free to call us at 011 380 936 217 645. We have been told this number is a free number for you.

Happy Sweet Sixteen to Sveta!!!!!!!!!!