Day 7--A new Vicka came to visit!

 Today the weather was down-right NASTY!!!  There was a hard driving wind, temperature was right around freezing, and we had 1/4 inch of ice on everything!  So, unfortunately, we didn't get to go tree shopping, but the plan is for us to go tomorrow.  Our taxi driver even had problems getting to the Christmas play at the orphanage, but we made it to our seats just in time.  


I really hope I can figure out how to download the video I took on the camera...the performances were awesome and they need to be seen! 

Nastya is a very talented and confident performer, she had the opening lines for the program she was definitely one of the leaders for the dance troupe, and she is an excellent singer!

 Lena also exudes confidence in front of a crowd, she read (we're guessing) the story of St. Nicola, danced, sang, and presented awards to local dignitaries!

 Artur also had a speaking part, but the most what impressed us the most was his dancing skills!  If you can picture the stereotypical Russian dancing--kicking, stomping, and squatting--that was him!  TOTALLY AMAZING!!!

 A new Vicka came to visit us today--she said that she was in the hospital for testing for 12 days, all is well and she is glad to be out!  It seems that this is typical when the kids in Ukraine are 12 years old.

One of the most important "toys" someone can bring with them when they come to an orphanage for a visit is an el cheapo digital camera--one of these could keep the kids busy for days!

Dema is all boy--There are so many pictures of him sticking his tongue out, making faces, or just blocking the camera view!  Can't imagine I would have ever done such a thing!!

 If we still used rolls of film, we would have gone through 3 or 4 with Nastya taking her own self portraits and pictures of her with others!

Vika also loves taking pictures of herself, but absolutely LOVES to "strike a pose" when someone else points a camera her way!

 From the time we arrived, Dema was asking for Svetta-- we thought to check and see when he was coming to America, but for the second day in a row, her wanted her to ask us if we would buy him a wallet.  A couple of days ago, one of the little boys proudly showed me his own 1 Grivna bill  so obviously I gave Dema his own Grivna...I guess he needs something to keep it in!  We will get him one tomorrow and be sure to put an American dollar bill in it for him!

WE HAVE OUR COURT DATE!!!!  We go to court next Thursday, please pray that all hills that lay before us are made smooth and the winding road is made straight!  It is here that the Judge will either grant or deny the adoption.

Here is Vika with some of her artwork--could yellow be her favorite color? 

 "The Girls"

 Don't forget to log onto Facebook for tons more pictures..if I can figure out how to download the videos, I will post them to this blog later, we'll let you know of any changes through Facebook.