The preliminary hearing for Deanna's adoption went well. It was very business-like, neither hot nor cold. The final hearing was then scheduled for Dec. 27th. By the way, one of the things they required for the adoption is for Tonya to have her own source of income, so she's gotten a teaching position at the Baptists Seminary teaching English for three hours a week.
The final hearing for Deanna's adoption also went well. On January 10th the adoption certificate will be issued, making the adoption both legal and final. So we praise the Lord for how things have gone. Of course there will be more documents we'll be working on after that (getting the birth certificate amended, getting her Russian passport, getting a visa to the U.S., etc.).
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to all of you. Actually Christmas in Russia isn't until January 7th (offices and schools will be closed). But our family celebrated Christmas on December 25th, even though Russian schools and banks are open on that day. We had a Christmas tree with presents under it (and with Tim's train running around it on the floor).
And what did we do with the presents?
Later that day we went to visit the kids at Orphanage #31. We did a Christmas presentation.
And on January 1st we went and just played a game of "Real Life" with them.
Since we are presently a foster family, the city of Khabarovsk gave us tickets to the circus for a special presentation to foster families a week ago Saturday. It was a great performance. Russia has declared 2008 to be the Year of the Family. We see this as a very positive development. While we know that government cannot create healthy families, it is good to see an interest among Russian leaders to do what they can.
On the morning of New Year's eve, Cecil, Timothy, Aaron and Beth went to the Chinese market in Khabarovsk and handed out New Testaments. We thought they could use some good reading materials for the holiday break.
On the morning of New Year's eve, Cecil, Timothy, Aaron and Beth went to the Chinese market in Khabarovsk and handed out New Testaments. We thought they could use some good reading materials for the holiday break.
Also on the list of events was Vera's birthday party (December 31). In Russia they set off fireworks in honor of her birthday (and maybe because of New Year's). Anyway, since it is 2008 she must be 8 years old. Here's a photo of some of the friends who came to her party:
If you've found our email updates interesting or entertaining, you may want to read from the blogs of our Khabarovsk co-workers. Aaron and Beth's can be found at http://aaronandbeth03.blogspot.com/ to read about how a young married couple is starting Royal Ranger ministries. Elf's can be found at http://elsbethpotter.blogspot.com/ to see what life for a single young American lady in a Russian dormitory is like.
If you ever come to Khabarovsk in the winter, we'll take you out to see the ice sculptures.
With warm hearts,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy, Vera and Deanna
