GOTCHA DAY (Sunday August 24, 2008)

Hello all. Travels were safe here to Moscow. We got very little rest on the airplane. The guy sitting across the row from us, a.k.a. the Russian Cowboy, was thoroughly enjoying his Jack Daniels (something we Tennesseans can appreciate). Needless to say, he was snockered. As soon as we landed and met up wit Katia,we were off to get Alex. First we came by the apartment to leave our luggage. Next to the office to pick up the gifts for the foster mothers we had purchased on our last trip. We then stopped by the bank, grocery store and then to a baby store (we forgot the diapers!). Then to our destination: the orphanage.

When we got the orphanage, the gate keeper had to let us in. The children were back from their summer camps and vacations. When we walked around to the back the children were saying "Marat's mama, Marat's mama". We clearly could make the translation. Most of the children there were at least four. The boys were a little older, maybe 8 or 9.

We went up to the flat where Alex waited on us. He recognized us for sure!!! We were so excited. There were several children in the flat. All knew what was happening on this special day for Alex and us, too. He was happy to see us. Brack played held him and played with him while I got some last minute instructions from Alaina (Alex's foster mother). Brack and I changed his clothes and then out the door we went.

We took several photos of the children saying good-by to Alex. We encouraged Alaina to carry him out. At the gate we took a photo and said packa-packa.

We had our precious new baby boy, John Robert's little brother. How awesome.

In the car Alex sat in my lap. (I know, I know... what in heaven's name are we doing without a car seat? I don't really know a good answer to that question, especially for you folks who know just how crazy Moscow traffic is.) It wasn't 5 minutes before ARock was napping.

It took about 45 minutes to get back to our apartment. Alex played with some new toys and crawled around. (A side note: changing diapers is sorta like riding a bicycle...when I changed Alex for the first time, I put the diaper on backwards) We headed out to Arbat for Alex's first big night on the town. We met up with some new friends for dinner. They are on their first trip for adoption. Alex did quite well to have never eaten in a restaurant before. (something John Robert experienced very early in life!). We decided to go back to the grocery for some formula (something else w forgot). I placed Alex in the carrier and he was out like a light. This was around 8:00, his normal bedtime. Needless to say when we got back to the apartment he was wide awake. He went to sleep around 10, but slept through the night until 7:30!!! GOD IS SO GOOD TO PARENTS WHO HAVE JET LAG.

Please remember to pray for the children left behind, that their hearts will be healed and they will learn to experience what love is. It was very emotional to see these children, their camaraderie and to know in their little minds that they might be thinking "why not me?" Pray that their mental state will heal from all the things that in their short lives they should not have seen or been exposed to. Pray for the care givers (who make very little money, but have and enormous responsibility) to continue loving these children. Pray for families for these children. Praise God for our families because they taught us to love. Praise God for their understanding and generosity in watching after our first miracle, John Robert and praise God for the wonderful blessing we have received with Alex. AMEN!!!