Day 6

We went to the Sumy Branch today. I thought it was a ward but it is a branch. Vlad went with us. The branch was conducted by the missionaries. There were four missionionaries, two of which bore there testimonies today because they are being transferred. After Sacrament Meeting, they started showing general conference. Because they have a 9 hour later time difference they were showing some of it today. Vlad had some questions about the church which were good. After Church we took him back to the organhage. At 2 pm we picked him up and another boy who is his friend who very much wants to be adopted. His name is Eugenij and he goes by Jenya for short. He was hoping to go to Salt Lake City this fall to be hosted but this year the Save A Child Foundation is not bringing any kids over from Sumy so he was sad. Anyway we went to an arcade (Yes I know it is Sunday and normally we would not go to an arcade, but because time is short and we have to get permission for Vlad to be with us I made an exception in order to bond) and played a couple of games and then we went to our apartment to drink some herbal tea and have some bread with honey. We had a very nice conversation with Vlad and Jenya and they asked us some very good questions concerning our values why we want to adopt and Vlad wanted to know how our love would be towards him compared to our biological children. We let him know that he would be loved just the same as our biological children. Jenya was very impressive with his questions and statements. He seemed quite mature despite his circumstances. Vlad has formed a strong bond with us and it feels so good that he calls us Mom and Dad. He is so nice with Griselda. Because she has a bad knee it is harder for her to go downstairs so he likes to stand by her side and hold her arm to help her down the stairs. He is quite a gentlemen. After we were done he stepped right up and did the dishes without being asked. Our kids can surely learn a lesson from Vlad about stepping up to help (Smile). It was sad to learn that when Vlad's Mother was alive she beat Vlad a lot and never showed him any love. Vlad hungers for love and attention and that is why he likes so many hugs and he likes to show off to us. We have had a lot of hugs. It is amazing to us how happy Vlad is and he has such a great attitude despite his his hard life. He is really an amazing young man. He will go far in life when given the opportunity.

After they went back to the orphanage Griselda and I went for a walk and we were walking past the branch and a sweet young sister was standing outside. She walked right up to us as she recognized us and began speaking English to us. She said they were getting ready to have a fireside and she invited us to come in. The fireside was conducted by the missionaries and one of them translated for us. It was so nice the Spirit. The Gospel is just the same here in Ukraine as in Utah.

Concerning Roman, we have accepted the fact that he is likely going to say no in the morning as we have learned more information about people here that he is very close to. Also we found out one of Roman's teacher really likes him and she also has a daughter that Roman likes. This may be why the teacher has said negative things to him about being adopted. Apparently part of his heart is to be adopted and part of his heart is to stay with his friends and the teacher. We decided it is best that if Roman truly has second thoughts that it would not be good to bring him home and for him to have regrets later and then make it miserable for everyone else in the family because he is unhappy. However, we may find out in the morning how he truly feels.

PS: We appreciate the comments and council. Thank you so much for all of your love, support, and prayers.

PS: I discovered that if I can find a USB cord with a camara USB plug I can probably load some pictures here at the internet cafe. So I will ask Oleg if he can help me find one.

PS to Darlene: It would be a great idea as you suggested to send us pictures via email and if I can be able to bring the boys here to the internet cafe I will show them the pictures.