We've learned throughout this process that some days are more eventful than others. From the moment that we awoke, today was one of those days. The activities, actions, and decisions that were made today for our family and Julianna's adoption could have been stretched out into an entire week.
We heard from friends and acquaintances of ours that we have not been in touch with for years. This gave us a chance to share about our children, including our newest daughter, Julianna. Angelo's semi-annual review was also an opportunity for us to retell our memories of the times we have had with Julianna in Russia.
One family whom we know that has adopted from Russia before has generously given us educational items and clothes to take with us for the Children's Home where Julianna is currently living. It is expected that when we return for our daughter that we will bring gifts to the Children's Home. Before we left Russia, we learned from the Deputy Director, Olga, that the children really need educational materials. Thus far, we have purchased lacing cards, all kinds of math flash cards, a frisbee and some outdoor scoop ball games, plastic shovels and rakes to play with outside, small Disney princess softballs, some puzzles, and a variety of other educational materials. We are still hoping to get paper, playdough, wipeoff boards, coloring pages, crayons (which they don't have in Russia), markers, floor puzzles, and maybe some books that are written in Russian, i.e. The Cat In the Hat. If anyone would like to send any donations to the Children's Home, we would be happy to take the items. They really could use some nice clothes, and since the children are from age 5 through 18, they can wear just about any size except infants and toddlers. From what I understand there are children who are physically unable to leave their beds. There may be something comforting that we can take for them, too. After being there, any little bit helps. I've even thought about taking a bunch of toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Off to bed...late again tonight. At least I know that my little Julianna is one day closer to coming home. We made great strides today!! Let's hope for another successful day tomorrow. Praise God for a wonderful day.
We heard from friends and acquaintances of ours that we have not been in touch with for years. This gave us a chance to share about our children, including our newest daughter, Julianna. Angelo's semi-annual review was also an opportunity for us to retell our memories of the times we have had with Julianna in Russia.
One family whom we know that has adopted from Russia before has generously given us educational items and clothes to take with us for the Children's Home where Julianna is currently living. It is expected that when we return for our daughter that we will bring gifts to the Children's Home. Before we left Russia, we learned from the Deputy Director, Olga, that the children really need educational materials. Thus far, we have purchased lacing cards, all kinds of math flash cards, a frisbee and some outdoor scoop ball games, plastic shovels and rakes to play with outside, small Disney princess softballs, some puzzles, and a variety of other educational materials. We are still hoping to get paper, playdough, wipeoff boards, coloring pages, crayons (which they don't have in Russia), markers, floor puzzles, and maybe some books that are written in Russian, i.e. The Cat In the Hat. If anyone would like to send any donations to the Children's Home, we would be happy to take the items. They really could use some nice clothes, and since the children are from age 5 through 18, they can wear just about any size except infants and toddlers. From what I understand there are children who are physically unable to leave their beds. There may be something comforting that we can take for them, too. After being there, any little bit helps. I've even thought about taking a bunch of toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Off to bed...late again tonight. At least I know that my little Julianna is one day closer to coming home. We made great strides today!! Let's hope for another successful day tomorrow. Praise God for a wonderful day.