Excursion day

Okay, we have switched to posting in the mornings because the computer lab is not crowded and the computer work much quicker. But that also means our brains are not quite awake yet. For example, we forgot to get our quote of the day before coming here. Oops! Maybe you can help us out Susan. hee hee!

Yesterday we had a great day. As planned we visited Lance in the morning for an hour. We had fun, but really nothing new to talk about. He is still pretty shy if anyone else is around or he is tired. We then took off to visit a Monestary near here with Chris, JM, me and our friend and former driver Vova. It was about a 30 min drive each way. It could not have been a more perfect day for the excursion. It was sunny and probably in the 60s. (Today it is raining.) Not to mention, that part of Ukraine is beautiful. You drive through a preservation to get there. We first went to a monument from the 1920's where 5,000-6,000 soviet soldiers were buried from WWI. It was quite interesting. It also had a great view of the Monestary from above. There will be pictures at some point. Sorry, only picts of Lance today. I am sure you are very unhappy about that. ha! Oh, by the way, women are required to have their head covered and a skirt on so they give you shaws to put on...so no laughing. ;O) Vova convinced us that we needed to get a plaque for Lance (Ivan)'s room that was made by the monks. Here is is thought to protect the child AKA make God watch over them. It is pretty and will be good to show for his culture. But of course we believe we don't need a plaque for God to always be with us. I wish I could explain the wonderful person relationship that you can have with Jesus instead of religious stipulations. Unfortunately my Russian is not that good. Ha!
We then went to a Georgian resteraunt with Vova where they have great shishkabobs. We had beef, pork, and goat, great potatos, and fresh vegetables. Probably my favorite meal so far. Amanda and Jimmie- great recommendation. It was nice to have a change of pace for the day.
John Michael and I were happy that we returned to Kramatorsk in time to visit Lance during our 6-7pm visitation hour. He was very quiet again because there was a new family. They are from Spain and seem very nice and fun. It should be fun getting to know them better. Anyway, the biggest thing with Lance yesterday was when we started getting ready to leave the play room he started crying which we didn't understand at first. Then when we dropped him off in his room it turned into a full out cry. I wasn't seeing that he realized it was the end of the hour. Aaawww...how our hearts break and smile at the same time. Can't wait until we can get him in a different setting and see what happens. He will flourish I think.
Today, our cousin Chris is leaving to go to Germany for a few days then America. We will miss him. Hopefully we won't cry like Lance, though. hee hee!
Tidbits:
- Cheryl, it sure is nice hearing from you! I understand how you feel about your precious little girl. I will be praying that your adoption is finalized very soon! I hope that we will be able to see you, too. I just don't want to promise anything until we get Lance home and see how he adapts.
- To the uncles, thanks for the support. Tim you keep us smiling here with your advise to Lance. I know he appreciates it too. John Michal wants to say "what's up" to the fellow bro-in-laws
- Kym, I hope you are feeling better
- We appreciate each and every one of you. Please do not feel as though your comments are not extremely important to us if we do not respond directly to you.

Thank you again!!!
Karen and John Michael