Everything happens for a reason

We slept until 8:00 am today...there were no dogs barking, no car alarms blaring, and no loud arguments in Russian outisde our door. I got up right away to construct a clothes line across our room for about 20 pair of underwear. Add the automatic washer and dryer as two other things I really miss from back home.

As I mentioned yesterday, our court date was postponed until tomorrow. Proving that everything happens for a reason, the delay allowed us to attend the Christmas concert at the orphanage. Alexandra wasn't really that into it, but it was still quite a treat. I videotaped it and then showed it to some parents who missed it. My Russian is not that great but here is what I think happened during the play. Santa Claus lost something so the kids danced around him and sang. Then Mrs. Claus came and the kids threw snowballs at Santa. Then Santa pulled a toy rabbit from a bag and it magically transformed into a lady in a rabbit suit when he went behind a tree. Then Alexandra's group of four did some kind of dance before five kids made individual declarations to Santa. It appeared that this was all it took to save Christmas. Everyone joined hands and danced around the tree. When the rest of the audience started clapping and standing, Candace and I assumed the concert was over and joined in the applause.

After the morning visit, we jumped into a cab and I said "Pizza" and the driver took us across town to the pizza parlour. I guess some words are universal. Following lunch, we decided to walk back to the hotel. It was a really nice day...above zero and everything was melting. We then met up with the American couple who had just finished court. They are now the proud parents of two boys - ages 4 and 2. Next we called a couple from Manitoba who also had court this morning. They now are the official mom and dad of two girls ages 9 and 7. Like us, they have the waiting period until January 9th before they can pick up the official decree.

Thanks again to everyone who has been making comments on this blog. We now check twice a day to see if there are any updates. While we are far away, every single comment makes us feel connected with home.