Russia

Our first full day in Russia we were taken to an orphanage to see a little girl by the name of Victoria.  We were a little confused why we were going to see this little girl and why was it so easy...and why can't we see Connor.  Alla, our adoption contact here in Russia, works with this orphanage and knows the director.  That is how we were able to get in without an appointment.  Alla has never worked with the orphanage Connor is in so we have to go the "official route" to visit Connor.  She took us to meet Victoria as I guess you could say, a back up plan????  The orphanage was very impressive and our hopes and prayers are that Connor's orphanage is as nice as this one was.  Victoria is a precious and smart girl who needs a home.  Below are pictures of her!!!!!!!

"PROBLEMS ARE PART OF LIFE.  They are inescapable; woven into the very fabric of this fallen world.  You tend to go into problem-solving mode all too readily; acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything.  This is a habitual response, so automatic that is bypasses your conscious thinking.  Not only does this habit frustrate you, it also distances you from Me.  Do not let fixing things be your top priority.  You are ever so limited in your capacity to correct all that is wrong in the world around you.  Don't weigh yourself down with responsibilities that are not your own.  Instead, make your relationship with Me your primary concern.  Talk with me about whatever is on your mind, seeking My perspective on the situation.  Rather than trying to fix everything that comes to your attention, ask Me to show you what is truly important."  Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.  Psalm 32:8

This was what I read this morning before we began our journey...I wondered if this was God preparing me for what today would bring us. To calm your thoughts...we have not met Connor YET!  We learned many many things today. 

1.  EVERYTHING HERE IS CHAOTIC!!!

2.  You can do nothing quickly in Russia!

3.  Patience is a MUST!

4.  Don't ever ask if the driver if he could stop at a McDonald's or for pizza on the way home

5.  Don't stay at a hotel

If that gives you any idea of what today was like...you got it - CRAZY!  We went to the Administrator of Education this morning and got approval of one person to meet Connor.  It took us 1 1/2 hours to get there (and it was not that far).  The meeting went very well.  Matt and I felt good about how things went.  We had to leave to wait for the Chief to sign off on permission to see Connor - she was not going to be in until 2:00PM.  Our driver and Alla took us through downtown so we could see the beautiful and amazing architecture. We look forward to visiting these sights at some point!  The Russian President was speaking today, which threw the entire town off wack!  The traffic was completely stopped everywhere.  Matt and I have never seen anything like the traffic here!!  We came back to the hotel for a few hours and rested.  Our bodies are confused, and it seems to be getting worse each day????  The driver and Alla came back to pick us up to go back to the Administrator of Education to get the signed  paperwork and then to the orphanage to meet Connor.  Once we arrived at the Administrator of Education offices we learned that the chief was stuck a traffic jam.  We waited for an hour and a half and ran out of time to go to the orphanage.  The chief was not going to make it back in time...therefore we could not meet Connor.  Sigh.  All of a sudden I remembered what I read this morning and it all made sense.  God was preparing us for the day(s) ahead, knowing what the future held.  Matt and I decided to ask the driver and Alla if they could stop at a McDonalds so we could grab something cheap to eat.  WOW we had not idea it would be such a hassle!  we then said pizza was fine or anything...anything other than the $40-$50 per person at the hotel.  MAJOR HASSLE!  WE WON'T DO THAT AGAIN!  People here don't "just stop" for something to eat.  It then took us 2 hours to get back to the hotel from the same area that it took us 20 minutes to get to earlier in the day!

Don't stay in a hotel...we learned today that hotels can give you a good rate because they know you have to eat at there hotel.  There is nothing else around and their meals range from $30, $50, $75 per person!!!!!  It is outrageous!!!!!!  We will rethink this whole thing for the next trip!!

We know God has a plan and that we are doing His will.  We just have to trust Him right now and let Him handle the situation.  When we saw Connor's picture this morning at the Administrator of Education office we both were holding back the tears.  We can't believe we are in the same city as Connor and can't see him.  Alla and the driver are suppose to pick up the paperwork in the morning and come get us. Then off to the orphanage we go!  CONNOR HERE WE COME!!!!!

P.S. The high tomorrow is -4!!!!!!!  BRRRRRRRRRRR

 view from room

 me and Victoria

 Precious Victoria

Alla (our new friend)

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