Welcome to "What's Wrong with my Camera?", Ukraine Edition

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I found myself trying a new thing on the train to Novoselki.  I carefully flipped the dial on my digital camera, and tried to learn what each setting meant.  I pretty much go with "Auto" and just snap the photo.  Well I got some doozies on the train doing some experimenting. 

I'm not sure if this is the before or after I did resets on the camera.  The next one is definately an "after".  As you can see, the improvement is breathtaking.

We eventually made it to the orphanage, and Samuel was already in bed.  I asked Natasha if I could sneak back and give him a goodnight kiss real quick.  I tip-toed to his bed, and he looked up, sat up, and gave me a huge hug.  I was on top of the world.  I did a few momentary games with him, typical Dad/Samuel stuff, and then tucked him in, and gave him a good night kiss.  What a moment.  I just love these kids!!

Anya wanted to go to Bymi again, and Igor had just told us to have her back by 2:00 pm for passport photos.  I was excited and high five'd Anya a couple times.  Steady progress.  But at 2:00 pm, Igor said we have to reschedule (the Moore's) because he realized Artium was napping.  Good call...I would not want to escort a groggy Samuel to the photo place either.  They will get it done.

These photos seem to indicate four girls playing cards, but in actuality, we had walked in and interrupted these poor girls great game of old maid.  I feel like I owe Kaetlyn Dillner an apology.  Anya started showing the other girls photos, and the game, I think, got forgotten.

Anya keeps asking for more and more at Bymi.  I think tomorrow is time to draw one of those parental lines.  Zach and I will go to Bymi and get some soda, and that is it.  Anya needs to learn that we are not made of money.  To the contrary, the adoption is quite expensive.

I've explained to Igor on one occasion my belief that as the USA pursues a path apart from the blessings of the Lord, our prosperity will wane further and further.  I told Igor we are a country getting poorer.  We've heard that Journey of Hope 2011  has no sponsors yet.  Jeff Dillner told me today that he heard that 46% of all Americans are underwater on their mortgage.  I wouldn't doubt it.

I can assure you Nellie and I didn't have $50,000.00 just stuffed in our mattresses.  Factor in all the Ukraine costs for two kids, the fees in America, the fees for applications for government documents,  the fees for staying in Kiev for two months, round trip airfare for four, and one way airfare for two, daily rental and food, and we have already surpassed $50,000.00 in outlays, and indirect costs like needing a Minivan instead of our Corolla.  Were it not for the two absolute gems we are adopting, and our relationship with Jesus, how could any of this happened?

What does it come down to, then?  What it always comes down to.  What does God esteem?  We want to please him, and adoption pleases God.  I could cite the verses from the Word of God easily.  So we are here, because we want to serve Him who gave everything for us. Because for ourselves, and I bet the Dillners, the Boehrs, and the Ritzmans, this is a big faith step.  We choose to walk and trust God to take care of the details.  And He does.  Jesus is SO Faithful.  He has never let me down. I'm rambling, aren't I?  I'm getting tired.  Good night, all, from Ukraine.

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