Safe Arrival

From Susan and Calvin
Cindy called at 10:00 this morning our time from the apartments in Khabarovsk to say they arrived safely, but were exhausted and frustrated. Their luggage and that of about 20 others did not arrive in Moscow with them from Atlanta. The airport authorities in Moscow assured them that their luggage would be sent to their home when it arrived in Moscow! Even Andrei, their driver was unable to convince the authorities that it needed to be sent to Khab. So, Cindy called Delta Airlines with the baggage claim numbers and was told their bags would be sent to Moscow then on to Khab. When is the question. Fortunately, in their carry-on bags they had court clothes, a little contact solution, toothbrushes, a few other toiletries, and their laptop. However, the satellite phone is in one of the checked bags, so she was calling from the hotel phone. She said Blaine has been a trooper through it all, that he was able to sleep on the flights and didn't complain about the unfamiliar and often undesirable food. He did a good job pulling his suitcase and was able to keep up. Catherine (who is also there adopting two children) and her sister and cousin have taken very good care of them since their arrival by purchasing them pajamas and preparing food. What a Godsend! Catherine's group arrived earlier via Seoul. Cindy and Todd were able to visit Valerie for about 1 1/2 hours upon their arrival in Khab. She hesitated a bit, but then came to them readily and wanted Cindy to hold her and bounce her on her lap. She has quite a hearty laugh. She is walking/toddling now, and has gained 2 lbs and 1 inch in height! They had nothing to give her to play with as her bag was checked luggage, but Catherine graciously gave them a toy to take. It must have resembled a cell phone because Valerie held it up to her ear and to Cindy's and Todd's too! Blaine will get to visit Valerie at the orphanage before court. Which brings us to their specific request: Court will be at 2:00 pm Monday, June 2 Khab time. That will be 10:00 tonight (Sunday) our time. Irena has advised them about the procedure. Most of the questions will be directed to Todd, but they will both have to speak. Questions include, "What plans do you have for 'thus and such' situation?" It should take under an hour, then there is about a 20 minute wait for the judge's decision. Please pray that they will be rested and have clear minds and that the judge will approve the adoption. We all believe their decision to adopt Valerie is God's answer to their prayers. Romans 8:28!!! Cindy said they would call sometime around midnight (our time) tonight to tell us the results. She would also try to blog at that time too. We thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and concern for our "kids" throughout the adoption process.