Going back to Russia!

We have dates to return to Russia!   We will leave Charlotte July 12 and arrive in Moscow July 13.  Then on July 14 we go to court.  This will be quite a big day as we go before the judge to officially adopt Andrew.  We are already starting to get ready for this experience.  After court is finished, we will have a 10 day wait before we can physically have Andrew with us.  This wait is over on July 25, and on this day, we will go to his baby home and bring him home with us.  Home for the time being will be an apartment near a historic area of Moscow called Old Arbat.  We will have to process through the American embassy and do a little more paperwork before we can leave Russia.  We anticipate being home in early August with Andrew.  I can't wait to show everyone his big blue eyes and cute smile.  We continue to pray that Andrew receives lots of love and attention from his caregivers, and we are eagerly looking forward to having him home with us.  

While we are in Russia and wait for our 10 day wait to expire, we are going to travel to St. Petersburg and visit this beautiful city for a few days.  We hear this city is the cultural and artistic center of Russia, and we hope to absorb some of Russia's beauty during this trip.

And meanwhile, this week we will be busy packing, preparing for court, and doing everything else we have to do to get ready for our 20 day trip.  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as this promises to be quite a crazy but wonderful week!

I have attached a picture of a Matryoshka doll, also known as a Babooshka doll, which is a stacking doll with one doll inside the other.  It is a Miami Hurricane Matryoshka doll, which we found in Moscow on our first trip.  When Vernon saw this, it was a must have gift for him.  He enjoyed seeing his school on display in Russia.   Russians clearly anticipate gullible American tourists like us.  Have a nice day everyone!

Christa and Vernon