We didn't dream about a White Christmas, we lived it! We have a nice little tree and a few decorations in our hotel room in Chernivtsi (we moved back here temporarily because it is closer to the orphanage). Christmas Eve night, some new friends from the small church here took us bowling and for crepes (they thought we might be lonely). A memorable and different way for us to celebrate!In Ukraine, their "Christmas" is January 7, so we plan to celebrate it then somehow with Sasha... but on our Christmas morning we sang some Christmas carols and read the Luke 2 passage, then had breakfast and took the taxi to the orphanage. Sasha was waiting and looking out the window for us.
We had one small gift for her (a Chip and Dale video in Ukrainian and a pocket calendar of her favorite Ukrainian singing group) -- and she surprised us with some gifts. She bought necklaces for us both and earrings for Jeanine.She was very excited!Tuesday morning (Dec. 29) we will watch Sasha in her final holiday pageant at the orphanage (she is the lead dancer) and Wednesday we will see her in a production of some kind at her school. Then on Thursday, if all goes well, we will have full custody of Sasha! The adventure continues! Thank you for your ongoing prayers!
Jeanine & Jim:
ReplyDeleteAn adventure, but worth every moment! You'll always have the story to tell about the year that Christmas came twice (among the plethera of other Ukrainian oddities). You keep up the blogging and we'll keep up the praying! God's speed!!!!! Tony
Jim & Jeanine, Merry Christmas! How wonderful you get to celebrate three times this year, ours, theirs and upon arrival in the U.S. with your sons & daughter! What a precious gift you are giving & receiving there in Chernivtsi! I hear your almost on staff there at our little Ukrainian church-wish we could have been there to help celebrate. Things have mellowed quite a bit for our family now that Christmas is over. We have one more week of no school and the kids are loving it. A couple of our little Ukrainian circle got together for an after Christmas mixer, it was nice to see the kids play so well, the parents actually got to just sit & talk. We can't wait to get another girl into the mix!! Well, you two take care, our prayers are constantly with you, enjoy every moment being our Lord's salt & light! God bless, J&L
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today - hugs and lots of love to all three of you.
ReplyDeleteLove Debbie