DA, DA, DA (YES, YES, YES)!

Da (yes) were the precious words we heard without hesitation 3 times in a row from Elena in the official meeting with the regional director, orphanage director, and others this afternoon.  Elena is not officially our daughter yet until after the court date though.  Thank you all for your prayerful support through the roller-coaster rides this week!  Elena was required to verbally respond as well as write the answers in paragraph form.  When Elena was asked why she said no initially, she responded that she was afraid to leave  and afraid to overcome obstacles such as learning English.  We learned today that Elena was born in Lutugino.

Elena writing the official letter saying she wants to be adopted

Today was special since it was so much more relaxed than the previous past few days. We were able to spend most of the day (7 hours) at the orphanage with Elena today.  We had a quiet visit with Elena throughout the morning and then another family joined us with their new daughter in the afternoon. We played with the kids, had lunch, and then went back to the orphanage and hung out with Elena and LOTS of other children in the play yard.  Elena ran all over the orphanage taking photos of all her friends.  In the play yard, Elena took many more incredible photos of her friends. 

We took a big bag of silly bands and passed them out to each of the children.  Then we showed some of them how to play bop it.  That was a huge hit!  We got the kids ice cream and enjoyed hanging out with them.  We introduced ourselves and smiled at the children all the while praying that God will make a way for each child to be adopted in a loving and God fearing home.   Since we were out there with them for so long, we also showed those who were interested the videos of Elena and her visit with us (on Jay's computer).  They were all very curious and intrigued and surrounded us. 

The kids enjoyed the silly bands

Ksenia our Ukraine Facilitator

Elena surprised us when she said here is my cousin and introduced me to a 12 year old boy.   Then she introduced us to her 14 year old cousin, Natasha!  We took a few photos of Elena and her cousins, but Elena took many more on her own.  We didn't know until then that she had any relatives in the same orphanage.  Pray for Elena's cousins.  Maybe God would have you host or adopt them!!!!

Elena and her two cousins

Our notary work was not completed by 6:00 pm, so it was time to return to Lugansk back to our apartment. Thanks for sharing in our fullness of joy!