Cute Kids and Best Buddies!

Cute Kids!

Justin's best Buddies!

Mommy, Son Bonding Day!

I didn't get to the orphanage by 10:00am like I promised, but I did bring the suprise! There isn't much to cas much as hoose from at the local store so I brought a couple of bags of candy for Justin to share. I don't really like him having so much candy but what can I say... I was afraid he was going to end up with a stomach ache he ate so much. Today, the older kids did a show in the library for the younger kids and we watched. After the show, we went for a walk outside. "V" joined us and we had a blast. We only walked around the perimeter of the building but there were several kids outside working and playing. I think Saturday is chore day in Ukraine too. There were kids raking and sweeping up leaves like crazy. There were huge piles of leaves and the kids were jumping into them and wanting me to take pictures while they did. After every picture I took, they of course wanted to see themselves. I took over 100 pictures today. "V" and Justin took several pictures of the kids too. The boys were climbing the trees and running around having a great time. We were outside for a couple of hours. I am really glad I stayed here even though I miss my other two at home so much. Like my friend Mary said "It is good mommy and son bonding time." I do need to spend one on one with himJustin so he knows how much I love him! I wish I could download pictures faster than one about every 15 minutes! I have so many I want to share. I am going to try and download onto Flicker or something like that and see if it goes any faster.

Building Trust

Justin is a ham who loves pictures of himself. Actually, all the kids in the orphanage love cameras and pictures. They are always wanting to see the image on the camera as soon as you take a picture. The soup picture was last week when Kevin and I got to take Justin out and buy him some clothes and a suit for the show. He is such a good eater. He ate every drop of his soup and even poured the last drop into his spoon. The other picture he is wearing Papa's new hat and playing cards. It is kind of hard to think of things to do when we visit him in the orphanage.

Yesterday I got to the orphanage about 3:00pm and found Justin crying again. I asked why he was crying (his teacher was standing there too) and he said they were going to make him go to a concert and he was waiting for me to come and visit. I am glad I got there in time. They didn't end up making him go. He is so afraid I am not going to come or forget him. As far as I can tell there are no attachment disorders here! It is hard for such a little guy to understand this whole process. None of us will be able to take the kids out of the orphanage any more because of some things going on here which I can't talk about on internet. Please keep us in your prayers there is still so much going on.

Later in my visit Justin said "Luda" and held his fingers to ears to make a call. He was trying to tell me something and wanted me to know what it was. Luda is my translator, I called her and she spoke to Justin. He told her he wanted me at the orphanage by 10:00am Saturday morning, he did not have school and wants me to take him some where. So sad, we had to explain about not getting to leave anymore. He was disappointed but understanding. He is so smart and funny. I love his personality. I will go and visit today and 10:00am and I promised him a suprise.

The Best Day Ever for an Orphan!

The kids got home from their Winterfest at about 8:00pm last night and they were all excited because they took 1st Place in the festival. Our little Justin is a star!

We went over to the orphange right after they got back to tell Justin that he is offically now our new son forever! What a great day for him. I don't think it could get much better for a boy in an orphange who has never had a family. He leaped into my arms when I came walking into his room. His "teacher or caregiver" wasn't all that excited to see us that late and got mad at Justin for running over to me. He said something in Russian to her like "Americanskys" and she just shook her head and walked away.

I can't wait to get him out of there. The orphanage is nice for orphanage standards but certainly doesn't meet the mark for a real family. Please pray the caregivers and other kids don't give him a hard time now that they know he is leaving. Some of othe kids could get jealous and not be so kind. I am glad I am staying so I can observe what is happening. You just wouldn't believe how excited Justin is about coming to America with his "family". I had to ask Kevin this morning, how many kids do we have? He said three, two boys and one girl. It sounded like music to my ears. Like Kevin has said before, yesterday the court said what God knew from the beginning, Justin is now offically a Greer!

Early this morning Kevin had to leave by taxi to go to Odessa (an hour to two hour ride depending on the driver. I hope it is two hours!). He then will fly to Kiev, sign necessary paperwork at the Embassy and then fly home. Please pray for his safety. I was soooo sad to see him go. It is hard for me to imagine being here without the rest of my family. I am glad I have Justin nearby soon in my custody. Please also pray that we can get through the final stretch of paperwork without any glitches.

Thanks for your prayers and support. It means so much. By the way, I have been trying to post more pictures and of course my computer is not co-operating very well. Also, if you see spelling errors, sorry my spell checker doesn't work here!

Edit to this post: My friend Melissa commented that this song "Mighty to Save" makes her cry when she hears it. I just want everyone to know this song really says my heart. I heard it when I followed a friends blog to China. I didn't really want to copy at first, but thought nothing else says it like this song does. EVERYONE NEEDS COMPASSION, THE KINDNESS OF A SAVIOR HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE and believe me he has MOVED THE MOUNTAINS! I have a learned so much on this journey and drawing myself nearer to Him everyday. God has truely shown compassion on Justin and He wants to do the same for you, if you let Him! My Savior is kind, compassionate and full of forgiveness!!!! This adoption is exactly His heart and a picture of how He adopts us as His children in our weakness and distress.

It's Official!!

It's official! Introducing our new son, Justin Frank Greer!! Court went smoothly and quickly for us, thanks to all of your prayers to our faithful God. We were in and out in half an hour and can't wait to tell Justin who is performing today at the Winterfest in Odessa.

I will be flying home Saturday after signing final papers in Kiev on Friday. Pam will stay for the ten day waiting period and leave once she gets Justin's passport and travel papers. Please continue to pray that things keep moving and for their safety to get home in time for the holidays.

We will post more pictures tomorrow!

Standing Firm

We just got the news a few minutes ago that our court date is still on for tomorrow. Our appointment is at 10:00am. Please keep this process in your prayers. Satan is doing his best right now to cause trouble. We have had severe spiritual warefare these past couple of days. We keep going back to Ephesians 6:10-13. Our Pastor spoke about this before we left. This is not a solo battle and we need you all along side us in prayer. We have reported to our Commander and are standing firm in His strength!

We will let you know how court goes tomorrow. If all goes well, Kevin will be heading out on Friday. I will be sad to see him go. :-( I feel more secure with my strong husband near me! Don't worry I will be fine, Kim Clark will still be with me. The Vanderburg family will be here next week too. It has been a huge blessing to have friends here with us to pray with, laugh with and watch movies with.

This all my material for now. So ta ta for now!

Ephesians 6:10-13 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."

On line again!

We think we finally got an internet connection. The problem is it only works sometimes! It is so frustrating. We are out in the sticks, literally. The signal was strong enough today to skype our kids and receive 60 e-mails. What a treat to see the faces of our kids and t0 speak with them. We miss them so much. We are so blessed to have the Selby Family, the Chavez Family and the Onareckers helping us out.

We went to church yesterday. What a blessing it was to be on the otherside of the world gathering with other believers. Our interpeuter sat behind us. The sermon was wonderful. There were about 80 people in the congregation. There was something about being in the presence of these people who do not take their freedoms for granted! Their worship was so sweet it nearly brought tears to my eyes.

Yes, we have seen "V" and "M" Michelle. I have taken several pictures. I think "M" and Justin are best friends. We had Justin take them a treat on Sunday (some M&M's). The are such sweet boys. I want to tell them Papa and Mama are coming! No, I didn't I don't want to get their hopes up. I do believe after visiting them that they are great kids. Yes, we have seen "T", "V" and "I" Tierney's. They are as beautiful as ever and the two older ones are great dancers! We have said hi to them as well. Melissa, we have told Auza and the other two you are on your way! You can tell they are very excited! I have tons of pictures and after our court date I will post some. Clarks were suppose to have their court date yesterday and it had to be rescheduled. They don't know when it might be rescheduled yet. Our court is scheduled for Thursday, we will see if it happens. I guess it is common to be rescheduled. They haven't received the "Papers" from Kiev yet.

Thanks to everyone who has commented on the blog. It makes us feel loved and prayed for. Please keep the prayers coming our way.