Did I forget to mention our daughter got engaged?

Things have changed a lot around here. I can't tell if I'm just watching or participating at times. But tomorrow we're going bridal gown shopping because our oldest daughter got engaged!!! I can't wait to see her model her choices until the "one" stands out! It should be fun tagging along with her bridal party for a girls day out and then lunch. But before we go, let me share a picture with you of our daughter, Michelle and our future son in law, Howard on their engagement day ~ 7~8~16 ~ they set "the date" for 5~6~17!!! :D <3 :D <3 ~

Howard and Michelle! XOXO

Lera's Gotcha Day!

7 years ago today on September 29, 2009 we took Lera out of the orphanage for the first time.

Daily visits to her orphanage behind walls she couldn't see out of were finally over. No more saying goodbye (paka or dasvidanyia).

She wasn't used to traveling and going places. You would think she was on a roller coaster ride with all the noises she made taking the taxi to our apartment! But that was only the beginning, there were buses, trains and planes to catch next!

I was a little overwhelmed today thinking about the ones we left behind, looking at old photos and seeing all their faces again, while looking for photos of Lera to post. My heart and prayers go out to all the orphans Lera played with and hope many more have been united with their forever families.

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:18) <3 

Here are a few photos of Lera on her gotcha day! :)

Leaving the orphanage...

The director, caretaker, me, Jim and Lera :)

The director, 2 workers from children services, Jim, Lera and our facilitator, Edward

This is Lera when we took her from the orphanage and brought her to our Kramatorsk apartment...

Ready for the over night train!

Happy Gotcha Day Lera! XOXO