71 minutes of pure JOY!

This past Saturday morning, Charlie, Lena and I had our first phone conversation together, it was 71 minutes of pure joy!!

With the help of Galyna we were able to connect with Lena in a way we had yet to do... it felt natural, it felt right.

Lena has a wonderful sense of humor!  She's quick!  Something we had not experienced through our email correspondence.  Of course Charlie, being Charlie, teased her a bit, and I'm delighted to report that Lena definitely gave him a run for his money.  Not only is she quick, but her delivery was right on, even with a translator!  Soo soo fun!  I believe Charlie is, and will be in need of much prayer, I'm convinced that Lena has already succeeded in wrapping him around her little finger, there is absolutely no doubt she is wrapped around his heart.  My heart. 

We talked of, horses of courses, none will be staying in her room, but she thinks she wants to sleep in the guestroom in the barn from time to time to be close to them, she will be taking GREAT care of them.  She likes the idea of taking riding lessons, and thinks learning to jump obstacles might be fun. She understands that there may be times when she might become angry with us as we parent her, but she tells us she will sit and think about what we are telling her, and will know we have her best interest at heart, we told her we would remind her of this conversation when the time comes... :]  She tells us that she is almost always in a good mood, which we agreed is a wonderful way to live.  She is excited to compete in volleyball, and is looking forward to the opportunity to travel to new places, she says she is happy to go anywhere!  A wonderful idea that she once saw for her room, are stars on the ceiling, so at night she can look up and see them shinning above her.  No problem there... when we asked if she needed anything, her reply, "would it be possible to send me a fly mask for Uncle Peti's horse Sultan.  I would like to give Uncle Peti (a friend), a gift for letting me spend time with Sultan."  Absolutely!  What a very nice thing to do.

Of course so much more was shared, most importantly to report, both Charlie and I hung up feeling as if our hearts might explode, and both on a mission, Charlie's, to buy a fly mask, mine to find some sticky glow in the dark stars... :]

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." 
Psalm 126:5

~ and boy oh boy are we filled with laughter and songs of joy!!

We look forward to our next conversation, and we won't be waiting long...

Update: We're still waiting on our I171H form to arrive, hoping to find it in the mailbox this week.  We were also told this weekend that it looks as if our travel to Ukraine will be the end of November, or possibly the first part of December.  We have understood from the beginning that travel time is uncertain, but had hoped it would be early November... Charlie and I trust that God's timing is perfect.  But will also be praying for sooner rather than later.  We invite you to join us in that prayer.