Blog-resistant, no more!

Well, I've taken the plunge. I just couldn't bear not communicating with all of our friends and family while in Russia for trip #2, via the 'World Class Business Center" at our hotel, so I'm setting up a blog that I will update daily, complete with pictures, once we are there!

{Please have patience with me as this is the first blog I've ever set-up. My hope is that it will mimic a fine wine, getting better with time.}

OK - here's where we are. As you know, trip #1 was a complete success. We experienced emotions that we never knew we had, met two of the most wonderful people we've ever known - John and Rayann - who are adopting siblings (Max - age 7 and Nina - age 5), held our little angel (and got drooled on....BIG TIME!) and finally signed the official paperwork to be his parents. Whew! It was a whirlwind week but lots of fun, as well.

We are currently waiting on our fingerprints to clear the BCIS (formerly INS). Once they clear, then our coordinator in St. Pete can request Jaxon's database release slip from Moscow. Once she has that, she takes our dossier and meets with the judge to secure a court date. We are hoping and praying to have him home by Christmas, but it will probably take a miracle. We will take what we get and are preparing ourselves for a January travel date. If it happens before, then Hallelujah!

We are planning on staying in the same hotel, even though the business center is lacking. We are comfortable there, know our way around the surrounding area pretty well, and enjoy the decor and comfort of the rooms. The price is right, too. There is a little liquor/convenience store two doors down and about 6 steps down (it's underground - kind of neat). It has a WIDE variety of alcohol and some snacks. In addition, there is a deli with cheeses and salads and things. We weren't brave enough to dive into that on our first trip, but we may on trip #2. We'll see...

We are currently scrambling to make sure all of our paperwork is in and ready to go. We are finishing up on some home improvement projects, too. We are trying to get everything done prior to bringing Jaxon home. I'm sure there will be many loose ends left to deal with, but hey.... we're trying! We bought some new clothes for him, warm and loose for layering, and are trying to plan how many outfits to bring, how many diapers, snacks he can eat, etc. Any advice from our current mommies out there would be greatly appreciated.

I'm going to intrude upon all of you to read each post and then pay close attention to the prayer request that follows. We really need all the prayer you can spare! Thanks for everything and I'll post more later.

*** PRAYER REQUEST: NOVEMBER 19, 2005 *** Speedy courtdate and health of Jaxon

Love,

Shawn:)