T minus 3 Days and Counting!

I just got off the "Skype phone" with Kim and told her I would send out an updated post.  The last few days have been interesting when visiting the orphanage.  Kaitlyn and Broden are of course excited to be with her and they are getting time to play and interact with Kim. However, there has clearly been moments of emotion or quiet sadness and even tears.  Kaitlyn has been much more quiet, by Kim's side and even sitting closer together when playing games or looking at pictures.  Even when I was there we would give a big hug and kiss the top of their head at the door when we left.  We'd tell them what time the next day we'd be there, hug and say goodbye.  The other day Kim was about to leave and Kaitlyn gave her a huge hug and was obviously not going to let go quickly.  She then looked up into Kim's face and said, "Tomorrow Mama, right?".  Kim reassured her that yes she'd be returning the next day.  Turns out it was a wise move to have Kim stay there during these days.

For a couple of nights now Kaitlyn, Broden and the Greer's son Justin, have been separated to downstairs rooms near the doctor's office.  It is not clear yet what the reason is, but we could imagine it's related to potential jealousy among other children OR  just as an anticipation of their departure so that it is not so sudden.  Please pray for the kids as this has been the only home and only friends they've really known and there will be lots of mixed feelings.  They were told their last day at school in town was Thursday, however they were told this on Thursday night!  Kim says it doesn't seem to bother them at all.  Broden has been asking practically every day if they had to go to school any longer. Brody is just a bundle of energy.  Some conversations with teachers have shown their concern for him being "weak".  We've translated what they've trying to get across as their concern for him being frail.  Well, this is true.  He's not a big kid at all, but he needs a higher calorie intake to help that situation!  Kim has been told that she'll receive medicine for him to take us beyond the December 3rd supply he already has.  Each night they text Kim or call her to say goodnight. 

Looks like Kim (probably Pam Greer too-though I'm not clear on it yet) will be going Monday to Odessa to get the birth certificates (they were born in a village near Odessa somewhere).  Then she'll come back to Belgorod and Tuesday the children will be released.  They now have housing arranged in Odessa at a Bible Institute in the northern part of Odessa.  We were able to make contact with an ABWE missionary in Odessa and the institute has 2 rooms available there and a little kitchenette as well.  Please pray for the birth certificates and passports to be provided quickly. Once they have these things, then it's off to Kiev.  Pray too that we'll be able to make contact with  a Baptist church there which has rooms available for those working on adoption.  

It's pretty cold there now and so Kim has been purchasing whatever they need, since they must leave all the clothing they've been using at the orphanage.  

This brings up another couple of prayer items and needs:

~We are in need of a day bed for a girl that could be either a loaner situation, giveaway or for a low cost.  If you have a used day bed or know of someone who does please let us know. 

~We need clothing which still has "life" in them, for a 13 year old girl (size 14 slim) and 12 year old boy (12-slim):   T-shirts, jeans, pants, sweatshirts and sweatpants, long-sleeves, dress shirts, dresses, leggings, socks, lightweight jackets, sweaters.  If you or someone you know have giveaway clothing in these sizes and would like to donate it to Kaitlyn and Broden we would all be very appreciative.  We would essentially go through what you have and give back what doesn't work for us or pass it on to someone else or Goodwill if you don't want it back.   This will certainly save us money and time too as we'd probably be spending lots of time at thrift stores and garage sales to find it all.  

If you or someone you know has any of these things and can help us, then please contact us about it at Robert.Clark777@yahoo.com or 949-702-4632 or  via the comments on the adoption blog.

Thank you for all your prayers and please keep praying they'll get home soon.  Robert (for all the Clarks)