Stones and Seatbelts

Well, we're here! After a 4 hour drive to LA and a 12.5 hour flight to Moscow, a stay overnight (at a hotel that did not have internet working), a 2 hour flight to our region today and we are finally in a place that feels like home (sort of). The weather is warmer--kind of. It was about 50 degrees in Moscow with no snow, but it is right back to the same old Murmansk weather--freezing cold and snow everywhere.

We had a very good belly laugh as Nathan tried to get off the plane here in Murmansk. We're pretty sure it was the oldest plane still in service. It was falling apart in many different ways and we flew literally on a wing and a prayer. The funny part though was when Nathan tried to get out of his seat. His seat belt was stuck on! The seat belt would not come apart to save his life. He struggled quite awhile as we laughed our heads off (the Russians all gave us dirty looks--how dare we smile or laugh so hard in public). Finally, he had to be grateful for his skinny self and wiggle his way out. Never did get those two parts to disconnect.

We met up with the other American couple this morning. We have communicated via e-mail, but finally got to meet them in person. It has been so good to have other English speakers on this trip. We did miss that last time.

Tomorrow morning (Sat) and Sunday we will visit our daughter in the orphanage. Court is on Monday at 10:00 am. We've gotten the "official word" on that time. We have also gotten the "official word" from our Coordinator to not be hopeful about the 10-day waiting period to be waived. Please continue to pray for this to be waived. I feel like David in the midst of the Israelites who have no faith. I have faith that our God is bigger than the "giant" Russian judge. I'm at the brook looking for my 5 small stones...Nathan's looking for one big honkin' one. Whatever. You get the point. All of the prayers of the saints can take down this giant.

II Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight."