catching up while we are at home (from Beth)

We've been home for almost two weeks now. We had stacks of mail to go through and a few voicemails to answer.

I'll be posting more notes about our experience during our court hearing, which went very well, soon. Photos to come, too, I promise!

I spoke with the kids on the phone yesterday. And of course our conversation was brief. I asked how they each were and told them I loved them. But that is usually the most conversation you might have with anyone their age. Actually I think Maciej was being silly. I'm sure I slaughtered the phrase 'my name is' and then asked for the children by name. They came in a minute or two. I expected Milla (Emilia) first, and all I heard were zerbit noises. And finally Maciej let on that he was on the phone. He said he was fine. I told him I loved him and then asked for Michal. Michal told me he was fine, too. and I told him that I loved him. Emilia and I had a few more phrases that we could share and I was happy to connect with them even for a short bit.

I really started to miss them on Thursday, and Friday I was very sad. But I know this time apart will be very short and we will probably travel to see them sometime in December if all goes well. We'll spend about 8 days in Warsaw while the US embassy processes their paperwork. And I've said it enough times - I don't feel superstitious to say that they will probably be home for Christmas.

I called the Denmark schools this week and updated them on our trip. Lori (sp?) the receptionist said that the teachers had all been wondering about us. She said that everyone had been looking forward to news and having the children arrive. What a blessing to know they are anticipating some new students. We also have a quite a few friends from church that are teachers. One friend Becky, knows of a Polish international student at DePere High School - 10 miles away. I need to see if it will be possible, but Becky suggested that Magda (the hight school student) could join the kids with the ELL (English Language Learners) teachers once or twice a week.

So thank you everyone for the warm wishes and notes of encouragement while we were away and now at home. You don't know how much it means to me to hear all the kind words and excitement from those of you who have shared. It has been a long wait while we slogged through infertility and the adoption process. Obviously the hardest work is yet to come, but knowing so many of you are interested and care has and will make all the difference.

Love and Peace,
Beth