Monday and Tuesday

Yesterday we were able to attend an event at the U.S. ambassador to Russia's private residence and were able to discuss with him our specific case. He was able to share some information with us on their efforts to get information from Russia. It was very nice to know that they really are working hard for the hundreds of families caught in the middle of this.

Becky wrote a very detailed post about the evening if you would like to read it here http://preecefamilyadoption.blogspot.ru/2013/01/spaso-house_22.html

Today was a pretty laid back day. This morning I did an interview with a Russian television station that have been working with us to try and educate the Russia people about the families adopting their children and in our case a child with special needs. It was a great experience to be able to share our story with these two young girls and to see their desire to harbor change in their own country.

This evening we were absolutely honored to attend the Russian ballet at the Kremlin, with a local friend of Becky's. It was truly magical, everything I hoped and dreamed it would be. Everything about the performance from the venue, costumes, back drops, the orchestra, dancers, oh the dancers, was truly majestic. I can't imagine the hours and hours of practice and dedication that is put into it. This evening was just what we needed to take our minds off the frustrations our circumstance. it was so fun to be able to experience it with a local. Yulia was so kind to spend the evening with us, we have met some remarkable people here that have left such sweet imprints on my heart.

Pretty sure this is the world's largest coat closet!  Its amazing how most building have rooms just for hanging up your coats, its quite the system.

Becky and Julia holding on to each other to keep from slipping and falling down.

The inside of the Kremlin theatre where the ballet was held.

The stage was huge, bigger than any stage I have ever seen before.

The women next to Becky is Yulia, such a kind lady.

Loved the "concession" stands during intermission.  Very different from the popcorn and candy usually found in America.  Meats, Cheeses, Mushroom soup, pastries, sandwiches, wine, tea and juice.  Becky and I opted for an apple juice.  Cracked Yulia up that we ordered the same thing.

Becky's poor feet, once again we didn't choose wisely in the footwear department for the evening.   We were hobbling around by the end of the evening in our fancy heeled shoes. 

Final curtain call

Orchestra pit

Becky and Yulia

The first building of Moscow University.

Minutes before we left for the ballet we got a call from one of our helpers here informing us that the top story on the news is that the Supreme Court here in Russia sent a letter of direction to all the lower courts instructing them that anyone with a court decision made before January 1st are able to leave home with their adopted children. This is exactly the instruction our judge was waiting on. Praying that tomorrow will come with the news that we can pick up our decrees as soon as possible and that we can begin the process of bringing our kids home. We go to bed feeling very optimistic and encouraged by today's news, I will be sure to update you on what we hear tomorrow.

Thanks again for your prayers, they have carried me through this time and brought me more peace and comfort through this time of uncertainty than I could have ever imagined possible.

To close, some words from my husband Wayne, hope he doesn't mind me sharing.

"I truly believe and know that Jaymi is our daughter and will be in our home with us soon. If the Lord wanted it NOW, it would happen NOW. For this reason, I feel that we are a part of a bigger plan. I just hope that a few years from now, we will understand what that plan is. "

As Becky and I watched as all the other families we knew here specifically, in similar situations went home with their children in hand, it was hard not to feel a bit defeated and abandoned. Thankfully in those moments of weakness and sorrow, Heavenly Father wrapped his arms tightly around us by putting someone in our path to lift our spirits and strengthen our resolve to press forward. I have not for one second felt alone on this journey, a tender mercy indeed. I like Wayne, believe that our struggle in the final hours of this adoption are part of a greater plan, one that I may not understand in the near future, but one that I'm honored to be a part of.