Three Days Down

It's nearly 7:30 am here in Vladivostok on Tuesday morning, which makes it about 4:30 pm in Florida.  All the boys are still sleeping, thank goodness, and I have some Mommy time at the moment.  

I discovered yesterday that there is actually free wifi in the lobby and restaurant of the hotel.  When we asked about it during check-in, we were told that we needed to purchase the Vostoktelecom cards to be able to use the internet.  I kept seeing one of the other adoptive dads using his computer in and around the lobby so I finally asked him if he had found a way to use the wifi for free.  He handed over a card which had the password which he was given at the front desk....  I just scratched my head and thought, hmmm.  This place is frustrating.  So yesterday, I finally was able to use some of the apps on my iphone without worrying about incurring crazy roaming charges.  I already racked up a $200 charge from the telephone calls I frantically made from our first entry attempt into Moscow last week.  Chalk that lesson up to "frustrations of international travel."

Yesterday was day 3 with Maxim in our family.  We were told by several other families that everything was terrific with their new little Russian angels — until day 3.  They were of the opinion that it's when the honeymoon begins to wear off and all the parental testing begins.  I'm not sure if it was that or the fact that we had an entire day weather which alternated between drizzle and rain.  We slipped in one quick walk on the path that goes around the hotel.  The playground was full of mud puddles, so we quickly passed that zone on our walk.  We attempted to get together with other families upstairs in the hotel's White Rabbit recreation room, but were not allowed in.  We're guessing it was due to the "eau de gas" that lingered in the air.  Since the housekeeping and maintenance departments aren't as multi-lingual as their counterparts at the front desk and in the restaurant, we didn't get the whole story.  So we, meaning our family and three other adoptive families, ended up hanging out in the "play lounge" just outside the restaurant and near the front desk.  (that's when I discovered the wifi secret, so maybe it was a financial blessing in disguise)  

Evan met a Russian friend, one of the waitress' sons who is also seven years old.  They spent most of the afternoon playing games on each others DS players and kicking a small ball back and forth between them.  It was a wonderful thing for Evan as this adjustment to being a brother is getting challenging.  He needed someone else to spend some energy with for a bit and Maxim had several other little boys to play with closer to his age.  I pray that Evan will get accustomed to the huge change that has arrived in his life without too much difficulty.  We already noticed him a lot more withdrawn yesterday and he had several melt-downs when Maxim "infringed" on his playtime with his new friend.  One minute he would be furious with Max and the next minute he would be hugging and loving him.  I have a feeling it's going to be a bit of a roller coaster ride with this transition.

Maxim just woke up and asked about Papa and "Kevin"  ...  he still wavers between calling his brother Evan and Kevin, it's really cute.  When I asked him if he wanted an apple (Yahblahkah), he shook his head yes and smiled.  While I rinsed off the apple and began to cut it up, I heard him pitter patter over the the bathroom.  When he returned and saw the apple, his face dropped into a frown and he ran into the bedroom and was pouting under the sheets.  It took a minute before it dawned on me that maybe he didn't want it cut up with the seeds removed like I always do for Evan.  So I grabbed a whole apple and took it to the bedroom and asked him if that was what he wanted (Hochish yahblahkah?)  He shook his head yes and when I handed it to him he smiled.  He finally agreed to come back to the kitchen with me.  This learning curve is steep... I have to keep realizing that in the Children's home, all children's care is done as simply as possible.  They don't have the time or resources to cut up apples for all the kids.  The kids just get used to what they get.  After Maxim ate about a half-dozen bites, he ran to the kitchen and grabbed the 1/2 of an apple that wasn't cut up yet and said to me in Russian that it was for "Kevin."  He ran into the bedroom and tried to wake Evan up.  Luckily I caught him and assured him we'd save it for Evan when he woke up.  What a sweet, generous, caring child.  He wanted to be sure his brother had some apple, too. 

When Evan woke up, Maxim was trying to give him the apple (which Evan didn't want).  I asked Evan to please take it from him and say thank you because Maxim had saved it especially for him.  At this point, we can tell Evan just to play along because Maxim doesn't understand the English yet.  We did get a "Good morning" out of him though.  

Anyway... time to get the boys ready.  Our driver is coming at 10:00 to take us to the GUM... (I'll write about it later) and also grocery shopping.  Pa Kah!  (bye, bye)  Dosvidanya.

Operation Maximus Springus

It's official, we are now a family of four.  Yesterday we had our long-awaited court date.  Our driver picked us up from the Vlad Motor Inn at 8:30 am and we survived the drive into downtown Vladivostok to the courthouse.  It is one of the few buildings we've seen since our arrival that has actually been recently painted — on the outside.  Apparently, in preparation for next year's APEC Conference, many public buildings are getting a fresh look.  But, like I said, only on the outside.


Our coordinator was in charge of looking after Evan during our court session.  Prior to sending Evan off with Ivan, I had Jose take Evan to use the bathroom.  Next I took my turn since I knew that we could possibly be in court for two hours.  When I returned to the courtroom to await the judges arrival, I mentioned to Jose, "you could have told me I needed to bring my own toilet paper and hand towel."  I had forgotten about this piece of advice I read somewhere before our first trip back in February.  Most public bathrooms are sorely lacking in basic bathroom necessities including paper products and even toilet seats.  Yuck.  


Our judge arrived in the courtroom at 10:05 am.  There were eight of us total, all women except for Jose.  It was a very serious proceeding that for some reason equalled nearly three hours of questions from both the judge and the prosecutor.  The judge wanted to hear from Jose first.  After his hour of questions, it was my turn.  I'll attempt to make another post with some of the questions we were asked.  I found it quite interesting, actually, to entertain their questions of choice.  It almost felt as if some of the questions were purely out of foreign curiosity about our lives.  They wanted to know who took care of the house, the garden, who cut the yard, how mortgages work in the US..., if Jose teaches Evan "manly jobs, like using tools."  I had to prevent myself from laughing at some of the questions.  But like I said, more on that in another post.


Somewhere around 12:45 pm, it was pronounced that everyone was in agreement that we should be Maxim's parents.  We were ecstatic, tired, and hungry.  After that, we stopped at a toy store on the way back to the hotel so that we could pick up a few extra "gifts" for the children's home.  We also learned, en route, that Ivan had spoken with the orphanage director and had received permission for us to pick up Maxim the next day.


Well that next day was today. It's nearly 9:30 pm our time and we're exhausted.  We left the hotel at 9:00 am this morning to go to the orphanage.  It was a complete surprise to Maxim since when we left him last, we told him we'd be back Monday to see him.  Being able to pick up the child the day after court is not a common thing.  There's a mandatory 10 day waiting period after the declaration before you can even begin processing the visa for them to enter your own country.  Maxim will have dual citizenship until the age of 18, but that doesn't begin until we touch soil in the US.  It is up to the director of each orphanage as to when they allow the parents to receive the adopted child.  Many have to wait the entire 10 days.  This trip, we've met several other couples who have gotten their child "early."  

Evan & Max on the drive to the hotel.

So back to our day with Maxim.  At first he was happy to see us, but then got very sad when the bags of toys we had brought with us were carried away and into the children's home.  Apparently he expected that they were for him since each time we visited, we brought something special for him in our bag.  It took him a while to warm up to us again and his caretaker had to explain to him that he was going with us.  Since it was Saturday, many of the kids of all ages were playing outside.  His caretaker allowed us to take a group photo of Maxim and all his friends.  We wanted him to have this to remember where he came from.  I wish I could post it here for you all, but I am extremely certain that it would be frowned upon.  I can't even tell you the emotions that I encountered marching up the long walk to the car, with about a dozen of Maxim's friends in tow, Maxim being carried by Jose, Evan alongside, and myself behind with two adorable girls, each holding one of my hands.  They were so excited just to learn that Maxim was getting to leave in a car.  (MA sheen a .... like Machine with an A at the end)  It was impossible to ignore that Maxim was the envy of nearly every child there today.  I had to steel myself attempting not to cry.  I didn't do very well. I know in my heart that we've done so much just to make this adoption happen.  When I left that children's home today, it just didn't feel like very much at all, leaving some eighty kids there behind.  I so wish every child there would have a family step up to take them home.  


I think it was on the drive back to the hotel when the realization hit — we had no idea how to communicate with this little being.  He is a jabber mouth at 4 and 1/2 years old and  I understand maybe one word out of 100.  I had to remind myself to not freak out, just to take today one minute at a time and deal with the now.  It's simple to get perfectly out of control if you start to focus on an entire day or week of how you will handle everything.  I was grateful for having read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.  

Maxim in the Park... Happy Boy.

The first thing we did upon getting back to the hotel was throw him into the bathtub.  What's bizarre is that just a bath and a new set of clothes can provide a new fresh outlook for one of these little children.  We were lucky, he loves to play in the tub.  So it appears that bath time will not be an issue.  After that, we served up some yogurts and apple slices for the boys.  Another success, although Maxim didn't seem to care for peanut butter with his apple.  After that, we walked outside the hotel and around the back to the beautiful little playground.  He did wonderfully and only ran off about three times.  That is going to be our challenge... to get him to understand that he needs to come when he is called and that it's not ok for him to wander off on his own.  Evan was such a terrific brother today, he helped us keep Max close (almost like a sheep herding dog), and they also had a great time on the teeter totter.  Evan was so happy to finally have someone to teeter totter with.  That weight and balance just doesn't work so well with your parents on the other end.  

Evan, Max & Jose next to the Sea of Japan

Next we came back to our room for lunch (we've been moved into a "suite" with a kitchen).  This kid is going to have no problems with food.  I made macaroni just because it was what he said was his favorite.  We bought a jar of tomato sauce and it worked just fine for italian sauce.  After lunch we watched  a Sesame Street video on the computer, then headed out for a walk down in the park that's on the Sea of Japan.  The boys got to go in a bounce house, throw rocks into the ocean and then enjoy an ice cream.  It was a successful outing with not too many attempts at running off.  Upon returning to the hotel, we learned that we have to watch Maxim like a hawk whenever he gets near the front door of our room... he wants to be an escapee.  Even tonight, after we put the boys in bed, we caught Maxim trying to sneak out the locked door.  I'm not sure we'll be sleeping a lot tonight.  I hope he doesn't run off.


Anyway... I'm signing off now before I start sleeping on the keyboard.  More tomorrow if I can summon some energy.  Life is good.  

It's a Great Day When...

you get to watch your seven-year-old meet his new little brother for the first time.


After our driver picked us up this morning, we headed toward the children's home where Little M and his orphanage friends are hanging for the summer.  On the way, we picked up our translator, Elena.  What a cool job she has.  Imagine getting to witness first-time family connections and communication for a job.  I can only imagine how good it must feel.  I think I wouldn't be so good at it, I'd be sobbing with joy every time.  

Waiting for M to come outside.

We arrived at Children's Home #2 Summer place.  I'm still not sure if they move the kids over from the home in Vladivostok every summer or just this summer in particular because of the renovations.  We were met by Ivan, our coordinator, and also the social worker assigned to our case.  We had met her in February when she came along once when we were visiting Little M to "observe" us, ask questions, and answer our questions about the history that exists in his file.  From the road, this summer home, in Evan's words, "looks kind of deserted."  When we arrived, there weren't any kids playing outside yet and the buildings both looked like they were wanting of a paint job and a good window scrubbing -- at least 20 years ago.  While we weren't allowed in the buildings, except for Evan at one point, we were happy to enjoy the playground and gardens which lay between the two buildings. Ivan went in and asked for Little M.  His caretaker brought out a timid little boy with his standard summer haircut...  shaved super short.  I was feeling a bit sad about the haircut until the rest of his friends came out a bit later and we saw some of the girls haircuts.  His looked terrific.  I'll leave the rest to your imaginations.  The shyness lasted all of one minute.  Evan gave Little M a huge hug and a smile and then M relaxed and gave us hugs, too.  They immediately started playing when Evan dug out the Go Go Crazy Bones he had brought for him.  That was it...  we taught Evan how to say "I'm your brother" (Ya dvoy brat) and everything was easy peasy from then on.


We played and snapped pictures for the next two hours on the playground.  Evan and M played on the swings, the slides, the climbing gear.  They blew the fuzzy heads off the dandelions together.  They divided and negotiated over the Go Go Crazy Bones.  They threw a ball, they ran around, learned they have a common like of Transformers, laughed and smiled and somehow, some way managed to communicate without understanding the words.  Evan learned "davai" which means "go" or "your turn."  M learned "thank you" and remembered "bye bye."  Our hearts are very full of joy today.  

Here's a teaser for you...

We had the fortune to be able to ask questions of one of M's two caretakers.  We asked her, naturally, if M remembered us or asked about us since meeting in February.  She told us that he hoped we would remember him and that he kept asking when we would be back.  Finally, he was told, "when the green leaves appear on the trees."  She said since then, every time they came outside, he would go check the branches on the trees, looking for the green leaves as a sign that we would be there soon.  We learned that he was told last night of our return and that he was VERY excited and happy.  Through our interpreter, we asked M if he was excited to go on an airplane and see his new home.  He told us he wanted to go today.  Our hearts melted. I will never look at new leaves on a tree the same way again.  

About a 1/2 hour into our visit, we noticed another couple coming up the walk to the Children's Home.  We were told that they were a couple from Spain and were there, too, to see a child.  When the little girl came outside, I was so happy to see who it was.  She's from M's group of playmates, about 4 or 5 years old.  It's impossible to put into words the feeling you get when you visit an orphanage and see all the kids who won't be going home with you.  It's almost as if an unspoken prayer heads straight to heaven asking for parents to step up and come get these kids.  This little girl, on our first visit in February, was the one whose timid smile stuck with me as we left to return home to the States.  I remember saying to Jose that if we were ever able to do this again, I would want to see if she were available.  It was such a gift to see that God spoke to someone else's hearts and somehow, they were able to come for her.  We shared with them how sweet she was when we met her with little M and their friends on our first trip and how happy we were for them to be adopting her.  We exchanged cards and are hoping someday to be able to meet somewhere in Madrid and share "una copa."  Thank God for answered prayers.  Her new parents will be back when the leaves are changing and falling. 


We left with the promise that we would come back again tomorrow to visit and play.  After our visit with M, I was able to experience one of my other favorite things to do while visiting a foreign country... visit a grocery store!  To me it's fascinating to see what's available, how it's packaged, how much it costs, what's different, what's the same.  It's like a cultural study in one room.  Fun fun fun.  After that, we returned to the hotel.  Jose had a BLT and I had a salad.  We both enjoyed the Borscht soup, and Evan had a hamburger.  Now Evan's watching a movie on the ipad, Jose is napping and I'm updating this blog.  It's been a very good day and we are grateful.

Arrival in Vladivostok

Today's a big day...  this morning our driver will pick us up at 9:15 and take us to go see Little M.  Evan finally gets to meet his new little brother.  We learned yesterday from our coordinator, Ivan, that Little M has been moved to a summer house.  Apparently Children's Home #2 is undergoing renovations.  Apparently it's about a 45 minute drive.


With the 15 hour difference between Vladivostok and Florida, our internal clocks kept us waking up every few hours or so and as of 4:30 Vlad time, we were up for the day.  (with a little luck, I'll be able to fit in a nap later) The hotel's restaurant doesn't open until 7:30am, so we're biding the time with some beef jerky, Nutella and peanut butter which we combined with an apple we picked up yesterday from the restaurant on our dash to our medical appointments.  Not a bad appetizer.


Let me back up to our mad dash.  Our flight from Moscow to Vladivostok lasted about nine hours, landing at 1:30 pm here.  By the time we found our driver, collected all our luggage and got on our way, it was nearly 2:15 pm.  Our coordinator, Ivan, was meeting us at the hotel at 3:00 pm and another driver would take us from there, to our medical appointments in downtown Vlad.  If you could see the roads in Vladivostok right now, you'd understand that the ENTIRE highway system we had to travel is under construction for the coming APEC conference next year.  Our arrival at the hotel at 3:00 was a miraculous event.  Our medical appointment was at 4:00 pm and we couldn't be late.  We needed this panel of physicians to sign off on our medical health as part of the court requirements for the adoption.  That left us about 10 minutes to get our luggage to our room, rinse off in the shower and change into fresh clothes, not to mention locating our xray chest films which we hand carried over to prove that we're not carriers of TB.  Somehow we made it on time.  Evan was so tired, he fell asleep, again.  First he slept the entire car ride from the airport to the hotel, then he slept the entire car ride from the hotel to the medical building.  He was so sound asleep that we actually left him sleeping in the car (with our trusted driver who spoke no English) while we dashed in for our appointments.  He was still snoozing when we returned to the hotel.  We were left with just enough energy to have a light dinner in the restaurant, walk around the outside of the hotel to the kids playground, and then get settled into our room for the night.  More on that later...

Happy Fathers Day - from Spain!

Not our plan, but a happy alternative to getting sent back to Washington, DC.  

On the 18th, After flying Tampa to Washington, DC, then DC to Moscow, about 13 hours flight time plus layover, we had an unexpected surprise waiting for us while attempting to clear customs and immigration.  After presenting our passports which contained our visas, without explanation, we were motioned to follow one of the immigration higher-ups to a downstairs office where we waited outside and witnessed her making copies of all of our passports and visas.  Finally after what felt like a never ending wait, we were told that it was impossible for them to let us into the country since our visas said we could not enter until the 20th, and then we were told, "you will pay a fine of 2,000 rubles and you will return to Washington."  We asked when, they said "Now."  

After the blood returned to our heads, Jose and I swallowed hard and our minds began racing for some solution, we were then escorted to the security area and told to put our belongings through the x-ray machines.  At this point, they still had our passports but we refused to go through security.  We apologized profusely for the error and kept begging for a solution explaining that we had a court date on Friday to adopt a little boy. 

Eventually, we were surrounded by about four customs agents, the United Airlines representative (apparently the UA return flight to DC was being held just for us) and eventually the on-site Russian Consul, himself showed up in his suit.  They were in a hurry to finish with us.

I dragged out my little book of photos and showed them Little M's photo and said "This little boy is sitting in an orphanage, waiting for us to adopt him."  Finally one of the agents told us that maybe we could go somewhere in Europe to wait the two days, maybe Frankfurt?  It was the first ray of hope offered other than being sent back to the US.  The Russian Consul insisted that any Russian would be told to leave the US if they showed up with an incorrect visa. We told him that he may be correct, but asked if he couldn't please help us do something, anything, so we would not miss our court date.  When he finally saw that we were open to the option of leaving, but going somewhere else in Europe, he lightened up a bit.  As long as we didn't return to Russia before the 20th.  Being pressured to make a quick decision, with no map or travel agent available, we quickly decided on Madrid, since Jose's family is there.  There was no time to sit and strategize for the best option... we took the most obvious one to us, go be with family.

Sbarro!

We spent the next 7-8 hours sitting in the room with the x-ray scanners, sequestered, without our passports, without being allowed to exit the room to even purchase food. Apparently we were a "flight" risk. About an hour into our lock-up, the UA agent came in with our new flight information to Madrid (the first one out, of course), took our credit card number for the new tickets and then proceeded to charge us three extra service fees (one per person) for booking our tickets.  We were just happy to have an option, and hungry.  Luckily, the UA gate agent had a kind heart and agreed to go purchase some food for us (with our money, of course).  I am convinced, had we not been traveling with little Evan, we would have sat with no food or water the entire time.  At least we had a bathroom at our disposal.  

First & Only meal in Moscow

Finally, many hours later about fifteen minutes prior to our flight departure, we were again escorted not just to the gate, but to the door of the airplane. We were not given our passports and tickets until the Iberia flight representative signed for us -- that we were getting on her airplane.  Never in my life have I been treated like a criminal... all because of an incorrect date on a piece of paper.

What's incredible is that this BIG detail slipped by too many people without being noticed.  Not only the company that booked the visa, but also Jose, myself and finally the gate agent in DC whose responsibility it was to check all the visas prior to allowing people onto the airplane.  They looked at our visas, but didn't notice the date either. 

13 of the 16 grandkids for Toño & Marivi

So... in the end, we arrived at 11pm on Saturday, we were welcomed in Madrid by immigration and by Jose's family.  We spent a wonderful day seeing all seven of Jose's brothers and sisters and their families, swimming in the neighborhood pool and enjoying my mother-in-law's delicious cooking.  Jose's mother, Marivi, joked that she was to blame because she was praying for us to come to Madrid this summer.  We are ecstatic to be here with family, but now anxiously await attempt number two at entry into Russia.  We depart tomorrow morning (Monday) and arrive Tuesday afternoon in Vlad. It's been a crazy, expensive lesson on making sure EVERY duck is in it's row.  Goodyay OOtkah?  Next post, hopefully from the Russian Federation.

Before and After...

Well, tomorrow is our big day, our departure for our future as a family of four.  We've got a long journey before us (Tampa-Washington DC-Moscow-Vladivostok) and we've already traveled a long journey just to arrive where we are.  Part of the fun has been decorating the new room.  When Evan was born we, of course, created a beautiful nursery.  Little M is a bit beyond that stage and since Evan, for now, is so enthralled with the idea of sharing a bedroom with his little brother, I had the opportunity to create a new boys room.

We converted our playroom/kids guest room into the new boys bedroom, mostly because it had a window centered on a wide wall and it perfectly fit two twin beds, one on either side of the window.  Evan's old bedroom will become the new playroom/guestroom and now is home to a new desk for our school-aged boys.

Since we won't know for a while what theme will occupy little M's mind, and it wouldn't be fair to let Evan choose for both of them, I kept it pretty simple, just soothing cool grey tones, bright stripes and a fun rug with rockets, aliens, flying saucers, etc.  We took more than a few trips into Tampa to visit our closest IKEA.  The beds, as well as the closet conversion, are all from IKEA.  It will work out perfectly for now until they decide they've had enough of each other and want their own rooms.  The only thing left to do is finish up a valance for over the window.  It's half-built and can wait for our return.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our favorite next door neighbor, Ed, who helped us tear up old carpeting and lay down the beautiful new flooring and install lighting in the closet.  It couldn't have turned out more perfectly.  We are so blessed to have such a generous and talented neighbor who, luckily, has too much time on his hands.

So without further ado, the official unveiling of ......  

THE BOYS ROOM!

Before

Room for two and lots of storage.

Newly Organized Closet for Two!  

Stay tuned for the next post from Vladivostok!

Three more days...

"We're going to Russia to pick up my little brother!"  I realized that no matter how busy Evan is enjoying his summer, he seems to always have this little detail in the back of his mind...  he tells everyone what we're up to.  And I mean everyone, including any server in any restaurant, the lady at the dry cleaner, the instructor at his summer camp, and any cashier at any grocery store.  He's ready to go get his little brother.

We, well, we're almost ready.  We're preparing ourselves for the very long journey to bring home our little guy.  I am happy to be seeing the light at the end of this tunnel. I'm ready to not be waiting anymore.  While the adoption has moved relatively quickly, (we signed with our adoption agency in August) the waiting for news of referrals and travel dates has been incredibly difficult.

So the last loads of laundry are being done, dog sitter supplies have been purchased, dogs have been bathed, refrigerator is being emptied of perishables, luggage is out and LONG lists have been made of what we need to fit into said luggage.  After all the preparations we've done, I only realized this week that I need to go shopping for jeans for Evan.  I checked the weather forecast for Vladivostok and Moscow...  Highs in the low 70's and lows in the mid 50's.  Florida's summer season began in March and I haven't thought about purchasing long pants for my little guy since last fall.  Shorts are the standard here.  I just realized he only has one pair of jeans that he hasn't outgrown. 

I think the most difficult thing is trying to prepare for an attempt at keeping everyone's sanity during three weeks in a small hotel room with a seven-year-old and possibly little M, the four-year-old.  We'll arrive on a Sunday, go for our medical exams early in the week and are scheduled for the big day (Court) on Friday the 24th.  If all goes well during the hearing and the judge grants us parental rights for little M, we'll have a ten-day waiting period.  We're told that it's up to the director of the orphanage whether or not we'll get little M during the waiting period.  

Getting out of the hotel is easy, but within walking distance is a small beach on the Sea of Japan, which, we've been told, is not recommended for swimming.  Vladivostok has a pollution issue.  It is most famous as a port town, home to the Russian Federation's Pacific Fleet and very industrial.   One out of every three workers is employed in the auto import industry.  Vladivostok is geographically close to Japan, although I'm guessing the import industry has taken a huge hit in recent months.  There is a train station within walking distance, so I imagine we'll get brave and attempt to purchase tickets and work our way around town during our waiting time.  Otherwise, we'll be getting creative with entertaining ourselves in the hotel.  

Luckily, the Vlad Motor Inn seems to be the hotel of choice for adoptive couples coming to Vladivostok.  On our first visit during February, I believe there were between six and nine American adoptive couples staying in this hotel.  It's a comforting thing to hear your native language and be around people who are walking the same path. 

Regardless, we are anxious to return to Children's Home #2 to see how much little M has grown, and if he remembers us.  And to introduce M and Evan.  I can't wait to see them together.

Here are photos of the front entrance to Children's Home #2.  We're told there are about 120 children between the ages of 4 and 17 living here.