Zoo trips and new friends

This past week was FUN packed! I often get to step in as 'mama' when my family here has to go out of town. So that is what I was this past week to 3 of the 6 Weber children. Babysitting the youngest three of the clan is always a treat- because they tend to think whatever I come up with is fun and seem to be amused by my ideas quite easily! For instance when I told them on Wednesday that we'd go to the zoo on Saturday- it became the biggest event of the week to look forward to- and when they found out that the zoo would be topped off with a trip to the disney land of Kiev (McDonald's) they were more than thrilled! That, combined with all the Christmas cartoons I currently have on my computer made for a fun weekend! (Don't worry I know that having kids of my own won't be that easy- so I'll enjoy being the 'entertaining one' for now!) I have to say that these little cousins of mine are a HUGE blessing in my life here. Having had the privilege to be a part of their lives as they've grown up and had so many 'firsts' (including John's first loose tooth this weekend) is just such an honor and joy that I don't take for granted!

Andre and the elephant

Just hanging out in the center like 'normal' Americans

Then today I was able to meet up with the Houghton family, who is another part of my Colorado crew of friends who are taking the adoption world of Ukraine by storm. Such a sweet couple! It was fun spending the day with them and hearing their story. We also met up with my friend Yulia and our friend Bruce, who is here finishing up the adoption of two more of our kiddos from Kherson!

We first met Pasha (far left) at a camp two years ago and Yulia has been praying for a family for him ever since. What a blessing to all be TOGETHER in Kiev today, celebrating God's faithfulness in answering that prayer with Pasha! Pasha and his newly adopted sister Natasha (next to me in photo)- are both finally getting to go home this week...just in time for Thanksgiving! I am so blessed by the job I have and the families I continually get to meet on the journey of adoption. Their stories, their risks, and their faithfulness to the Lord continue to INSPIRE me!