Quick update---

I am at the internet cafe waiting to be picked up to go visit Mattea for our afternoon visit, so I thought I would add a quick note. The computers are not set up with USB so downloading photos to post is difficult when you don't speak the language here. If you are out there, Sheila, is there anywhere to go in Izmayl with WiFi, where I can easily do pics and/or video?
We all piled into the taxi this morning and headed to the school/orphanage to visit Mattea Olena. Stew and the babies got to spend more time with her today and get to know her better. I think she is still a little overwhelmed when we are all there, as she was very quiet most of the time. The babies seem to accept her as one of them though, and Papa is very taken with her.
I delivered the gifts for Timur and Slava, and the staff were very happy to receive them. We have not gotten to meet any of the other children yet, though, so no pics yet :o( but the principal promises we will be able to take some, of Timur, Slava and Alina for their waiting Mamas and Papas. The school/orphanage has a very warm and friendly feeling, smells like home cooking, and the staff are all very friendly and attentive. We always hear singing when we are there!
As for our case, paperwork is definitely in progress, and our translator will be traveling today to deliver things and get signatures. We are hopeful they will be submitted on Friday and POSSIBLY (prayers needed) we will have court on Monday. Unless we receive another miracle (prayers again) and they allow us to start processing birth certificate and passport immediately after court, the timing is just off enough that we will run into holiday delays and we will all head home towards the end of next week. IF they somehow allow us to start paperwork, then I will stay on here till completion.
Papa says he will be building Mattea her own special bed like Estuardo's. She is tiny enough for a toddler-sized bed and it will be closer to the floor for her. So even if we all head home, it will be a busy few weeks while we wait, between the holidays and getting ready.
I am sending many prayers up for all of the RR families going through changes this week, and for all of the RR families getting ready to travel. Heavenly Father's plan is an amazing one if we have the patience to wait for everything He has in store for us.