Day 22

Today was largely uneventful except for a couple of events and observations. As you know, we've been sharing how difficult it is to only visit our children and we are praying that the high judge will waive the 10 day waiting period. In prayer this morning, the Spirit pointed out that this same feeling of frustration is similar to what God experiences with us - when we are half-hearted with him and ignore his call for fellowship. Ouch! I don't think I can ever forget this feeling. Of course, not that the girls have done anything wrong but to have to say good-bye each day; for now anyways. While visiting Gela, we observed a local girl, maybe 8 years old, deficate outside near a tree. We caught her "wiping up" with leaves and pine cones. And she thought nothing of it, nor her friend. It's hot here today. The weather is more like California heat than North Carolina. Good thing there is so much shade. I just wish we had air conditioning in more than one room. Outside, there is a concert going on. It sounds like some kind of outreach; judging by the style of music and the occasional speaking. I hope so. I just hope that they don't go too late. It's hard enough to get sleep at night here. We need to open the windows but then the mosquitoes come. Tomorrow morning, we will be visiting Gela and giving our donation to her orphanage. Then, after lunch, we will begin our regular visits to Vicka. Thursday morning, the SDA documents arrive. This is their final approval. Thursday afternoon (3pm) we have our hearing. The SDA will not be present but a representative of the government, a representative of each orphanage, the social workers from each city, and ourselves will be there. We will be asked some questions: can we afford this adoption, our annual income, why we want to adopt, etc. Boy, I hope there is some air conditioning in the court room; I don't want to sweat before the judge!