Dancing with the Stars and in the Stars

Hello everyone! Penny finally let me type on the blog, praise God. Just kidding. I just let her do it. She is better at it than I am. I just wanted to tell you what a great and wonderful God we have. He is sooooooooo awesome. This adoption process has been all Him. He has guided the steps from the beginning and continues to bless our every step. We get impatient at times but we pray and God gives a good talking and we get back on course. Did I say that God is sooooooo awesome. I think that I did but I will say it again. We love Him so very much for our lives and giving us our new babies. We thank him for our family, friends, and church family. We miss you all so much and thank God for you everyday. Everyone has been so supportive and loving through all of this. I truly believe that if we will give the Father our will completely he will definetly be true to His word and bless you in a mighty way. He has us. We deserve no credit. We are just human beings. Jesus Christ deserves it all. Yet while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. I have so much more appreciation for Him now that we have been away from our family and friends so long and so far away. He has been right here with us and Penny's and my faith has grown so much and our prayer life is definetly stronger. Just to have Jesus to talk to and rely on has been everything. He is our everything. Praise be to God. Please, if you do not know how wonderful Jesus is, slow down, take time and get to know him and do His will (the Father's will). It will truly change your life. Just look up and talk to Him. He will listen and bless you. If you don't already attend a good church, go and fellowship. Get involved in a ministry and serve our Lord just buy sharing his love with others. That is what he wants. Feed the hungry, heal the sick, help the helpless. When you help them you are doing it for the Lord as well. Going to church on Sunday is great, you need too. But we are all called to do much more than that. Don't you see. He said if you love Me, you will do what I do. Share his love in all you do. His gave his life for you, can't you minister to others the way he tells us too. Read the Gospel of John then Acts. See who Jesus is so that we can try to be more like him. The definition for Christian is "being Christ-like." Are you trying to be like Jesus or just reading and talking about Him. He was born of a virgin, showed us in the gospels how we are to live, then died on a cross a horrible death to pay for our sins. But the best thing is, is that he rose on the third day and went to heaven to make a place for you and I so that if we have confessed him as our Lord and Savior when we die we will go straight to Heaven instead of what we truly deserve as sinners, which is Hell. If you are not sure right now that you would go to Heaven to be with Jesus just ask Jesus to come into you heart, give your life to him, turn from your wicked ways, and trust in Him 100% for the rest of your lives and He will come into your heart and save you right were you stand. Don't wait, do it now. Something could happen and you not live another minute here on this earth. One thing for sure is that you will die and you will go to Heaven or Hell. Ask Jesus to save you right now and He will do it. I love you. Praise be to God!

We are so blessed with 2 wonderful young boys that are full of life. I can't wait til they can speak english better so I can share the Lord with them. Our day today was a great one. The high was around 47 degrees with rain so we stayed inside. When we got to the orphanage Micah's class was going to the music room for dance and singing. They were so cute in their little tights and dance shoes. Micah was cute but I'm not sure he was into it. He kept yawning. The room was beautiful as you can see from the pics. After about 20 minutes they finished and we took Luke to Micah's room and we played inside for the remaining time. They love to wrestle with me and ride "the Big Papa" horse. I've got to lose weight and get into shape. They wear me out. How I love them. I can't wait to bring them home to meet all of our friends and family. I can't wait to dress them up for church and bring them to meet all of FWC and to hear our great praise and worship team (Micah loves to sing and dance) and see Pastor Mark's dance moves. (you know I love you brother). I miss you all. Thanks Martha Wallace for all your comments on our blog. They mean so much to us. Please, everyone, just take a couple of minutes and let us hear from you. We look forward everyday to checking our blog to see if anyone has responded. It's part of what keeps us going. Thanks so much. We love you all.

Our court date has not been set yet. We will probably hear something tomorrow. We should have it by friday. Then we will be only about 2 weeks from the friendly skies and Southside, AL.

About a week ago I was really down with the problems we were having with the adoption and I could just picture my dog Jagz jumping up in my lap. Wow how I cried. This whole thing has really made us so much stronger. Just as I was getting down I started to pray for a straight path and as soon as I did our facilitator called and gave us good news and since then its been so much easier. Have I said lately how sooooooooo very awesome our God is. To God be the glory. Please keep us in your prayers and we will see all of you very soon. We love you all.

Just wanted to say also that Paw Paw is much better today and is going home. Thanks for all the prayers. God answered them all. We praise you father.

To all the guys and you too Alison and Lindy, hope to see you all in a few weeks. I know Randy is probably sitting on the stool, knock him off for me and tell him to get to work. Allen I can't believe your leaving B&B. I need your help so we can get some work done there. I mean with Randy, Brad, and Craig.........we just can't make it. LOL Just kidding. I love you guys and thanks for everything Alison and Scott. You don't know how much we thank you for all you have done.

Well, I have to go now. Maybe Penny will let me right again someday soon. Who knows. Just kidding. My wife has been my rock. We have grown sooooo much together. You all be good and we love you. Keep looking to the skies, Jesus is coming soon. Bye for now.

Wrestle Mania

Well today was another extremely cold day. The highs were in the 40's and tomorrow is the same. We went to the orphanage this morning and took the boys out to play. We stayed out about 45 minutes and had to go back inside. It was too cold. Our ears were freezing. We also took the boys the plums we got at the market yesterday and they loved them of course.

While inside, James started wrestling and playing tackle with them. They loved it. They giggled and would try to run past him then he would grab them and throw them back down on the carpet. I believe we have a couple of linebackers. Micah may even be a running back. He got past James once. As you can see in the pictures Micah had on tights (we're not sure if that was from dance class or just due to the cold). The boys started wrestling each other then grabbing each others socks and pulling on them. The picture of them ducked down behind the bench is them trying to avoid Papa the tickle monster. They kept wrestling until Luke hit the back of his head on one of those wooden benches. He cried and I had to hold him for a while. He ended up with a nice sized goose egg on the back of his head. He is OK but is scared me so I automatically started praying for the Lord to heal his head.

After we left the orphanage we went back to the outdoor market. I was able to swap the outfit we bought yesterday and get the right size. We also bought the boys several toys to have at the apartment in Kiev when we go back there. We also found another backpack. We only brought one since we thought we were only getting one child. The one we bought has a 3D picture of batman on it and it says Bat Man. Must be a knock off but the boys won't know. We found some cute little slippers for them to wear when they are finally with us.

We love the outdoor market however; it is not for people who are claustrophobic. You walk up and down what seems to be a maze of vendors selling everything from clothing to pigs feet. Oh yes, I said pigs feet. We saw a freshly cut up pig and chickens. There are yellow jackets everywhere due to all the open food. Don't worry we didn't buy any of it. I think we will stick with mystery meat. We actually love the outdoor market because there are so many different things. Basically it is a huge mountaintop flea market with twice the amount of vendors and it's all new things.

After we shopped we went back to our favorite pizza parlor and ran into the missionary's we met from Memphis. We have added a picture of them and the pizza place. We were afraid to take pictures of the market. Some people get offended having their picture taken.

We spoke with Sasha and he said we could have a court date by Thursday so we will let you know as soon as we hear back from him.

James is feeling much better so thank you for all your prayers.

Martha- I agree that I will need some girly time eventually. I actually have 5 boys at home if you count our dogs.

I have a special prayer request. My grandfather (James Chapman) was admitted to the hospital last night. We are not sure of his dx yet when I spoke to my Mom early this morning.

We love and miss everyone,

Penny, James, Luke and Micah

BRRR It's Cold

Greetings from Ukraine,

Today was very cold and light rain. The high was around 48 today and it will be in the 50's the rest of the week. We have looked everywhere for me a jacket or big sweatshirt but it seems that the sizes over here are a little different. I just figured I would layer what I have and will make it.

James feels better today. Please continue to pray for his sinus infection to clear up.

We went this morning to visit with the boys and it was too cold and wet to go outside. We attempted to watch the Lion King again but after a while they got into the toy closet and started playing. Just a reminder that the toys they have here are bits and pieces of toys. They would have Papa hold them up to reach something off the top shelf and when they were done they would put it back. We sure hope they keep that up when we get home.

The boys were really good today and we had a lot of fun. They also love to wrestle with James on the floor. It reminded me of Sunday's at Mom's with Kyle. Boy we will have to move the coffee table out of the way with 3 of them wrestling.

Yesterday James was unable to go visit the boys since he was sick so they were glad to see Papa today. When I went to get Micah yesterday he had a cleaning rag and was cleaning. Watch out Grandma I think we have another cleaner in the family. At least I know he would be able to work for Kim. I just don't think she could keep him focused on one thing long enough. I was excited to see them cleaning. They will be good little helpers for Mama.

The pictures of the children are from Micah's class. James also took a picture of their sleeping area.

Tonight Rick and Melissa decided they could not handle mystery meat one more time so we got a taxi and went for pizza. They loved it. It was a nice change and felt like date night. After we ate pizza we walked in the nearby market which is like an open flea market. We were trying to find Rick a toboggan but no luck. We did find the boys 2 sweatsuit outfits that have a jacket with them. After we got home we realized one size was too small. The lady spoke no English so when I held up 2 fingers because I needed two sets she must have thought that I needed one outfit for a 2 year old. Hopefully it will fit Rick and Melissa's little boy. If not we will donate it to the orphanage.

We also ran into a little lady at one stand that spoke a little English. She said she had visited the states at one time (New York) She was very friendly and we bought some plums for the boys from her.

Everywhere we go if someone realizes we are Americans they may say "hello" but that is all they can say. The children here at the hotel have started speaking to us just to hear us talk.

We have had a blessed day and look forward to hearing about our court date tomorrow.

Aultman's and Martha- Thank you so much for your comments.

Jon- what was up with Auburn? 3-2????

Kathy- you keep us laughing and encouraged!

Mom- I hope you are feeling better. We are praying for you.

PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS. WE ENJOY READING THEM AND THEY GIVE US ENCOURAGEMENT.

With all our love,

Penny, James, Luke and Micah

Praise God, Our Paperwork Was Submitted to the SDA!

Praise God! Our paperwork was submitted today to the SDA for a court date. We should hear something on Monday when we will have a court date. Sasha said it could be on Friday but he will try to get it expedited. Whew, one step closer.

Today has been a muggy cold day. James does not feel well and I woke up with a bad headache so we took the morning to rest. We went to see the boys this afternoon. Since it was so cold we did not go outside. We stayed inside and watched Max Lucado's Buzby. Luke is very interested in videos but Micah goes stir crazy when he has to stay inside. Needless to say he kept getting into trouble.

We took them some seedless grapes today and they ate all of them. We are so happy our boys love fruit. I think we will need to plant some fruit trees since they love it so much.

Rick and Melissa came to visit their kids while we were there. Everything seems to be moving right along and they went today to get everything notarized. Please continue to pray for them.

Tomorrow the weather may be even cooler than today and possible rain so pray that we have a good day inside with the boys and that Micah will behave himself.

Uncle Mark- If you are reading this please stay safe from the hurricane.

Pam- I got the pictures of Jake. I cannot believe how he has grown. Give him a 5 month old kiss from his Aunt Penny. We love you guys!

Pastor- please have special prayer for us Sunday. Please pray for our court date and our strength. We are very homesick but we are so thankful for where God has brought us. We love and miss you and Kathy.

Love to all our friends and family,

Penny, James, Luke and Micah

One Day Closer

Hello Everyone,

Well to update you on our progress the paperwork arrived and was taken to the Inspector's office. We were hoping the Inspector would sign yesterday but she did not. We were expecting her to sign today but she did not. Natalya called this afternoon and they told her it would be signed by 12pm tomorrow. Needless to say we were a little disappointed but Natalya will pick it up tomorrow and head straight to the SDA office in Kiev and submit everything for a court date. She said we could have one as early as Friday. We are praying to get one sooner. After the court approves everything we have to wait 10 more days then on the 11th day we can pick up our boys. We will have to get their birth certificates, passports and medical exams. As soon as we get the passports we can come home. We are looking at being here another 3 weeks at least.

Please continue to pray for us. We are extremely homesick and miss our family and friends. I have to admit the toughest part of this is being away from home. Also, pray for James. He has a sinus infection and has felt pretty rough today. We went to a local pharmacy and got him some medicine. The security guard watched James closely. You know us crazy Americans we come all the way from the states to steal medicine. Their pharmacies are very clean and everything is behind the counter or locked up behind glass cases.

The weather is changing and it continues to get colder. I think tonight's low is 39. Tomorrow the high is around 59. All I brought was a denim jacket so I hope I don't get too cold.

This morning we spent time just with Luke. Micah was in music class. We played and threw the ball. He started getting annoyed with me sticking the camera in his face so he started making funny faces. Micah came out later and they chased each other. We took them nectarines and they ate the whole thing. They loved them.

The little girl in the picture with Micah is in his class. She is being adopted by one of the Italian families. She calls me Mama and sits with me most of the time.

I have to tell you we have a meal that we get served a lot. It is a round meat patty and you never know what is in it or what type of meat (pork, chicken or beef?) The other night we arrived for dinner and Rick's had a fly in it. The fly was dead. Even the fly could not handle the mystery meat. Don't get me wrong sometimes it is good but most of the time it gives you real bad indigestion.

Since we gave you pictures of the sunrise we thought we would give you pictures of the moon. We have a beautiful view here.

Ginger- give our love to Eli and Jagz. Mommy and Daddy miss them very much. I'm glad Eli is doing better. Tell him to hold on and Mommy will be home soon.

FWC- We miss everyone and miss church. Thanks for your prayers.

Moms- we love you and thanks for your words of encouragement

By the way, Bart Simpson has gone to the dogs. Notice the picture of the puppy chewing on a Bart Simpson doll.

Until the next groundhog day- God Bless

Penny, James, Luke and Micah