bowling and a visit

Today was the first day we have started to feel a bit antsy. Mike finished the book he was reading. I think it will be challenging to find another book written in English while here in Latvia;-) Viktorija is getting more excited about going HOME. And, I am one of those people who is always ready to return home after a week anywhere. I love being at home!

We were thankful when Maria called Viktorija to see if we wanted to meet for some bowling this afternoon. We were able to meet 2 (out of 4) of her foster sisters and her foster brother. All the children were sweet and well-behaved. The girls were excited to see each other. If anyone feels led to adopt a sibling group, there are 3 girls available, from ages 6-12. We've now met all but 1 of the girls. Sweet, lovely girls. Their mother died and their father doesn't want them. They have been living with Maria for aprox 2 years now. Please pray that a good family will find these precious girls and offer them a forever home.

We all enjoyed our outing together. So, we planned another bowling outing with the children for Tues after they get our of school. Maria is very gracious. She offered to pick us up one day to take us back to their home (in another town) for another visit. We will have to see how things go. I'm not so sure Viktorija has any desire to return to the foster home, even if it's just a visit. We certainly will not push the issue. We are open to whatever she wants to do and feels comfortable with. I could tell Viktorija was proud to have her parents with her today and to meet her "sisters"/friends. I wondered what the 12 yr old was thinking. This young girl is Viktorija's best friend, as well as her foster sister. They obviously developed quite a bond in her short time with this foster family. I could see her watching Viktorija and I together. I really tried to make Maggija feel special. She doesn't speak much English. but, again, those hugs and smiles go a long way. I wish I could bring all of the girls back with me and find them loving families!!

Viktorija has been great with our "down-time". She reads, does crafts, plays games, etc. We usually watch one movie every evening as a family. We haven't watched any t.v. Besides the fact that most channels are in Latvian or Russian, there is not a single thing on. This is probably best, as it forces us to get creative with our time, and really bond with Viktorija. When she was with us in the Summer, I don't think we watched any t.v. together. We have fun just learning about each other and spending together. We play lots of card games. Mike and Viktorija are still competetive with each other. It's fun to watch their bond grow.

I know God has brought us on this journey for so many reasons. The first being to give a precious young girl a family. I also feel like He brought us here to be a witness for Him. I don't see how we can do much with the language barrier. But, I realize that God can use us in many ways if we allow Him to. He is in control of this entire situation. I pray that others will be able to see God's love through us.

Couple links to more videos...

http://personalspace.sony.net/email/file/6d70615a6c32673d,first?rd=6666953#i0

http://personalspace.sony.net/email/file/6d7061576e576b3d,first?rd=6363332#i0