They Wouldn't Let Him Out

The inspector, Teresa and Nastya heading down the path under the grape arbor toward the front of the orphanage. We were planning to 'go get Steven' and bring him to our apartment but that was not to be.

Teresa, Nastya and the inspector inside the orphanage

Steven really enjoyed playing with Teresa's scarf . . .

. . . and running off

Here he is looking handsome

Nastya, the DD, and Steven. The plastic bag has our gifts for the care-givers; the black bag has Steven's clothes and chocolates for his fellow 'inmates' ('inmate' is actually the term used in our petition for adoption!!)

Steven and Teresa sitting only momentarily on the provided bench

Two little boys from Steven's group. Actually right now there are two groups being combined--I don't know if it's just for the summer or what.

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I'm just going to make a quick entry. We still do not have that lovely tax number. But Teresa and I decided we need to pick Steven up from the orphanage anyway so we can get to know him a bit more before we travel together for 25-30 hours on a plane. Nastya, Alexey, the inspector, Teresa and I zipped over to the internat and up the stairs to the director's office. He is on vacation so the deputy director was sitting in his place. After much very heated discussion Nastya let us know that the deputy director is refusing to give him to us until he is "un-registered" as being at the orphanage. I don't really understand and may not be describing it right but we have to go early in the morning to some other office to get this procedure done so we can spring him. The inspector was so angry at some off-the-subject comments that the dep director made that she left the room and left without us. Alexey was so mad that I was really, really glad that he is on MY side. I tell you Nastya and Alexey have been wonderful through all this and have fought so, so, so hard. Nastya later explained that this dep director is the one who told Alexey we just wanted Steven so we could sell his organs. Nastya went on to explain that this lady comes from Soviet times (ie, when Americans were the enemy and certainly not to be trusted.) I know (at least I hope) she is just concerned about Steven's well-being. Hopefully some of her concern was abated when she came outside with us and watched us interact with Steven.

Please keep praying. That verse keeps coming to mind again: The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but they are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Sorry if I'm not quoting it exactly right but I think I'm pretty close. You guys that are prayer warriors--PLEASE pray.