Happy Indepence Day

Happy 16th of December,

Today was Kazakhstan’s Independence Day: A country less than two decades old. Most things were shut down… that is except for our ride to go see our boy this morning. We had a good day with him and he was pretty spunky. He even threw his first fit and smacked his Tupperware of goldfish. He can turn it on and off pretty fast. He laughed a lot today as well which was great to see. It’s fun to see a little more of personality coming out again. It is very endearing to see him retrieve a toy and then back slowly into his place on Wendy’s lap. He definitely hoards toys, food and anything else that he finds desirable.

We have received news of yet another approval here in Taraz and so things seem to be humming along just fine yet always seemingly slower than we would choose. All in God’s timing. The judge came to observe us and another US American couple in the afternoon yesterday and stayed about five minutes. He made a few comments like… “He can walk now” and “he’s grown so much.” …Yes your honor that’s what happens to little children over the course of a year! Anyway, we are thankful to have that behind us as well and after two more days with Noah, we will be headed for home. Because of the holiday, all flights out of Taraz are sold out so it looks like we’ll be driving once again… Yee-ha!

OK one good story- On the flight to Taraz we sat in an exit row. I looked up by where the oxygen masks drop down and saw a placard that read: EMERGENCY ROPE. OPEN HERE AND THROW ROPE OUT WINDOW. (I’ll let you imagine how that works but I got a good laugh out of it).

We miss our kids, the Christmas atmosphere, and comfortable pillows and can’t wait to be home, hoping to return soon for the 4th and last time!

Shane