Visas are printed!!! I must admit that I was getting a little worried - not super concerned (well maybe at times) - but at least considering the possibility of the visas being refused or not printed on time. I on one hand believed that the Lord had led us to host Nastya and therefore was confident that He would overcome the obstacles and open the doors for the children to come, but on the other hand had to accept that I only understand in part and He sees things fully. And that I could trust Him even if it didn't turn out the way I thought it should. Of course, knowing that in my head and meshing that with what I feel, are two different things. But then I guess that is always the walk of faith - trust is easy when things go the way I want, but much more difficult but also much deeper, when things do not go the way I want. And I discovered (again) that my faith is weak, but praise God that He is always faithful!

All that to say, we greatly appreciate each of you who have been praying. The children arrive in Austin at midnight next Thursday, so it will be a late night for us all! I am sure that they will all be very tired from the long journey and the 8 hour time change.

On another note, I had a very interesting meeting today. A friend who I recently met at bible study is a nurse and works for a cardiologist, who is from Ukraine. This kind man has offered to help translate anytime we can't reach the other translator or would rather him translate. He also invited our family and the other hosting families to his house on January 5th. They are having a large Ukrainian Christmas celebration with a few other Ukrainian people around our area. I had no idea there were other Ukrainian families around. We are really excited to be able to experience a bit of the culture and I'm sure it will be very comforting to the hosted children to have some familiar food, language, music, and traditions! It was also just another reminder that God is at work in this because who but God could have caused me to meet this new friend who works for one of the only Ukrainian speaking people in our area, who also really wants to help!