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 Joel

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Tomorrow is D-Day…At 11:00 we go in and the judge hears our case for Gabriel’s adoption.  From what I gathered, he’s gone over all our paperwork and tomorrow he will hear testimony from the head doctor of the orphanage and possibly other witnesses.   I have a prepared speech to read to him after the witnesses testify and will have to answer some questions as well.  Gen will answer questions as well.  If all goes smoothly, this will take about an hour and hopefully we’ll receive a judgment after the proceedings are complete.

This morning before Gabriel was brought in, a doctor came in and told us that they were instituting a quarantine for the next week or so.  This was due to spring coming and they don’t want the babies to be exposed to germs being carried in by the adults.  So now we need to buy some surgical masks to see Gabriel.  Our morning session with Gabriel went well.  All the babies woke up early this morning because of a medical exam, so towards the end of the visit, the babies were either passed out or cranky.  Gabriel took the cranky route, but thankfully the visit was over and the caretaker took him back to his room to sleep.

Gen and I decided to walk around central Aqtobe for our lunch break, so we hung out with the Dykes.  We first had lunch at a Turkish restaurant then went walking around town.  Being dorky tourists taking pictures, we happened upon a kid begging for money.  I said no to him several times and he just kept following us.  As we made our way back to Kami and Eric’s apartment, I noticed he was still behind me, no doubt trying to pick pocket me.  I glanced over at my shadow to see him trying and I turned around.  The look on his face was priceless.  He just stood there as I looked to make sure nothing was taken.  I then walk towards him to explain the error of his ways.  He decides its best that he shouldn’t and runs as fast as he can from me. 

We later returned to the orphanage for our afternoon session.  Gabriel was playful the entire time.  He ate his food like a champ and decided to just chill out with us both.  Don’t worry Gabe…you are almost home!!

Paka!

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