Yo Adrian...

Why are we just standing here when all those great toys are just begging to be drooled on...

We're sorry we missed a day yesterday!  These past few days have been busy, for a nice change.  Yesterday we went sightseeing with Manchuk and Phillipich.   We visited a 300 year old Russian Orthodox Cathedral and lit a candle for Sam.   Approximately 30% of the people here are Christian and 70% are Muslim.   Both of us visited a mosque for the first time.  We met two very nice men who spent a little time talking with us about their faith.  We both appreciate how the two cultures, Russian and Kazakh, Christian and Muslim, seem to co-exist very peacefully and naturally, at least from our snapshot of life during the week we've spent here.

We also visited a monument to the 20,000 plus people from western Kazakhstan who died during WWII.  Like the Vietnam Memorial, all of the names are written in stone and it's a staggering loss of life.  Phillipich lost his father when he was only three, and there is a bust of his father on the wall of the memorial, as he was a hero in the Soviet Union.

During our drives to and from the Baby House, it's been so interesting to look at the houses, the people, the transportation, etc.  Gas lines snake through the entire community, ten feet above the ground.  People living in houses received gas (lines) just five years ago.   We also see people filling large metal barrels with water that they get from pumps on the side of the road.   Only people living in apartments have running water, the rest must carry their own from these pumps.

Today was Pre-Court!  We're not sure what the difference is between Pre-Court and Court, but we passed with flying colors, hopefully.  The same judge who will preside over our actual case facilitated today's session, and the Baby House Director, our agency's coordinator, and a representative from the Ministry of Education attended.  They asked us just a few questions and the whole thing was over in about ten minutes.

Lastly, we wanted to thank everyone who has written in the guest book.  We didn't expect to receive so many wonderful messages, especially from all around the world.  It means a lot to us, and will mean so much to Sam... thank you.