Our shopping adventure

We made it back to the internet cafe. Yesterday while we were putting in ourlast blog, we got a phone call fromour translator who informed us that we needed to meet with the school director of the orphange. So, we quickly tood the bus to the orphanage to meet with him. We have been told all along that a donation to the orphange is expected of all the adopting couples SO when we meet with hime he asked us how much we wanted to donate. All of the other couples have donated $500, so we did the same to keep everyone happy. To make sure that the money went to the right place we were invited to go shopping with the director. This turned into a wild shopping trip. First, we went to ahardware store where we bought a weed wacker and drawer handles. Next, we went to an insurance office to pay for a health insurance plan for all of the kids for a year. Next, we went to the photo shop to purchase 78 photos that will be taken of the children along with some frames. They are planning on hanging these pictures up at the orphange. Next, we went to a pot and plant shop where we bought 2 large ceramic pots and 2 circular plant holders to decorate the main lobby of the school. At this point we were ready to call it quits, so we finished up our shopping and went to lunch. We still had $70 dollars left, which is 300 grevna in their money, so the director said that we could go shopping another time. Anyway, Neil informed me that he wouldn't be going on that trip. Neil hates tos hop so this was pure torture for him. We then went to our apartment and rested for awhile. Next, we went to family home evening and played a game that the new missionary requested. It is the game called don't eat Pete with M&M's. This was a nice change of pace from the shopping.
It sounds like things are busy but going well at home. Devin and Lauren are keeping busy with school and work. Shawn is serving in a new town called Forest Hill, and loving it. Janessa is winning her high school volleyball games and her team is predicted to win state. She is also applying for Sterling Scholar. And Aubrey is doing well in school and having fun with friends. We are counting down the days until we get to come home to be with our sweet family.
Here are some pictures that we've taken in the past few days.