The waiting continues

Hello, everyone!  Unfortunately, we're still waiting for news of a court date.  A couple of other families from our agency received a court date of July 10.  We rejoice along with them, but can't help but be a bit envious.  At least one those families travelled to Vlad on their first trip after us, but timing is unpredictable in international adoptions.  Things don't always go in order.  We have been very disappointed in the St. Louis staff from our agency because they are never able to explain the delays.  That seems absolutely crazy to us in this world where instant communication is at our fingertips.  Speaking of instant communication, another family in Vlad picking up their newly adopted child has been kind enough to inquire of the Vlad staff about our case and send us e-mail updates.  As far as we know, Russia's government social workers in Vlad are working to finish up our boys' paperwork and we should have good news of a court date very soon, hopefully within a week or two.  Our agency coordinator has told us to hold off on updating documents that are soon to expire, which seems encouraging.  We both agree that this LONG wait has been the most difficult thing we've ever had to deal with.  We have our ups and downs, usually one of us is positive one day and the other of us is a bit down.  So we take turns encouraging one another.  We had hoped to have the whole summer at home with our sons, but the Lord's timing is better than ours.  Thank you for your continued prayers for us and our boys.  We are thankful that, even though we are apart, they are well taken care of by the wonderful caregivers that they have in Russia.  Please also pray for the other families who are waiting for referrals, travel dates and court dates, as well as those who have recently completed court and will soon bring their children home.  Hopefully we'll have more news soon!