Once again, since I know that I will have internet access quickly this morning, I will post a quick update on our plans for today, April Fool’s Day. I am not sure that I will have internet access again until at least Saturday night.

We are taking all the kids on a field trip today to two different venues in Kirov, about 45 minutes away by bus. The younger children and most of our traveling group is going to a puppet show, while some of the older children and small group of our team is going to the planetarium. We know that the kids love to take field trips and we look forward to reporting back on our special day with them.

In addition to some free time with the kids in the afternoon, there will also be a competition that is the brainchild of the orphanage director, Galena (a talented and amazing woman). We will have five American adults teamed with five Russian children vs. five American children teams teamed with five Russian staff members. We are not sure of the activities but given that April Fool’s Day is a big day here…and Galena is quite an entertainer…we are expecting a fun event that all will remember. More details to come.

This will also be our last night with the kids, which I am sure will heighten some powerful emotions already on high alert. No one said this would be easy, but I expect the last 18 hours (Thursday night and Friday morning) will be the toughest part of our journey. Please pray for us and these kids as that time approaches.