He is ADORABLE!!!!

Yeah!  I've met Samuel and he is all I could have hoped for...happy, healthy, adorable, smily, sweet...I am very lucky and very happy.

I have visted Samuel 3 times in the orphanage so far and should be able to go twice a day for the remainder of the 2 weeks. He had a little cold today, so my play time was in isolation, but I was proud of the fact that I was able to entertain him by myself.  He really is adorable and good natured (so far).  I'll send details about him as the days pass.

We had had a few logistic delays and obstacles to overcome.  Mom and Dad did make it to Ust-Kamenogorsk and did get to meet and play with Samuel, but they had to fly back to Almaty tonight since all the lfights were full for days and days (big conference in Ust).  Also, we four families adopting are all having to bunk down in two rooms for 3 nights due to the shortage of hotel rooms for the conference.  Such is life in a third world country.  I'll give more details on the city in later emails.

Deb A. - I would have loved to have you here, but I'm glad that you aren't flying in next week because flying isn't as simple as we thought it would be, nor do many people speak english outside of the big hotels.

Shirley - Thanks for the biscotti :-)

Internet isn't as easy as I had hoped so I'm sure I won't be able to post more than a few times a week.  I hope the photos come through.

All is very well!