Good Morning All,

Our Inter Country Adoption Board meeting has been moved from tomorrow to this morning at 9:00 a.m. (Wed.) We are all getting ready for the day and will be happy when the meeting is over. Tanner and I will be questioned and then Ricky's Visa and passport will be given to us!!!

Due to Ricky's cold, he snored but slept soundly. His pajamas fit perfectly and the blanket from home kept him warm. We were thankful for our alarm clock that makes the rain sound so we could sleep, too. We are waking up very early 4:30a.m. and so Tanner decided to go ahead and work out. When Ricky woke up, he asked, Where is Daddy Tanner? He thinks Tanner's muscles are very big and Mamma's are small - very smart!

In going through Ricky's backpack, my heart was touched as he had kept every letter and picture we had sent as well as used the calendar to mark the days until we arrived here. He drew many pictures of his new family including the dogs. There ofcourse, is a picture of all of us on a boat catching fish!

Ricky says to tell everyone in America hello and thanks for his Nintendo! He is ready to fly on the big airplane and every time he sees and airplane he points it out to me.

The Philippines are very beautiful in areas and filled with poverty in others. It is very hard to see so many unattended children in the streets fending for themselves. There seems to be just two classes, the upper class and the lower class. However, the people continue to be friendly and helpful and thankful that we are helping Ricky have a better life. Many tell us thank you and then tell Ricky not to forget the Philippines.

Well, I am running out of time so I'll sign off for now and report back after our ICAB meeting.

In His grip,
Steph