Christmas Eve day

After trying to sleep with completely reversed bio-rhythms, we got up and entered the blog for yesterday. Now it is afternoon of Christmas Eve. We had a leisurely morning, with an abundant Christmas Eve buffet at the Hyatt. On our right sat two Germans. On our left, two Russians. Three languages in a row...this is such an international place. And all the while Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and I'll Be Home for Christmas were playing in English.

We took a cab downtown, trying to find our American friends. No luck. We went walking on the pedestrian mall in the sunshine, temperatures in the 30's and a nice feel among the passersby. We returned to our favorite shopping spots for some final presents. (Somehow I often spend my Christmas Eve at the mall. Why should today be any different?) At one point I (Candace) was trying to ask a Kazakh merchant something about an item. Without prompting, a woman behind her began interpreting in fluent Russian. Just before that, she had been speaking fluent English. When we thanked her we found she was from Holland and her accompanying friend was from Port Angeles, WA. Such a small world!

We've had the conversations everyone has today, about what is important in the Christmas Holidays. We have agreed that finding two boys to join our lives is sure a better present than anything else (including the two new cars we could have bought for the expense!). It is a season of love and life and hope for all humankind. But especially for us.

This adoption experience has been life changing for both of us, and can bring us to tears as we realize the magnitude of the gift we are given. We hope all of you can find joy as well with those you love.