Today we had a great day. We visited the Kondapoga orphanage and saw most of the Camp Hope kids. It was really great. They all have big smiles when they were openning their presents. We finally met the "ghost" orphan and we got great video. He is very handsome and a little shy. Vika was also there and told us that she will like to be named Jessica Victoria. Everyone thought it was a great name. Oleyssa (I hope this is the right spelling) was very happy openning her presents. She tried the clothes immediately. She looked very pretty with her new clothes and tiara (also on video). Roma was also very happy with his book and posed for a few pictures as well. Everybody seemed to be making an effort to be learning English and seemed very excited about comming to the US.

As for Kirril of Karelia... we had another wonderful day. Each day we spend with him gets us another day closer in terms of our relationship. He never ceases to amaze us with his skills. He is starting to learn a little English, but had to cut me a deal that I would learn Russian as well. He enjoyed the trip to Kondapoga and hanging out with the other kids there, like a mini Camp Hope reunion of sorts.

Barbara: Sorry, still no word about when Danya will be back. No indication that anything is wrong; rather, it appears that he is getting prepared for his trip to the U.S.

Meredith: Your kids look great. Lots of great video for all to see of many of the Camp Hope kids.
We did get Vika's and Zhenia's clothe sizes as well. Zhenia is very quiet, but he does exist in body and spirit. He let us take a few pictures before running of with one of the other kids, but a very nice, handsome young man. They are quite anxious for your visit.

We leave tomorrow for St Petersburg, and eventual return home to see our family. It has been a wonderful trip.

David and Celia