Court Day

Good Afternoon Everyone-we had a very interesting morning. We left for court pretty nervous around 9:00 all dressed up ready to see the judge. In Uganda they call dressed up "smart" and we got the smartest we could. Steve compared the drive to downtown Kampala as being in Myrtle Beach in the middle of July ( wearing a suit and tie) when it is about 100 degrees and you move one inch a minute on Ocean Blvd. It took us 45 minutes to go 5 miles. We arrived in downtown Kampala and it is almost more than I can explain . Let's just say 3 million people live in Uganda and 2.5 of them are in Kampala and going somewhere-we aren't sure where....the boda bodas (mopeds) are like mice on speed.
  Anyway, we get to court and finally are admitted into the Honorable Judge's chambers. Did I mention that the court along with everywhere else here is NOT air conditioned? So now you are 
at Broadway at the Beach in your suit and tie and two toddlers who are also already tired of the activity. 
  To be serious...the biological mom wasn't as forthright as she should have been and so it became a little complicated. I will spare the details but basically we have to wait until Monday for some additional family members to sign a deposition and our next scheduled court date is June 15. The attorneys both said that they wouldn't have even given us another date if he hadn't intended to approve this adoption. I guess it isn't for sure but we are very hopeful. We were praying constantly, It is a pretty weird feeling knowing that one person behind a desk could alter your life forever. I felt like I was waiting for my death sentence. He did glance at Steve but never acknowledged either one of us .

Dressed for court

  As far as the kids are concerned they are so much fun. We are really beginning to feel like we are a family. Steve and I both can tell that the children are loosening up and are relying on us more. They are very close with one another and to watch them communicate with each other is very interesting. When they are speaking their own language it is jibberish to us but their facial expressions and laughter tells it all.
  All the Africans here understand them so we use Moses (the driver) a lot to translate for them. 
  There were a few first today....Neither child had ever been on an elevator. When they entered the lift they both grabbed on to us and we had to pick them up. Erik got to wear tennis shoes today and when he saw them he smiled real big. After we put them on him he stomped them on the ground and laughed. He also starred at them and smiled. He has never had a hard pair of shoes on his feet. He didn't want to take them off for bath. They also love peanut butter and are eating it by the spoonfuls. Erik is scared of butterflies and grasshoppers ( Sarah he screamed like you did) and Edith is brave and will touch or do anything. She really loves Steve and is hugging and hanging on him a lot. Actually both kids love Steve and I have to fight for my time. We will try to send some pictures along with this blog. If they aren't posted we will try tomorrow. Internet isn't reliable here.
  We really appreciate the emails and comments we are getting. It makes us feel close to home. We also covet your prayers. We have felt them and need them. Life here is different and we feel far from home. Love you all- Debbie and Steve

Outside of our home away from home