Leaving Latvia (for now)

eating at Lido with V's friend A

Last day in Latvia  - 8/8.  Will miss this beautiful place and the amazing people!  Truthfully though, this trip was tough as we tried to be a family in a place where that type of interaction wasn't the norm for V.  Not gonna lie - exhausted through those challenging times.  Thankful that Nate and Trey were along to assist.  Appreciate all of the other moments that will be treasured forever.

My hope for this trip was:
1. complete V's adoption
2. serve the kids who are still waiting for their families
3.  make memories with my two boys and our family friend

I can truthfully say that those all occurred!  Loved being a part of those moments that were so special!

Some of the special moments are represented  in these photos:
Kinda out of order and conglomerated, but I am whooped.  So, all here, just a bit mixed :)

one of v's first caregivers - got to visit with her before we left

another boater 

rowboating at night on the river in Riga

flying at the aerodium

higher and higher!

catching our breath after climbing the mountain at Sigulda

K, A#2, and V chill at the apartment

A, baby T, and M visit then take V and me to Jurmala or a night walk in the pouring rain; M was an older guy at v's first orphanage who watched out for him

cave with carvings - Sigulda

some of the gazillion steps up in Sigulda

a and v taking a breather

in front of Sigulda Castle

v and a are under these

look who else we found at Sigulda castle

Ran into the Russian luge team's van and equipment

ready to fly!

visit at one of v's chidren's homes; always think this guy is a
mini-v

goodbye visit to friends at v's old orphanage

zane - used to be one of v's caregivers

dinner at lido's with friends - a, v, a, and vitaly; with nate, trey and mom

You may be wondering - what is next?  Well, there is a 20 day period where an adoption can be contested.  Not expecting that to happen.  Then Bryan and Vitaly return to to Latvia, probably mid-September to care for his new passport and embassy paperwork.  He is now Vitaly Peterson officially, but we need the papers that go along with that.  If you know of any who'd like to help us finish this final step, please see the village to village link at the top of the blog to donate in a tax deductible way.  Have plane tickets, room charge, embassy fees, lawyer fees to go.  Getting there though!  Thanks to all who have helped us to get this far <3

Now for a little rest, then only God knows what is next.

Looking forward to whatever it is :)
Sue