COPIES OF E-MAILS SENT AND RECIEVED WHILE IN RUSSIA:

June 15, 2004 Greetings from Wanda and Rich in Siberia We just got to Bratsk 1 hour ago. Tomorrow we go to orphanage to meet 4 little girls. Please pass info along to Ellis Rd and to UN. Janice's husbands e-mail bounced back as not good, so tell her I can not e-mail her at all. Will write again when we have time. Wanda

Jun 16, Greetings from Wanda and rich in Siberia HI! Time difference is 14 hours ahead. Yesterday (Wed) we met Pixie -age 3 yrs 10 months, Galina-age 3 years 1 month, Dimples-age 3 yrs 5 months, and Anastasia- age 1 yr 6 months. We definitely attached to Pixie first, you should see Rich with her-he is head over heals. She is a very happy child, always smiling and very lovable. Anastasia was so terrified that I could not get within 2 feet of her. Galina and Dimples were afraid at first but calmed down, but neither would say a word. So we left having to decide between Galina and Dimples. Today we were on playground with all children. It is so heartbreaking to see so many "babies" (as our facilitator, Sergey says with most adorable Russian accent.) So many of them wanted our attention, and they are all beautiful and healthy children. Wish I could bring them all home. Today we decided on Dimples, social worker and Sergey said they had never seen Dimples attach to adults as she did us. She wanted to be held all the time. She finally started talking today. Galina was more detached at times. So to make a long story short, our daughters are Pixie and Dimples. Dimples has a lazy eye . Both girls are so tiny, but both appear very healthy. We will be spending 2 more days at orphanage, then back to Irkutsk to sign papers on Monday. Fly back on Tuesday - all day long. Now we find out that it will be 7-9 months before court, maybe we will be able to find money to come back and visit between as some other families do.
Love
Wanda and Rich

6/15 From Linda
Awwww, are you going to bring 4 girls back? Just kidding. Hope you are enjoying your trip.
Take care.
Linda

June 16 From Debbie
I am sitting here with tears in my eyes reading your note. It must be a struggle to see all of the "babies" and have to decide. It sounds like Pixie and Dimples are definitely a perfect fit for you two. I hope you were able to take lots of pictures. I will have to show you how to do Creative Memories photo albums. So you can go back and spend more time with them? I pray every day for you guys because I know that the two of you will be great parents! Hope to hear soon. Debbie

6/16 From the Smiths
So glad to hear from you two. Today is Wednesday, so perhaps you've already met your two girls. We're praying for you and wishing you the best. Cynthia and Rollin are here at the beach as is Kathryn Murphree, all three families have been deeply touched by some adopted kids!!! And yours will soon make huge impacts in the lives of others here in the U.S. Let us know how your meeting was!! !Love,Kathi and Taylor and babysitters to be, TM and V

6/17 From Linda
Oh my goodness. I am so excited about this. I didn't realize though the time span between knowing you had children and when you get to bring them home would be so long. I am so happy for the two of you!! Take care and come home safe!!
Linda

6/17 From the Murphrees
Just too exciting! We know that the girls will be perfect. Of course, they will have their hair dyed red, and be very pushy in lines...just kidding. Hope you guys are not getting too tired. Hang in there!Love,Duaine, Nanci and the gang

6/18 From Brenda
Hi guys! How's it going over there? Hope you are doing okay. Sure wish you could bring the girls home with you!! Does it really take a whole day to fly home? Are you taking the rest of the week off to recover, or do you have to go back to work on Wednesday? Very much looking forward to stories from your trip!! Brenda

6/18/2004 From Carol
I assuming you will get this email while still in Russia. I am soooooooo excited to hear the news, and so glad you are getting to know Pixie and Dimples. I can't believe the courts take so long, seems like they would want to get it all completed at once, so the bonding you are creating with each other now would continue. Seems like y'all will now have to be reunited again, when it's time to bring them home. Do they have ways for you to keep in touch with the girls in the interim, besides making another trip over there? What an overall experience you all are going through, can't wait to hear all about it. About what time will y'all get in on the23rd?

6/21 From the Smiths
Blessings to Pixie and Dimples from Aunt Kathi and Uncle Taylor.

6/21 From Melissa
Wow - I can't wait to hear all the details - 2 girls! I hope you have a lot of pictures. I know you will be exhausted, but call me as soon as you feel up to telling me everything.

6/22 From the Smiths
When do we get to go back and get the girls? Let me know. Dimples and Pixie have two cousins, Virginia and Taylor Mac who are excited to meet them!!!!! Blessings, Kathi (and naughty Virginia who is still up and reading over my shoulder)