In St. Petersburg! Beautiful City!

We arrived safely in St. Petersburg yesterday around noon and checked into our hotel. The train ride was long but surprisingly it went by fast. It’s that last two hours that got me. We played cards, did homework, ate (thanks to Galina), slept, read, practiced Russian, and watched videos. We did whatever it took to help pass the time, but most of it went to sleeping. Galina decided to pack us food for the trip, and she bought us so much food I had to give some back to her. She is always surprised when you tell her you are full or too much food because she wants us to eat and eat. I told her she is a very good Italian mommy.

Speaking of this wonderful family, who have us living in their home and cooking and taking us places, they are amazing. Last Sunday was Russian Easter and we met so many of Galina’s family and friends and they were so warm and friendly, but some of them couldn’t believe that we were staying with Galina. They said Americans don’t stay with Russian people, but we were and they didn’t believe it!

Luke’s second grade classes at school gave him a big envelope filled with letters for Luke to open one each day. Each note is so precious with letters, games, prayers, and he can’t wait to open one each day. We, his parents, are so touched by these special messages, and he feels like his classmates are right here along this journey with us!

The judge would not even think about waiving the ten day waiting period unless Hannah had to have surgery in the U.S. So, she asked us why should she waive the ten days, and of course, we had every reason known to mankind why we should be able to leave, but she melted us back into our chairs and said “No petition,” which means “no way!”

As I said before and truly mean it, this is an adventure of a lifetime and one I will never forget. I will treasure my time here as much as possible, and I am so glad we took Luke with us. He is learning to speak Russian, seeing the culture, and meeting his sister, and I know this was the right decision, and besides I would have missed him way too much!