Walking in Brazil........looking out over the hills

Little Lu on our walk......

OK, this is Steve, I was told that it was my turn to write a little something on the blog so you have to listen to me...sorry.
We had a very successful day today in Brazil. We were able to get everything accomplished that we set out to do which is not an easy thing here. Most of the time your appointments are canceled or lost and no one tells you until you drive there...I love that part!!!!
We got Donei's blood work done, chest x- ray, visit with the psychologist, first visit back to the case worker, lunch with the Cochran's and we even had time to stop at the candy store in  Guarapuava . We joked that if we were gambling folks we should buy a lottery ticket because it was our lucky day. I will most likely have to hide the candy that we bought because Donei will eat it all. We got his favorite candy and he told me last time that once he starts....he can't stop. He already ate the cookies that he bought for me on the way home from the city. We both have the same problem, we have a sweet tooth. He and I have spent many a night in front of the fridge downing cookies and milk. That seems to be one among many of the things we love to do together....that's my boy!
We are going to take an adult break tonight and go into the colony with just Mike and Mary to a German owned restaurant. We were going to do this last Friday but changed our plans when Donei's younger brother Andy, came into town to visit and say goodbye. We are looking forward to some adult time with Mike and Mary since we have not had any time away since we arrived. For those of you that do not have kids must think that I am awful and for those of you that do have kids.....need I say more?
We have missed so very much not having Alyssa and Steph here. They have played a important part of this journey and we have had to adjust to them not being here. It took Donei only about 10 seconds to rearrange the girls old room and make it his room. Bigger bed, more space, large screen TV....it's all true except the TV part. He already acts like a little brother. We all are looking forward to seeing the girls again and I am counting down the days.
Poor Alyssa, she is having a hard time being back home. She feels like she is torn between two world, Brazil and Ohio. I know exactly what she is going through because Tammy and I have experienced it and those of you that have come to CLM more than likely  have experienced it. This place has a way of calling you back and if you don't believe me, guess where I am writing this blog from......
Oh those Cochran kids....Last night we had them over to make a card and have a cake so that when Mike and Mary came home from celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary, we would give them a surprise party. I am not sure why but these times always turn into a food fight and I get the worst of it. I decided to get out the face paint and do some hearts on the girls. They had a different idea so Jenna and Lindsay worked their masterpiece on my face. I have learned to just let those two have their way because if I don't, it only will be worse for me. I will have Tammy post the pics of my face and you can be the judge if it is a masterpiece. Don't tell them but I do love them very much!
We just had a new team arrive here from Columbus Ohio to work around CLM. We met them yesterday and they are a great bunch of folks. I told them to be cautious because if they are not careful they just might fall in love with about 30 kids and again, if you don't believe me....guess where I am writing this blog from.
I do understand that we are not all called to adopt but I would encourage everyone to think and pray about making a visit trip to CLM. The journey that we started over 1 1/2 years ago has changed our family in so many wonderful ways and I would think that we all have a little room for change in our lives. The big picture is that we are looking forward to what the future had in store and seeing how God will use this in others.
Thanks for putting up with me this time. Tam will probably be back on the next posting.

Tammy, Lindsay and Jenna Cochran

Making Happy Anniversary sign for Mike and Mary

Jenna & Lindsay decided to face paint on Steve

The finished project by Jenna & Lindsay

Ben and Donei

Cutting of the cake ........

Happy Anniversary Mike & Mary with their three muskateers

Wedding toast....with Milk! :)

Donei with his psychologist Lenita....saying good bye