Congratulations to Rex and Grace for finding the hidden message! I know it wasn't that tough. Maxim is a popular name here so several different shops carry the name. This one happens to be a small grocery/deli and it also sells DVDs and magazines. In the picture of me and Max, we are standing just outside the fence that surrounds the orphanage. It is most likely that he has never been outside this fence since he was brought here. He seemed very interested in what was going on. He has a whole new world in store for him in a couple more days! Today we went and purchased some gifts and supplies for the going away celebration for Maxims group and caregivers. We will celebrate a day early since the orphanage has already planned another celebration for Friday for the whole orphanage. It is a day to celebrate the protection of childrens rights. We are not sure yet how much we will be able to participate since we will be finalizing some paperwork (court decree, birth certificate, passport for Max etc.). Something humorous we have encountered several times that you may be interested in. Any time we are having trouble comunicating with the locals, they speak louder and slower. Guess what? We still don't understand Russian. That is primarily what they speak here since it is so close to Russia. I don't blame them I have done it myself many times but until you are on the other side of the language barrier you don't see the humor as much. Another observation...Man purses are common. Not brief cases or satchels, actual small handbags. I can't say too much though since I've been walking around the whole time with a fanny pack. We are still making the most of things. However, we are so glad that things have gone smoothly and we will get to come home soon. It rained today for the first time since we have been here. It was a brief shower and blew over quickly but it was nice. Maxims face has healed well and they tell us his finger is looking much better. It is always wrapped with gauze so we haven't gotten to see it since he injured it. I'm not sure how much we will be able to post between now and when we get back to Kiev so it could be Saturday or Sunday before I post again. I will try as much as I can. Keep checking. We enjoy the blog as much as you do so if we can post we will. We love you and will talk with you soon.