Sasha Faith Botto, it's official!

Just talked to Kim. All went beautifully!

They arrived at the coffee shop about 1.5 hours early. Sasha had something to tell Kim right away. She had been thinking.....she said that for the first month in America she and Anastasia would ride over to the Laskey home so that Hannah could help her with her homework! This girl is adorable!

On the way into the court room, the attorney, who served as the representative from the orphanage thought Kim looked a little worried. (Kim says that’s because she ran out of conditioner 2 days ago and her hair is curly whacky! And, she couldn’t sleep last night.) She touched her arm and said, “Do not worry. I will say all the right things.”

Sasha was asked if she wanted to leave because she had no hope in the future of the Ukraine. Sasha replied, “No. I want to go to America because that’s where my family is!” Sasha told the judge that she had always wanted a family, the Botto’s are her family and she loves them. Sasha and Anastasia were looking at each other, each getting a little emotional, which made Kim cry, which made the two girls laugh! Court was over in 45 minutes and Anastasia has called her nothing but SashaBotto since then! They had the same judge we had who was very nice.

There was supposed to be a delay in getting the court decree due to a Ukrainian holiday but Ilona pushed and pushed (what she does best!) and got a promise to have it ready a day earlier than expected. They did try to get the judge to waive the 10 day wait but got no response. :( Good try!

When they got back to the orphanage the art teacher called them into the art room. She told Kim and Mark that Sasha was a very good painter up until the last week. The art teacher pointed to her head and said, “In last 2 weeks, Sasha head in America!”

Praise God! Just a waiting period before Sasha is in America!!!

Thanks Kim and Mark for the inspiration that you are to everyone who follows your journey! It's a privledge to call you friend!!

Love Love Love
Beth