World Cup, Babies, and Adoptions!!!

We can't believe it's already week 2 here at Door of Hope! We have been busy, working hard, and loving it! We have been getting creative with some of our daily activities with the babies. We read books, play outside on the playground, go for walks, have ball time, and Mom's latest invention, baby aerobics.
On one of our days off, we went out for some groceries and stopped in at a little souvenir shop we saw. As soon as we walked up to the door of the shop, the owner looks at Katherine and said in a thick accent, "Excuse me, would you mind the store while I go to the loo?" After he walked off and couldn't hear, we all laughed so hard and took a picture of Katherine "minding the store." But, no, we didn't get a discount. :-(

Another fun outing we took was to Moyo's, an authentic African restaurant. Mom, Katherine, and I all got South African dishes. The restaurant was beautiful and the music and atmosphere were wonderful. We went with three of the other volunteers from the United States. As you wait for your food, there is lady who comes around and paints your face. It was such a fun experience!
So many of you back at home were so generous to give money for clothes for the babies here at the house. Yesterday, we went shopping with one of the ladies on staff here at Door of Hope to find some adoption outfits. When a child is adopted, they like to dress them up very nice for their new family. We had so much fun picking out six specific outfits for kids who are being adopted in the next couple weeks, and also several outfits for the staff to keep in stock. The two babies who will be adopted tomorrow have already tried on their outfits and they look great! We are so excited for them as they are meeting their forever families! Special thank-you's to you all at home for your contributions!

Today, we went to a church just a few minutes down the road, and we were able to take one of the little girls with us! She was so well behaved for the entire 2 1/2 hour service! The service was bilingual. The first song was in Afrikaans and the rest were in English. The pastor spoke in English mostly, but would add bits of Afrikaans. The music was awesome and it was extra special to be able to take out one of the babies. Afterwards, we went to the old favorite, Mugg and Bean, for lunch.

We are about to go watch the final game of the World Cup with some of the aunties! We can already hear people blowing the vuvuzelas in the streets!

We appreciate your prayers and support! We ask that you pray for the children being adopted in these next two weeks that they and their new parents adjust well and that it is a good fit. Also, pray for the children and parents that are being matched up for adoptions in August and September.

Love,

Mary, Katherine, Sandra