July Update

Hello everyone,
I hope all is well with everyone. I just wanted to let everyone know that we received a video of Evan yesterday! It is awesome! The same family that took the photos of Evan for us, videoed him. We are so thankful for this family and all that they have done for us. I pray that God will truly bless them.

This is the first time that we have heard anything about Evan since we returned home in April. In the video, we got to see Evan Denis having lots of fun. In the beginning Kirsten gives him the toy that we sent him and shows him pictures of us from our first trip and from the birthday party that we had for him. She tells him about his birthday party and shows him pictures of us and tells him that we sent him balloons. He is very still and quiet, acting like he is not so sure about the strangers that are around him. Then when his caretaker is called in, she plays with him. Once she starts playing with him, he laughs and laughs! She gives him a massage and starts singing nursery rhymes to him. A couple of times, he acts like he is teasing her and again laughs. She tickles him and he loves it. We also got to see him walk around, which he is doing very well. We wrote him a little note and Kirsten surprised us and had it translated for us, at the end of the video the caretaker reads it to Evan and waves his hand good bye. After the video is over, Kirsten recorded the sweetest song. The song is set to still shots from the video. It is wonderful! I have got to find out the name of the song, I guess it might be "You cannot lose my love" It starts out as "you will lose your baby teeth...you will lose a lot of things...but you cannot lose my love." It will quickly bring tears to your eyes! It is so beautiful!This video helps us really realize just how much time has passed and reminds us how far we have gone and that the journey is well underway. Thank you, Lord! Time has been flying by. Can you believe that it has already been 4 months ago yesterday, since we left for Russia? We continue to pray each day that we will get a court date soon but ultimately want and pray for God's will in the situation and know that his timing is the right time.God has blessed us so much! We are so thankful for Kirsten and Vince and for this video. Please say a special pray for these wonderful people and for their beautiful daughter, Anicka. Kirsten, I love you and appreciate you so much more than you will ever know!Love, Brandi