First Solo Bike Ride!!

Woo hoo! It's a red letter day in Bilgorod-Dnistrovsky. Daniel Karlen rode his bike on the driveway in front of the orphanage!! I don't think mama and papa could have been more proud. We figured out the missing ingredient and that was someone to tell him how to do it. That language barrier is tricky! We had the old bike from the orphanage in the trunk of Simone's car. (we had taken it to the bike shop to have it repaired and new tires put on) Every day he goes out to say 'Hi' to Simone and ask if we are leaving yet. While outside, we got the bike out and put him on it. Simone took over and explained to him how to push the pedals and how to steer. That made all the difference. He still had to work at it (he needs to build up those leg muscles) but he definitely rode by himself. We were just busting we were so proud. We will post pictures soon!



Many people have been asking for measurements. I was guessing when I said he is size 5 or 6. I don't really know and the sizes here are totally different. His shoe size is 29. Here are his measurements, and a photo of his wardrobe after our big shopping spree.....


Arm (shoulder to wrist) 13"
Pant (I forgot to do the inseam, this is waist to ankle) 20"
Waist 22"





Today we went to see more volleyball. It seems to be a tournament. The finals are tomorrow. We are glad for something new and different to do! Believe it or not, the 2000 piece puzzle is almost complete. We got Daniel a suitcase and backpack at the market to bring all of his goodies home. We are counting the days!! Once we pick him up (hopefully Monday or Tuesday) then we will take the night train back to Kiev. We will probably be there 5 days waiting for his visa and passport to be ready. We are really hoping to be home in time to catch the tail end of March Madness! (especially if the Cards are still hanging on!)


In addition to counting the days, we are counting our blessings. The Lord has been so good to us and we are so thankful. We could not have asked for a better trip. Everything has just come together so great - from our fabulous facilitators, a great place to stay, a great driver (we now call him our 'man of affairs'. He takes great care of us), and Daniel is such a sweet little boy. We know without a doubt that he was waiting here for us to come get him and he is going to fit in perfectly with our family. God is so good!