Emmert and Mariah will know Thursday...

This is a big week for us all. This week Emmert and Mariah will see photos of us for the first time. This will also be the first that they know they are being adopted into a forever family. I'm sure emotions will be high and also their curiosity too, will be up. Please pray that this will be encouraging to their little hearts and minds, and that they will become excited to come live here with us. We also sent some special gifts too. Hope they fit!
This is also a big week here at the Kastendieck home. Yesterday we had our first day of school. Homeschool, that is. It went very well as did today's lessons. Jewel (1st grade) and Ivy (K-5) are doing some of the same work and some is seperate. I knew God had us have them close together for a reason! When Emmert(41/2 yrs) and Mariah(31/2 yrs) come home we will have a bigger class, YEAAAH! Gunner ( almost 3 yrs) loves school too! He does the morning color sheet and loves to yell out the letters as the girls do when we do daily ABC flashcards. I'm sure he will be ahead of the game, due to this osmosis-type learning experience. I know also that our African children are doing school 5 days a week at Acres of Hope, so they'll be used to the daily learning experience too.
We are hoping to receive new photos of Emmert and Mariah soon from the orphanage. Maybe Mariah will show us a smile for the first time! Please pray this will happen...This Mama is needing to see more of her babies!!!!!!
Please also pray that the adoption will be finalized soon! It should be Sept. sometime or early Oct. at the latest...Lord willing! Thanks for your support and prayers!