Is Masha going with you?

No, unfortunately, we were not able to bring her for the adoption trip. We will be gone for at least three weeks, and she can’t miss school. Also, more importantly, this trip is not a vacation. The business and the logistics of the trip make it very difficult to accommodate extra people. Most of the cars are barely large enough to carry Mark and I, our driver, our facilitator, and Lena. Bringing even one extra person (and that person’s luggage) would push us to need two cars and also would require special lodgings as well…most of the apartments are not set up to accommodate extra children either. Further, a lot of our time is spent waiting around in cars, offices, hallways, etc. and after about the first 10 minutes, she would start getting bored and frustrated.

So, much as she would love to go, Masha will not be joining us on the trip. Instead, she will be staying at home. Our friend Anna and her daughter Gracie have graciously agreed to stay at our house while we are gone, so that Masha can keep to her normal schedule. Thanks, Anna and Gracie!!!!