Adoption Update (by Thom)

First, let us apologize for the long delay in sending out any information on the adoption process. Amanda and I were able to get to Koutiala Monday to see the girls, who we are calling Miriam Ruth and Hannah Marie. They're beautiful little girls and Amanda burst into tears the first time she saw them. They were born on the 4th of July and were 9 weeks premature. It's nothing short of a miracle they lived in the conditions they did. On the way to Koutiala we had some serious car problems. We were stranded in the middle of nowhere. I ended up hitchhiking to Segou (about 30 miles) and walking another 6 or 7 miles and with the help of a mechanic we got our car towed into town. That was Sunday. Today is Wednesday and I was supposed to return to Bamako today but the car wasn't ready. Our plan is for Amanda to stay in Koutiala and take care of the girls and I will take a bus to Segou tomorrow morning and ride back to Bamako in our car with the mechanic. He's put a temporary fix on the problem (it's engine related and I don't know enough about cars to explain it very well, except that there are problems with the pistons and the head gasket blew out) and thinks that I can get it as far as Bamako (about 200 miles).
We haven't had internet in Koutiala, so that's why there haven't been any updates lately. I got a ride to a place today, but without a car, it's not easy!
Please pray for us. The whole situation isn't easy, and combined with the emotions of seeing the girls and the sleepless nights that have ensued, we're a little on edge. Of course, we're also very happy and are hoping for a quick adoption process!