Life Continues

It has been awhile since our last post. Not much has happened! The kids are doing well in school (although Sam pretends he doesn't like it -- he would rather play games than anything!). Jessica is studying hard, and has even begun taking her exit exams for high school graduation (the start taking them in their junior year as practice, leading up to the senior year's actual test).

Their English is getting better, although we still have to make them speak English sometimes. Obviously, during this transition time, it is easier to speak Russian! But they have to keep practicing so that they can learn to speak more quickly. They are both in four English classes per day at school and they almost always have homework. On Monday's we have a Russian woman we met come and help them with homework and to do some further English training. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, a teacher at their school who is from Bulgaria (and teaches French), also speaks Russian and is helping them. So they are getting a lot of help.

Jessica seems to be the most homesick. She often writes to her friends and cousins in Russia and longs for them. She is quiet and withdrawn a lot of the time, so we are having to draw her out. Sam, on the other hand, is always out-going and clinging to us. He is bonding very well. Jessica still has a long way to go.

Nathan is doing well. We are having him read and practice typing. He is also beginning to enjoy writing, so we are hoping to get him into some writing classes. We are also looking into some vocational and life skill training classes at local schools.

But we are doing well! Thank you for all your prayers! Our newest challenge is the dental work that Sam and Jessica are going to need. Please keep this in prayer, as even with dental insurance, it is going to cost a lot of money!

Blessings to all! We'll put up some new pictures soon.

The Haworth Family