Max is preparing to meet Joy

I am watching the clock to wake Max up at 9:15pm my time, 12:15pm Friday (his time). Then he'll quickly shower, get presents together and walk to the orphanage by 1:30pm.

He has had such an adventure so far: he said he really feels like the center of attention since he's in his bright orange jacket and the only white guy for miles. He has not run into one person, yet, who speaks English. He called down to the front desk to ask for a wake up call. The operator said, "Hole (sp) on". While he was holding, there was a knock at the door. They'd come all the way to his hotel room to help him and try to understand what he needed. He wasn't sure they really understood what he needed. There are going to be many good stories from this trip!

This is a video from when Joy performed for the adoption officials on February 13, 2009 (the first time we saw her picture and Max's birthday). At that event, she and her friends had choreographed a little show for the younger children who are being considered for adoption in the orphanage to perform. But when the officials were there, Joy (and other older girls who were not being considered for adoption) exceptionally approached the decision makers and asked if they could also be adopted. Our Joy was quoted as saying, "I would love a family to love me". Older children "age out" by age 14 and can no longer be adopted. They then become a forever ward of the state. Adoption officials know that most families usually want younger children to adopt, so they don't even try to seek families for the older children.