[OMalley]

I know that everyone who will be travelling soon or in the near future is concerned about the situation in Russia. I want you to know that I am thinking of you and the decisions you are faced with.

We got back with Lucas just 3 days before the airplane bombings. It makes me ill to think of what is going on over there. The truth is that there isn;t an easy solution, and I do not believe that Russia is giong to give in any time soon. I believe that the terrorism will continue. It's not an easy decision to take the chance to travel over there.

In 2002, we were packing for our second trip to get Jordan when the hostage situation in Moscow happened. We landed in a very silent and solemn Moscow. Just a week after our first trip, the car bombing outside McDonald's happened.

You do what you have to do. Several members of our families were not happy with our decision to go get Jordan. Well, that's easy for them to say. She is our daughter, and we had to go get her.

I wish you well and peace with making the decision to proceed. Safe travels to all of you venturing soon. God Bless the people still being held hostage.

OMalley