[SMIrvine]

Well, I don't know if anyone was praying for us or if it was pressure from
the court or this government agency that looks out for the welfare of the
children, but they management has agreed to accept a birthday gift from
their mother, my wife. The management there still will not allow us to
visit or see them. The court and also the agency do not understand
why the management is acting this way. I think I now realize what it is.
The base here in Sasebo used to do more for the Orphanage but has
received resistance to help from the American base. Since I am an
American and now realizing that they have been resisting aid and assistance
from the base, it appears to me that this is possibly racially motivated, that
the Orphanage for some reason don't like Americans. It just seems that way
and it's the message that the current administration is sending. Anyhow,
it looks like some progress is being made but in very small steps.