It's 11:43 pm here. We're trying to stay semi-awake to skype with the kids at their bedtime (2:30 am this time)-Ikes! We'll have to figure something out, but if it helps the kids go to sleep with a smile on their face, it's worth it. They are doing great by all accounts, and we have lots of accounts as so many people are checking on them. Thanks and a huge thanks to our Jenn teacher, she is a Gem and a gym teacher (maybe that was supposed to be funny but I already recognize it wasn't). She's keeping the kids and doing a fabulous job!
So, we DID get the referral this evening at 5pm. Great news as not many get their referrals back the same day. If you have your appointment today and don't get your referral the same day, then you must wait until 5pm the next day. So, obviously we are very thankful for that. With a Ukrainian holiday coming up this weekend where offices will be closed on Friday and Monday, we've (or the facilitators) need to keep things moving as quickly as possible. Believe me, Igor and his team know how desperately I need to get home to my babies in KY. I told him maybe at least 10 times and even petted his arm when he told me, [insert Ukrainian accent here] "uhhh, yes, I know and I think we work to get this done quickly". The news I'm not so happy about is that Igor and his girlfriend Helen (who David thinks is quite pretty as he told Igor today AND found out she is a "celebrity") are going to Burma. OOOHH, I don't want my Igor (who I have now know for like a total of 24 hours) leaving the country. Alas, I have come to the rememberance that God is the one in control, amen?!
Kostya and his wife Anna will be picking us up at 7am for the 3 hour drive to Khelm. When there we see an inspector and then he/she allows us to go the orphanage. Finally, this is where it all gets interesting--we get to see Makc, Alona and Natasha. Yeah! Please pray for safe travels for us, for a beautiful reunion, for that paperwork to fly off the desks of these people!! Please also continue to pray for our ones at home--that they will not miss us as much as we miss them!
Thank you for reading and commenting. We LOVE the comments! It's hard to explain what it's like coming here for an adoption. Everyone has been perfectly kind, the weather is lovely, and we've had nice meals, but it is so very lonely. As you've read, we've been with our friend Kim B. much of the time. We crack ourselves up because we say so many times how lovely the weather is. We're trying to focus on the positive. So, we talk about the weather, then we laugh hysterically, then we cry for a few minutes, then we get a snack of crackers, then we wonder when we'll be home, then we start the whole process over again. The absolute funniest thing though is that we 3 sit together and read our blogs, our facebooks, our emails, and comment on them while we're together with our 2 computers.
Really, please pray for Kim. She's here by herself to finish up the adoption. They already had their court date and went home for the 10-day waiting period. She came back last Monday and is still here. She is very much afraid that if they do not get paperwork they need at 2pm tomorrow (when she's told they might get it) she could be here through the weekend into next week. She is an amazing woman. She adopted Anastasia 4 years ago from the Ukraine and started the hosting program this past summer in our area. God was working, she and her husband were willing to follow, and since God has used them to inspire so many families to adopt, including us. We love her and pray she gets home to her family this week. Hopefully tomorrow you'll be seeing pictures of Makc, Alona and Natasha on the blog. Stay tuned...love, Jenny
10 comments:
Praise the Lord that you got the referral and can leave tomorrow to see the kids! You have soooo many people praying you guys through this whole process--can't wait to see what He continues to do! We can FEEL EXACTLY how you feel being there right now--your feelings describe how we felt, even with our kids there. I do not want to rush the days but I am praying for a speedy adoption process to get you back!
I will be looking forward to seeing pics of your kiddos. Wish I could be a fly on the wall when they see you for the first time!
We hope and pray tomorrow is another smooth day and the paperwork does fly into the right hands and quickly. We pray for the kids here and a successful reunion in Khmel tomorrow... which is already tomorrow. We are just going to bed and you are up ready to start your day. I can imagine the kids in Khmel will be jumping out of their skin to see you again and that you REALLY came for them.
Probably the best thing that has happened for them. Anyway... Enjoy your new angel Miss Natasha Borden (soon to be). Wow that is amazing.
Safe travels and many blessings coming from so many lifting you all up in prayer. Yea can't wait to see pix of the new babes!! Michelle
can't believe you didn't tell them about the tic tacs and comparing if they are hotter if you chew them or suck on them.....
Can't wait for the that reunion picture!
We are sooo excited that Makc, Alona, and Natasha will finally know for sure that you are coming for them! There will be no doubts now!! :) We will be praying for your reunion with them to be completely joyful and wonderful. I know that Makc will be sooo excited! We can just picture him being beside himself with relief! Tell him that Serozha says 'hi' when you get a chance... (In fact, could you please let Oksana and the orphanage staff know that we say 'hi' and that everything is going really well for us? Thanks!!) We will pray for a speedy process and no complications whatsoever!!! Be ready for the 'inspector' or social worker to jump in your car and go to the orphanage with you. At least, that's what happened to us... We will be on the edge of our seats to see how everything plays out for you guys... So far, so good, though. It was wonderful for you to have a friend to help you out in Kiev. It sounds like it made a big difference. We'll be praying for her, too, as we know what it's like to want to go home!!! :) Give the kids a big hug from us! Tim and Sharon
Great news! I'm praying for the next leg of the journey to Khelm...you are already on your way as I write. Can't wait to hear of your reunion with the kids and see the pics! You and David are doing such a great job on your posts! And I'm praying for your friend, Kim, that she will receive the needed paperwork and be on her way home sooner than she thinks!
Hello sweet girl! Wonderful news on the referral! I'm praying for another great day! I hope Igor knows how special it is to receive a "pet" from you! Another day down! Love you so much!
I am so excited you'll see the kids today! Please give details on what Makc & Alona say -- I need to hear them. I talked to Jenn last night after she got the kids to bed and your late night call was really good for them. I don't know if you'll be able to do that often? It must be painful to miss out on sleep. I loved your description of Igor and your petting his arm. Ha! You get that reaction a lot here when you pet and grope strangers! LOL You do get results with it so keep it going! The power of touch! I am sorry you won't be able to reach out and touch Kim today. I'll be praying for all. Both my girls are home sick. T is stomach virus & B maybe sinus infection going to doctor later. Send lots of info! Can't wait to hear it! Love,t
You guys are doing GREAT! I'm so happy that things are going well. I can't wait to read about your reunion w/ the kids. When I was feeling particularly guilty about leaving Jake for 5 weeks, (the hardest part of it all by far), someone told me to think about what I was doing for him--showing him how to be obedient and modeling courage and giving him a brother. It helped...for a minute or two at least. We'll be praying big and bold to get you home soon.
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