Ukrainians love celebrating around this time of year. As a result of this, we will have to wait until January 8 for our first court appearance. In our region, you have to appear twice before the judge. The first time, we the parents, appear before the judge to ask for the soonest day to have the next court appearance and I think we will answer questions from the judge. At the second court day, our little girl along with the director and social worker will be there as well.
Our papers were all ready last Friday, which was around a week after arriving in the region. K had to go to the doctor on two different days for all the medical exams needed. Our facilitator had to gather all documents from the orphanage director, social worker, doctor and who knows where else to take these to court and somewhere along the way to the SDA. Sometimes communication isn't so clear. We think he means one thing, then it turns out opposite. Usually we get it straightened out in the end. I find myself listening to what he says, trying to evaluate what he means, then asking again to make sure we understand. That's one piece of advice I have to anyone coming, make sure you are very clear on what your facilitator is telling you. Even if you have to ask several times.
After court, and I think after the 10 day wait period, then the birth certificate can be applied for from Moscow. The way we understand it is, we have to have officially adopted her here and since she is a 'ward of the state', there is an understanding between Ukraine and Russia that they will honor that and give her original birth certificate. The judge here had no problem changing the place of birth on the birth certificate, but they need the original or maybe permission(?) to do it. At least that's what we understand. Anything is prone to change!
So, back to the celebrating. Our facilitator is gone for two weeks to celebrate the holidays. He is supposed to be back the weekend before court. We're okay. We are set-up to eat two meals at the restaurant that is part of the same building as our apartment. We have the number of a taxi driver who knows where to pick us up and where to take us. Even though it costs $12 a day over and above what we've paid our facilitator/driver. That may not sound like a lot for a few times, but when you add up 2 weeks worth, that is close to $150 or more. US dollars.
At least we do get to see K everyday. Tomorrow morning she plays a lead role in a New Year's program. Can't wait to see it!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Christmas Day at the Orphanage
Well, it was Christmas Day to us anyway, even though it isn't here. When we mentioned when Christmas was to us, our (soon-to-be) little girl got excited and said she was going to make us a gift. She did. She took some old Christmas cards and on the inside copied a verse that she probably read from somewhere, in English. She took another part of a card and drew us a beautiful picture and decorated it with yarn. I've noticed they recycle alot here. I probably noticed because I've always tried to do that with my kids. I decided that we needed to give her a Christmas gift also, so I took one of the gift bags I brought and gave her some of the clothes I brought for her. In this bag was some fuzzy pink house shoes I bought for her at Wal-mart. They may have cost all of $5. We also brought some little chocolate covered cakes we bought at the little market next to us. Some things cost the same here as at home and other things are very cheap. There are markets everywhere here. There is a supermarket,as well as lots of little shops, then there is an outdoor market that offers just about everything from household goods to clothes to food. There is one lady we buy crackers and cookies from, so we thought we'd try some of her little cakes. We brought several to share. Our little girl loves to share. In fact I think she gives almost everything I give her away because I see the hair clips I've given her in other girls' hair. She asked if she should share the clothes I gave her with T. I told her they were for her only. She was showing off her clothes to her friends. All of them wanted to feel the pink fuzzy house shoes. It made me want to cry when I saw the girls ooohing and aaahing over such a simple little thing that we take for granted. I've been feeling a little sad and lonely being over here so far away from my home and children. But this put things into perspective just a little bit for me. It made me realize once again how little these children have, even though they have somewhere to live, clothes and food, they have no mother to buy them little pink fuzzy house shoes. Every girl deserves to own a pair of pink fuzzy house shoes at least once in her lifetime.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Things to know when arriving in Ukraine
There are some things we've learned along that way that weren't specifically told to us by our agency that are very important to know for those of you waiting to travel.
The first thing is, when your plane is close to landing, the flight attendants will go around passing out a piece of paper. I was expecting this because of reading another blog, but even when I took the paper, it was still confusing. The Cyrillic lettering stands out the most, but if you take the time and look closely, there is English written underneath in smaller lettering. The form is an Immigration form, but spells the word, 'Immigracion' I'm assuming this is just a mis-spelling. I was confused since immigration to me means that you are wanting to actually immigrate to this country. That's not what it means. It is a form for anyone who is not a Ukrainian. The form has two identical sides except one say 'Arrival' and the other says 'Departure'. Fill out both sides, even though it asks for the same exact information. Some of the wording is not exactly how we are used to seeing forms worded. When you arrive at the airport, you will have to show your passport and this form to someone at 'Passport Control." They will tear the form in half and keep the 'Departure' side. You are to keep the arrival side in your passport at ALL TIMES. Plus, keep your passport on you at all times just in case you may be asked for it. This is a very, very important thing to remember. OUr facilitator did tell us this, after he took us to our apartment. We haven't been asked for our passport and we walk everywhere except the orphanage. For those who may worry about it.
We did fill out the Customs Declaration form also, each one of us separately, even though I had less than $3000 worth of valuables and cash. The officer said I didn't even have to fill mine out. He was very nice. No searches, like I've heard other people tell of. The form only asks for cash and valuables. There are also some very specific questions. It doesn't even ask about prescriptions, like I had heard. I don't have the form with me or I would quote it. We did put most of our things on one form since we had taken a cart and put our luggage on it. The Borispol airport doesn't charge for carts like JFK. Also, when you see the Customs forms, there is one table with forms in Ukrainian and one table in English. They are right next to each other.
When I have more time I'll have to tell you about our JFK experience! All this extra security can make a normal law-abiding citizen feel like a criminal!!
The first thing is, when your plane is close to landing, the flight attendants will go around passing out a piece of paper. I was expecting this because of reading another blog, but even when I took the paper, it was still confusing. The Cyrillic lettering stands out the most, but if you take the time and look closely, there is English written underneath in smaller lettering. The form is an Immigration form, but spells the word, 'Immigracion' I'm assuming this is just a mis-spelling. I was confused since immigration to me means that you are wanting to actually immigrate to this country. That's not what it means. It is a form for anyone who is not a Ukrainian. The form has two identical sides except one say 'Arrival' and the other says 'Departure'. Fill out both sides, even though it asks for the same exact information. Some of the wording is not exactly how we are used to seeing forms worded. When you arrive at the airport, you will have to show your passport and this form to someone at 'Passport Control." They will tear the form in half and keep the 'Departure' side. You are to keep the arrival side in your passport at ALL TIMES. Plus, keep your passport on you at all times just in case you may be asked for it. This is a very, very important thing to remember. OUr facilitator did tell us this, after he took us to our apartment. We haven't been asked for our passport and we walk everywhere except the orphanage. For those who may worry about it.
We did fill out the Customs Declaration form also, each one of us separately, even though I had less than $3000 worth of valuables and cash. The officer said I didn't even have to fill mine out. He was very nice. No searches, like I've heard other people tell of. The form only asks for cash and valuables. There are also some very specific questions. It doesn't even ask about prescriptions, like I had heard. I don't have the form with me or I would quote it. We did put most of our things on one form since we had taken a cart and put our luggage on it. The Borispol airport doesn't charge for carts like JFK. Also, when you see the Customs forms, there is one table with forms in Ukrainian and one table in English. They are right next to each other.
When I have more time I'll have to tell you about our JFK experience! All this extra security can make a normal law-abiding citizen feel like a criminal!!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Final Decision
We have visited with our two girls everyday since arriving last Friday. This morning, we met with the Director, Asst. Director, a teacher, the translator and T, one of our little girls. When we first arrived with the SW, she said she wanted two days to think about going with us. The director told us last Monday, that she told her no. We met with T and the translator to tell her the consequences of her decision. She says she knows she will be put out on the street as early as age 15, which is only in three years. K, our other girl has talked to her and told her the same things. By the way, this is the same little girl that supposedly had no file and a little sister.
The Director wanted to give her one more chance. By the end of this morning's meeting, they were all shaking their heads as to why she would choose not to come with us. Everyone thinks it would be best for her including the SW, but she has family here that visits often. The SW says that she can't live with her family. The aunt T always mentions has alcohol problems. She's twelve and by Ukrainian law can make her own decision.
K on the other hand has been ready to go with us from day one. She wants a family. She wants to come to America. All her documents will be ready in the morning. We're assuming for the SDA. The only problem is that she was born in Russia. They are seeing what can be done, but this may delay her coming home with us even after court is done. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
The Director wanted to give her one more chance. By the end of this morning's meeting, they were all shaking their heads as to why she would choose not to come with us. Everyone thinks it would be best for her including the SW, but she has family here that visits often. The SW says that she can't live with her family. The aunt T always mentions has alcohol problems. She's twelve and by Ukrainian law can make her own decision.
K on the other hand has been ready to go with us from day one. She wants a family. She wants to come to America. All her documents will be ready in the morning. We're assuming for the SDA. The only problem is that she was born in Russia. They are seeing what can be done, but this may delay her coming home with us even after court is done. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
In Region
We arrived in the region where our girls reside on Friday morning after a 14 hour all-night train ride. We didn't sleep a whole lot. Once the train arrived at our destination our facilitator took us to meet the Social worker. Everything with this adoption seems one way at first and then all of a sudden, things change. We had to appeal our homestudy, then we went into our appointment not knowing what would happen only to find out both girls files were waiting on us. Now, when we reach the region, the SW tells us the one that supposedly didn't have a file before our appointment, has a little sister. The SDA made no mention of a sister. They told us she was the youngest and had older siblings. The SW did some calling and told us that the little sister was unadoptable. She was too ill. They didn't know how to communicate to us just exactly what was wrong. Apparently, the younger sister can't hold herself up and won't be able to do anything for herself at all. We didn't really have a chance to decide on whether to adopt her or not. They didn't give us a choice. This was extremely upsetting to hear that there is a sister that neither she nor us will ever know her.
We were able to visit with the girls right after meeting in the SW worker's office. The two SW we met are young, in their twenties and know all the children and care deeply for them. The SW that went to the orphanage with us took coloring books to give to one little boy. She knew each child that came up to her by name.
We had a very good first visit on Friday. One is a little hesitant and asked for two days to think about it, but I'm sure she'll come around. I think she was just overwhelmed with all the people in the room. She has already asked what her room looked like.
We met with the girls today also. We played about 8 games of Go Fish and even more of Battle. It will be a challenge to keep them occupied in this frozen winter weather when we can't go outside.
We're learning to shop at the local Supermarket. It's a lot easier to take your time reading the Russian labels than when you are pressed for time in a restaurant. Learning the Russian alphabet sounds are a must or at least having some kind of chart handy. We've been able to find things in the store that we otherwise wouldn't have been able to. Not all packing has pictures or see-through plastic. The few Russian words we've been able to learn have come in handy too. It's hard to pick some out when they are mixed in with lots of rapid Russian, but knowing how to say a few vital words has helped us get our point across, especially when our facilitator left us here over the weekend and the taxi driver whom he gave us the number for, doesn't speak any English.
We were able to visit with the girls right after meeting in the SW worker's office. The two SW we met are young, in their twenties and know all the children and care deeply for them. The SW that went to the orphanage with us took coloring books to give to one little boy. She knew each child that came up to her by name.
We had a very good first visit on Friday. One is a little hesitant and asked for two days to think about it, but I'm sure she'll come around. I think she was just overwhelmed with all the people in the room. She has already asked what her room looked like.
We met with the girls today also. We played about 8 games of Go Fish and even more of Battle. It will be a challenge to keep them occupied in this frozen winter weather when we can't go outside.
We're learning to shop at the local Supermarket. It's a lot easier to take your time reading the Russian labels than when you are pressed for time in a restaurant. Learning the Russian alphabet sounds are a must or at least having some kind of chart handy. We've been able to find things in the store that we otherwise wouldn't have been able to. Not all packing has pictures or see-through plastic. The few Russian words we've been able to learn have come in handy too. It's hard to pick some out when they are mixed in with lots of rapid Russian, but knowing how to say a few vital words has helped us get our point across, especially when our facilitator left us here over the weekend and the taxi driver whom he gave us the number for, doesn't speak any English.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
SDA Apointment
Right now, it's 2:40pm in Kiev 0n Wednesday, December 12. Our SDA appointment was at 12 o'clock. We hardly slept last night from being nervous about this. We were all dressed and waiting for our facilitator to call. We hadn't heard anything from him since the day we arrived. We decided that if he didn't call by 11:30, we were going to call him. Well, he beat us to it, so we didn't have to call him. He told us he was stuck in traffic. So, now we're worrying about being late for our appointment. He finally shows up to drive us to our appointment. He goes in first to tell them we are here. Then, we are told to go in. We walk through the door and stand in a small space at the bottom of some stairs with another couple. I don't know where they're from, but they speak Spanish because their interpreter asked them. They go up the stairs, then a few minutes later our interpreter comes down for us. Our facilitator isn't allowed in with us, but he asked anyway. We were asked to sit down and introduce ourselves to the SDA representative. It has seemed like such a long journey to get this far. It takes a few minutes to absorb what she is telling us, because it needs to be interpreted and also because we are anxious to know what they will tell us. Our facilitator has already told us some things that have added to our emotional state right before we go in. We do understand two words that the SDA representative says. The names of our girls. She has two pieces of paper in her hand. We can only see the back side. She lays the papers down and we immediately recognize both pictures. She tell us the pictures were taken in February of 2006.
Then she finishes the meeting, which may have lasted all of ten minutes, by telling us that BOTH of our girls are available and they will give us our referrals so we can travel to the region tomorrow evening!!!
We know that many, many prayers have been offered up for us and these two girls. We prayed for a miracle and it was given to us!
To GOD be the glory, great things he hath done!!
Then she finishes the meeting, which may have lasted all of ten minutes, by telling us that BOTH of our girls are available and they will give us our referrals so we can travel to the region tomorrow evening!!!
We know that many, many prayers have been offered up for us and these two girls. We prayed for a miracle and it was given to us!
To GOD be the glory, great things he hath done!!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Hello from Kiev!
We're here. We arrived safe and sound yesterday (Monday) afternoon. We were in transit for over 20 hours, so it took us a while yesterday and this morning to recover. When Aerosvit landed, everyone clapped. I was relieved to be back on the ground!
I am posting from an internet cafe in Independence Square. Our appointment is tomorrow, Wednesday, at 12 noon Kiev time; 2am Central time.
Will post more details later.
I am posting from an internet cafe in Independence Square. Our appointment is tomorrow, Wednesday, at 12 noon Kiev time; 2am Central time.
Will post more details later.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Last Post this side of the Atlantic
Well, until we return that is.
The day of our departure is finally within 24 hours away. We are leaving around 8am in the morning for the airport. Then we will be in-transit from 10:30am Sunday until around 3:30am Monday (Central time). It's been very difficult for me to figure out all these time differences, but I think I have it now.
The next post will be from Kiev. That is if we find an internet cafe.
Our SDA appointment is on Wednesday, the 12th. Please pray that both girls' files will be there for us.
The day of our departure is finally within 24 hours away. We are leaving around 8am in the morning for the airport. Then we will be in-transit from 10:30am Sunday until around 3:30am Monday (Central time). It's been very difficult for me to figure out all these time differences, but I think I have it now.
The next post will be from Kiev. That is if we find an internet cafe.
Our SDA appointment is on Wednesday, the 12th. Please pray that both girls' files will be there for us.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
SDA Appointment is One Week from TODAY!
It is so hard to believe that the time is almost here. Why does the last week go so much more quickly than all the others?
We leave on Sunday, so we will be in Kiev on Monday, but in exactly one week from today, at the time I am currently writing this post, we will have already finished our SDA appointment. Hopefully, both of the girls' files will be there and we will know when we are to depart for their orphanage.
I'm not necessarily looking forward to the ice and snow, but I am looking forward to seeing firsthand all those beautiful churches and buildings that I've only seen in photographs!
We leave on Sunday, so we will be in Kiev on Monday, but in exactly one week from today, at the time I am currently writing this post, we will have already finished our SDA appointment. Hopefully, both of the girls' files will be there and we will know when we are to depart for their orphanage.
I'm not necessarily looking forward to the ice and snow, but I am looking forward to seeing firsthand all those beautiful churches and buildings that I've only seen in photographs!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
4 Days Until We Leave!
As you'll see, I've added a recent picture of our family. And yes, I am the shortest one! lol I knew from the moment my children were born, because they were NOT small, that I would end up being the shortest one in the family. (I didn't really want my boys to be shorter than me:)
Yikes! Putting the number into print makes it seem so much shorter! We still have some of today to do things and all day Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, except for a few hours on Wednesday when we will be out.
We are almost packed. I have all my clothes and most extra necessary things packed. I do have lots of clothes for both girls, but since our bags are so full (and one person doesn't have theirs done yet) I think I'm going to thin out girl clothes and just take dress clothes for court and two outfits plus, pjs, under things and tights. I do have way too many clothes packed for the girls. We don't need to layer very often here where we live, so I have probably over-done it. I am so used to packing for three kids and believe in always being prepared, so I tend to over-pack. When you have your own car and a big trunk, it's usually not a problem. But, I have been reading blogs where you are hauling your luggage everywhere and running for trains. Not to mention the train cabins are small. One reason I opted for rolling luggage. We can always use a bungie cord and attach the duffles on top to lighten our carrying load.
I have been trying to measure and weigh our luggage to stay within Aerosvit's guidelines. Nataliya gave me some good advice, that both check-in pieces have to weigh no more than 35 pounds each (70 together) and the carry-on no more than 11 lbs. She said a purse doesn't count, but I have a tote bag. I hope that is acceptable. I was never able to get a straight answer from the reservation people about that. Continental on the other hand, allows much more weight and larger pieces.
The closer we are to leaving the more I realize, this is really happening! We started this process last February. It seems like it has taken sooooo long! All the people with dossiers submitted the week before ours are there, right now! I keep checking blogs and reading about homesickness and all. I remember being homesick after my husband and I married. For our honeymoon, we drove further west than I had ever been in my whole life! He was so excited he just wanted to go further and further. I just wanted to tell him to turn back toward home. I don't think I ever mentioned that to him. After that, we just took our family with us, so it was no big deal:)
In reading all the blogs on homesickness, saying goodbye and being away from children, it reminded me of being in the hospital for 2 or 3 days while a child was born and afterwards. An adoption is similar, but oh so very much longer. You just have more time to think about being away.
This trip though, we'll have many firsts. Our first adoption, our first trip out of the country, our first time to even have a passport, our first Christmas away from our home and children. There are some good firsts, though. Our first Christmas with our new daughters, our first time on a train, our first experience meeting all their friends at the orphanage, getting to meet and love on all the kids there.
Maybe if I anticipate the feelings now, they won't hit me like a ton of bricks over there, far away from home.
Yikes! Putting the number into print makes it seem so much shorter! We still have some of today to do things and all day Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, except for a few hours on Wednesday when we will be out.
We are almost packed. I have all my clothes and most extra necessary things packed. I do have lots of clothes for both girls, but since our bags are so full (and one person doesn't have theirs done yet) I think I'm going to thin out girl clothes and just take dress clothes for court and two outfits plus, pjs, under things and tights. I do have way too many clothes packed for the girls. We don't need to layer very often here where we live, so I have probably over-done it. I am so used to packing for three kids and believe in always being prepared, so I tend to over-pack. When you have your own car and a big trunk, it's usually not a problem. But, I have been reading blogs where you are hauling your luggage everywhere and running for trains. Not to mention the train cabins are small. One reason I opted for rolling luggage. We can always use a bungie cord and attach the duffles on top to lighten our carrying load.
I have been trying to measure and weigh our luggage to stay within Aerosvit's guidelines. Nataliya gave me some good advice, that both check-in pieces have to weigh no more than 35 pounds each (70 together) and the carry-on no more than 11 lbs. She said a purse doesn't count, but I have a tote bag. I hope that is acceptable. I was never able to get a straight answer from the reservation people about that. Continental on the other hand, allows much more weight and larger pieces.
The closer we are to leaving the more I realize, this is really happening! We started this process last February. It seems like it has taken sooooo long! All the people with dossiers submitted the week before ours are there, right now! I keep checking blogs and reading about homesickness and all. I remember being homesick after my husband and I married. For our honeymoon, we drove further west than I had ever been in my whole life! He was so excited he just wanted to go further and further. I just wanted to tell him to turn back toward home. I don't think I ever mentioned that to him. After that, we just took our family with us, so it was no big deal:)
In reading all the blogs on homesickness, saying goodbye and being away from children, it reminded me of being in the hospital for 2 or 3 days while a child was born and afterwards. An adoption is similar, but oh so very much longer. You just have more time to think about being away.
This trip though, we'll have many firsts. Our first adoption, our first trip out of the country, our first time to even have a passport, our first Christmas away from our home and children. There are some good firsts, though. Our first Christmas with our new daughters, our first time on a train, our first experience meeting all their friends at the orphanage, getting to meet and love on all the kids there.
Maybe if I anticipate the feelings now, they won't hit me like a ton of bricks over there, far away from home.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Mr's note
Most blogs are done by the wife and most husbands know to keep quiet.
Only a few days before blast off. We know when we are leaving and where we are going, but we really don't know how long we will be gone. We also don't know for sure that we will be able to bring both our daughters home. We will not know anything for sure until our appointment with the SDA.
I really did not want to go during the Christmas season, but we have no say. I hate to leave my family at this time of year. Our sons understand. I think they get the big picture.
One thing that amazes me is some people's attitude about international adoption.
We did not decide to adopt outside the US to get a white or beautiful child. I was more interested in Russia or Ukraine because the older children have little chance for adoption and their future's are very possibly bleak. I really don't like justifying what I am doing to people who don't understand.
"He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose."
A quote by Jim Elliott.
Only a few days before blast off. We know when we are leaving and where we are going, but we really don't know how long we will be gone. We also don't know for sure that we will be able to bring both our daughters home. We will not know anything for sure until our appointment with the SDA.
I really did not want to go during the Christmas season, but we have no say. I hate to leave my family at this time of year. Our sons understand. I think they get the big picture.
One thing that amazes me is some people's attitude about international adoption.
We did not decide to adopt outside the US to get a white or beautiful child. I was more interested in Russia or Ukraine because the older children have little chance for adoption and their future's are very possibly bleak. I really don't like justifying what I am doing to people who don't understand.
"He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose."
A quote by Jim Elliott.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
SDA Appointment - Two Weeks from Today!
We will be out of town and away from the internet until Monday, so I wanted to post this since it is only relevant today.
In two weeks from today, we will be sitting in the famous SDA building, going through the same thing many who have gone before us have gone through. We will be talking to (or through) an English Translator who works for the SDA. Possibly, sitting on that couch that is lower than the chairs the SDA people sit on. (Can you tell I love details?:) I love reading about these meetings on other blogs, so that hopefully we will be prepared for it. But nothing probably prepares you except actually experiencing it for yourself.
In eleven days, we will be sitting on a plane headed for New York. I've never been to New York. I've never even flown on a plane. I know all you 'jetsetters' out there can hardly believe it, but I have lived my whole life without flying on a plane. My husband has flown a short distance, probably a couple of hours. It's just enough for him to know how sick he might get. He once went out on a deep sea fishing boat, though he didn't do much fishing, so he already knows what to expect or at least thinks he does. The doctor has given him those patches you put behind your ear, but they last for 72 hours and I don't want to be groggy the day of our appointment. So maybe it's good I don't know how sick I might get. Just one more thing to think about!
We always drive on our vacations. That has been part of the fun for us. Seeing the scenery out the window. Stopping at roadside parks and any museum or whatever we run across. We've been to several states surrounding TX, just not very far north. New York will be an experience, though we won't see anything but the airport.
After our relatively short flight (3 hours 41 minutes) to New York, we will then board Aerosvit to Kiev. This is a non-stop, overnight flight. It's hard for me to figure exactly how long this flight is because of all the time changes. New York is one hour ahead of us and Kiev is eight hours. I think I've figured it is around 12 hours.
Anyway, that's an update for the next few days. Now, back to the packing! :0
In two weeks from today, we will be sitting in the famous SDA building, going through the same thing many who have gone before us have gone through. We will be talking to (or through) an English Translator who works for the SDA. Possibly, sitting on that couch that is lower than the chairs the SDA people sit on. (Can you tell I love details?:) I love reading about these meetings on other blogs, so that hopefully we will be prepared for it. But nothing probably prepares you except actually experiencing it for yourself.
In eleven days, we will be sitting on a plane headed for New York. I've never been to New York. I've never even flown on a plane. I know all you 'jetsetters' out there can hardly believe it, but I have lived my whole life without flying on a plane. My husband has flown a short distance, probably a couple of hours. It's just enough for him to know how sick he might get. He once went out on a deep sea fishing boat, though he didn't do much fishing, so he already knows what to expect or at least thinks he does. The doctor has given him those patches you put behind your ear, but they last for 72 hours and I don't want to be groggy the day of our appointment. So maybe it's good I don't know how sick I might get. Just one more thing to think about!
We always drive on our vacations. That has been part of the fun for us. Seeing the scenery out the window. Stopping at roadside parks and any museum or whatever we run across. We've been to several states surrounding TX, just not very far north. New York will be an experience, though we won't see anything but the airport.
After our relatively short flight (3 hours 41 minutes) to New York, we will then board Aerosvit to Kiev. This is a non-stop, overnight flight. It's hard for me to figure exactly how long this flight is because of all the time changes. New York is one hour ahead of us and Kiev is eight hours. I think I've figured it is around 12 hours.
Anyway, that's an update for the next few days. Now, back to the packing! :0
Friday, November 23, 2007
An Amazing Number of Ukraine Adoptions
I've just spent a couple of hours visiting the adoption blogs I frequent and have found several blogs with links of other blogs. I finally had some time to investigate some of these other links, because I just can't get enough reading on this subject. Maybe it's because we are leaving in TWO WEEKS!!
Ukraine has been somewhat shut-down for a good part of 2006 and I think in 2005 also. We participated in a hosting program last January, 2007 and didn't realize, at the time, that adoptions had just started again a few months prior. We learned of this weeks later after I started researching Ukraine adoptions. Apparently, we met the girls we are going to adopt at just the right time.(God's time?:) Though it did seem to us then, like we had waited a very long time.
I know I've been very vague in my blog about who we are and who our intended adopted girls are, but I've heard that some people don't think it's a good idea to tell who you are before an adoption is official. In fact, I've been told NOT to reveal our true identity.
I would love to post pictures of my family, but I'm going to wait. I assure you that we are really a waiting adoptive family with an SDA appointment of December 12, which is in a little over two weeks. We requested a referral for two girls over ten that we met while they were on a trip to experience American Culture. We were able to be with one little girl constantly, since she stayed in our home and with the other little girl almost as much.
I did make my blog restricted for a short while, because I wanted to post pictures and not remain anonymous, but then I realized that I enjoyed the blogs I frequent so much that it would be better just to remain anonymous for now. Especially since several of the authors of the blogs I frequent also read mine. The truth is, I soak up any and everything I read about concerning what the adoption process is like and really, really appreciate what others post. So, I decided to try and do the same. We will try our best to upload the general pictures of the area and our apartment once we are in country, if we are able. We aren't taking a computer, so we may have to wait until we get home. I've heard that the computers in internet cafes can be slow plus the keyboard is in Cyrillic letters! We've learned some Russian and can sound out Russian words somewhat, but it's another thing to think in English and try to type on a Cyrillic keyboard. I'm not that proficient.
Ukraine has been somewhat shut-down for a good part of 2006 and I think in 2005 also. We participated in a hosting program last January, 2007 and didn't realize, at the time, that adoptions had just started again a few months prior. We learned of this weeks later after I started researching Ukraine adoptions. Apparently, we met the girls we are going to adopt at just the right time.(God's time?:) Though it did seem to us then, like we had waited a very long time.
I know I've been very vague in my blog about who we are and who our intended adopted girls are, but I've heard that some people don't think it's a good idea to tell who you are before an adoption is official. In fact, I've been told NOT to reveal our true identity.
I would love to post pictures of my family, but I'm going to wait. I assure you that we are really a waiting adoptive family with an SDA appointment of December 12, which is in a little over two weeks. We requested a referral for two girls over ten that we met while they were on a trip to experience American Culture. We were able to be with one little girl constantly, since she stayed in our home and with the other little girl almost as much.
I did make my blog restricted for a short while, because I wanted to post pictures and not remain anonymous, but then I realized that I enjoyed the blogs I frequent so much that it would be better just to remain anonymous for now. Especially since several of the authors of the blogs I frequent also read mine. The truth is, I soak up any and everything I read about concerning what the adoption process is like and really, really appreciate what others post. So, I decided to try and do the same. We will try our best to upload the general pictures of the area and our apartment once we are in country, if we are able. We aren't taking a computer, so we may have to wait until we get home. I've heard that the computers in internet cafes can be slow plus the keyboard is in Cyrillic letters! We've learned some Russian and can sound out Russian words somewhat, but it's another thing to think in English and try to type on a Cyrillic keyboard. I'm not that proficient.
A Little over Two Weeks to Go
Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone. We drove to Frisco to see our oldest, our daughter and her 'moosh'(husband in Russian) They are staying at his grandparents house until close to the end of next week. He is in the Army and had a few days off. He will be leaving for Afghanistan on January 3. I think he just wanted to sit around doing nothing for these days he was off. He has only been back from Iraq for a little over a year. We wanted to see him since we will be in Ukraine when he leaves and they don't live close to us. They live several states away, so we don't see them often, though our daughter calls several times a week.
I have never wanted to rush Christmas so soon after Thanksgiving like many in our neighborhood do. I always wanted Thanksgiving to be it's own holiday, but this year is different and I have already started getting out the Christmas decorations. I do have more of those than Thanksgiving decorations. We will put at least some lights out today.
One reason we are decorating so early is partly to get the house all nice, clean and clutter-free. We've been very occupied with Robotics, which takes up so much time plus I've had too many projects going. We also need to make room for two more little girls in our house, and another reason is that we leave for Ukraine in TWO WEEKS!! One big reason is that we need to take pictures of our home with us which will include the girls' room. (There's always good reasons for de-cluttering. Just not always enough time.) We have lots of stuff for girls since we saved everything from our oldest. I just have to set the room up and take the pictures.
I have always wanted to have the house really, really clean whenever we leave for out of town, even if we are only gone for just a few days. I love coming home to a neat house:) Maybe it is the fact that there is no one there to mess it up. I guess I always assume when I clean something up, it is to stay clean and no one is to put something in that cleared off spot, but alas, it never happens that way. (One person in our family thinks I clear surfaces off for him to put his things on. He can't stand to see cleared off places even though he will deny it)
I have a few more things purchased to pack into our suitcases. So much for not re-arranging the bags again. I say suitcases, but we have two 24" rolling suitcases, three duffels and two personal bags so far. We will end up with four duffels by the time hubby packs his clothes. We will lighten our load considerably since all of one duffel is donations, one duffel is coats, and a good bit of the rest is gifts and clothes for the girls. Our plan is to buy some bungie-type cords to fasten the duffels on top of the rolling suitcases. This way we can carry the light duffels and personal bags and the rolling cases can bear the brunt of the heavy duffels. We chose 24" suitcases because we have been told the trunks of the cars can't handle any bigger than that.
I have been very busy washing winter clothes. We just now have had some really cool weather (downright cold for the Gulf Coast) the past few days. Most of our 'winter clothes' end up being packed away and it's been so long now since our last cold snap, they need to be washed.
We rarely see snow here. We have ice at times, which will melt by noon. We occasionally see a few flakes floating in the air, but I can count on one hand the times I've seen snow on the ground. We're told because of the warm Gulf air, the ground never gets cold enough and snow melts when it touches the ground, unless the temperatures have been below a certain point for several day. Conditions are rarely right for the snow to stay very long, much less happen in the first place.
We have lots of ice, though and lots of foolish drivers who refuse to slow down on icy roads. When our middle son was born, our daughter was five. He was born at the end of March, so it was unusual for the weather to be so icy this close to Spring, but the roads were very ice when he was born. A few weeks before he was born, we all drove downtown to take me for the doctor check-up. Our daughter was very, very nervous about the icy roads because she had seen many news stories about people sliding their cars into the rails of bridges. We tried to reason with her, but those pictures left a lasting impression.
I guess I'm obsessed with ice, snow and cold weather because that's what it is like in Ukraine right now. We are going to FREEZE! I don't like when our summers are extremely hot and humid, but then again I don't like to freeze either. I am planning on wearing lots and lots of layers. I will probably wear many of my clothes that I might have needed to pack!
I have never wanted to rush Christmas so soon after Thanksgiving like many in our neighborhood do. I always wanted Thanksgiving to be it's own holiday, but this year is different and I have already started getting out the Christmas decorations. I do have more of those than Thanksgiving decorations. We will put at least some lights out today.
One reason we are decorating so early is partly to get the house all nice, clean and clutter-free. We've been very occupied with Robotics, which takes up so much time plus I've had too many projects going. We also need to make room for two more little girls in our house, and another reason is that we leave for Ukraine in TWO WEEKS!! One big reason is that we need to take pictures of our home with us which will include the girls' room. (There's always good reasons for de-cluttering. Just not always enough time.) We have lots of stuff for girls since we saved everything from our oldest. I just have to set the room up and take the pictures.
I have always wanted to have the house really, really clean whenever we leave for out of town, even if we are only gone for just a few days. I love coming home to a neat house:) Maybe it is the fact that there is no one there to mess it up. I guess I always assume when I clean something up, it is to stay clean and no one is to put something in that cleared off spot, but alas, it never happens that way. (One person in our family thinks I clear surfaces off for him to put his things on. He can't stand to see cleared off places even though he will deny it)
I have a few more things purchased to pack into our suitcases. So much for not re-arranging the bags again. I say suitcases, but we have two 24" rolling suitcases, three duffels and two personal bags so far. We will end up with four duffels by the time hubby packs his clothes. We will lighten our load considerably since all of one duffel is donations, one duffel is coats, and a good bit of the rest is gifts and clothes for the girls. Our plan is to buy some bungie-type cords to fasten the duffels on top of the rolling suitcases. This way we can carry the light duffels and personal bags and the rolling cases can bear the brunt of the heavy duffels. We chose 24" suitcases because we have been told the trunks of the cars can't handle any bigger than that.
I have been very busy washing winter clothes. We just now have had some really cool weather (downright cold for the Gulf Coast) the past few days. Most of our 'winter clothes' end up being packed away and it's been so long now since our last cold snap, they need to be washed.
We rarely see snow here. We have ice at times, which will melt by noon. We occasionally see a few flakes floating in the air, but I can count on one hand the times I've seen snow on the ground. We're told because of the warm Gulf air, the ground never gets cold enough and snow melts when it touches the ground, unless the temperatures have been below a certain point for several day. Conditions are rarely right for the snow to stay very long, much less happen in the first place.
We have lots of ice, though and lots of foolish drivers who refuse to slow down on icy roads. When our middle son was born, our daughter was five. He was born at the end of March, so it was unusual for the weather to be so icy this close to Spring, but the roads were very ice when he was born. A few weeks before he was born, we all drove downtown to take me for the doctor check-up. Our daughter was very, very nervous about the icy roads because she had seen many news stories about people sliding their cars into the rails of bridges. We tried to reason with her, but those pictures left a lasting impression.
I guess I'm obsessed with ice, snow and cold weather because that's what it is like in Ukraine right now. We are going to FREEZE! I don't like when our summers are extremely hot and humid, but then again I don't like to freeze either. I am planning on wearing lots and lots of layers. I will probably wear many of my clothes that I might have needed to pack!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Orphans of Ukraine
Some may wonder why we would travel halfway across the world to adopt two little girls. One answer is that God has placed these two little girls in our path and we love them both. Scripture tells us, as Christians, that we are to care for the orphans and the widows. There are many other reasons besides the ones listes.
Click on the Orphans of Ukraine video above to see many more reasons. There are several videos on YouTube about Ukraine orphans and children who live on the streets of Ukraine.
Click on the Orphans of Ukraine video above to see many more reasons. There are several videos on YouTube about Ukraine orphans and children who live on the streets of Ukraine.
Three Weeks to Go!
The time that we have been anticipating is rapidly approaching. When we started this process almost a year ago it seemed like the time to fly to Ukraine would never get here and now it seems like we may not have enough time to do everything we need to do!
The bags are almost packed. The only bad thing about packing so early is that I keep thinking about how to pack them more efficiently. I have packed and re-packed them several times now.
We have most of our cash ready, but have had a very difficult time getting unmarked, unfolded bills. I guess the banks have this request so much that they just give people whatever they have on hand. I've never really noticed the condition of bills until we HAD to have ones in really good condition.
We have done some home improvement around the house. Maybe this is part of bringing new children into our home, but I have also been very busy weeding out and getting rid of as much clutter as possible. This is not an easy task!
Another project that I would like to do before we go is list the essential things that we are taking to put here on the blog for those who go after us. These are things that I've read that other people take and what friends that have been over there suggest. We'll see how essential they are after we're over there. I have really enjoyed reading other's blogs who are there adopting their children.
One reason that time will pass quickly is that we will be out of town for four days for the TX BEST competition. Our youngest son will have an opportunity to drive the Team robot in the TX Tech stadium. He doesn't have that many more years in High school, so these opportunities are limited since the competition is only once a year. Our oldest son is studying CAD in College because he learned it by being on the BEST team and found that is something he absolutely loves to do. And is very good at it, I might add:)
Our daughter, even though she lives in another state, is very excited about having little sisters. She told me about her plans to take them shopping. She always wanted a sister, but ended up with two younger brothers. (They are not smaller than she is:)
Oh, she loves her brothers very much and they love her, but I think almost every girl wants a sister, too.
I am very sad that we will miss Lily's birthday, but we will just have to have a belated birthday party when we arrive. I wonder if they celebrate the children's birthdays in the orphanages?
The bags are almost packed. The only bad thing about packing so early is that I keep thinking about how to pack them more efficiently. I have packed and re-packed them several times now.
We have most of our cash ready, but have had a very difficult time getting unmarked, unfolded bills. I guess the banks have this request so much that they just give people whatever they have on hand. I've never really noticed the condition of bills until we HAD to have ones in really good condition.
We have done some home improvement around the house. Maybe this is part of bringing new children into our home, but I have also been very busy weeding out and getting rid of as much clutter as possible. This is not an easy task!
Another project that I would like to do before we go is list the essential things that we are taking to put here on the blog for those who go after us. These are things that I've read that other people take and what friends that have been over there suggest. We'll see how essential they are after we're over there. I have really enjoyed reading other's blogs who are there adopting their children.
One reason that time will pass quickly is that we will be out of town for four days for the TX BEST competition. Our youngest son will have an opportunity to drive the Team robot in the TX Tech stadium. He doesn't have that many more years in High school, so these opportunities are limited since the competition is only once a year. Our oldest son is studying CAD in College because he learned it by being on the BEST team and found that is something he absolutely loves to do. And is very good at it, I might add:)
Our daughter, even though she lives in another state, is very excited about having little sisters. She told me about her plans to take them shopping. She always wanted a sister, but ended up with two younger brothers. (They are not smaller than she is:)
Oh, she loves her brothers very much and they love her, but I think almost every girl wants a sister, too.
I am very sad that we will miss Lily's birthday, but we will just have to have a belated birthday party when we arrive. I wonder if they celebrate the children's birthdays in the orphanages?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
So Much to Do!
Today, I would like to finally be able to start packing all of the stuff that has been collecting in a corner of my bedroom.
I have to figure out all the bills so that I can pay what I can ahead of time and leave checks for the boys to mail the others. Fill up the freezer and Kroger card so they can eat while we're gone.
D has to take a suit jacket for court and we both have to take lots of warm clothes. We're not used to really cold weather. We also need to take a whole wardrobe for both girls.
I have to figure out all the bills so that I can pay what I can ahead of time and leave checks for the boys to mail the others. Fill up the freezer and Kroger card so they can eat while we're gone.
D has to take a suit jacket for court and we both have to take lots of warm clothes. We're not used to really cold weather. We also need to take a whole wardrobe for both girls.
Monday, October 15, 2007
We have our date
Well, news of our date finally arrived late last Thursday. We received some devastating news along with it though. There is not a file for Lily. We'll have to see what can be done about it.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Day 29 and Still Counting!
Well, working day 29 has come and gone. We were really hoping to hear something about our appointment date last week. It didn't happen though. At least we're past the five week mark starting into the sixth week on Monday, October 1st. There are elections being held in Ukraine this weekend, so that may have been the hold-up. Hopefully, the hold-up will be over and we will hear something this week.
Don't they know we need to pack, make arrangements for children, animals and bills AND make our travel reservations, just to name a few things?!
Don't they know we need to pack, make arrangements for children, animals and bills AND make our travel reservations, just to name a few things?!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Working Day 20 has Arrived!
Well, today is the 20th working day after our dossier has been submitted. This is the minimum amount of time that we have to wait for our appointment date. So, our appointment news could come at anytime. Except for the fact that appointments are only issued on Tuesdays and Thursdays. With two days a week for granting appointments, you'd think they would come soooner! Anyway, at least we've reached this milestone:)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Waiting is so hard!
Today is day 18 of our 20 working days. The SDA requests 20 working days to review our dossier, then they are supposed to issue us an appointment date. It hasn't been working out that way for many families. I haven't been counting weeks, but that is the way some do it. If we did it that way, we will end week four on Saturday. Many are waiting for 6 weeks for their appointment! I don't want to wait that long, but we will have to anyway.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Day 10 of our 20 Day wait is Tomorrow!
We are now officially in the 'wait mode'. Tomorrow will make day 10 of the 20 working days that the SDA wants to review our dossier. Many families have had to wait more than that, but the 20 days is still the guideline. I'd like to say we are waiting patiently, but that wouldn't be the truth! lol
How did our Hosting go?
To make a long story short, after all the fretting and anxiety, yes, we did host. Yes, our little girl liked us and we all got along very well. She was a little bit stand-offish from my husband, but by the last day, she was feeling comfortable around him.
Lily, as she will be known from now on, fit right in with our family. She is just like our other three children. The day camp director told us that she prays about which child to put in which family before she makes the final decision. It is amazing to see how God directs her. Each child fits right in. What is even more amazing is that she had never met us or the host child! Another thing that makes this whole scenario even more amazing is that I found out from someone that Lily almost went to another city with another group. After all the years of thinking about adoption and then finally deciding to see how a child might fit in our family, everything just fell into place. In fact, several unresolved things happened then and have happened recently telling us that God wants us to pursue the adoption of these two precious little girls that he has placed in our path. It has always been amazing to me how God makes things go exactly the way he wants them to go.
We also met Rose at this camp. We have decided to adopt Rose also. Rose and Lily are best friends.
I wanted to blog about all the details of the girls' visit, but that will have to wait until another time.
Lily, as she will be known from now on, fit right in with our family. She is just like our other three children. The day camp director told us that she prays about which child to put in which family before she makes the final decision. It is amazing to see how God directs her. Each child fits right in. What is even more amazing is that she had never met us or the host child! Another thing that makes this whole scenario even more amazing is that I found out from someone that Lily almost went to another city with another group. After all the years of thinking about adoption and then finally deciding to see how a child might fit in our family, everything just fell into place. In fact, several unresolved things happened then and have happened recently telling us that God wants us to pursue the adoption of these two precious little girls that he has placed in our path. It has always been amazing to me how God makes things go exactly the way he wants them to go.
We also met Rose at this camp. We have decided to adopt Rose also. Rose and Lily are best friends.
I wanted to blog about all the details of the girls' visit, but that will have to wait until another time.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Our dossier has been SUBMITTED!
We just received word that our dossier has been submitted. What a relief! We have waited so long for this. We haven't waited as long as some that have been through all the shut-downs, but it's been long for us. We have had so many problems and delays, but that all seems to disappear when you finally receive news that your dossier has been submitted. Now all we have to do is wait until our 20 (or 30 or 40?) working days are up.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Preparing for Camp - Continuing the story
Things were up in the air for a couple of weeks about when the children would definitely be here. In the meantime, we were to go to some meetings telling us all about what we might expect and what was expected of us. We also had a manual to read. I was totally unprepared for all the commitment we would have to make, just to host! It was overwhelming at first. I don't get overwhelmed easily, either. We had never done anything like this before. Every moment of two weeks devoted just to this Camp! Going where ever they said, whenever they said. I was used to being in control of our schedule, somewhat at least. Thankfully, the boys were having a break from their regular weekly classes when the camp happened. Not to mention that we had to pay to be part of this!
The stress just kept building. Someone would come into our home and 'inspect it'?!! What would they be looking for? We were putting ceramic tile down in the front bathroom. The toilet wasn't back in place yet! All the places we would have to be at. All the things we would have to commit to, like making dinner for the caregivers that were coming, when what should be our dining room table was our computer table because we had nowhere else for our computers and printers. Our kitchen table was barely big enough for the four of us living here right now, much less having to find room for 3 more people! What would I fix for dinner? I'm not good at guessing what other people like to eat. I've never cooked anything for someone from another country.
We were able to choose the gender of our host child. We asked for the oldest girl, but we had no idea what she looked like. We didn't know what any of the children looked like. What would our host child look like? Not that it mattered. It's mostly about the unknown. Not knowing what to expect. They end up not looking anything like their pictures, but it's nice to at least have a face to look at. What type of personality would she have? Would she like us? How would she adjust to being here in America, away from all that was familiar? She speaks Russian for goodness sake! How would we communicate? What if she got frustrated with us because we couldn't communicate? The director of the camp, who chose which child went where, had never even seen us. I had only talked to her on the phone a couple of times. How could she match us with a particular child? She did tell us that we were unusual in that we wanted the oldest of the girls. Most host families tell her, the younger the better. This was something so totally unknown to us. Such new territory. Did we really want to do this??!!
The stress just kept building. Someone would come into our home and 'inspect it'?!! What would they be looking for? We were putting ceramic tile down in the front bathroom. The toilet wasn't back in place yet! All the places we would have to be at. All the things we would have to commit to, like making dinner for the caregivers that were coming, when what should be our dining room table was our computer table because we had nowhere else for our computers and printers. Our kitchen table was barely big enough for the four of us living here right now, much less having to find room for 3 more people! What would I fix for dinner? I'm not good at guessing what other people like to eat. I've never cooked anything for someone from another country.
We were able to choose the gender of our host child. We asked for the oldest girl, but we had no idea what she looked like. We didn't know what any of the children looked like. What would our host child look like? Not that it mattered. It's mostly about the unknown. Not knowing what to expect. They end up not looking anything like their pictures, but it's nice to at least have a face to look at. What type of personality would she have? Would she like us? How would she adjust to being here in America, away from all that was familiar? She speaks Russian for goodness sake! How would we communicate? What if she got frustrated with us because we couldn't communicate? The director of the camp, who chose which child went where, had never even seen us. I had only talked to her on the phone a couple of times. How could she match us with a particular child? She did tell us that we were unusual in that we wanted the oldest of the girls. Most host families tell her, the younger the better. This was something so totally unknown to us. Such new territory. Did we really want to do this??!!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Our I-171h Approval Finally Arrived!
I know I haven't actually finished our story, I will, but I had to post this before too many days passed. We received our I-171h on Tuesday, July 17, finally! This has been a very tiresome, trying road for us, but now we can put that behind us. The majority of our dossier is already apostilled, so this is the final piece. I sent this off to our caseworker the same day and our dossier will be headed to Ukraine for translation!!!:)
Now, all we have to do is wait, and pack, and fill out grant applications and finish our required training and.......
Now, all we have to do is wait, and pack, and fill out grant applications and finish our required training and.......
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Why Ukraine? Why not?
My husband found a particular agency that he wanted to use for Russia, several years back, but they were waiting to receive their accreditation back. We called them and they said they would receive it at any time. So, we sent for an application packet. We kept checking the website. No accreditation. About a year later we mailed in the papers. Still no accreditation. My husband called after a few months to ask about their accreditation. They still didn't have it. They were returning people's deposits back to them. We hadn't given them any money, but they had our papers. We hoped they would contact us. They never did.
We had inquired about a couple of other agencies. My husband didn't want to use any other agency but this one that wasn't accredited. During our wait time for this agency's accreditation, we heard about several adoptive families at church. Our church is large and we just never ran into these people to ask them questions. Everyone has such busy lifestyles these days also. We also heard about a hosting program that brought children from Russia. I asked the person who mentioned it. She said she would find out and get back to me. She never did. We waited still. There were few agencies with Russian accreditation then.
We wanted to go with an agency in our state for convenience sake and because we didn't know the first thing about international adoption. I decided to look on the internet for other former Soviet States to see their requirements for adopting. We had heard about Romania years ago, when our second one was a baby. We saw that famous (or infamous?) documentary on TV. It showed people going over there and adopting the babies and children. At that time, it never occurred to us that we could do that. Then again, at that time, we had young children that were keeping us very busy. We looked at Kazhakstan. We even went to a seminar where they told us they wouldn't allow us to adopt a child over eight. They told us that children over eight had more emotional problems. We were really hoping for an older child. So, we knew this agency wasn't for us and kept looking on the internet.
Ukraine became an option, but we just didn't know anyone who had adopted from Ukraine. Also, at the time we were looking, Ukraine was shut down. I mentioned to a friend of mine, who had adopted a brother and sister from Russia who were twelve and thirteen at the time, that we had been considering adoption for several years. She gave me her friend's number, but I never got around to calling. It didn't seem like the right time. One day, the friend who adopted the brother and sister, called me up to tell me of a Day Camp sponsored through her church. They were looking for host families. This Camp, several years before, was how she met her children. Their intention was just to host, then they fell in love with their children. (They are very sweet children and have adjusted very quickly. I would never have guessed they were from Russia unless I was told.) This time the Camp children were coming from Ukraine. My husband was very interested, so I signed us up.
And the first agency? They still don't have their Russian accreditation. We would still be waiting.
We had inquired about a couple of other agencies. My husband didn't want to use any other agency but this one that wasn't accredited. During our wait time for this agency's accreditation, we heard about several adoptive families at church. Our church is large and we just never ran into these people to ask them questions. Everyone has such busy lifestyles these days also. We also heard about a hosting program that brought children from Russia. I asked the person who mentioned it. She said she would find out and get back to me. She never did. We waited still. There were few agencies with Russian accreditation then.
We wanted to go with an agency in our state for convenience sake and because we didn't know the first thing about international adoption. I decided to look on the internet for other former Soviet States to see their requirements for adopting. We had heard about Romania years ago, when our second one was a baby. We saw that famous (or infamous?) documentary on TV. It showed people going over there and adopting the babies and children. At that time, it never occurred to us that we could do that. Then again, at that time, we had young children that were keeping us very busy. We looked at Kazhakstan. We even went to a seminar where they told us they wouldn't allow us to adopt a child over eight. They told us that children over eight had more emotional problems. We were really hoping for an older child. So, we knew this agency wasn't for us and kept looking on the internet.
Ukraine became an option, but we just didn't know anyone who had adopted from Ukraine. Also, at the time we were looking, Ukraine was shut down. I mentioned to a friend of mine, who had adopted a brother and sister from Russia who were twelve and thirteen at the time, that we had been considering adoption for several years. She gave me her friend's number, but I never got around to calling. It didn't seem like the right time. One day, the friend who adopted the brother and sister, called me up to tell me of a Day Camp sponsored through her church. They were looking for host families. This Camp, several years before, was how she met her children. Their intention was just to host, then they fell in love with their children. (They are very sweet children and have adjusted very quickly. I would never have guessed they were from Russia unless I was told.) This time the Camp children were coming from Ukraine. My husband was very interested, so I signed us up.
And the first agency? They still don't have their Russian accreditation. We would still be waiting.
Why adopt?
My husband and I both grew up with adopted family members. I had two cousins who were biological sisters. They were each adopted by two different aunts, who were sisters. My husband's dad raised his step-daughter and step-son just like his own children, but never officially adopted them. They are my husband's half-brother and sister officially, but that is not mentioned. They are his brother and sister.
We also have many friends who have adopted from several different countries as well as domestically. The countries are Russia, Kazhakstan, Romania and China. Several from each country. None from Ukraine. Yet anyway. Plus we have several friends who have adopted domestically. Well, with all the great adopted children we knew, why not adopt?
It was initially my husband who brought this adoption idea up. We had three children and I had always wanted more, but it never happened. When our children were younger, three was enough for him. Now all of a sudden he's changed his mind! I guess this was God's way of giving me those children I had always wanted, by changing my husband's mind. It did take me a while to agree to adopt, I don't know why. Now I wish it hadn't taken me so long, but God knows that I need to think about things for a while. He gives me that time and then he'll say, "Okay, now it's time!"
We also have many friends who have adopted from several different countries as well as domestically. The countries are Russia, Kazhakstan, Romania and China. Several from each country. None from Ukraine. Yet anyway. Plus we have several friends who have adopted domestically. Well, with all the great adopted children we knew, why not adopt?
It was initially my husband who brought this adoption idea up. We had three children and I had always wanted more, but it never happened. When our children were younger, three was enough for him. Now all of a sudden he's changed his mind! I guess this was God's way of giving me those children I had always wanted, by changing my husband's mind. It did take me a while to agree to adopt, I don't know why. Now I wish it hadn't taken me so long, but God knows that I need to think about things for a while. He gives me that time and then he'll say, "Okay, now it's time!"
Sunday, July 8, 2007
About Us
I have been thinking quite a while about starting a blog, and just haven't had time.
So, here it is!
My husband and I have been married for 25 years now.
We have 3 biological children, 23yo daughter, 18yo son and 15yo son.
We have only lived in two houses for all of our married life and we still own the first one. Our children just mostly remember this one we live in right now, even though we lived in the first (little) house when each of them was born and for quite a few years afterwards. It didn't seem quite so little when they were all smaller.
Our daughter is married and her husband is in the army. They live in another state. Our middle child, and oldest son, has just graduated from high school and will be starting college in the fall. Our youngest will be the last one left at home, but, just for a short time, hopefully.
The Lord blessed us with three children, but we've wanted more for several years now. So, we came up with the brilliant idea of adopting! We are in the process of adopting two older girls from Ukraine. Our youngest is 15, so we didn't really want any children that much younger than him.
So, here it is!
My husband and I have been married for 25 years now.
We have 3 biological children, 23yo daughter, 18yo son and 15yo son.
We have only lived in two houses for all of our married life and we still own the first one. Our children just mostly remember this one we live in right now, even though we lived in the first (little) house when each of them was born and for quite a few years afterwards. It didn't seem quite so little when they were all smaller.
Our daughter is married and her husband is in the army. They live in another state. Our middle child, and oldest son, has just graduated from high school and will be starting college in the fall. Our youngest will be the last one left at home, but, just for a short time, hopefully.
The Lord blessed us with three children, but we've wanted more for several years now. So, we came up with the brilliant idea of adopting! We are in the process of adopting two older girls from Ukraine. Our youngest is 15, so we didn't really want any children that much younger than him.
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