Gotcha and broughtcha to Kiev!

Tuesday was a busy day. We picked up the kids and a teacher at 7:00 am and drove 2 hours to their hometown, which is a city larger than Macon, to get documents: birth certificates with their new names, an internal passport for Nadia since she's 16 and other things. As we waited for the birth certificates, their biological mom walked by the car.

Ruslan asked if he could speak to her. What could we do, say no? Maybe we should've but it seemed awkward to say that when he is not likely to ever see her again and we don't want him to resent us saying that later in life. So he ran up to her. She didn't hug or smile. He came back within one minute and Nadia went over to her. They talked for a long time and I still don't know much that was said but finally the teacher got Nadia back in the van and we left.

That experience added stress to everyone's day.we had lots of documents to get in a hurry. Luda was able to accomplish a lot and at the end of it we drove back to the school knowing we had most of what we needed and could leave the next day for Kiev.

Back at the school, we had tea with the Director and discussed many things. We are comfortable with him now and it seems his heart is open to the idea of adoption.

We went to bed late and didn't have time to update you guys!

In the morning on Wednesday, we had to be ready to leave at 7:45. We picked up a regional children's services worker and drove to the school to pick up the children for the last time. There was a lot of hustle and bustle around the school. We saw a small band setting up for a performance and wondered what the special occasion was.

The Director greeted us warmly. He hugged the kids and spoke to each of them, exhorting them to have a great life and be good children for us. He gave each of them a prayer book in Ukrainian. Then we signed papers and went downstairs to leave.

The whole school was assembled to say farewell to Nadia and Ruslan. Nadia spoke in front of everyone calmly and told them she is grateful for her time there and for the opportunities she had at the school.



I was very impressed with her maturity. The Director also spoke and then the band played three songs for us! I gazed around the room and looked at the faces of these kids and wished they all had loving parents. Luda spoke at the end and encouraged them to make the most of their opportunities and to take responsibility for their own lives. Even though they have been disappointed by their parents, they can build a good life and be better parents themselves someday. She told them that they have a wonderful school, the best in Ukraine and that is partly because they are great kids.

I was almost crying by the time the assembly was over and everyone was hugging goodbye. I saw Edick then for the first time on this trip as he sadly brushed by me quickly to say goodbye to Ruslan. He is not on the list for adoption yet, but will be soon, and I think our hands are full right now anyway but maybe someone else will think about it?

As we drove off to finish getting documents in their hometown, Mark told the kids that this was a new start for them--they can leave the past behind and become who they want to be. They were very happy!

Getting documents sounds so dry and uneventful, but the experience is not. Each document requires previous documents that may or not be ready, notarized or even available that day. There is constant stress and not many food or bathroom breaks on these long days, but in the end it's worth it because it means we get to go home and start that new life sooner.

After lunch, we finished up the documents and started the 8 hour drive back to Kiev. Along the way, I let the kids take photos of the countryside out of the van window. Andrew took about a billion and wore out the battery when we got him, but these kids planned out their photos and took about 15 total. Interesting to see their personalities starting to unfold. They are both thoughtful and caring. Andrew is too, but he is less deliberate, has a huge outgoing personality and is much younger!

When we arrived in Kiev late Wednesday evening, we settled into an apartment near St. Michael's. I finally got to show Nadia the cute boots and clothes we got for her along with the cosmetic case Cindy got her. She was very grateful and happy. She was not allowed to wear jeans at the school and was glad to pick out cute jeans, a shirt and a green hoodie for tomorrow. Ruslan also liked his clothes and things but being a boy, it wasn't as exciting for him. The kids both look much more American in their new clothes.



Today we had our first appointment at the American Embassy to get their visas for entering our country. I had filled out the paperwork last night and had the fee in exact change ready in an envelope so it went very smoothly. We also went to the American medical center for checkups and vaccination records. This afternoon we were all tired and wanted to rest before heading out to see a little of chilly wet Kiev.

Tomorrow we finish at the embassy (2nd appointment) and can go home Saturday if flights are available!


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