Today, we celebrated Anya and Suzanna's birthdays. Anya, who our friends Lori and Todd are adopting, received a digital camera while Suzanna got some earings and a necklace. It was a small party, since everyone else was outside watching the big soccer tourney at the orphanage. As Judi lit the candles on thecake, we started to sing the "Happy Birthday" song. Before we could get out the words "to you", the girls had blown out the candles. I guess the Ukranian version of the "Birthday" song is much shorter.
Anya and Suzanna holding their birthday cake which Judi made and then wrapped in a plastic cake box with store markings.
Anya and her birthday cake
Suzanna and her birthday cake
Suzanna and Judi.
Today we got all our paperwork signed and notarized. Now, we just needed a court date. Unfortunately, it looks like May 15 will be the earliest date. So, Judi and I decided to spend a few weeks back home rather than in Kherson. Once the Court date is certain, we will fly back to Kherson and appear with Vova before the Judge. Assuming everything goes ok, Judi will fly back to U.S., while I willl stay in Ukraine. Few weeks after that, Vova and I will fly back to the U.S. and he will officially be our son. While on our way to the orphanage today, we were told by our facilitator that we had two train tickets to Kiev, leaving tonight at 8:00 p.m. (1:00 p.m. VA time). Yes, it is time to head back on the "train of pain!" I am dreading it. Pray that our window opens in our cabin. Once we get to Kiev, we will either fly out Monday or Tuesday. Depends on when we can catch a flight.
Lenin........... So, after the birthday party, we headed out to the playground to say our goodbyes to all the kids and to Vova. We will return in 2-3 weeks.
This last photo is of Jake, Vova and a 20 year old American named Zach, who was there on a mission trip. What a great kid! The kids at the orphanage just loved him. Unfortunately, he will be gone and back to the States by the time we get back.
Well, that's it...see you in a few weeks..........to be continued.
Todd and I are so thankful for you both for throwing the girls a birthday party! While it may have seemed small to you, I'm sure it was Huge to them! You can tell by the smiles how happy they are!!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your blog. I am a friend of Rachael - we adopted our girls 4-5 years ago (both 6/7 at the time of adoption) and we were just in Russia again to meet another 6.5 year old girl we would like to adopt. Love older child adoption!!!
ReplyDeleteHi, I am Deb Bergstrand, Diane's best friend in Minnesota. Reading your blog has brought tears to my eyes for the children in the Ukraine. Blessings and prayers to you on your journey. Thank you for sharing the photos and your story. It's an inspiration to all of us, and helps me understand the children that need our help.
ReplyDeletePeace!
Deb