Home!

Well, after over 30 hours at various airports and in three airplanes, Vova and I finally made it home. You can see video of our arrival on my facebook page. He was so excited towards the end. He kept asking me: "Pop, how many hours?". How many hours until we get home, that is. When we arrived at the Roanoke airport, close friends and family were waiting. It has been quite a journey and I will be a better person for it. I wanted to thank all of those people who provided us financial and emotional support through the past 1 and 1/2 years. We were also blessed to meet so many wonderful families who were adopting from the Ukraine while we were, including our dear friends the Costanzas, the Rohrers, the Boldens, the Lewis's, the Ashtons and the Givens, who we met in the Kiev airport at 5:00 a.m. yesterday. It is an awesome fraternity to belong to and we are honored to be a part of it. If you have ever contemplated adoption, seriously consider it. There are many orphans out there who would love to have a home and family. Thanks for following us on our journey. Jake and Judi Jacobsen June 7, 2012

Almost There!

We traveled on the "Train of Pain" one last time Sunday night and arrived in Kiev Monday morning at around 8:30 a.m. The trip was not as bad as before, but I am glad it was the last one I will take. Vova and I passed the time playing UNO and other games. When we got to Kiev, our facilitator Alex picked us up at the train station and took us for breakfast and then to our apartment. We are not too far from where Judi and I stayed a little more than 5 weeks ago (which seems like an eternity). After taking a shower and changing clothes, we went downtown where the entire city was being prepared for Euro 2012 (international soccer tourney) in which Kiev is a host city. It is a big deal, kind of like hosting the Super Bowl in the U.S. They had closed off the main street to prepare for the onslaught of fans which will start coming June 8. After we walked around for awhile, we ate lunch at a McDonalds. Not to soon to start Americanizing my son! It was actually quite good, after existing for the past 3 weeks on pizza and chicken. It tasted the same as in America. After eating, we toured the St. Sophia churcf which was built around the early 11th century. It also had an amazing bell tower. Vova and I climbed to the top and had our photo taken. This morning, we traveled to the American Embassy to file the proper paperwork and get Vova his passport. As we were at one of the many windows completing our paperwork, I noticed a couple next to me with two small boys, ages 6 and 7. One was in a stroller and was repeating the tones over the intercom that sounded everytime a new number was called. They appeared to be Americans. Before I could introduce myself however, the lady at the window asked me to go to the next window to pay the passport fee. When I returned, the couple and boys were gone. We next traveled to a medical clinic where children being adopted must have their final medical checkup. While we waited, in walks the same couple and two boys who I saw earlier at the embassy. I asked them if they were Americans, and they said they were. They then told me an incredible story which made me feel very humbled. They were from New Mexico and had one biological 3 year old. Last year they adopted two small children with special needs from China. They were in Ukraine adopting these two boys, one who was autistic and one who suffered from cerebral palsy. The 6 year old boy who suffered from cerebral palsy was in a stroller. They told me the boy had been in a crib the entire 6 years of his life at the orphanage and could not walk. Apparantly, both of the boys orphanage was horrific. The Director of the orphanage could not understand why anyone would want to adopt these boys. After they told me their story, all I could say was "God Bless you guys!" Amazing people and yet there are many like them adopting kids who are deemed "undesirable". Lenin.... We ended the day where we started our journey six weeks ago: having dinner with our good friend Lori Costanza. She arrived in Kiev this afternoon. She is headed to Kherson on the "train of pain" tomorrow night to get her daughter Anya. Congrats to Lori and Todd! Anya, you are a lucky girl! We will surely meet back with them in the U.S. in the not too distant future. Just as long as it does not conflict with farming season. Tomorrow, we go back to the U.S. embassy to get Vova's passport and then we are done. We hope to catch a flight home on Thursday and arrive in Roanoke Thursday evening. My last post will be after we arrive home!

Final Goodbyes and New Beginings

Well, the time finally came for me to take Vova from the orphanage and begin the long trip home. The day began with me taking a taxi to the orphanage to get Vova. We first went back to my apartment and Vova changed into a new shirt, shorts and flip-flops. We then met the Rohrers for lunch at an American style pizza place. Its pizza is as close to American pizza as you will get here. Afterwards, we went to the grocery store to purchase 2 chocolate cakes, apples, grapes, 3 large bottles of coke, plates, napkins, forks and cups for Vova's group's going away party at 4:00 p.m. How did I know what to get? Well, I asked his friends about 4 days ago and they told me. I wrote it down so I would not forget. After getting the party stuff, we went back to my apartment above John Howards Pub. Nathan and Christine Rohrer will be inheriting it when we leave. I grabbed the computer hoping to Skype with Judi from the orphanage so she could be present for the party. Judi was at Drew's basketball game waiting for my call at 9:00 a.m. east coast time. Unfortunately, we could not get the remote internet connection working, so we were unable to Skype with Judi. We headed to the orphanage. The Rohrers were nice enough to accompany me to the party and take some photos. It would be a good trial run for them for their soon to be son Koyla, in a few weeks.

When we got there, the kids in Vova's group were ready to eat! So we brought in all the stuff and Vova's caretaker Olga put the food in order and Vova set the tables. Once the tables were set and the cake etc. prepared, everyone sat down to eat some cake.

Before doing so, Olga spoke some words. Volarya, one of the older kids who speaks english, translated for me. Olga said she loves Vova very much and will miss him dearly! But she and Mariana are so happy that Vova has found a loving family. With that, Olga broke down and wept. It was a very emotional moment. She came around the table and I offered her a big hug.

After that, everybody ate. And I mean they ate. Nothing was left when the party ended.

After the party ended, Vova's closest friends joined us outside to play some football one last time. The Rohrers met us out on the field with Koyla and a few of his friends. Some of the caretakers, including Olga, came out to watch. It was a very nice time. The Director did not yell at us for playing on the field. The kids just played. And on this day, they played hard and were very silly. We played a game called "Rabbit in the Middle". Basically, "keep away". It was alot of fun.

As the time got closer to leave, I found myself dreading the inevitable goodbyes. It's ironic because I had been so looking forward to leaving and going home. But it was going to be hard to say goodbye to all these wonderful kids, not knowing what their futures will hold. But, as it got close to 6:00 pm, I made the call that it was time to leave. Right before we left to catch a taxi, I took a couple more group shots.

I took one final photo of Vova with Olga and Tatiyna.

As we walked off the soccer field and towards the front of the orphanage to catch a taxi, Vova's friends followed along, acting just as goofy as before. There was no hint of sadness, tears or bitterness. All the kids were laughing and cuttin up. They seemed genuinely happy for Vova. I guess they had been through this many times before. As we approached the taxi, Vova, with a HUGE grin on his face, waved to his friends and said "Paca, Paca, Paca!" "Bye, Bye, Bye!" They all said bye back, and then we got into the taxi to leave. As we were driving away, little Sonja poked her head through the gate and waved goodbye to us as we drove off. That was a tough thing to watch. It was so happy and yet so sad. I will never forget these kids. They were incredible! However, as we drove away Vova was all smiles. Not a hint of sadness or regret. He was ready for America!

We ate dinner at John Howards one last time with the Rohrers. I gave them my 10% discount card and officially passed them the torch as the new American caretakers of "John Howards".

Now we head for home. We catch a train (yes the train of pain) one last time to Kiev tomorrow night. We arrive in Kiev Monday morning. But since it is a holiday, there is not much to do. We will meet Lori Costanza in the afternoon, as she comes back to get her daughter Anya. We go to the American embassy on Tuesday and take care of some other paperwork Wednesday. My hope is that we are on a plane for the States Thursday and arrive home Thursday nite. Worst case scenario is Friday. I will post from Kiev and again when we arrive home. Jake

It's Official! Vova is now a Jacobsen!

Well, as of today, Vova is officially our son and our kids new brother. The 10th day passed after the Court Order and there were no objections. As a result, this morning we drove to the register's office in the town where Vova was born in order to change his birth certificate. Below is photo of the office (pretty underwhelming)

After changing Vova's name and parents names on his birth certificate, we visited the notary and then picked Vova up at the orphanage to take him to the Ukraine passport office for his photo. Unlike Court, this time Vova was wearing long pants and a nice long sleeve shirt. I guess someone got the word about his previous appearance in Court. Too bad the photo was only from the neck up! After visiting the passport office, we went back to the orphanage. Due to the rain, we ended up playing some serious UNO with Vova's friends.

Lenin..... "The plan": We now have to wait at least 3 days for the passport to be ready. Hopefully, this happens on Friday. If not, we are looking at Tuesday, as Monday is yet another Ukranian holiday! Once we get the Ukranian passport, we have to travel to the American Embassy in Kiev to get Vova's U.S. passsport and fill out some paperwork. Even if we get the passport on Friday in Kherson, we will not take the train to Kiev until Monday night since the U.S. embassy in Kiev is also closed on Monday (I was told the embassy takes all U.S. and Ukranian holidays - Must be nice!) I am told, we will only have two days in Kiev. So, bottom line, Vova and I will be home at the end of next week. I have met a wonderful new couple from Ohio named Christine and Nathan Rohrer. They are here to adopt 15 year old Koyla who is a great kid. Now that I am the veteran around here, I am showing them "the ropes".

I will close with two observations. First, here is an open manhole right outside the orphange. This is quite common to see here. Between the open manholes and the numerous potholes in the roads, this place is a ambulance chacing lawyer's dream. I will post on facebook tonight my journey in a taxi down one of these roads.

Second, every tree in Kherson has their trunks painted white. I thought it was for reflections for headlights but was told it was to ward off some type of insect harmful to trees. Whatever the reason, a guy/gal could make a fortune here painting trees every year. All for now, will post more in next few days.

Graduation Day at Kherson Orphanage

Today, was graduation day at the orphanage. As we understood it, the 11th graders wearing red ribbons were graduating and leaving the orphanage. The 9th graders, who had sucessfully passed their exams and would be staying at the orphanage, wore white ribbons. Not sure what happens to the 9th graders who did not pass their exams. It was a big event and all the kids attended, dressed up in white shirts and slacks or dresses. It had guest speakers and music and song, all in Ukraine tradition. It was very interesting! The ceremony rivaled our graduation ceremonies back in the states except for one thing: there were no parents present. It was a very odd feeling. Myself and the Costanzas were really the only parents present. I will post some short video clips of the ceremony on facebook. Below are some photos I took during and after the ceremony.

Vova and his pals before the ceremony began. I could not get a photo of Vova in his suit because right after graduation, like any blue blooded American boy, he ran back to his dorm to change into shorts and a t-shirt.

Photo of auditorium before graduation ceremony. Most of the adults are caretakers.

Vova and his posse before the ceremony.

Photo of my buddy "Dyma" short for Dymitri. Probably the sweetest little boy you will ever meet. He is so kind, will come up and give me a hug and say: "Hi Jake!". I will miss him!

Sweet little girls sitting next to me during the ceremony.

Lori Costanza with her new daughter Anya (to her left), Suzzana holding Lori's baby boy Leo, and Anya and Suzzana's caretakers.

Suzzana, Me and Anya

Suzzana, Todd (Loris husband) and his new daughter Anya

Lenin...... After the ceremony, The Costanzas and I took the girls and Vova out to lunch. While the adults ate alot, and Vova ate some fried mushrooms, the girls ate almost nothing. Even though we tried everything to encourage them to eat. Not sure if this a cultural thing or not. But it is not the first time this has happened. After lunch, we took the girls shopping. I bought Vova a PSP game in Ukranian which he can play on our long journey back to America. The Costanzas and I also bought Suzzana a smart phone so she will be able to facebook us back in the states. If you have been following this blog, you all know of Suzzana's situation. We all checked into her adoption status, and she is not even on the registry to be adopted due to the situation with her father. To further complicate matters, a child is not even eligible for adoption until they have been on the registry for at least a year. Since Suzzana just turned 15, she runs the risk of "aging out" of the orphanage. We broke the news to her yesterday and she took it kind of hard at first. However, we got her the smart phone to stay in touch and we are all commited to doing everything we can to get her to the States. If not eligible for adoption, then maybe a Student Visa, etc. These are options we have all agreed to pursue on her behalf once we get back. She is a beautiful and wonderful girl. Can't add anything else

At the end of the day, it was time to say our goodbyes. I will be here for the next 7-10 days, but Lori and Todd are leaving for Kiev at 3:00 a.m. tomorrow by taxi and then flying back to Michigan. They will wait at home for the 10 days to elapse after their court date yesterday. Then, Lori will come back to get Anya. That goodbye to Suzzana will be much harder.

I want to end this post by saying what wonderful people the Costanzas are. They were great traveling companions (starting with coincidently sitting next to them on the plane from Chicgo to Munich on our first trip over) and it was so much fun to share our journey with them. Despite Todd's penchant for going off on a strange tangent sometimes while telling a story, I have to say I have met few people with as big a hearts as they have. They care so much for these girls and I am a better person for having known them. Safe travels my friends. P.S. I spelled your name right.

And Then There Was One!

Judi and I have spent the past few days playing with all the kids in the orphanage. Judi was supposed to take the train to Kiev on Wednesday night and leave for the States Friday morning, arriving in Roanoke Friday night. Well, she will still be arriving in Roanoke Friday night, but she had to take the train to Kiev tonight. Turns out our facilitator booked her a train ticket May 22 rather than May 23. We just found out about it this morning. We tried to reschedule, but there were no train tickets available for tomorrow night. Thus, I took Judi to the train station about an hour ago and now presently sit alone in our apartment. It is going to be a very, very long week and a half! Safe travels Babe!

While at the orphanage the past few days, Judi and I have made ice cream "runs" for the kids to a store just down the street. However, when one gets ice cream, Vova's entire group gets ice cream along with the caretakers. Ends up being about 20 ice creams! Usually, six or seven kids will go with us and then we bring back ice cream for the others. You would think 20 ice creams a day would start getting expensive, but it ends up being about 110 grevnas or only about $13. Pretty cheap price in exchange for 20 smiles.

After ice cream runs we go back to playing football or soccer.

While at the orphanage, Judi and I see alot of kids who remind us of kids back home when they were younger. The kid below, Kola, is a spittin image of Tim Henderson when he was in 5th grade or so. Those who know Tim will see the resemblance.

The photo below is what I call "The Three Vova's". Yes, you guessed it, all the boys are named Vova. After I took the photo, I found a 4th Vova. I will try to get a photo of all four Vova's before I leave.

Finally, right before we left, Vova injured his right arm while playing soccer.

Looking back on it, it probably seems a little callous to be snaping photos of my injured boy with Judi. And come to think of it, probably was. Vova was taken to the hospital and thankfully there were no broken bones, only a deep bruise and some swelling. Will likely keep him out of the gym this week. Well, thats all from Kherson. A week from today is when things will start to pick up. In the meantime, I will have to make due on my own. I will miss Jud! This was a great adventure!