One Month Anniversary.....

Hello, we have officially been home one month today. This first month has been wonderful. I can't believe how far along the children have come with their English. We started school and they LOVE school. They love the school bus and the fact that Casey is always waiting to greet them when they come home. Fortunately, I was able to switch my work hours so I am here to get them on the bus and I'm off and waiting by the time the bus brings them home. We have started swimming lessons at the Y and they LOVE playing basketball while I'm working out. Rose is a natural at basketball.

Isaak has been asked by the Kewanee Library to teach an 'Oragami for Kids' class, and he proudly accepted.

I'll post a few pictures of decorating the Christmas tree and our 'routine' around here. We gear up (insulated bibs, camoflaged coats, headlamps and whatever it takes to endure the weather) and head out every evening after homework to walk Casey. They enjoy 'tracking deer' and we hit the woods and follow deer paths and photograph deer when we see them or lay in the tall grass and listen to the Canada Geese fly overhead or sometimes they like to stop and listen to the wind in the pines as we hike deep in the woods with our headlamps lighting the trail. These children are 'nature lovers'!!! I know we will make many memories hiking mountain trails, camping in backcountry campsites, fishing for trout on alpine lakes - they are already wanting to know when we are going to go 'backpacking'! Rose is our photographer, Isaak is our leader when we get lost (as he always knows the route to get us home, even the nights we forget our headlamps and darkness sneaks up on us)!, Grace is our scout as she has an eye for wildlife and is always the first to whisper "look big buck!" or "look two does". hee hee They are eager to 'hunt' so everyone will be getting pellet rifles for Christmas and next fall will find them in Hunter Safety Course and the DNR Wingshoot Clinic here at the park. We should be afield in time for Dove and Squirrel season in September!

Saturday evenings are pizza and movie night for us - at least this our winter routine. They enjoy going to the library to get movies and by 6pm we are all cuddled up on the sofa with pillows and blankets watching a good movie. Yes, that is Annie Cat on me and Grizz on Grace and down below Casey boy lays at our feet. Isaak wanted to take this picture, but yes, this is our Winter Saturday Night Special! lol

I can't begin to tell you how great these children are. Every day is a thrill to them. Today we took sleds and headed to the local ski hill - wow, are they fearless!! They run and plunge down the hills head first and giggle all the way down. Of course, I'm behind them, feet first, dragging my hands, heels and anything else I can to slow my descent!

They are eating good and gaining weight. I think everyone is up about 5 pounds since we arrived. They love chicken stir-fry (this is good!), salad with any kind of meat in it, bortsch of course, pasta, rice and chicken, fried chicken, cheeseburgers on the grill, omelets, bacon, sausage and egg sandwiches, oatmeal and yogurt etc... You name it and they like it. When we grocery shop, they fill the cart with raisins, apples, grapes, walnuts, peanuts, pears, strawberries, yogurt, apple sauce, etc.... I'm thrilled that they love 'healthy' snacks. At least for now they do.

I know quite a few folks have 'challenges' their first month home but I couldn't be more honest when I say that this has been a great month and the kids are 'good children' and they have warm, loving spirits. Yes, it's busy of course and I don't have much time for myself - any single parent of three knows this! - but "I" am the fortunate one and am thankful for every busy day. If I can just used to 7 hours of sleep, I'll be okay! :) (for those of you who know me, I'm a 9-10 hour sleeper!!) These snowy winter mornings, find me waking at 4:30 to plow open the park roads so I can be home by 6 am to make breakfast as the school bus comes at 7 am. So we have early mornings around here.

For those of you waiting to adopt, I can only share that although the time ticks by painfully as you wait, you forget all of that once they are home!

Home One Week!!!! :)

We have had a great first week! The kids are all doing great. Not only have I been blessed with three beautiful children but they are very caring, respectful and have good personalities. We joined the YMCA and they were thrilled to begin swimming lessons! We received library cards and learned how to use the library and what the cards are for. :) All three of the children went to the eye doctor and all three have glasses coming soon.... :( We went to the dentist yesterday. NO CAVITIES!!!! yipppeee Of course, they did not have sugar at the orphanage, thus no cavities. However, little Grace has about 6 teeth in the front and 4 molars that do not have enamel on them and will never have enamel. It is due to poor nutrition when the teeth were developing. We have an appointment with a pediatric dentist next Monday for caps and crowns, etc...

The children have LOVED learning to ride bicycles and Isaak and Rose are riding GREAT. Grace pretty much leans over to one side and rides along with one training wheel firmly planted to the ground! hee hee They all have daily chores and LOVE doing them. We only had a couple of 'time outs' and of course they are always because of the girls disagreeing or talking and not sleeping after 2-3 warnings at night. Nothing serious though just usually talking and giggling long after they are supposed to be asleep. Isaak is good as gold and is the first one up and has his hair slicked down and is dressed with bed made etc... before my feet hit the floor. He loves the fact that Annie cat has taken up residence on his bed at night. Grace is right behind Isaak in the mornings and gets right up and brushes her teeth and hair and makes her bed. Rose is another story. She would stay in her pajamas until noon I believe. She moves pretty slow in the mornings - smiling and happy as a lark - but slowwwww... hee heee

We visited our school one day and had Cousin Katie up for the weekend and went to the Imax for a 3D movie. WOW, you should have seen the smiles and heard the 'oooohhhs' at the Imax!

The children are so happy and very respectful and I tell myself every single day how fortunate I am. I would have NEVER guessed it would work out soooo perfect. These children could not be a better fit for me nor I for them. What a wonderful journey this has been.....

There are so many firsts from this week I can't begin to recall them all....We plan on starting school next week.

Happy Trails...

Melinda, Isaak, Rose and Grace

Court!

I must apologize for not posting lately. It has been a busy couple of weeks. First of all Grace came down with a low grade fever (100.6) and I received a call at 8pm that they rushed her to the hospital in an ambulance! I was told I could only visit between the hours of 10 am - 4pm so there was nothing I could do that evening. The next morning 10 am found me knocking on the hospital's door. Grace still had her 'very' minor temperature and probably had a bad cold or a touch of the flu. She asked me to get her some warm clothes because it was very cold there at night and that she needed soap, tooth brush, towels, food etc... She also shared that she was getting 2 shots a day and that they hurt. :(
Long story short, she was in the hospital for 7 days, receiving 2 shots a day for this low grade fever that passed by the 2nd day.
I also changed apartments two weeks ago. I had a run in with 3 large german shepherds on more than one occassion while trying to walk to/from the apartment and said this is enough. Moved into a place right next to Lenin Square MUCH closer to everything and the best part - no dogs!
I visit the children daily and - although I'm sure I am biased - they are absolutely wonderful children. In the month I have been visiting them, I have not seen one fight, one struggle or cross words between them. They share everything - willingingly! - and I can tell they really look out for one another. I wish I had a larger home as I would bring back at least 2 more children. I breaks my heart seeing the other children and knowing I cannot help them. There are 'several' others I would take without 2nd thought. The orphanage director does an 'excellent' job with these children. She has taught them manners, how to play with one another and obviously shown them love. They are all happy, loving children.
After a very long wait, I was given a court date of 10/22. The children were there as well. After what I thought was a long court - 2 hours of questioning - I must have convinced the judge that I will take care of these three children and be a good mother because that was her main concern, and obviously so! The children each had to stand and answer questions - I was very proud of them! They said they had never had anyone that loved 'them' and that they wanted a 'mother' and wanted someone to love them. They said they were willing to move to America and were happy. The wonderful orphanage director also spoke. She broke into tears as she explained how the children were her favorites and that she would miss them dearly and that she knew I was a good mother. She was crying too when she told the judge the terrible conditions that the children had come from. They have been in the orphanage for 9 years with only one visit from their paternal grandmother who said she did not want the children.... One of the main focuses the judge took was about my living in the Park Residence. As Park Supt. for the State, I am required to live in the park residence. Which has it's ups and downs but right now it was a HUGE downer for me. She asked what would become of the children if I lost my job because then I would loose my home and she feared the children would be on the streets. It took a long time to convince her that I would always have a home and it would never be a problem to provide for the children because I am extremely qualified in my field and could replace my position in a day! She explained that jobs in Ukraine are difficult to find and if a single mother of three lost her job they would be out on the streets and she did not want to see these children in this position. Idid my best explaining that the park residence is a financial benefit for my position and that I have worked since I was 13 and would ALWAYS be able to find a job. Right now, I was angry at the fact that I worked and lived where I did because the mere fact that my house was part of my job's benefit package seemed to bother her greatly and at this point in the process, I did not want something ridiculous like this to be an obstacle. I shared with her that I had owned several homes and just bought one last year and that it is not a problem for me to buy a home if I chose to or had to. Whew! - the focus on my house FINALLY moved to legitimate areas of concern. Would I welcome the children in my home after they were 18 and would I always do my best to support them etc...etc.... The judge explained that she too was a mother and knew the challenges I would have and that she was concerned first and foremost for the children. I told her we shared that priority. The judge took a 30 min. recess and returned to tell me my request to adopt was granted! The emotions that flooded my heart were undescribably. Except that this was meant to be my path and I was on the right journey - God's journey. I know full well, this is where I am supposed to be going and what I am meant to be doing.
I am awaiting the 10 day appeal period and the children are SO excited they can hardly sit still. I will share a few photos but will update more details once the children and I return.
For those of youwaiting - I know you hear this - but HANG IN THERE. Somewhere in Ukraine, there are wonderful children waiting for you! My children are absolutely perfect and exactly the right match for me and I for them. They think they are so lucky but it is 'I' who is the fortunate one. I am so fortunate to be able to do this and to have such a wonderful opportunity....
Happy Trails... Melinda, Isaak, Rose & Grace and Casey boy, Grizz and Annie cat :)
as my sister shared 'My nest is full' !

Day 22

Hello,
Thank you to everyone who sends comments as it's great to hear from you! I'm not posting daily because nothing is changing. As I posted. We waited 2 weeks to ask for a court date. The small town the orphanage is in only has court on Mondays and Fridays. When we went in last Friday, we were told to come back this Friday and they would assign me a date. I really was hoping to have been assigned a court date last Friday as I haven't heard of others having to wait a week like this and coming back. :( So.... this Friday we have an appt. and I hope to be given a court date for next week. (fingers crossed!)
I switched apartments this morning to one that is more cheery and bright as I've been holed up in a bedroom without windows for 15 days! I'm serious. I couldn't take it any longer. No tv, nothing. I gave the living room and tv to my translator. This apt. has a tv in the living room and bedroom so I'm living in the living room and even though I don't watch much TV can't wait to get home this evening and watch television - we have BBC here so it will be in English! :) I'm also close to Lenin Square and will be able to step out in the evenings for a glass of wine or a snack if I choose to. Where thу last apartment was a mile or more away down dark residential streets that I kept off of after dark.
Took the children to the iceskating rink again this Saturday and they have taken to ice skating like fish take to water. lol They love it. This week, we had gloves on and socks on all of their feet so we were much better prepared. Those of you planning on traveling I haven't seen an MP3 player on the packing lists but will share that I WILL be returning with one on my 2nd trip. I don't listen to them at home nor am I a music fanatic but unless you like loud disco music, I'd recommend one. I'll be loading mine up with classical music so as I ride in the car to/from the orphanage or just walk through the malls or streets, I'll be able to have a peaceful environment of wonderful classical tunes instead of the loud blaring disco music that is everywhere. I'm sure many of you enjoy it but I'm just not into what they call disco and really don't listen to loud music period. lol Other than that and warmer clothes, the packing lists well prepared me. I wouldn't bring all the T.P. again as the TP here is easily available at every store and the brown Ukrainian paper isn't that bad to be honest.
The children are happy to see me each day and I'm unsure who looks forward to the visits most, me or them! :) I'll let you know Friday (let's hope this time!) when my court date is and thus, when I'll be returning home. :)

Treading Water...

Greetings!
I want to thank each of you for the comments and the phone calls - thank you! It appears the court period has 4 'new' days in it so this could be a while... I am going to get out of the city this weekend. Going to have the driver take me to a national park and do some hiking I hope. Also picked up a schedule for the opera/theatre and hope to take in a show now that I am officially just treating water for a while. Nothing more I can do for the time being.
I'll keep you posted!
Happy Trails...
Melinda

Routine Days....

My Petition to Adopt finally made it on the train last night. That's a full 10 days after arriving in Donetsk. Hard to believe but the elections delayed the process. I hope to move forward from here and should begin to see some progress. Thank you for everyone who comments and e-mails. I would recommend to anyone traveling to take a Blackberry! It has been one of the most valuable articles I have brought and am glad to have it. What a difference it has made and seems to work everywhere!
Happy Trails...
Melinda

Tuesday

My days have fallen into the routine of going to the market or store then walking to the internet cafe (maybe 4 miles away?) just for something to do and then grabbing lunch before heading home to visit the children each afternoon. Nothing new to post but I'll be sure to post when I hear of my court date. Thank you for all of your comments and please understand I will post more details when I arrive home. I am keeping this blog as generic as possible but I know some of you enjoy following along so I'll continue to submit where I'm at in the process. Hope you understand.

One Week In Donetsk!

Sorry I haven't posted regularly. My days are full! By the time I send an update to family and friends, I don't seem to make it to the post. The weather is excellent! Although I am the only person outside of a couple of soccer guys in shorts, I am wearing shorts and tshirts every day. I actually wish it was a tad bit cooler. For those of you who haven't traveled yet, i would not overpack - i brought way too many warm clothes - and haven't worn anything but tshirts. You can check the weather before leaving the states for a month and that should help you pack. I hope to know court date today we'll see. Bubby is catching a train back tonight so I'll be flying solo here in Ukraine. The orphanage the children are from is an EXCELLENT facility and at age 8-9 begin teaching the children English. My kids are dying to learn more english and have asked me to buy English Russian Dictionaries so I found one for each of them and they all posed for pictures as they were tickled pink to have their own translation book. We use them often throughout the day! hee hee We laugh a lot and say (okay, i'm going to butcher this spelling because I also butcher the pronounciation) yai nee pai nee maiiyyuu, I do not understand! lol
I took the children ice skating today and they were absolutely THRILLED! They had never skated and were jumping with joy as we were trying to buy tickets and get skates etc... somehow after a few minutes we were able to get skates (that fit!) on everyone and even though they didn't have socks on nor gloves they were grinning and skating away. :) It took the ice groomers arrival to get them off the ice. hee hee Then we went to the amusement park and rode rides. We had the time of our lives. They shared that they had never had pizza so we got pizza for lunch and you should have heard the giggles and seen the blushed cheeks when I told them it was okay to pick the pizza up with our hands and eat it that way! I'm sure the orphanage - and rightly so - has taught them to always eat with silverware. They just kept saying 'thank you momma, very much' all day. We had a bit of time at the end of the day so they asked if we could go 'skiing' again. ;) Off we went to the ice skating rink again and was back out on the ice. This will be a great Saturday afternoon activity for us this winter. The children are extremely polite and well mannered. For those of you wanting only children under 5 or 6, please reconsider. There are STILL so many firsts you can enjoy with these children. This orphanage is full of beautiful, healthy, smart children from 8 - 11. While the girls and I was in the restroom, I squirted soap from the wall dispenser out onto my hand and they could not believe it. They had never seen a soap dispenser nor the paper towel dispenser and were thrilled that they were able to pull out a paper towel for themselves too. They they were looking up into the crack to see where the papertowels came from with their eyes wide open in disbelief! It was great. At the end of the day my oldest translated from the other two that they wanted 'to greatly thank momma'.
Elections were yesterday so I am hoping that today I'll be back on track as the election process dominates the activities and has affected business from last Thursday through today and if the offices and courts are closed again today, we cannot reapproach them until Friday to ask for a court date. I am crossing my fingers for today! Just finished shopping at the market - buying them some socks as they never seem to have socks on then I'm going to shop for some bubble gum as they do not know how to blow bubbles and want to learn. The oldest girl can but the youngest struggles and is going to need a couple of good bubble producing pieces of gum to make any decent attempt. Her gum usually shoots out of her mouth while she is trying so hard. lol
I'll end for now but will post when I can and always enjoy reading your comments. Thank you!

Day 3 in Donetsk

My day started off with a text message from the two oldest children saying good morning! They had their dance recital today and it was an absolute joy to watch these children dance and sing. Yesterday they went to the hospital for their exam, today we were able to get the petition notarized but still waiting for the social worker before we can send the paperwork to kiev. I'm hoping by mon that ill know my court date. Did I share that I was on the local Russian news tonight? Yep! LOL. The tv station came to tape their performance and were interviewing Isaak when he immediately hollered 'Momma' into the audience. I joined him on the set while every 3rd word was either america or momma! :)
Ill keep u posted!
Happy trails
Melinda

visiting the children

Hello everyone! I want to thank all of you who are calling and emailing as it is wonderful hearing from home! The children had to go for their physical at the hospital so I am waiting for them at the orphanage. They made me promise to wait here for them! :). Dima is the little translator as his english is very good. They were beaming when I got here but Dima and Vica had already borrowed a cell phone from a friend to call me to say 'good morning Momma' full of happiness and giggles as they spoke! Lol. It is a gorgeous day here. My brother stayed at the apt to do his laundry as it takes 3 days to dry. :). I knmow I have shared this before but I am SO fortunate!

The three children

Today was absolutely the best day of my life-I met the children! They are more than I could have ever hoped for - it is unbelievable!
I will post pics as soon as I can. This evening we walked to get groceries then to get a sandwich. Today has been a dream an unbelievable dream! What have I done to be so fortunate?! I have and am receiving calls every day from friends touching base and I want you to know how much I appreciate the calls. It is great to have such wonderful support. Did I mention the children are learning english and read almost fluently in english and know the entire alphabet and can count to 30! I was not expecting this - wow! Thanks for the many supportive emails too.

Meet the children tomorrow

Spent today getting aclimated to Donetsk. Exchanged currency, bought groceries, found a great restaurant! And found a curling iron since mine didn't work. The latter proved to be the most difficult. It is warm here. I do NOT need the sweater I packed nor the turtle neck and fleece pants. These took up valuable space and I wish I would have tossed on a few more tshirts instead. Have found that the books could have been left too. I'm sure everyones trip is different but I had read where books were crucial. I am out walking and exploring if not doing business or sleeping and 1 food book would have been adequate. Those of you waiting know that the traffic in kiev, although crowded is nothing to worry about, you will be safe with your driver. Our apt is roomy and clean with wonderful waterpressure. Tomorrow, I meet the children and will post information when I can.
Time goes very FAST over here! Thinl "happy" thoughts for me tomorrow, it is an important day!!

Arrived at Donestk

Hello from Donesk! We survived the train ride and yes, it is cramped quarters and very stuffy but although the bathrooms were not pleasant, I had expected worse. The K
'Swaying' of the train is more like a jerking when you are tryng to sleep lol and after much laughter I think we both managed some sleep. The phone calls have been a wonderful treat! My translator Oksana is excellent and has a wonderful sense of humor. We are checking on the passport situation for this region today.
The commercial district here is actually cleaner and in many ways nicer than Kiev which is a surprise.

Arrived at Donetsk

Train Ride

I'm on the train as I type heading to Donetsk. Yes, the rumors about the restrooms are true. :). Just a short post as I plan on taking advantqe of the swaying of the train to get a good nights sleep!
Goodnight.

Heading to the region/Donetsk on the midnight train well

Leaving on the midnight train tonight. Well not really midnight- 7pm. Its a 12 hour ride to where the orphage is but then again, it seems as though everyones train ride is 12 hours! Enjoyed the open market yesterday taking photos that I think would be good for national geographic - yeah right! Lol. But the vendors, colors, smells and noises are unlike anything you see in the States.we are in the park now ready to spend our last day in kiev before heading out to donetsk!
Think good thoughts.

Heading top the region/Donetsk

Referral to Donetsk

Had an incredibly positive appointment today. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. I have a referal for 3 children.My journey has just begun! Celebrating with a nice glass of Cabernet with a cool breeze blowing through the window. The same comforting breeze that greeted me before my appt as I waited in the shade of a maple outside of the SDA. The sun was shining on the gold trim of St. Andrews cathedral and against the bright blue sky and with the noise of the street vendors and traffic I was able to capture a moment of peace and nature in this city of 4 million. I wonder if I was the only one who felt the refreshing coolness of the breeze....

Appointment went well!

My appt went very well more later!

From Kiev!

We made it! What a journey this has been! Kiev is like no other place I've been. The flight was excellent. Some how I was able to get to an internet cafe get the simms card in my phone get some money exchanged, grab maps - in english all before l left the airport or met my wonderful translator! There has been the normal travel issues of travel, delayed flights, walking in circles lol, electronic problems etc... However, the wonderful bowl of bortsch I enjoyed yesterday and the lights of Independence square last night have washed away the tiredness of the travel.
I must share that Cathy H and the group from Ukrainian Angels have been there IMMEDIATELY when some nuance has surfaced that I needed help with. Those of you waiting to travel know that you are in good hands. My translator Kostya could not be better! The bonus is that besides being professionally competent, I enjoy his company and he has a positive good spirit. Today is my appt. I have butterflies and wish it was this am to avoid this waiting but good things happen to those who wait - right? :)
This is an experience of a lifetime and without a doubt supercedes all of my previous journeys!
Happy trails from a great apt (with hot water, washing machine, drying rack, fridge, microwave etc... In Kiev!
Life is good...

Heading to Chicago

I'll keep this short but I am packed. Into one medium (seems small) duffle bag and my day pack is bursting but sounds like bubby's carry-on is not quite full - yet! :)
Everyone has sent me warm wishes and I must have 1/2 the country 'praying' for me so this has got to be good! :)
I'll post as I can,
Happy Trails,
Melinda

3 days 'til take-off!

Where did yesterday go!?? :) It's 3 days until departure. I have contacted Dr. Yuri who has asked me to call him upon arrival and I'm glad I've arranged for him to travel with me to the region to meet and examine my referral. Right now, I'm running out to the grocery store to get last minute packing items and hope to pack by the end of today. Okay.... so I probably won't be packed but I WILL have a bit more on the pile by today. SO much to do. I need to sit down and pay bills for the next two months and get that out of the way.
It hurts to have these gorgeous fall days and to be indoors rushing around on 'to do lists', but there will be many fall days to come and I feel blessed to be traveling to Ukraine at such a wonderful time of the year - harvest time!

It's Almost Here!

Hard to believe how fast the time has sped by since I learned of my appointment. I'm down to 3 short days here at home and have LOADS to do. Going to begin packing today and making a 'pile' in the spare room. Everything is falling into place and I am enjoying this wonderful fall weather as I near my travel date. This last month has found me backpacking in Montana, hiking into the backcountry cabins of the Porcupine Wilderness Area for a week, a weekend trip to Las Vegas with mom and my sisters and at last, I'm home.
Picking up some anti-biotics at the drugstore this afternoon (check) - just in case I were to come down with something while in Ukraine. I purchased my evacuation insurance this morning (check), filling out bills for the next two months this afternoon (check) etc.... I'm not sure if my list will end but either way, Monday morning will find me saying goodby to Casey dog (he'll miss me if no one else does!), Annie Cat and of course Griz my little scardy cat who doesn't realize how much his little peaceful home is about to change! hee hee
My brother (Bubby) and I have been sharing packing lists and discussing what we'll need while pouring over websites and looking at maps on the internet etc... I'm heading to the store this evening to buy last minute items and some travel food stuff then tomorrow, I'm meeting with Annah - my angel. She is coming over to look at my electronic translator and share some last minute tid-bits about Ukraine and what to expect. I STILL can not believe that I found a Ukrainian lady who speaks fluent English, Ukraine and Russian right here in Henry County! She is an absolute gift and I feel fortunate to have met her.
I'll do my best to post while in Ukraine. Please keep me in your prayers....
Happy Trails...
Melinda

I am SO fortunate!!!

I couldn't believe my ears when the principal from my school district called and shared with me that the music teacher's son had married a lady from Ukraine and that they lived 15 mins. from me and she would like to meet me because she is interested in translating for me when I return home with the children! Someone from Ukraine, within a few miles of my park in Henry County!? How could this be? Well, I met with her this evening. Annah, lives in Geneseo, has been in America for 10 years when she married an American. She speaks fluent Russian, Ukrainian and English. She is an angel. I instantly hit it off with her and enjoyed her company. Annah volunteered to show me how to cook borsch as well as some other Ukrainian staple dishes. We are going to travel to Ukrainian Village in Chicago after Labor Day and shop for some groceries, snacks etc... I am very excited about learning from Annah. She has so much to share and is excited about helping my children make the transition.
What a good day today was! I am blessed.

Plane Tickets!!!

It seems real now that I have purchased our plane tickets! :) We'll depart from Chicago 9/17 and arrive in Kiev the afternoon of the 18th, for my 9/20th appointment. I feel better having a flex day between arrival and my appointment. I booked our return flight for 10/10 and we may return prior to that if all goes well at the appointment.
Have tickets - will travel! :)

Traveling Partner

After a few contacts and updates, I have a traveling partner! My brother Jerry will travel with me to Ukraine. I'm excited to have him along and know we'll have a good time. Due to a longer passport period, I will be making 2 trips to Ukraine instead of the single one for 4 weeks. The first trip should be right around 3 weeks or a little under. Then I'll return home for a week or so and then fly back for 2 weeks. It's looking like my return trip will be by myself.
So much to do and it'll be here before I know it!

Appointment Day

July 5, 2007:

What a good day today is! :) I took my first step to adopt from Ukraine in May 2005. After updating my dossier 3 times - or was that 4!? - waiting out the Ukraine adoption closure, my dossier was accepted by the SDA 5/21/07. Exactly 6 weeks and three days later, July 5th, 2007, I received an e-mail from my translator that I have an appointment! September 20, 2007 will find me at the SDA in Kiev, Ukraine. It is hard to believe the time has come. I have shared the news but am just letting it all soak in this evening. SO much to do! I still don't have anyone who can travel with me. I need to buy tickets, find someone to house/pet sit, learn Russian, etc...etc....