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' !