Alena Joy Dillner & Caleb James Dillner
Our day began earlier than usual which means we hit Monday rush hour. The temperature has been, and will be today, in the mid 80's and humid. We quickly realized that we did not really know how many people can actually be packed on a bus until this morning. To say it was hot is an understatement. After we arrived at the orphanage we helped get the children ready and then we were off. There was an accident that was causing major delays, so we took the back roads. It gave us a nice chance to see the countryside and non-city neighborhoods.
It was a bit of a drive to the courthouse & Caleb fell asleep with his sister holding him.
Once we arrived at the courthouse we signed more papers and waited to be called in to see the judge.
As soon as Katelyn & Alena saw that the courthouse was pink - they knew it was going to go well.
The wait can be anywhere from 2 - 5 hours, even when you have an appointment. For us it was less than an hour before we were called into the judge's office. She asked us some questions and then she spoke separately to both Alena and Caleb. The judge was so caring and compassionate and very kind when speaking with the children. After speaking with the children things went very quickly and she declared right away that the adoption was approved and final.
Caleb & Alena with the judge.
After court with Victor, our lawyer & Natasha, representative from the orphanage.
We are filled with much joy to have our family complete after nearly a year long process. We are looking forward to when we can be home with everyone together.
After court.
Some very happy kids on the ride back to the orphanage.
When we arrived back at the orphanage we enjoyed the priviledge of being able to take our children from the orphanage and walk to the store to buy an ice cream treat. We are allowed to do this now that we are their parents. How wonderful it felt to be able to take our children for ice cream and a walk as a family.
We now, by law, must wait 10 days until the decree is signed and then the children will move into our apartment in Kiev. We are counting the days with great anticipation.
His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5
So happy for you guys! Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! We look forward to seeing the newest Dillner children at the orphange on Tuesday. Glad to hear you didn't have to wait to long at the courthouse.
ReplyDeleteThe Landrys
Congratulations to you both!!!! What a beautiful picture of God's love to us in Christ. We will pray your return home will be soon!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Fond memories of the pinkish/purpleish courthouse. I'm glad things went well for you. Take time to celebrate and enjoy with your children. You will have a lot of fun now, some waiting, but lots to look forward to and it will be great when you have the kids with you at your apartment. Chris
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all of you. So happy for you. Happy Birthday Rebecca! Praying all goes well now with the final stage of the process.--Nellie
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord! Congratulations Dilner family!
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty courthouse. LOL.
ReplyDeleteJulia
Hallelujah!! I've thought of you all often and have been praying for you! Praise God they are your children legally now! as they have been in your hearts for this long year! I've tried skype several times, but I'm quite the novice and I don't think we've been on at the same times. We'll miss you at family camp! But look forward to next year and having Caleb and Alena there too!!!!! :)
ReplyDelete