JUST HANGING OUT!!!
Around 2pm we receive a phone call.
The judge has signed the decree, there are no mistakes & we can leave for Kiev.
There is much jumping for joy & happy squeals.
Friends - Alena , Kirill & Caleb
Kirill's papa will be back in a few days but it is still hard to see friends leave.
Jeff leaves with Sergei to meet Victor to get new birth certificates.
The children & I are off to Kiev.
Riding the bus to Kiev.
First time on a subway. When we start to go fast Alena grabs my arm & Caleb says "Wow!"
We stop at McDonald's in the underground mall & splurge on Happy Meals because today is definitely a celebration.
Back at the apartment something new - games on the cell phones. This is going to be an obsession - let the real parenting begin.
Katelyn is thrilled to have her sister & brother here to play with.
Alena writes in her new notebook over & over the word family.
New pajamas, popcorn & a movie before bed.
Today, Saturday we received the children's new birth certificates and on Monday Victor will apply for their tax ID numbers. After these two things are completed we can then apply for the children's new passports. After receiving the passports the final step is meeting with the US embassy, twice. The first appointment is to obtain the children's Visas and at the second appointment the children will receive medical checks. We then get to go home! Hip Hip Hurray!! These final couple steps will take a good two weeks. As of right now we are scheduled to arrive home at 12:25pm on Wednesday, June 22nd.
Congratulations! We had heard the news from Kirill that Alena and Caleb left for Kyiv on Friday. So glad it worked out and you didn't have to wait until Monday. When we call Kirill he immediately tells us the # of days he thinks he has until Kyiv. Unfortunately his # is the # of days until Papa gets back to Kyiv not the # of days until he goes to Kyiv. Thanks for giving Kirill treats and hugs for me. Cute picture of the three of them on your blog.
ReplyDelete"Why doesn't anybody want you?" I left COCH on Friday May 20 with tears in my eyes (and now) because of those I had to leave. I wanted to put several kids "in my pocket" and bring them with me. It absolutely breaks my heart to leave anyone there, and it has nothing to do with the orphanage but has everything to do with the fact that kids belong with families. I weep for them and pray for them, especially the sibling groups that take more commitment due to numbers. I wish I had the ability to empty the orphanage. -Bruce B
ReplyDeleteThis is such an exciting time for all of you! We know you have seen the Lord's faithfulness and goodness to you. He never changes! When you return home His faithfulness to you and grace will be with you as you settle in with your precious children. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey through your blog. I have been blessed by it! We will continue to keep you in our prayers.
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