Meeting A & N

This morning, we went to the inspector’s office and picked her up about 9:00. We went to the orphanage from there. The orphanage is very clean and well organized. We waited outside the director’s office for a little while. As we were waiting, a friend walked up. We got to say hello and hug her neck. We talked with her shortly. The orphanage lawyer walked up and we chatted with her for a little while. We were then brought into the director’s office. We were introduced and we sat down. I was very nervous but tried to seem at ease and happy! Shortly, in came N and A!! It brought me to tears to see them! They came in and stood in front of the director’s desk, but looked back at us. A shot one of his classic smiles- warmed my heart. N was very shy and didn’t interact much. We were told we could come tell them hello. The boys ran up to A and gave him big hugs and even hugged N. David and I gave them both hugs.

They talked with the kids a little then A and N both came and sat with us. We showed them some family pictures. A recognized a lot of the pictures and commented on them. N asked a few questions, but was very shy and quiet. The inspector and director then called N over to sit at the director’s desk and began intently talking with her while we were with A. We were realizing that she was very hesitant. This lasted for about 10 minutes then they then dismissed the children. The inspector then talked with us. She said that N is not sure she wants us to adopt her; she would like to spend some time with us away from the orphanage- would we like this? Of course!! So, we were given permission to take N and A away for awhile. The inspector and the director were being very encouraging. Praise God!

As we were waiting for them, we saw kids we knew. Hugs all around! It was great to see them. A came out first and we waited on N. She was being shy and hesitant. One of her friends came out to see us and tried to convince her to come. N saw the inspector again and told her that she and A had already made up their mind that they wanted to us to adopt them. The inspector was happy and said it needed to be said in front of the director, but later. So, she came up. She had changed clothes. David and I gave her a big hug and we all left the orphanage and went to a mall named “The Equator“. This is a very nice mall with an arcade and ice skating rink. On the ride to the mall, Zhenia translated for us. David and I talked with N, asking her questions about herself and she asking us questions.


At the Equator, we went first to the arcade. All 4 played so many games. We helped them and played with them, too. We then went ice skating. I skated with all of the kids while David took pictures. It was a lot of fun. A quit shortly after starting, I don’t think he liked it. I skated with the other 3, as did Zhenia. N skated with me and raced with me. It was while we were skating that our family grew for certain. N went up to Zhenia and told him to tell us that she wanted to be adopted by us. He told her to tell us, but she said she couldn’t speak English and she wanted him to tell us. So, he told each of us separately. When he told me, he was with N. She watched my reaction. I winked and smiled at her, then teared up. Awesome!

We then went to get a drink and some dessert. The boys sat at a table with A and N. N helped them with their drinks. Afterwards, we went to a large market at the mall and bought some candy for her friends. On the way over, we stopped and looked at jewelry. She likes jewelry. We bought A and N candies for their friends.

So, we started back to the orphange with the kids. Once there, we hung out together in the lobby area and played around with them while Zhenia ran around on paperwork. We left quickly, as we had to get to the notary. We hugged N and A good-bye and told them we would see them tomorrow. After the notary, Zhenia told us that the orphanage had completed all of the necessary paperwork on their end. In one day- again Praise be to God! There is a holiday on Friday and Monday, which will slow us down a little. But we are hoping to have court in 2 weeks and be finished in Poltava around the end of May. Then off to Kiev and home between the 10th and the 16th of June!

All in all, an exciting and exhilarating day! I have learned that God’s timing is perfect and I acknowledge His sovereignty. I have also learned that being Mommy and Daddy to 4 kids is going to keep us hopping! God is in control and I don’t have to be- so happy to keep learning this.