Day 14

Today (Wed) is the 14 day mark in Ukraine. And praise be to God! Zhenia was able to get the signed document we needed from A & N grandfather!

We brought the children here to the flat today. It's where they wanted to go. A great day! Natasha wanted to look at her clothes we brought and then wanted to take a bath. The joy in her face was priceless. We then fixed her hair. (like I know what I am doing...ha) Anyway, I then fixed supper- potatoes for A, chicken for N, cucumbers, tomatoes, bread and cheese. N helped me prepare the potatoes. It was fun with her in the kitchen. All 4 were around me as I cooked. Wow-alot of dodging but felt good! Then A wanted a shower. So, I helped him with that. He really enjoyed it. Afterwards we just hung out. All afternoon, N & A played with Jacob and Caleb. It was so nice to see them interacting and being kids together. Had to take them back too quickly.

On the way home we had to go for towels. We don't have enough of them!!! Then home we went. At home, Zhenia called the inspector and we have our appt with the asst mayor on Friday at 9:00am!!!! After that, we will request a court date for the following Thursday. Please pray with us that we will be allowed to have court on Thurs the 14th.

David is 40 today!

Today was an interesting day. Zhenia left the flat around 7:30 to start on his day of running around getting papers completed. We layed around the flat all morning. For David's big day, he wanted bread, butter and bologna with tea and a boiled egg. So....that was breakfast. We then got dressed. Our friend who just left this area told of a market and some other stores close by. So, me and the boys went exploring. There is a bazaar, a fruit stand, a bread store and a nice market within short walking distance. We came back and got David so he could go with us to see it.

Zhenia then called. There is a snag. A & N have grandparents (which we knew) that are very happy we are adopting them. However, the grandfather wants to meet our family and appear in court and tell the judge that he is for this adoption. This is great, however, it causes a big time delay- as now the inspector says it must be done. She wants a written document from the grandfather before she will complete her paperwork. So, we are all figuring out how this will work. It ends up that Zhenia is heading to Kiev tonight by train to pick up this document which the grandfather is happy to send there so that the inspector will have it. We must have the inspector's signature before we can sit before the assistant mayor and before we can get the court date assigned. Then the grandfather and the grandmother will come to Poltava this Sunday and we will meet them and get to know them. This accomplishes both tasks with only a minimal delay. We are very pleased to meet them, we just do not want the time delay.

For David's birthday, Zhenia took us to this delicious bakery for cake and ice cream. It was a very nice and special treat. We all sang happy birthday to David. A & N were very shy and didn't sing, but laughed and thought it was fun. We then took Zhenia to the train station and then took the children back to the internat. It was a short time with them today, but the time with them was good.

As I was fretting over the time delay earlier today, God brought Prov 3:5-6 to mind: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. I was wondering how to fix this situation and this kept coming into my head. It is good that we will meet their grandparents. It is wonderful that they are happy we are adopting A & N. I don't have to understand it all, but only trust in the Lord and He will work all things out according to His will.

Please continue to pray with us that the asst mayor will have an appointment open for us this Thursday or Friday. This will allow us to set up our court date for next week.

Consent papers completed

Today, Zhenia was back with us. And, today, A & N wrote a letter consenting to our adoption of them. They both had to write this letter. It makes no sense to us that a 7 year old child must give his consent to be adopted. For that matter, that an 11 year old is able to make that decision. But, this is life in Ukraine, and we must follow their rules. All glory to God that they willingly and joyfully wrote these letters!

The children had school today, so we didn't get to see them until after 2:00. When we drove up we sat in the car for a short time. I then see N. She comes running up to the car with a big smile on her face and goes inside the internat. This makes us so happy to see her joy. We go inside and get both A & N. She has changed clothes from just a few minutes ago. She has been wearing the same outfit everyday. I think it is her best clothes. Zhenia leaves us to do paperwork and we walk to the park with the kids.

On the way over, we stop to make dandelion crowns. All of the children get into this, with N teaching Jacob how to do it and Caleb and A gathering flowers. It was a sweet time. Zhenia calles us after about an hour and we meet him at the park and then head over to McD. We had promised N that we would take her today.

At McD, the little ones get happy meals and N gets a large size of what she would like. After she is done with that, she wants more and A wants more fries. We then sit and talk a little through Zhenia. It is good to have him here to communicate things we have all been wanting to say, but are unable to. Afterwards, we all head to the park. N and I take a short walk together and the boys play ball. Then David takes A & N to get some chocolate and I stay behind with the boys. We then walk back to the internat. A is upset tonight and starts to cry as we leave him. We keep telling them soon. They are asking Zhenia when it will be over. It is hard for them and us.

I have been having a hard time with some aspects of getting to know N and helping to make her comfortable. As I was winding down tonight, I asked God to help me understand. He brought to my mind that He woos us to Him. Wow! How true. Jeremiah 31:3 says " ....I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you." As we must come to understand and realize that God loved us first and He draws us to Him, A & N must learn that we love them and we must help them to understand and trust in our love for them.

Tomorrow, Zhenia is off and running doing paperwork. Our prayer is that everyone gets their papers signed and completed in the next couple of days, so that we may request a court date this week. We are hoping to have our court date next week.

Sunday in Poltava

Today is Sunday. We went to the internat about 12:00. We went in a back door which led to the dining area. It smelled good in there, we thought! We went into an office and asked for A & N. They knew we were coming. It took an especially long time for them to come. In the mean time, they had a TV on with a comedy in russian. This kept the boys somewhat occupied. There were kids all around doing chores. As were in sitting in this office waiting, a few older girls at a time would come in and look through alot of hair accessories that had been dumped on a couch. They seemed to have a good relationship with the adult in the room and looked quite happy. I don't know if this was a reward of some type of if this happens all of the time. But the girls had fun choosing some headbands or hair clips.

Once A & N came in we walked outside through the back door. This led to an outside area where other children were hanging out or playing ball of some sort. Rap music was playing in the background. I couldn't tell where it was coming from. We all walked to the park that is nearby. Our walk over started quietly and I could feel tension in the air. On the way over, N called out to A and then started rubbing his back talking to him. He was pulling away. Apparently there was an argument of some type going on. Once we got to the park, we played a little. Then A pulled away. N tried to talk with him, then David and I went over. A was very upset, but we couldn't tell what was going on. He finally got up and was fine. I have no idea what it was about- so frustrating!!!

Both A & N seemed tired and didn't feel like playing or walking. So, we decided to take them to our flat. We called Vova and away we went. Once here, they checked it out and looked at all of the boys' toys and gadgets. Then David started a movie that is in russian he picked up a few years back. At this point, I realize I don't see Caleb. I find him upset in the bedroom. I take him into another room. He is very upset about alot of things. After about 45 minutes or so, he calms down and we join everyone else. Please pray for their hearts. It is hard sharing Mom and Dad when you have never had to.

We have a snack and head to the market for a few things. The few things turn into a little fiesta. We come back to the flat and eat some more. A & N really enjoy food! They are asking questions like "When America?" and "No internat" and point to stay at the flat. We tell them soon.... We then head to the park. At the park we walk and play with a soccer ball and just sit and relax. The kids are tired and so are we. We head back to the internat. Once at the internat, we sit around a little in the lobby area again. N has asked about 5 times if tomorrow is the day they sign the documents with the lawyer there. (these are the consent to adopt documents). We tell her yes and she makes sure A knows this. At about 7:00, A needs to get back so he can go to sleep! We give and receive hugs from everyone and let them know we will be back tomorrow. They tell us they want us to come as soon as school is over. We tell them we will try.

Back at the flat, we try to give Caleb and Jacob some needed attention. We ask them what they would like to do with just Mom and Dad this week, if we have the time. They both want to ice skate with us. So, we tell them we will. This makes them happy. It ends up being a sweet night with them.

This is what is about. Splitting our time and making sure that all 4 children know we love them and care for them, that they know we will never leave them and that no one will ever replace them in our lives and in our hearts. I believe God is molding us, making us more like Christ in every circumstance. He helps me to really understand at a deeper level everyday, that we have been fought for and paid for through the blood of Christ. That just as all of our children want more of us, we should want more of Him. He is using our children to help me see the love that He has for us. How I want each of my children to understand the depth of my love for them and to know that nothing will ever change that. And that nothing that comes about will ever change how I feel. Thank you, God, for your sacrifice, for your love, for your grace and your mercy!

Saturday in Poltava

Preveyet! We were on our own today. This morning we slept in until 9:00. We had gone shopping last night for a few staples, so I made scrambled eggs for breakfast. Tasted good! We took our time this morning. Our wonderful driver, Vova, called us at 12:00 and said he was here to take us to the internat. So, off we went. Vova is a great help. We make arrangements with him the day before and he is always available to us when we need him. He is great with all of the kids and very nice and polite. I recommend him to anyone coming to Poltava. May not be the cheapest, but always on time and is a fantastic guy.

We arrived at the internat and asked for N and A. You could tell they were expecting us. Remember, we do not have an interpreter today, so language is going to be difficult all day. After awhile, N is escourted in with a teacher. We say a quick hello and she goes off to get A. When they come back, it's hugs all around and we get in the car with Vova. Off to the Equator mall.

On the ride over, both A & N are quiet. They both say they are OK, but they weren't talking much. Once we got to the mall, N & I went ice skating. N got into it and the ice broke. I think she was hesitant today because she didn't have a way to communicate with us. She asked Zhenia yesterday how we were going to talk. We all kept trying to communicate with them between the few words we know and sign language and finally- it just happened. Between grunts, words and signs, we got our points across. By the end of the day, N was making attempts to try new words and helping us figure out what she wanted to say. I now understand much better how frustrated the kids must feel at times when they come over for hosting.

Anyway, after skating, we went to the arcade. We told them 2 games each. They didn't like it much, but all went well. We then went to get a drink and a piece of cake. N & A really started warming up at this point. We were playing around and joking. So, we then went looking around the mall. I don't know if this was really a good idea or not. It allowed us to just be with them and get to know them better, but it had us saying "not now" or "later" alot. But, in this, we were able to say that when we get home to America, we would go shopping for things. I guess I better get ready for a girl who likes clothes and make-up. Boys just want sticks, rocks, and the occassional spy gear. As we were leaving, N asked when we were going home to America. Tomorrow?? Soon.....

We left the mall and headed to McDonald's. N had never been to McDonald's. We knew A had been before. She was greatly excited about this. Happy Meals for all 4. They were giving out balloons, too! It was awesome to see their smiling faces, especially N, as she experienced McD- something we all take for granted. We can't wait to open up their worlds and help them grow into the young girl and boy God has planned for them!

We left McD headed for the park near the internat. On the the ride over, N was tired. She layed her head on my shoulder and napped. I was in heaven! As she napped, I watched her. Tears of thankfulness and joy came. Who would have thought that I would be adopting 2 more children! God is so faithful.

We played around in the park for about an hour- playing games on the phones, kicking balls and talking. It was then time to take them back to the internat. Sad faces all around. We walked slowly back. Laughing and enjoying the time. Once in the internat, we sat around in the lobby area. It was then time for them to go. We all hugged N & A and told them we would see them tomorrow. One day, one day soon, we will not have to leave our children at that internat....

Day 2 with the children

We have not had consistently working internet since we arrived in Poltava. The earlier post was written in draft yesterday and posted today. We now have internet (Yeah!!!) and are doing well.

We went this afternoon to the orphanage to visit with A & N about 11:30. We went to an office and they called them into us. After a short time, they came in. It was awesome to see them again. We hung out outside while Zhenia and David talked with a teacher they know. I walked around with the kids. We then went to the park. Today is their Labor Day. The park was very busy. They were selling foods, drinks, little toys and clowns and other characters were walking around. The kids rode a few rides and we had a few snacks. Zhenia and David left to go check on internet, so I was alone with my 4 children for about an hour. This was very difficult, but good. I love hearing A call me Mom and N say my name. Just little things she did today showed me that she is warming up to us.

Zhenia and David came back and we sat and chatted a little. N had many questions for me and David. It was great to talk with her and answer her questions. It is showing us that she is really thinking about things and preparing herself to come home with us. The boys kept A busy with rocks, sticks, running and jumping.

I really enjoy hanging out with them both, but so wish we could communicate better. It's so frustrating. If you are coming soon for an older child, try to learn as much functional russian as possible.

We all went for pizza after the park. Then back to the orphange they went. I can't wait for the day they just come home with us!! We walked to it in the rain- a light rain. We hugged them bye and told them we would see them tomorrow. Zhenia has left us to go to Kiev and see his wife and son. We have a faithful driver who will help us get around. Our plans are to visit the children this weekend. The boys are watching a movie after their shower and we plan to kick back. We covet your prayers as this process continues. Monday, N and A must write their consent to allow us to adopt them. Pray this happens without problems. We also need the inspector to finish her paperwork quickly this coming week in order to be granted a court date.

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.