After a 40 hour trip, Daron is home safe and sound. He had a wonderful reunion with our natural born kids. Even the standing water in the basement didn't dampen the joy of being home...much. Huge thanks to Steve, John and George for keeping their "fingers in the dike" and helping to clean the mess. This whole adoption process has helped us see what great friends we have. Whether mopping our basesment, or being great to our natural born kids while we were away, or helping in a thousand other tangible ways, you all are awesome.
Susan will be visiting Z again tomorrow. She is four hours away from our home base. So, pray for safe travel. The last time we drove there was on a bumpy, icy road... in the snow and fog...at about 80mph... in the dark... while the driver was watching TV (no lie). When we we pray for "straight paths" we are being very literal. Also pray for more good bonding between Susan and Z. We've had a very good start with her, but she is young and doesn't fully grasp she'll be leaving soon to head to a country with a woman she's just met and a brother she barely remembers. These kids have to be so brave in so many ways.
If all goes as planned, the court decision will be final and effective on Feb. 6th. and Susan can return to with the kids about a week later. We will be so thrilled to finally have the whole family together for the first time.
Our hotel 'home base' near P's boarding school is somewhat of a bed and breakfast atmosphere with community meals, and a common area where we can gather with the other guests. The staff has gone out of their way to offer their very best. An Italian family, also adopting, has been staying with us at the same hotel. Ironic, given our history with Oleg...but healthy. They are wonderful people who clearly love their prospective child...they also make some fine pasta..."best ever". Despite the language barriers, the shared adoption experiences and the natural hospitality of our Ukrainian hosts provides a context for some real camaraderie between everyone...although we're not quite sure if Daron's Karaoke performance helped or hindered international relations. In any case, we Americans can learn a lot about the value of conversation during long, lingering meals. A sincere toast between friends is beautiful...and Ukraine is gifted with a lot of this type of beauty.
We'll be able to post pictures of the kids after Feb.6th. We want to make sure we respect protocol.
Hang in there.... They're coming.
4 comments:
Yeah! I was happy to see an update this morning (I'm still checking every day.) I glad to hear Daron made it home safely. I've been praying that your visit with Z went well and that the director is preparing her to leave the orphanage. It was great to talk to you the other day (even with the delay:) hang in there, your almost done (well at least with this leg of the journey). We'll continue to pray for you & Jamie while you are waiting to bring your children home. Can't wait for the day that your blog say "WE ARE HOME"
"Seek the Lord while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near. "
Isaiah 55:6, NLT
We'll continue praying! I don't miss the crazy taxi rides through the countryside. We were in the city so we just had to deal with the bumper to bumper traffic. Hang in there kids - you will be home soon!
We are praying for you and are so excited to meet your new family members. Continued safe travels!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN!!!!!!!!
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