Thank you for all of your sweet comments and continued prayers. We feel so blessed to have you all sharing this journey with us!
Yesterday was National Women's Day. I think we've discussed it in previous posts, but it is like Mother's Day to the extreme. All women are celebrated with flowers and candy. Even our driver, Simone, had a flower for both Oksana and me. The greatest part to me was that I received my first refrigerator art from my boy. His class had a party and they made these flowers and he gave it to me when we arrived. He was so excited and I was too. I am sure there are many masterpieces to come, but this was the first and so special.
We continue to visit with our boy twice a day. What a bundle of energy! We kick the ball, slide down the slide, swing, dig in the sand, throw sticks, pick berries and all things boy. We are loving this time to focus on him. Today he was so sweet - we were outside walking around the orphanage and passed another caregiver with a group of children. He ran up to her and (in Ukrainian) told her, 'Look - parents came for me!' Oksana said they told her that he has been waiting a long time for parents to come. We were waiting for him too. All in God's perfect timing!
We are looking ahead to our court hearing tomorrow. It is at 10:30am (which is 4:30a in Louisville). We would appreciate your prayers that it will all go smoothly. Our paperwork is in order (our driver met the bus from Kiev at 3:30am this morning to get the last piece) and we are ready to go. We will formally request to adopt this sweet little guy, change his name (to be revealed soon!), and change his birth certificate to have us listed as the parents.
After the hearing and decision, then we have a 10 day waiting period. Due to the 10th day falling on a weekend and they don't issue birth certificates on Monday, it's actually going to be a 2 week waiting period for us. That's OK - more time to play and bond with him! So, 2 weeks after court we will go get his new birth certificate and then we are allowed to pick him up - he's ours!! A new Karlen is born! Then we can finally share pictures with you. Don't worry - we are taking a lot!
Oksana is going home to see her family for our waiting period (which we fully support) and we will be on our own! (with her available by cell phone) We are learning the necessary Ukrainian phrases to get us through while she is gone. You guys would be so impressed. Pretty soon I will be bilingual (not!). So for now we say Dobre Noche and Dzafstra! (spelling doesn't count - that means Good Night and see you tomorrow!)
8 comments:
I love the refrigerator art work. It will be a treasure for years to come. I also think you need to celebrate Women's day every year. 2 Mother's day celebration. I'll try to wake up to say an extra prayer but will also say one before going to bed. Not much longer and you will all be a family. Can't wait for a family picture.
Great to hear you are about to officially have a new little Karlen! I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow morning.
Things are getting exciting.....
Looking forward to the big day!
Sounds like things are moving right along. Doesn't sound like there is much resistance just a lot of down time. Hurry and get home!
Praying and can't wait to hear how court went today. What a beautiful flower that you will always treasure.
It seems like all that little guy wants to do is be with you, please you and continue to grow in loving you both as his parents. Praying for the final decision by the court.
You both make the best of everything and can see your faith growing. There is no better way!
Can't wait to see a picture of him and altogether as a family. He has no idea of the love and nurture he will be receiving from the both of you.
Have you tried the game,paper, scissors, rock? I bet he would love it.
We want to make a special trip once you are settled and give your family a BIG hug and meet this special little one of yours to be.
Prayers & love,
Kelly,
I am so happy for you.
I cannot wait till you get to come home with your new Son.
We will have the winery open by then, so good times to come there too.
Motherhood can be such a wonderful experience, so treasure every moment.
Love
Rosie
Is it official?? I've been waking up in the middle of the night the past two nights thinking about you!
It's sooo exciting. I've been praying that everything will go smooth in court and you'll have an uneventful trip home! Can't wait to meet your little guy!
This is such a great way to begin a family and what an adventure. It is wonderful that your getting such a feeling for your child's country and culture. I can't wait to see your precious little guy. I can tell the new family is bonding just as God has planned. I am impressed with his willingness to reach out to his new family so quickly. I guess you two are pretty loveable. I agree with the lady who said you two are brave.Eating that chicken and the raw fish shows some intestinal fortitude or guts. May God bless you both and keep you safe. Love, Sandy and Dennis
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