Celebrations

First picture- Vika D.(my future grand daughter), Lena, Mama Laura, Nostya D., Kartya
Picture #2 - Full of life & giggles - Dema and the girls, he is so shy around Dusty and Tina when it comes to the girls, but I remember on our first trip he was always visiting the girls dorm LOL
Picture #3 - Friends- Lena, Kartya, Nostya P., Nostya D. (my future grandadughter)
Picture #4 - Artur teaching Papa Russ how to dance
Picture $5 - Skyping
Picture #6 - Denis proudly wearing his new hat from Mama in America

Today was Nostya D's birthday we had a party with all the gilrs in her group and Eddick, Dema and Artur. Syvette told us last night that birthdays are a huge celebration in the Ukraine. We ordered 10 pizzas, juice and 2 cakes for the celebration. We sang Happy birthday in English and Nostya cried. Lena said, "Thank you mom Nostya is so very happy." These kids are so precious and so little blesses their hearts. All the kids went around the table and took turns sharing something nice about Nostya, she was so touched by their words of kindness. The children have such servants hearts: they set up the tables and chairs, they helped serve the pizza, cake, and drinks, they cleaned up everything afterwards and not one would think about eating even a bite of their pizza before everyone was seated, we prayed and then gave permission to begin. They are all so appreciative of the smallest things. It melts my heart to know birthdays are such a huge celebration in the Ukraine, but this was this little girl's first party ever at the age of 14. She will never have to worry about missing a birthday again, because she has a family coming for her in January who just happens to be my son and his wife. I will then officially be Nostya and Vika's Babushca.Lol Vika says I'm her Babushca (which is grandmother in Russian) but Nostya says I will always be Laura.

After the party we called Russ and Cheri (Nostya and Vika's mama and papa in America)we called them on Skype and did a 3 way conference call with Lillian so she could translate. Nostya said it was the best birthday of her life, she had never had a birthday party before and she said talking to her family was the greatest gift she could have recieved.

When we adopted Ana we bought gifts for Ana to give the girls before she left. Today Lena ask, "Mom, please girls want to know if they can have no gifts for them, but rug for the groupa room." The concrete floors are very cold in their rooms, so tomorrow we are going shopping for rugs. We have permission to do an off site excursion, so we are taking Lena, Eddick, and Dema to the ice hockey ring skating, then we will shop for rugs, then visit McDonalds for dinner. When I told Lena she kept saying over and over, "Thank you mom, thank you girls very happy mom, thank you." The genuine appreciation and thankfulness is so sweet. It means so much to her to be able to do something to help her friends. These kids have big hearts and are willing to give anything they have, so since they have so little materialistically they give their hearts and they serve each other anyway they can. To be able to finally be able to give something tangible to help her friends means so much to Lena.

After the orphanage visit we had dinner and visited with Curtis and Adam and their missionary team. It was wonderful to share about the children with them and fellowship with them and hear about all they are doing. They love the kids and want also to see them find families. They do all they can to try to help make life at the orphanage a little better.

I look at these kids and I always am drawn to their eyes, the eyes are the window to our soul, there is so much that can be seen in someone's eyes. I look at their eyes and I see so much: the longing, the lonliness, the desire to belong and be loved, to be rescued, to be given hope. I wish I could bring them all home. Thank you to all of you who have opened your heart to these kids. God calls us to care for the fatherless. The only hope for these children lies in finding a family willing to share their hearts and family with them.

One of the missionaries shared a story with us about a 5 year old little boy that she loves deeply. She goes to the orphanage to visit him and she holds him on her lap. The orphanage worker gruffly told the little boy, " what are you doing sitting on her lap, you are not a baby you are five, get down, you are not a one year old anymore." Sadly their is no one and there has not been anyone to hold alot of these kids and they long for that physical touch. Their hugs are so full of meaning, emotion and depth. Even the teens hug with this starving desire to be filled. There is no embarassment about snuggling up beside you even by a 14 year old girl, or hugging with a deep embrace even from a 15 year old boy.

I remember so well the joy filled faces of the children who visited America. When we arrived here, some of the children had a vacant look in their eyes, as if hope had been lost, but the joy is being rekindled as the days go by. Smiles are getting broader and eyes are lighting up again.

When we leave I will miss these kids so much. There really isn't enough time to do all we would like to do while we are here. I can't imagine not coming back to the Ukraine orphanages, so I will. LOL David you need to come along, it has been a long time since you have visited the Ukraine.

Love you guys.

Busy Day

It was another busy day in Krivoy Rig, Syvette is amazing, she has worked so very hard to get all of our paperwork completed and we have a court date along with Dusty and Tina on Friday Dec. 10. That is way ahead of schedule. We changed our flights to come home early and booked our flight to return. We will be home Dec. 12th and we leave again on Dec. 18 to bring the children home. We will be flying home Jan. 1 with the children!!!!

Today we visited all the children at the orphanage and gave the gifts that parents sent. We took pictures of everyone for you to see, they were all excited to recieve their gifts it was an early Christmas. Andre was so sweet he loved the hugs and made up quickly with us when he saw us. He looks so cute holding his gift from mama and papa it looks alomost as big as him. He grinned and his eyes sparkled when we handed him the gift and said it was from mama and papa in America. Dema was excited to know his papa and mama would be arriving in the Ukkraine in 5 days, he had a huge smile on his face and started speaking excitedly in Russian. He seems like he has really grown Eric and Cindy are going to have a true farm boy. Andre and Denis are as tiny as ever. LOL Nostya was napping when we went to see her so she was not real excited, we will go back tomorrow to see her again.

Today the children spoke on Skype to Inna,Lillian and the Roses. Tomorrow we are having a birthday party for Nostya with pizza, cake, ice crewm and coaca cola. We are also planning to skype her family, so be by the computer at 10:00 AM Russ and Cheri.

We had to select the children's names today. Eddick desires to be called Erik when he comes to America amd Lena will keep her name. For middle names we chose Lael for Lena and Josiah for Erik.

Sunday we have made plans to take Dema, Eddick and Lena to the ice hockey rink skating then out for dinner.

Monday we have a trip planned to go to the art store with the art teacher from the orphanage to buy supplies for the art program.

We will also be visiting an art exhibit sometime this week with Lena's work on display. It will be a very busy week.

I am posting some pictures and will write again tomorrow. The two girls are the sisters I spoke about in yesterday's blog that need a family. Lindy and Doug this blog is for you I couldn't resist putting multiply pictures of Andre he is such a cutie. Sandi and James Denis is in the yellow shirt. Eric and Cindy Dema has grown and his eyes are sparkling about you coming.

See you all soon. Kids we will be having an early Christmas at the Walk house.

Laughter & Joy

On our last trip to the Ukraine I realized for the first time in life what the American dream truly was, I realized how forunate we are as Americans to have the opportunities we do to be able to dream and have the ability to obtain those dreams if we are willing to work hard enough. Here as in many places hope is often lacking and dreaming is set aside, hard work is not always rewarded and when it is it can be hard to hold onto.

As I am here on my third trip, I yet again learn life lessons that will forever change me and help me to grow more fully into the person God desires for me to be. Yesterday I was tired from the train ride and only three hours sleep as we traveled and the busy day full of high emotions and even though I was up until 4:00 AM I did not sleep soundly when I went to bed. I kept reflecting on the events of the day and God showed me so many things in the faces and eyes of the children and the simple yet profound moments we spent with them. He gave me a glimpse of what true joy is and I realize in the busyness of daily life in America I do not understand the basic simplistic nature of joy and laughter.

When we went to the orphanage yesterday words are not adequate to express the overwelming sense of joy that radiated from the kids, let me make a meager attempt at trying to catch a smidgen of what I am trying to say. Nostya and Vika D. were like two innocent beautiful butterflies freshly set free from the cocoon as they ran ran into our arms. Their faces were shining and their eyes were sparkling and they radiated a joy deeper than I have ever seen in a person. They giggled to their core as I kissed them on the cheek and told them Babushka was here (grandma in Russian, perhaps misspelled). They held onto me like they never wanted to let go, trying to soak in all they could to fill the empty spaces inside of them.

As we sat in a circle in the back of the room with: Eddick, Lena, Artur, Dusty, Tina, Nostya D., Vika S., Vika D., Dema, Russ and I we mostly laughed and giggled at nothing much at all at times. The dark glasses Artur sported seemed funnier than they normally should, the picture books they shared were full of happy reminiscent moments that made us relive them from our time together at camp and laugh and feel good. The girls showed pictures we had given them when we were here adopting Ana and we were amazed how much everyone had grown up in six months time. Moments gone to never be recaptured. Here we were unable to speak each others language fluently communicating on a level deeper than language can penetrate.

The children were given letters from Ana that she had written them and we all giggled and laughed at the innocence of the small items she placed inside each one: her favorite pair of earings for Vika D., a dollar for Lena, A picture of her with Ryan and Haiden for Nostya D. (not sure why she chose that one instead of one with Nostya's future Papa). Then there was the precious letter from Madie, Russ and Cheri's 3 year old daughter who is just learning to draw people, it was a drawing in purple crayon of a person. Nostya D. laughed so hard she was rocking back and forth on her knees as she looked at the picture her future little sister sent her and then at the bottom of the envelope she pulled out two pennies Madie had placed there for her and we all laughed even harder. Nostya wanted to know if the picture was suppose to be her, I can't wait to tell her today that Cheri told me last night that she thinks it is. The picture on this blog is for Madie, your future big sister holding the drawing you made for her.

Two hours flew by as we soaked in the laughter and the joy radiating from the kids in that circle. For a brief time it was like everything else outside that circle was locked far away seperated and unable to touch what was happening. When I spoke to Lillian on Skype last night she shared some insites with me that helped me to realize that our coming here does not just represent the reality that the children are really going to get adopted, it is so much more than that. When they came to America they experienced hope for a future and they committed their lives to Christ and found a Savior. When we came here and they saw us it was so much more than we realized initially- it was a renewal of hope and a reminder of where they found a Savior.

For all of you who are going to have the privilege of sharing your lives with these children and inviting them to be a part of your family, you will be so blessed by them. You are giving them life and in return they will give you life as you may have never known it before.

There are some children here who have innocence and longing in their eyes and others whose light seems to have faded or gone out all together who are hardened in many ways by their circumstances. It is the children who still have that deep longing in their eyes and that innocence that cries save me that melts your heart and you realize.... I need to help rescue this child. Nostya P. the little girl whose picture I posted yesterday with Lena is one of those children. She had her opportunity taken away of coming on the hosting program when not all children were granted paperwork. So, I am asking for all of you who read my blog to do as we did with Ana whom we never met before coming to the Ukraine and ask God to search your heart to see if your family is the family God is calling for Notya P. and her sister Anna. Today I will attempt to get some pictures of the two girls when we go to the orphanage and some further info about them. So if you want to guard your heart.... don't read my next blog posting. Lol

Orphanage Visit

Here are some of our kids!!!! We have not visited the younger children yet or distributed gifts that is tomorrow.
Today was an amazingly busy day full of much excitement.
First the train ride I slept 3 hours, Russ on the other hand finally discovered my Book Nook and after reading for a while he discovered by accident that there was a computerized chess game on it, soooo he stayed up all night on the train playing chess not a wink of sleep. He looked a bit blood shot in the eyes all day as if he had been drinking. LOL
Andre faithfully picked us up at the train station, in fact as we opened the door to our train compartment guess who was standing outside the door waiting to help with our luggage, Andre. He drove us to the apartment where we were greeted by Syvette (Heather we are in the apartment that we used last time). After going over some things with Syvette we got ready to head to the regional SDA. It was not your usaul visit, the directer decided to ask me about a dozen questions about foster care in the US prior to doing our paperwork for Lena and Eddick, but all went well and then we were off to the orphanage to speak with the orphanage director and meet the kids. Again not the usual meeting, we looked at picture books of Ana and discussed how everything was going with Ana. Before Eddick and Lena's name were even mentioned they came bounding through the door and were embracing us in huge hugs. (Now remember officially this is the first we are suppose to meet them, but everyone pretended not to notice.) Lena could hardly sit still she was grinning and winking at me everytime we made eye contact(which was often) and she was sitting on the edge of her seat the whole time with her hands on the edge of her seat ready to jump up when allowed. Eddick just sat there with a huge grin on his face. They reviewed some medical history and then told us how much they did not want Lena to leave that she was their shining star and she had even been on TV doing an interview about orphanage life the evening before, they spoke of her art and the exhibits that were opening in 3 locations in Dec. Lena seemed unmoved by any of this she looked straight ahead and never responded. (Later she shared with me that she had been pulled aside several times by various people and told not to go to America. She told me there were many talks to persuade her to not go. She said, "People tell me no America, (Then she pointed up and said) when I pray, God tell me go to America. I go, I listen to God, not people, no no no and she put her hands over her ears and shook her head no and motioned with her hands as if wiping everything away around her and again pointed up and said, "I listen to God, go to America. I love mama and papa." How absolutely precious!!!
Well back to the interview with the director. There was no sharing of info or background, we were ask if we wanted to adopt the children and they were ask if they wanted to be adopted by us, after all agreed we were dismissed. As soon as we got outside the director's office Lena jumped in my arms and gave me the biggest hug, after that hug I realized she was trying to contain herself in the director's office. She didn't want to let go.
Next we visited their group areas, all the other children were at school and there were no supervisors anywhere so Lena and Eddick gave us the grand tour and explained everything. We sat down then and shared pictures and shared about all that was going on at the orphanage.Lena's English is still limited, but between what she had learned and all her gestures we were able to communicate fairly well. She said Luba has been a good teacher for her.
After about 90 minutes the children were wisk away to write their letters saying they wanted us to adopt them.(Side-note we saw Olya coming back from the hospital and were able to share hugs and talk to her) We left to visit the notary to do paperwork. Syvette worked non stop to get more paperwork done than we had before in several days. She worked straight through traveling from place to place doing all that needed done without a break. (Even though today was the first snow in Krivoy Rig, the roads were snow covered and minus 15 degress celsius outside) By the way there aren't any shovels just brooms and make shift shovels made out of a piece of board.
Syvette told us this evening that she is working to try to get a court date for both of us for Dec. 10th that will be amazing if she can.
In the midst of paperwork Syvette had us dropped off at the Pizza Shop for a late lunch and she kept transporting paperwork and completing whatever was necessary (the limited power of attorney you sign makes this all possible.) She never even stopped to eat. Without her and Sasha we would be lost and getting no where quick, they have been amazing and gone above and beyond their care for us. Father George even called last night while we were on the train to let us know he is following our journey and praying for us and if there is anything at all we need to not hesitate to call him.
We were then picked back up and off to the orphanage. This time we were greeted by a herd of smiling faces and a mounatin of hugs. Russie and Cheri if I were to give a prize for the happiest child.. it would hands down go to Nostya and Vika, they were beside themselves with joy!!!! They loved the cards and Nostya was on her knees laughing as she opened up Madie's card saw the picture and the two pennies. She wants to know if the picture is suppose to be her? All the children were beaming. Joe and Ginger in case you haven't recognized him, Artur is the movie star wearing Kartya's glasses. He would not take them off or his hood. He had a black eye, said he fell. He is as sweet as ever.
Vika S. is her smiling self Mick and Janel and is sooo excited to see you.
We had a great time just sitting in a circle giggling, laughing and sharing. The kids are amazing!!! All the children got out their picture books and we looked at pictures and laughed together. BRING PICTURES OF HOME AND FAMILY WITH YOU THAT IS WHAT THEY WANT MOST BESIDES YOU COMING!!!! (Staurt and Ann the kids value the scrap books you made with them more than you could ever imagine.) Also, bring pictures of your family to share with the orphanage director (be sure no children from the orphanage are in your pictures that you will share with her).
Ana, the orphanage director wants to know what you would like to tell her and she wants me to bring her some pictures of you when we come back for Lena and Eddick.
I wish we could bring all the kids home!!!!
There is one very special girl Nostya Pouplar (not sure of last name spelling) who is exceptinally sweet, she is 12, she has a sister 14 Anna, she very much wants a family. She ask Russ and I to help find her a mama and papa, it broke our hearts. We especially liked her when we were here adopting Ana, but did not get to know her sister then. They are two of the children who could not travel on the hosting program because they would not process all the paperwork for everyone. I posted a picture of her at the top with Lena. She is a real sweetheart if anyone is interested in adopting her and her sister. She lit up like a light bulb and jumped up and down and hugged Lena when Russ told her we would try to help find a family for her, Russ said it was the most excited he has seen any of the children. It gives me a glimpse of how disappointing it must have been for the children they cut from the original hosting list. I still cannot call home hopefully tomorrow the problem with the Internet will be fixed and I will have strong enough service. I love you all!!!!

SDA Referal

Just returned a little while ago from picking up our written referral from the SDA. We are all set to leave in a few hours for the train station and our trip to Krivoy Rig where the orphanage is located. Dusty and Tina were at the orphanage today seeing Dema. Syvette called us and said the kids are so excited they can't wait for us to get there. She said Dema is happy and is attempting do his paperwork saying he wants to be adopted by the Kunsbecks she said it has been an hour and he is still working on it, she said it is difficult for him and he has had to redo somethings. Syvette is not wasting anytime she is planning to get our paperwork done as quickly as possible so she can try to get earlier court dates. Tomorrow we will have pictures to post of the kids!! Van ride today was a little rough without Syvette along the driver was more speedy, whipping back and forth and in and out on bumpy cobblestone roads, if you are prone to motion sickness you may consider bringing Bonine or Dramaamine LOL.I have to pack so I will blog more tomorrow.

Missing Everyone

This post may be short, we are having difficluty with our Internet. The connection is not good, the stick has loose wires so sometimes we get service but slow and other times no service. We are unable to use Skype with it to call home we have only gotten throufgh two phone calls on Skype, one to David and one to Denise> We have been unable to call our children everytime they are available there is no service. So kids Mama and Papa love you, we have not forgotten about you, we just can't get in touch with you right now by phone. When we call we can hear you sometimes, but you cannot hear us. I did get ahold of the verizon company however and they got my international phone working so we can receive emails on it. So email is the best way to communicate right now. We have ask to be permitted to buy a new Internet stick so we have Internet access and we can leave it for the next family coming, we were told once we get to Krivoy Rig which will be tomorrow. Anyone traveling after us I suggest calling your cell phone server and asking what International plans and options they have. We have Verizon and it was easy to have a phone sent to us overnight and it only cost $9.99. Then we added an International package to our plan which was inexpensive and we get unlimited emails for free on the phone, you can text but it is 25 cents per text to send and 5 cents to reciev. If we call anyone with it the cost is $2.89 per minute so that is why Skype is so valuable to have. I highly recommend having Skype set up on your computer before coming and checking with your cell phone provider for options.
Today is a day of Waiting and waiting and waiting some more. Russ will probably sleep most of the day as he was again up all night. I did fall asleep last night, but woke up at 3:30 AM for the day. So far I have read 4 books since leaving home so Book Nook has been a huge blessing for me (be sure you download the books at home before leaving because you can't do that here) Also, don't worry I haven't been reading while Russ is awake unless he is watching a DVD on the computer or reading himself. I have also been working on some homeschool projects for Isaac and some SCI work for our family business, I find it easier to fill the days than Rus he is not doing well being couped up knowing his boys are in the first week of buck season back home. He longs to be there with them and can't belive he is 50 years old and missing the first week of buck season in his life while he is in an apartment in the Ukraine, then he looks at a picture of Lena and Eddick and it is all worth it. Once we get to go to the orphanage that will make things easier. We have had an extra day of waiting this first trip since we traveled a day early with Dusty and Tina, that to was a good choice as we really enjoyed the time together with them. They should be visiting the orphanage in about an hour so check their blog for details about their time there today. I must admit there is a small part of me that is slightly anxious about the fact that we are dependant today on a driver we did not have when we were here before to pick us up and go to the SDA to get our paperwork, we have no way of contacting him if he does not come and then we rely on him again to take us to the train station. Syvette is already in Krivoy Rig and I do not have her phone number to call her and Sasha is in another region assisting another couple with an adoption I do have his number I will call him if the driver does not come. We can do this though on our own we have done it before, as long as he picks us up which I am sure he will. Becky I am not sure if you are following our blog but if you are read the new Karen Kingsbury book Unlocked I thought of us when I read it.
Cindy and Eric we anxiously await your arrival and hope to see you here, probably on Dec. 7 in Krivoy Rig since your SDA Appt is the 5th. Remember the list we went over of suggestions for what to bring, but don't fret like we discussed as long as you have passports and money you can make it without anything else if you have to everything else is a want not a need.
To my children: First know how much Love you all and miss you greatly! Wish we could all be here together. I can feel your prayers and that keeps us connected together through this journey of adding two more precious souls to our family circle.
Russie and Cheri please tell Gracie, Bubba, Laney and Madie that we love them and miss them and give them a big hug and kiss from Grammy and Pappy. We are so very proud of you for being next in the family to follow in this adoption journey and can't wait to see your kids- Nostya and Vika at the orphanage I will tell them their babushca is here and mama and papa will be soon.
Ryan and Ashley please tell Haiden, Riley and Harper we love them and miss them and give them a big hug and kiss from Grammy and Pappy, tell them we will have Christmas when we get home from the Ukraine Grammy got everything ready before I came to the Ukraine: gifts are wrapped, house is decorated all we need is to bake the cookies and cook dinner and Jesus will be waiting for us to celebrate his Birthday with him together.
Heath and Jess thank you from the bottom of our heart for taking care of Ana and loving on her while we are away I know you are taking good care of her and I am not worried at all. Her and Uriah need a big hug and kiis from you for us. Remind them how much we love them and miss them. Tell Ana we saw her basketball game on a video Cheri sent us on the computer and we wish we could have been ther. I have her letters for her friends and teachers ask her if there is anything she wants me to tell them and ask her to pray about a special gift we can get for them and to let me know what she would have wanted when she was here. Please tell Ana I am so very proud of the person she has blossomed into, being here brings back the memories of her when she was here more strongly. Her precious little face with hopeful yet questioning eyes when we met her are now shining with joy and confidence. She has grown so much in character and opened her heart so much to give and recive love. I am most proud of the way she is opening her heart to God and allowing Him to be a part of her life. Please make sure she has her praise and worship music, she loves to listen to it and pray aloud and sing along, it is so touching to see how God is becoming an important part of her life.
Heather I feel so connected to you being here because we walked this path together for Ana I miss you my prayer warrior seeking God's direction and cover together when we were here. I love you sweetie tell Torey he will have to be the one to give you a big hug and kiss from us or maybe Isaac should do that LOL. Lena will be blessed as Ana has to have you as a role model.
And Isaac my baby boy - LOL my not so little boy anymore. I love you and miss you so very much - I am praying that you will come join me on the second trip here to bring the children home I really want to walk this part of my life with you and share it together. I will be waiting for an email from you with your answer and the middle name you have chosen for your new brother Eddick. Your sister and all your brthers need to give you big hugs and kisses from us and if thats not enough Ashley and Jess I know will have some for you.
Well my heart is aching and I am crying now- tears dripping on the computer keyboard. I am always so melted and emotional when I am here away from all those we love and cherish so very much. You are our sunshine and without you the world seems so grey. LOVE YOU!!!!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AND BRING YOUR NEW BROTHER AND SISTER HOME.

SDA Day

Today was a good day. We went to the SDA to identify Lena and Eddick as the children we are here to adopt. Syvette accompanied us. We were ask how many children we had, what we did for a living, and how we met the children and decided to adopt them (right answer hosting program).
It was great to see Syvette again and we really enjoyed the day with her. I was greeted with a huge hug and a beautiful rose as a gift. She explained all the details surounding the turmoil in Krivoy Rig and assured us things have settled as long as everyone does what they are suppose to do and follows the rules. I ask if we would get to see all the children her response was, "Of course Lori you may visit all children. It would be good to visit the different groups." Praise God for that answer to prayer. She was glad that Ana sent letters for her teacher and the children. She gave us updates about the orphanage and the children and all that has happened since we were here in May. She said the orphanage director is anxious to see me and to show us the things the orphanage purchased for the children with the money we left when we were here before. Syvete also said the lady who is in charge of the orphanages in the Krivoy Rig region wants to meet me to thank us for the hosting program we did. She said the children had so many great things to tell about their trip when they returned. These are all good things to build trusting relationships.
Our goal is to do all we can while we are here to create the best relationships possible with everyone involved to help everyone who comes after us. Russ and Cheri they are already talking about , "when your son comes,,,," they are looking forward to you coming.
To Joe and Ginger, Syvette told us that the orphanage director told her that Artur comes in to her office everyday to ask when his family is coming. She ask Syvette if you were here yet she was hoping you were with us, she said, "We need to get Artur's family here." He is such a great young man!
To the McCraken's Syvette will make sure you have opportunity to meet Olya and her siblings and some other children also. If all goes well we should be here with you also for part of your trip.
TO EVERYONE WE NEED TO PRAY!!!! ON DEC. 20TH THE 2ND VOTE WILL BE TAKEN TO STOP INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS. The preliminary vote already passed. If this passes all adoptions except those already complete with court proceedings will be haulted until certain conditions and negotiations are completed between Ukraine and countries desiring to continue adopting from them. Only those who have already had their court date will be permitted to proceed. You can do an Internet search to read more details about this. We are praying it will be tabled until we can all get our kids home then resolved quickly afterwards. The small business tax protests are demanding alot of attention, we are praying they would generate enough attention that the adoptions rulings are tabled. PLEASE PRAY!!!!
It is cold and snowy here we are posting a picture of the 4 of us outside a very good Ukrainian restaurant where we took Syvette for dinner. It was good to get out of the apartment for awhile, Russ is stir crazy missing the first days of buck season. I feel like celebrating Christmas with the snowy weather.
Dusty and Tina leave by overnight train tonight with Syvette to travel to the Krivoy Rig region where the orphanage is located. We will go back to the SDA tomorrow to get our referals and then take the train tomorrow night. Since we have done this before, the driver will drop us off at the SDA and we will get our referal paperwork ourselves then meet Syvette in Krivoy Rig.We will take lots of pictures and videos of the kids to share with you. Please email us if you hosted a child so we have your email address to respond with info about your child. Natalya and Boyers please email us I don't have your adress with me and we have updates on your children.
I am struggling to keep my eyes open, Russ and I have fallen asleep at sunrise the last two days. So I will close for now.
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