Arrived in Lugansk region

Praise God that a big frustration that we have had is resolved: our ATM card is now working. It turns out that it had been unblocked for use in Ukraine, but then the block automatically kicked back on when we used an Indiana ATM after the system thought we were already abroad.

The air conditioner was broken on the night train so we left the door open all night but were able to sleep OK considering. Tomorrow's forecast is 42 degrees C or 108 F. We are swigging water nonstop, but we love being here.

We arrived around 10 a.m. and were met by a driver who took us about an hour outside of Lugansk. We picked up the children's very nice social worker and went to visit both of them (separately). We then checked into a hotel and had a much-needed shower and 3 p.m. lunch. (This is the second time this trip that we skipped supper and breakfast; not too smart, but it's been a real whirlwind.)

We have a critical interview late this afternoon and are just taking a break in our room before that, so please pray.

SDA Appointment

After all our walking yesterday, we slept pretty well last night. We both woke up feeling peaceful about the appointment. We know how many of you are praying for us.

We arrived at the office with plenty of time before our appointment and waited our turn with our facilitator. Again, we felt a lot of peace and confidence that God was directing our steps.

We were ushered into an office at about 10:20. The social worker who met with us started with a few interview questions. The basic questions are usually: Why do you wish to adopt and why adopt from Ukraine? Our facilitator made sure to bring out Stan's mom's Ukrainian heritage. He talked about growing up with his favorite Ukrainian foods and hoping in the future to visit areas where his mother's family roots are.

As soon as we answered a few questions, our social worker began scurrying about, pulling binders off shelves and calling orphanages. Soon she was pulling out a few files on kids, mostly single girls. They explained there weren't many sibling groups available in the age range we were requesting. They finally found an 8 year old boy with a 6 year old sister. They both are listed with minor health conditions, located in the Lugansk region. There may be a couple of bureaucratic obstacles to adoption. After asking a few more questions, we both felt it was clear that the right decision was to request a referral to visit these two kids. We are expecting to pick up referral papers tomorrow afternoon and travel overnight to Lugansk. This region is in the far eastern area of the country, right next to Russia.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers. We truly sense God's initiative in every step of this journey. We are convinced that if these are the kids He wants for us, he'll open up the doors to make it happen. We wait in peaceful expectancy to see what He has next for us.

Getting dressed up for our appointment. It was still so warm, we decided Stan could go without the jacket!

A little Mary Kay as a final touch.

Outside the door to the State Department for Adoption office.

While we were waiting, our facilitator explained the statue that was located in front of the building. The characters are from a famous Ukrainian comedy called Chasing Two Rabbits. A nearly bankrupt young man starts courting a rich, homely looking girl. At the same time he is falling in love with a beautiful poor girl. The last scene of the comedy takes place on the steps of St Andrews Cathedral, located right next to the government offices.

As we were standing there we noticed Ukrainians coming by to take pictures with the statue or rub certain parts of it for luck.

Stan in front of St Andrews

Getting in on the action

Day with the Blakers

This morning we got up early to meet up with the Blakers. We went to church with them in the morning, then had lunch at their apartment before heading out for an afternoon exploring Kiev. Again, I'll let the photos tell the story. I'm heading to bed now and will add some commentary tomorrow.




This picture was inspired by the infamous youtube posting of the President of Ukraine. We found the place where it was filmed and Stan took a ceremonial bow.

In Kiev

We've made it from Syracuse, Indiana to Kiev, Ukraine. I'll let the photos tell the story.

All packed up and ready to go.

Ready to take off from O'Hare. Julie's parents drove us to Chicago and we stopped in at our favorite Persian restaurant for lunch before we hit the airport.


Switching flights in Germany. During our two hour layover we played a new game Stan brought along: Roll Through the Ages. It made the wait go so fast. For you northern Morocco people: we got coffee at the Movenpick cafe that was in the airport terminal.



We were met at the airport by our facilitator who brought us to the apartment we'll be renting for the next three days. It looks like a palace inside. It's hot in Kiev - in the upper 90's and humid - but we've got A/C in this great apartment.
We also have internet access and we got online and got in touch with the Blakers. We plan to spend tomorrow hanging out with them.
Whew! Well it's been a good first few steps of our journey and we're ready to catch up on some sleep. Thanks for all your prayers.

Packing

We are into our last few hours of packing and the excitement is building. Here are some of the fun kids things we are taking with us.


One of these items is a photo book I put together and ordered from Photoworks. Click here to see my photo book.

News Article

These days are going by in a blur. I'm grateful to be busy preparing for our trip because it makes the time pass more quickly. Today we shopped for gifts to give to the workers at the orphanage and other people who help along the way. It's a challenge to shop for someone you've never met!
I came across this news article about a couple who will be having their appointment in Kiev Thursday morning. There is a lot we have in common with this couple, but I can't imagine doing all this with a 4-month-old in tow!
http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20100801/NEWS01/8010322

Practice Posting a Video

Eight days until we leave and we are steadily working through our lists of things to do. One of the items on the list was to take one last get away before we dive into parenthood. We just got back from spending a couple of nights at a bed and breakfast near Lake Michigan. It's amazing what a couple of days of rest will do.
Now that we're back in Syracuse, we're cranking through the lists again. One of the items on my list was to figure out how to post a video to the blog. My first step is to try to post a video from YouTube. Here's one of my favorite Ukrainian videos from the past year. This is the Ukraine's Got Talent contest winner doing a sand art performance that tells a story set in the World War II era.