Venomous snakes terrify train passengers
You thought I meant Ukraine, didn’t you? Melaney and I are still trying to find the humor in the aftermath of the train ride. I will refrain from the details, but if we still need humor...well….you get the picture!!
Yesterday Melaney, Vika, and I had the opportunity to meet Vicki, her husband Paul, and their two fabulous children. They are in Kiev to finalize the adoption of 2 teenagers. They both speak fairly good English. It was so wonderful to watch all 3 kids interact and laugh. These will be lifetime friends of ours and Vika’s. Vicki is an amazing woman of God who has willingly advised me, counseled me, and walked through this adoption with me. She understands the transition these children go through but she also understands how precious these kids are. She is passionate about the orphan situation in Ukraine and is an inspiration to anyone she encounters.
Before I left for Ukraine (this time) one of her friends mentioned a book called Orphanolgy. I bought it for some ‘light’ plane reading!! In all seriousness, it is a book that has changed me forever. I have not finished the book yet but I am confident of God’s plan and purpose for my life – the plight of orphans. To me, adoption is an expression of the most pure form of love…the same love God has for me. Here is a quote from Orphanology, “The greater work of grace is not our adoption of kids, but God’s adoption of us, through Jesus Christ. Traveling to another country to adopt is one thing, but for God to leave heaven for earth to adopt sinners is an act of amazing grace.”
I believe that every child on earth is valuable and deserves a loving family and children deserve to be tucked in at night and told that they are loved. Vicki, Melaney, and I share this desire. We have no idea where this will lead. We only know we have to find and do something about it. There is a quote I love, “When it comes to caring for the people on God’s heart, indifference is a sin.” (Tom Davis).
Today was our Embassy appointment. The girls’ slumber party last night seemed to go on and on (like tonight’s!) so we slept in as much as we could. Vika and I went with Alexey to the Embassy. It was painless. Then for the medical exam….Vika was seen by a US Embassy doctor. This is a requirement for immigration. After the wait and the FULL exam, she told us what we already knew…HEALTHY! After the Embassy we went back to get Aunt Melaney to go shopping. We found so many great things for family and our kids. It was really a great day.
Tomorrow Victoriya and I will pick up her visa and then…HOME on Thursday! Jason and Kevin have been so cute and patient (Kevin you still have one more shout out on the blog to come!). We love you both and we would not be here without the sacrifices and support you have given us. We love you and thank you!!! Many fun times to come this summer!!!
Families traveling to Chernigivka after us…these are our thoughts tonight…We are praying for you all…
PRAY A LOT!!!!!!!!
You must have a sense of humor. If you take things too seriously you will be miserable.
Expect the unexpected.
When we saw Chernigivka for the first time we realized that it really is in the middle of nowhere. It takes a long time to get there. Planes and trains aren’t great…then the roads are worse. Plan for it! DRAMAMINE!
Expect 160km/hour when in a car (at least when in a rush for a 3 hour passport!!)
Be patient with Ukrainian food. There is no variety in Chernigivka. Remember that our children have eaten this same food for years and survived. You will too.
The orphanage will not allow food from the outside to be given to the children. This means shipped or taken!
Cleanliness is not to the standards you know. Just be prepared.
Your child has been at Chernigivka since hosting. It is obviously different there and, even though you are there, you are not in control. Get to know the staff. Many we met GENUINELY love these children and want to help you!!!
Be prepared for this experience to change you. You will not understand the magnitude of the situation until you are there. Like our friend Nanette told Melaney…when you come to them it means so much. Be prepared for a range of emotions. What you are doing it special and not forgotten.
If you have a hard time sleeping, be prepared. Bring a fan, anything you need to be comfortable (TP included!!)
If you are adopting a teenager…we are kindred spirits. PM me and we can talk!
Prepare a letter in Russian/Ukrainian for your children reiterating your feelings and your purpose. Trust me…there will be a night you are tired and trying to communicate. This letter can be a life-saver!
Random thought (esp for families adopting girls)…pack a cute outfit for court but don’t give it to them until the night before! I wish I had done this!
Expect to fall in love again with another child as well. If you spend any time with any other children (and you have a heart), you will be on a mission for those children (or back again!!!).
If you like ice (or a cold beverage) pack ice cube trays!
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