Part of me actually, kind of, sort of, thought this whole adoption thing would never actually happen! I thought that for so many reasons, like costs, paperwork, being too fearful of the unknown. Primarily, the costs seemed impossible. So the day has finally arrived that I really never dreamed would actually happen all those months ago. Each step of the way it seemed more realistic but there was still a little part of me that waited for the other shoe to drop. But folks it is actually happening and we cannot be anymore excited!!!!!!!
Here is the itinerary of events for the next week or so for those who would like to know:
May 8-Drive to Chicago and fly out at 4:30PM
May 9-Arrive in Kiev around 12:30 pm and then survive until bedtime so we can get on the right time schedule
May 10-SDA Appointment at 10am (3am Indy time, for you night owls or insomniacs) and then spend the day sight seeing and enjoying our daughter's country
May 11-Go back to the SDA and pick-up our travel permission papers to go to V's orphanage. This is where it is somewhat unknown. There is a chance we will go ahead and head to V's town that day.
May 12-Definitely will be with V in her town! :) :) :) :) This will be our favorite day!
May 13-14-Not exactly sure how we will spend these days since it is dependent on how much of the day we are allowed to see V and spend time with her.
May 15-Saying good-bye and heading back to Kiev to turn in our paperwork and prepare to head home.
May 16-leaving really, really early to head home. We get home around 2:30 in the afternoon in Chicago and then will drive home and sleep for a long time!!!
Our moms are moving in while we are gone to care for Amelia and Eliza. They are rock stars for volunteering to do this!
Two words are supposed to show how much we love and appreciate everything our friends and family have done for us in the past months, but two words can't truly encompass all of that. But THANK YOU to each of you who prayed over us and our girl. THANK YOU to each of you who have sacrificially given of your time for our fundraisers. THANK YOU to each of you who have helped us financially. THANK YOU to each of you who have taken on a heart for orphans and donated items that are so desperately needed. THANK YOU for those of you who are going to love and care for the little ones we are leaving at home.
So what's next:
When we come home we will be waiting to hear from the court system and receive our court date. It should be around 4-6 weeks. We will travel back to Ukraine for court, just Josh and I. At that point the adoption will be finalized and then we will wait for 10 days (an appeal time) and then we will receive our court decree and pick her up. Josh will fly back home for work and caring for the girls. I will stay through the 10 day wait period and then another 2-3 weeks to finish the paperwork.
Prayer Requests:
-safe travels
-for the grandmas caring for the little ones
-V
-Adria doing well with all these big firsts she will be experiencing
-patience for Josh and I as we travel with an 8 year old
-all the paperwork is done efficiently and smoothly
-we can minister and share God's love and gift of salvation with all those we come in contact with
-Bible Orphan Ministry and the work they are accomplishing with orphan care
-Pastor Sasha and his family as they serve the church and the special needs orphanages.
Needs:
-we still have a need for the last of the airfare funds (guessing around $4,000)
-while I am gone on the second trip and Josh is back home, we will need childcare on the days he works. When we get home from this trip I will need to begin to piece together childcare since it will be for about a month.
-donations for the second trip, I want to load up as much as possible!
Hey, did you know we leave tomorrow?!?!? Way too excited to sleep!
Love to you all!
No comments:
Post a Comment