Title: We are so sorry!
We are so sorry that we didn't make it to the internet yesterday. We know you were all on pins and needles waiting to hear but we were in court for A LONG TIME! It started at 11 and we weren't finished until around 2:30! By the time we finished lunch it was too late to come back into town and get online.
The judge was very thorough. For a little while we were afraid she was going to read every document in our Dossier. Thankfully she didn't. She did ask everyone in the court their opinion about the adoption. Then they took an hour long recess that turned into an hour and a half at least. Finally she came back and read the decision. The court approved our request!! It will not be final until after the 10 day waiting period (Jan 19) But the decision is made. Now all we have to do is wait and get their passports! Easy with Gideon; Difficult with N because she is 16.
N had to stand before the judge and say that she wanted to be adopted by us and the judge asked her several questions. She was very brave and answered well. We had given her a small Teddy Bear we brought from home on Sunday. She brought the bear with her to court and fiddled with it the whole time she was talking to the judge. Such a brave girl!
We thought we would be able to get the heck out of Dodge, I mean Novagrad-Volensky on that Friday. The Passport issue complicates that. We are not sure at this point what our itenerary will be. I would like to get back to Kiev as soon as we can, but we may end up being here through that weekend. Who knows? Not us at this point.
I still think we are looking at a return date between Jan 24 and 26. The sooner the better in my book.
We took N shopping this morning for a few items. I think she was a little overwhelmed by the freedom of choice she had, and the fact that we were there soley to buy her stuff. Wait till she hits the malls at home! Talk about overwhelmed.
Gideon is still doing well. We played outside today which was good but it is very distracting for him. He must talk to everyone that comes by: tell them that the manhole cover is off so there is a big hole in the ground and ask for candy. He didn't seem too upset with us that we missed seeing him yesterday.
Well, that is all for now. We miss you all terribly. I want the days to fly by, but I am afraid they will crawl. Two weeks left and counting.
Peace
BLN&G
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10 comments:
And we all say, "AMEN"!
God Bless You!!
J, K, K, K and J
Yeah! Yippee! Horray! What awesome news! You are in the final stage now and it is all coming together. God's hand is evident in your new family. Take care - and keep posting! You are all in my prayers.
Emily
Hip, hip, hooray! God is good! Things are perking right along and you'll be home before you know it. We can't wait.
Cathy
Congrats!!! Can't wait to meet the kids.
Kathy & Mark Stim
Hello Lori and Bruce
Congratulations on the adoption of your children.
I just returned myself in October from Ukraine after adopting a 15 year old girl(she just turned 16),and a boy 12 years old.
I wanted to try and save you some time in finishing your adoption.
When we went to get the kids passports we found out that since our daughter was older than 14 she needed to have a police report done before she could get a passport, also she was required to write yet another letter stating that she wanted to come with us.
Also note that at the American Embassy she needed to have a TB
Xray that younger children do not need and she had to have an HIV test. We did not know about these tests and extra steps and my husband almost missed the return flight because these additional items take extra time. I think since very few kids at adopted at this age not alot of people know about these extra paperwork steps.
We adopted from a different region
(kharkov) so there is a chance some things might be different, but
the extra tests at the Embassy should be the same. I would def ask your facilitator to look into it.
It is a big step adopting older kids, I think what you are doing is amazing and I think we will have alot in common ! So please feel free to contact me:
adoptioninmotion@yahoo.com
We are home only a few weeks and things are going great, honestly I could not ask for more. Best wishes for a safe trip home. Trish
CONGRATULATIONS! You are right-we have been on pins and needles and praying the delay was only in communication. It is wonderful news and we are so happy for you and excited to meet your new family when the time is right. You will remain in our prayers for safe and smooth return home. The children are beautiful!
Love,
Vance,Anita and family
Dear Elbert “Family”, that sounds a little different but beautiful after being a couple all of these years. We are so relived that this part is over. But I am like Kay, I have so many questions for you. I will save many of them for latter but I was wondering when will the children leave the orphanage and start staying with the two of you?
Love you all,
Amy
Praise God! I'm sure that hour and a half seemed like a week and a half. I get teary-eyed imagining what the courtroom was like when the approval was announced.
We can't wait to have you all back home. We'll pray now that obtaining passports will go smoothly, for prepared hearts and for patience for all of you.
Love, Patty
Lori and Bruce,
Congratulations!
You have been in our prayers and thoughts.
We are looking forward to meeting your family at the reunion.
Phil, Mary,
Karan, and Lauren
Congratulations!! We can't wait to see you all. Just hang in there... think of how much you have been through, and now your goal has been achieved. I am so glad that everything seems to be coming together.
Erin
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