Sorry for the delay in the update, but it has been chaotic and we do not have internet access anymore in our apartment. First, on the way to court we found out that we were the first Down Syndrome adoption for this court and the first special needs adoption in general. No pressure! We not only had the potential to mess up our own process, but that of future families as well. No problem! Court started a little later than scheduled, but went really well. A few questions to Tim such as “Why would you want to adopt kids with these issues? Why would you want to limit your life this way?” Tim’s response was something along the lines of “we have a teenage daughter with down syndrome and I coach many players with down syndrome and we do not see this as limiting our lives at all.” A couple of questions to both of us individually… employment? parents living? siblings? their occupation? etc. Some questions for me: “what is your hobby?” My answer was “My kids”. He also asked if my sisters resembled me, I answered, “yes”. He then complimented me! Nice… wasn’t expecting that! He later said something along the lines of “the court does not normal speak of love, but our case is special”. One of the ladies in the court, a witness I think, was actually crying throughout our appointment. She was all teary and sniffling and wiping her eyes! He granted us an immediate decision (gave us parental rights, changed their names). He then said “You have a big heart, we respect you, we wish you well and we will never forget you”. Thank you, God, for putting the right words in our mouths and giving us peace during this appointment. Hopefully, this will pave the way for other children and their adopting families!
We then spent the day on a marathon of errands to get our process complete ASAP. Back and forth between notary, two vital statistics offices, passports, orphanage for documents/signatures, the bank, etc. We were able to get both girls new birth certificates, both passports, withdraw the money from the girls’ accounts the orphanage/government deposited into for them and deposit their full balance into the orphanages’ account so they can use the funds for the other children. Finally, we were able to go claim the girls around 8pm last night. After changing into their own clothes and shoes, saying goodbye to friends and giving gifts to the caretakers we started out on the drive back to Kiev. We had to stop for supper at McDonalds (yes, they have had their first chicken nuggets and French fries) because Tim and I had not eaten since breakfast at 7:30. Six long, and often scary (I’ve mentioned the taxi drivers before) hours later around 2:30 am. Checked into our new apartment and crashed. Up at eight to start our day. No internet access in the apartment, Strike 1. Couldn’t find a washing machine, Strike 2. While giving the girls their first shower, the power goes out and what started out as a positive experience turned into a nightmare. Both girls covered in soap, screaming from being in the dark while I am forced to rinse them quickly in cold water. Strike 3. We were not happy with our accommodations. We were advised there is a washing machine in the kitchen, Where???? Inside the cabinet, that is how small it is! Still no internet, but Tim has figured out where the ‘fuse box’ is and which button to push so we can regain power if needed. So far it appears that you have to turn off all power except the instant water heater or you will flip the switch and maybe still flip it then. We are going to ride it out though since we are supposed to be able to leave on Friday!!! Yes, Friday! We are still trying to work out our flight which is difficult without email! Medicals were done today and Visas are supposed to be done tomorrow. Prayers all goes well and we are actually able to get a flight out on Friday. Two weeks after we boarded our flight leaving home!
