Day Two in Kiev

3/25/2009

Well, we are struggling to get internet access. Natalia (actually called Natasha locally) advised us not to purchase an internet card because there's internet access available everywhere! We have tried every place in Kiev that she recommended which included purchasing two lunches at two different locations and "almost" coffee as well. We are still working on that.

On the more important side of things, we met Natalia (our attorney) in person. She is great. We enjoyed her company this afternoon on a walk to our appointment with the SDA (State Department of Adoption.) I was nervous to the point of shaking prior to our appointment. We stood in a crowded hallway at the bottom of some stairs awaiting our turn. There were people speaking French and Spanish. It was wonderful to see so many people here to adopt. Apparently, one of the couples desired a "healthy" child and her facilitator seemed to be complaining about it. Natalia told us that "healthy" "Barbie-like" children are not available. Then, we were called up the stairs, past a "security guard" looking man into small, hot office bustling with women! Women are three to one man in this country! And, it's apparent everywhere!

Back to our appointment, it was simple. We sat before a young woman named Maria, who seemed very nervous. She aksed if we had ever seen Nina in person before today. We answered that we had not. Then, she asked about our family, children, grandparents, jobs. We presented our picture book of our family, extended family, kids, animals. Then, she gave a brief description of Nina and her physical challenges. She said thank you for adopting a child. Then, we left. We were in there for about ten minutes! Thank you for your prayers. It was a breeze!

We are leaving for an overnight train ride into Krivoy Rog City ("curved horn"). We will hopefully meet Nina on 3/26.

We have eaten some yummy soups (borsch.) And, tasty Americanas (coffees.) But, we did have McDonald's for breakfast (our most expensive meal of the day.) More later!

3/25 continued...

Wow! What a ride! Natalia picked us up from our apartment about 4pm, took us to pick up our paperwork at the SDA, and the we headed to the notary. In order to expedite the doption more quickly, we signed and notarized some additional documents in what seemed like a "back alley." Then, we went to the train station to get our tickets. While I waited in the car with Natalia's husband (who speak no English), he proceeded to back the car into a person walking across the parking lot! Oops! And, the way people drive here is crazy! I'm not surprised that this doesn't happen more often. I said many prayers... Finally, we were taken back to the apartment after sitting through tremendous traffic ( a big problem in Kiev). We packed, ran to McDonald's for a quick snack (and to check our internet access there.) And, we returned to our apartment. A man showed up and told us it was time to leave! We didn't know who he was and we had to wait to call Natalia. We handed our phone to him and they talked. Then, he handed the phone back to Jordan and it was settled. He was the right guy, we had to pay him and leave the aparment. I think he could tell I was not happy with that, as our ride was not there yet. We were stuck out on the curb with our luggage at night in Kiev! Talk about stressful... Now, we are on the train, an overnight train. Our translator, whose name happens to be Nina, is riding on the train with us to take us to Krivoy Rog City. And, by the way, we brought way too much luggage... ugh! Nina said with a smug look, "It's not the most I've seen."

We have been able to talk to the kids today. They seem to be having great time, with a few tears at bedtime. It miss them terribly, but my tears are lessening... maybe as the intensity of the trip builds!

Another note about the adoption... we might be able to move the court date to April 1st or 2nd, which means that our plans for Jordan to return for the week prior to court will change. This is still unknown. We won't know for sure if the court date can be bumped up until Friday, March 27th. We need lots of prayer for wisdom and direction. We have everything in place for Jordan to return, and this change would completely blow our plans. But, it may be the best decision for everyone, as it could allow Nina and I to return to the USA almost a week early.

I'm now going to try to sleep on the train; although, everything seems to be rattling including my stomach... hang on to your hats! More to come...