WOW! We've had a great two days...... Yesterday started off with a meeting with the Inspector. A formality to start the "regional" paperwork....... sorta like playing the game Clue (or clueless). ... you never know who you will have to meet with next. The process seems very convoluted but we keep telling ourselves that it's our lack of understanding the language that makes it all so confusing. Needless to say, Victor the "Determined", left today to take our paperwork back to Kiev. He was hoping to leave on Wednesday but leaving a day early is really good news..... Although we'd rather have him here with us we're thrilled he is jumping through all the hoops and making such great strides!
The meeting with the inspector was quick and simple. We basically smiled and said hello and goodbye. In between that, Victor and the inspector shared details of our case and it appeared some frustrations were expressed. Apparently some "signatures" are needed on our documents and the "Chief Inspector" is missing in action....... we'll leave that to Victor's capable hands to resolve....
We left there for our meeting with the Orphanage Director and staff (caregivers, pediatrician and social service director). This was our first visit inside the orphanage and needless to say, as much as you think you might be prepared, it's introduction is nothing one could realistically prepare for. The meeting lasted more than an hour. We were impressed by everyone's concern for Angela and her future.
We were able to visit with her and go along to a medical clinic where some tests were run. She was a trooper and was so brave........
We ended the day back at the orphanage where Angela showed off her singing, dancing and piano playing capabilities..... It was a treat!
Today was filled with "administrative tasks".... grocery shopping, internet connections in our apartment, a phone card and touring our neighborhood by foot. The day was 50 and sunny. Sevastopol is a large city (300,000) situated on hills that surround the harbor. The area is very historic and scenic.
We went back to the orphanage for the daily visiting hours of 4-6pm. Since Victor was not with us we went on our own..... surprisingly, communication is better than we expected. She dragged us through the entire place showing us the art room, the music room, the kitchen and the dining area and the then took us outside to play volleyball. Shoo..... we were exhausted! Angela is incredibly energetic, independent and confident (there doesn't seem to be a person that she doesn't know). We were laughing out loud as she marched across the basketball court amougst all of the older high school boys who were practicing, to find her coach, introduce us and retrieve a volleyball. "Mama" stunk, and Angela and "Papa" engaged in a healthy yet competitivly spirited game!!! Returning to the orphanage, we went to the music room to watch the kids rehearse for an upcoming dance performance.
We are amazed at the quality of order and instruction that accompanies the orphanage and their daily schedule. All staff appear competent and concerned for the well being of the children.
We ended the day with a phonics book and Angela sitting between us reading out loud.
At the apartment we broke open a bottle of $5.00 wine (we miss our $3 buck Chuck but he's got nothing on the wine selection here in Ukraine!!! :) and made grilled cheese sandwiches and potato wedges to celebrate the day!
Till tomorrow................
The meeting with the inspector was quick and simple. We basically smiled and said hello and goodbye. In between that, Victor and the inspector shared details of our case and it appeared some frustrations were expressed. Apparently some "signatures" are needed on our documents and the "Chief Inspector" is missing in action....... we'll leave that to Victor's capable hands to resolve....
We left there for our meeting with the Orphanage Director and staff (caregivers, pediatrician and social service director). This was our first visit inside the orphanage and needless to say, as much as you think you might be prepared, it's introduction is nothing one could realistically prepare for. The meeting lasted more than an hour. We were impressed by everyone's concern for Angela and her future.
We were able to visit with her and go along to a medical clinic where some tests were run. She was a trooper and was so brave........
We ended the day back at the orphanage where Angela showed off her singing, dancing and piano playing capabilities..... It was a treat!
Today was filled with "administrative tasks".... grocery shopping, internet connections in our apartment, a phone card and touring our neighborhood by foot. The day was 50 and sunny. Sevastopol is a large city (300,000) situated on hills that surround the harbor. The area is very historic and scenic.
We went back to the orphanage for the daily visiting hours of 4-6pm. Since Victor was not with us we went on our own..... surprisingly, communication is better than we expected. She dragged us through the entire place showing us the art room, the music room, the kitchen and the dining area and the then took us outside to play volleyball. Shoo..... we were exhausted! Angela is incredibly energetic, independent and confident (there doesn't seem to be a person that she doesn't know). We were laughing out loud as she marched across the basketball court amougst all of the older high school boys who were practicing, to find her coach, introduce us and retrieve a volleyball. "Mama" stunk, and Angela and "Papa" engaged in a healthy yet competitivly spirited game!!! Returning to the orphanage, we went to the music room to watch the kids rehearse for an upcoming dance performance.
We are amazed at the quality of order and instruction that accompanies the orphanage and their daily schedule. All staff appear competent and concerned for the well being of the children.
We ended the day with a phonics book and Angela sitting between us reading out loud.
At the apartment we broke open a bottle of $5.00 wine (we miss our $3 buck Chuck but he's got nothing on the wine selection here in Ukraine!!! :) and made grilled cheese sandwiches and potato wedges to celebrate the day!
Till tomorrow................
7 comments:
Welcome to the world of motherhood.
Enjoy. There will be more to come.
She is a joy.
Blessings,
Gail
http://gmnealey.blogspot.com
The pictures are great! Angela's taller than I expected – I guess all I've seen are some somewhat blurry photos, so it's pretty interesting to see her in high-fidelity.
Speaking of $3.99 Chuck, I've got a couple of bottles that I'm gonna crack into. I'll toast the first glass to you.
angela has such a beautiful smile. can't wait to see the smile in person.
another rainy day here in NH filled with fog, flooding and wet shoes.
it's amazing how you two have the energy to trudge through all that paperwork and traveling - i have a difficult time just making my breakfast in the morning.
wish i could see you both and be there with ya
Love
ian
What a gorgeous family! Congratulations on your new addition, she is beautiful... I am so happy for all of you!
Best of luck for a speedy process and homecoming.
This is absolutely incredible you guys! Love the blog idea! So happy that you finally got to see "your girl".
I hope the rest of your trip is equally rewarding. see you when you return.
Sandy H.
Hi all - thanks for posting!!! So nice to hear from all of you. Angela has the boys names down now..... she says them with confident familiarity!!! Sandy - please tell all at UC hello for us! Maggie - please tell all affiliated with IAC hello! We've talked to Dr. Stat once for a quick consultation - she is a God send!!!
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