Another beautiful day here….. we took a long walk and bought another bunch of magnificent flowers for our living room….. We also stumbled across one the largest and best produce & fruit markets I have ever seen….. NOW we know where to shop! And it’s right in our back yard!
Our visit today was really nice….. Per Galya’s suggestion, we took a long walk to a park up on a hill near the orphanage. We enjoyed an incredible sunset at the top….. Galya translated the entire way…. (we’re really going to miss her!) Angela was full of questions for us – it was a nice role reversal! She asked us about previous marriages, how we met and how long we have known each other, among other curious and insightful questions for an 11 year old…… We talked about our upcoming court appointment. We wanted to her to be prepared for potential questions that the judge might ask…. Things like, “Why do you want to be adopted?”, “Do you realize that you are going to a foreign land where no one will speak your language?”, “How do you feel about your future parents?”……. She had great answers and is excited about meeting the judge!
So, we’re ready!
That brings me to “The Process” as many of you have asked in your email communications…... (Thanks by the way! It’s so nice to hear from you!) Beyond arduous and outlandishly ridiculously long, we are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Our court date is this Thursday, Feb. 28!!! After court, there is a 10-day waiting period. Don’t ask! Then we get the court decree and with that paper can ceremoniously pick Angela up from the orphanage for the last time and she can say her good-byes. That same day, we apply for her new social security number, which we just learned, is not a one-hour process like we thought, but now a 24-hour process. Again, don’t ask! The next day we apply for her Ukrainian passport, which between Sevastopol and Kiev can take anywhere from 2 – 10 days….. We’re trusting Galya’s skills and contacts both here & in Kiev and believe it will be 2 days!!! Then we fly to Kiev. Where we go to the US Embassy (yeah!) and apply for her visa and get her mandatory medical exam. 1–2 days for this process and then, FINALLY, we get to board our 12 hour flight to NYNY and land on American soil, where she will be finally considered a US Citizen. (this simplified version gives you a pretty good idea)
Please say a prayer that all paperwork will be processed expediently and efficiently so that we can make our pre-arranged flights on March 15th. It’s a long shot but we’re holding out hope! We cannot wait to get home!
Our visit today was really nice….. Per Galya’s suggestion, we took a long walk to a park up on a hill near the orphanage. We enjoyed an incredible sunset at the top….. Galya translated the entire way…. (we’re really going to miss her!) Angela was full of questions for us – it was a nice role reversal! She asked us about previous marriages, how we met and how long we have known each other, among other curious and insightful questions for an 11 year old…… We talked about our upcoming court appointment. We wanted to her to be prepared for potential questions that the judge might ask…. Things like, “Why do you want to be adopted?”, “Do you realize that you are going to a foreign land where no one will speak your language?”, “How do you feel about your future parents?”……. She had great answers and is excited about meeting the judge!
So, we’re ready!
That brings me to “The Process” as many of you have asked in your email communications…... (Thanks by the way! It’s so nice to hear from you!) Beyond arduous and outlandishly ridiculously long, we are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Our court date is this Thursday, Feb. 28!!! After court, there is a 10-day waiting period. Don’t ask! Then we get the court decree and with that paper can ceremoniously pick Angela up from the orphanage for the last time and she can say her good-byes. That same day, we apply for her new social security number, which we just learned, is not a one-hour process like we thought, but now a 24-hour process. Again, don’t ask! The next day we apply for her Ukrainian passport, which between Sevastopol and Kiev can take anywhere from 2 – 10 days….. We’re trusting Galya’s skills and contacts both here & in Kiev and believe it will be 2 days!!! Then we fly to Kiev. Where we go to the US Embassy (yeah!) and apply for her visa and get her mandatory medical exam. 1–2 days for this process and then, FINALLY, we get to board our 12 hour flight to NYNY and land on American soil, where she will be finally considered a US Citizen. (this simplified version gives you a pretty good idea)
Please say a prayer that all paperwork will be processed expediently and efficiently so that we can make our pre-arranged flights on March 15th. It’s a long shot but we’re holding out hope! We cannot wait to get home!
9 comments:
Dear Ones,
We are so happy that you have a court date and hopefully you will be able to come home with your dear Angela. We are both well and hope you are the same. We are anxiously awaiting your arrival. We send much love to you and to Angela.
Mom and Marv
Glad you explained some of the process. It sounds long and arduous. I hope all the timing falls into place. Do you get to have Angela overnight anytime? How long do you get to see her each of these days. It seems like you have done a lot of sight seeing with her. It sure looks beautiful, but where is the snow? I thought it was winter there and it would be cold. It is snowy and 20 - 35 degrees here. I sure hope you bring spring back with you. Love to all, Sheri
Whoops!
Let me try that again:
That all sounds like a logistical nightmare. Knowing you two, I'm sure things will go swimmingly.
WOW!! Beautiful sunset. You guys capture the most wonderful pictures.
I am so glad that the light at the end of the tunnel has started to show. It is a great feeling.
God Bless
Gail
Hi Pam, Len and Angela,
Congrtatulations on hopefully good timetable. We miss you and can't wait until your return. Looking forward to meeting Angela...she seems like such a happy, beautiful little girl. You are doing such a good job with her,too!
xo Amy
How do you say "red tape" in Russian? Holy-moley.
Can someone also translate the writing in sidewalk chalk drawing from the other day...the rumor is that it says "Len the Great"...
Peace out.
So, about 15 days of paperwork and stamping and you'll be on the silver bird home. Yes. And she gets to wear that cute outfit finally - with the boots!
mark - I think the chalk is saying, "I LOVE STARBURSTS"
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, see you in time for a green beer.
Love, chelsea, norma, teri
Congrats on your court date today. And wishing you a smooth next couple of weeks. Keeping upbeat during the adoption process can be all consuming - I know we felt we were on a rollercoaster ride.
take care
Lynn
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