Yesterday was court!
It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. We all waited outside for about ½ hour… mindless chatter and individual thoughts of what the court appearance would bring. Present were the three American families and four Ukrainian families…. All to appear at 9:30 for what seemed to be a long day. No real appointment time…. We figured the Ukrainians would go first, so we brought books, knitting, crocheting, cards and snacks to help us pass the time…
We all headed in and were corralled in a 16x20 room. Dingy white walls and a Ukrainian flag, hung crooked on the head wall. The back of the room was filled with wooden church benches, a table at the front with an old decrepit high back chair (funny to me that even in this old worn-out building, hierarchy is ever present)…. side tables for the various witnesses, court staff and prosecutor. The room also was equipped with a small jail cell, white metal bars, a rust covered bench and old padlock. An eerie indicator of why most Ukrainians comply with the law.
We were called first! Everyone else left the room and the honorable judge and staff entered. Angella was told to leave our bench and sit with Lubov, the Orphanage Director, in the bench behind us. We were told to stand. For a moment, I sort of felt like I was being interrogated but then Galya’s soft voice started translating next to me and immediately I felt a sense of calm……
It was very quick and seemed almost nonchalant. He asked us if we had the financial wherewithal to provide for her, if this was our first marriage and if I thought having never been a mother before, I would be a good mother. We answered with a lot of Da’s and Niet’s to keep things succinct and the to point. Next, he asked Angella to come to the front and stand before him. Lubov accompanied her…… she walked confidently to the front but was uncharacteristically timid and shy when she spoke. He asked her why she wanted to be adopted, what she thought of us, and what she would call us. He asked her if she knew where she was going and if she had seen it on the globe. He told her no one would speak her language there and wanted to know if she realized this.
And with that a few more sits and stands later, it was final!
I was asked to write her new name on a document that would be used by the court…..
Angella Shin Thomas
(the two “L’s” so that hopefully those in the States will pronounce it correctly, Shin is her Korean last name, and of course, Thomas, her new last name, one she is VERY proud of!
We were free to leave and wait out of next 10 days until our court decree is ready. Unfortunately, we found out that since “Woman’s Day” (the Ukrainian equivilant to our “Mother’s Day”, falls on March 8th, our decree won’t mature until March 12th. So we now know we will not make our flight on March 15th and are hoping for the following Thursday, March 20th.
It was disappointing but then it dawned on me that our first day home with Angella will be the anniversary of our first date, the first day of Spring and now, her first full day in America! So, with that, we will somehow find patience & strength and practice positive thinking until we are able to start the journey home.
Later that day, we all met at McDonald’s (Len thought that would be a fun and ironic way of celebrating the day) and then went back to our place for cake and ice cream.
There was laughter and light hearted chatter flowing from our windows….. (wide open to due to the mild weather we are enjoying) I remember thinking once during the evening….. In a country where celebration and frivolity is rare, I am sure we had passerby’s wondering what all the excitement was about.
I know Angella went to bed last night with peace in her heart. Probably her first night…
knowing that she had a family that loved her, that would care for her and would offer her happiness that she would have not known otherwise. For this, we are thankful.
It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. We all waited outside for about ½ hour… mindless chatter and individual thoughts of what the court appearance would bring. Present were the three American families and four Ukrainian families…. All to appear at 9:30 for what seemed to be a long day. No real appointment time…. We figured the Ukrainians would go first, so we brought books, knitting, crocheting, cards and snacks to help us pass the time…
We all headed in and were corralled in a 16x20 room. Dingy white walls and a Ukrainian flag, hung crooked on the head wall. The back of the room was filled with wooden church benches, a table at the front with an old decrepit high back chair (funny to me that even in this old worn-out building, hierarchy is ever present)…. side tables for the various witnesses, court staff and prosecutor. The room also was equipped with a small jail cell, white metal bars, a rust covered bench and old padlock. An eerie indicator of why most Ukrainians comply with the law.
We were called first! Everyone else left the room and the honorable judge and staff entered. Angella was told to leave our bench and sit with Lubov, the Orphanage Director, in the bench behind us. We were told to stand. For a moment, I sort of felt like I was being interrogated but then Galya’s soft voice started translating next to me and immediately I felt a sense of calm……
It was very quick and seemed almost nonchalant. He asked us if we had the financial wherewithal to provide for her, if this was our first marriage and if I thought having never been a mother before, I would be a good mother. We answered with a lot of Da’s and Niet’s to keep things succinct and the to point. Next, he asked Angella to come to the front and stand before him. Lubov accompanied her…… she walked confidently to the front but was uncharacteristically timid and shy when she spoke. He asked her why she wanted to be adopted, what she thought of us, and what she would call us. He asked her if she knew where she was going and if she had seen it on the globe. He told her no one would speak her language there and wanted to know if she realized this.
And with that a few more sits and stands later, it was final!
I was asked to write her new name on a document that would be used by the court…..
Angella Shin Thomas
(the two “L’s” so that hopefully those in the States will pronounce it correctly, Shin is her Korean last name, and of course, Thomas, her new last name, one she is VERY proud of!
We were free to leave and wait out of next 10 days until our court decree is ready. Unfortunately, we found out that since “Woman’s Day” (the Ukrainian equivilant to our “Mother’s Day”, falls on March 8th, our decree won’t mature until March 12th. So we now know we will not make our flight on March 15th and are hoping for the following Thursday, March 20th.
It was disappointing but then it dawned on me that our first day home with Angella will be the anniversary of our first date, the first day of Spring and now, her first full day in America! So, with that, we will somehow find patience & strength and practice positive thinking until we are able to start the journey home.
Later that day, we all met at McDonald’s (Len thought that would be a fun and ironic way of celebrating the day) and then went back to our place for cake and ice cream.
There was laughter and light hearted chatter flowing from our windows….. (wide open to due to the mild weather we are enjoying) I remember thinking once during the evening….. In a country where celebration and frivolity is rare, I am sure we had passerby’s wondering what all the excitement was about.
I know Angella went to bed last night with peace in her heart. Probably her first night…
knowing that she had a family that loved her, that would care for her and would offer her happiness that she would have not known otherwise. For this, we are thankful.
7 comments:
CONGRATULATIONS!!! We are so happy for all 3 of you!! Now that you know things have worked out, maybe you can "semi-enjoy" the rest of your stay! I think March 20th is a good luck day for all 3! We continue to think of you all daily---our very best thoughts and wishes are with you--The Wilson's
Congratulations are in order!
That's really great...I am already picturing Angella at all the family gatherings...
You all look like you've been a family forever. We are soooo happy for you. A&A want me to tell you they have off school the week after you get home - they are anxious for a visit but I told them we have to wait until she is ready. Congratulations and love.
Teresa, Barrett Aaron and Abby.
I am crying having just read your generous and vivid account of your court appearance. I haven't been on your blog in too long and the photo of the three of you just slays me. A circle of love. You are all glowing just like the sunset behind you. Angella Shin Thomas!! ...Thank you for the gifts of love and inspiration your journey gives to me. Sending my love to all. The first day of spring, the anniversary of your own journey into love, now expanded--there are NO coincidences are there? xoxox Michele
That is a beautiful post. What a beauty your daughter is and what a wonderful life you will have together. Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations! How exciting. We wish you were coming home sooner but so glad everything has worked out!
Love, The Schuermann's
We have been following your Blog daily. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences that are truly life changing experiences for many. We feel as though we have been a part of your incredible journey. We look forward to seeing the three of you.
Anne and Greg Robinson
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