Well it’s been a roller coaster of highs and lows and a journey like no other. We have spent the last few days with our little Angella in the comforts of our own environment and have found great comfort and connection as we strengthen the bonds of our family unit. She’s an absolute pleasure to be with, has a really great sense of humor and is extremely sensitive and thoughtful. We’ve had some emotional moments, as one would imagine, along with utter joy and happiness.
We found out on Thursday that a mistake was made when the social security office entered Angella’s name into the system. This would most likely delay our departure until Thursday, as it’s the first step in processing her passport. The wind was completely knocked out of our sails….. After three days of stress and anticipation we found out that the passport was making its way for a Saturday arrival, via train, from Kiev. However, the passport agency is closed on Saturdays, so even though Galya worked with our new facilitator in Kiev to “expedite” things – (again) we wouldn’t be able to get it until Monday. Friday afternoon, with a little pleading, a woman Galya knows at the passport agency, offered to come in on Saturday to process Angella’s passport. This gesture of kindness will enable us to make on flight on Tuesday!!!! It was nice to end our experience in Sevastopol on a high note.
So tonight we packed and cleaned our “home away from home” and prepared for the final leg of the journey. Monday in Kiev, will consist of an appointment at the American Embassy and a medical exam. We have changed our flights and are now booked on the 10:00am flight to New York. I can’t wait to land on American soil and see the expression on her face!
We’ve packed games, books, snacks and other little surprises to help us pass the time. Angella seems up for the journey and cannot wait to get home!!! We’re hoping she’s up for a little Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, but will wait and see how things go……..
Before signing off from our “international location”, I’d like to ask for those of you that haven’t left a comment but have been following along, to please sign in. We’ve been told that we have many “friends of friends” following our journey. It would mean a lot to us, and no doubt to Angella some day, to know who you are and who told you about us. This “electronic journal” as Joann so appropriately coined it, will be a keepsake, no doubt.
We’ll no doubt be very busy once we are home. Doctor appointments, enrolling in school and play dates that we’ve arranged…… but I will post again soon to let you all know how the “transition to home” is going…….
Your comments and emails have made all the difference. We love you all!
Sharing a few quotes that have helped us endure the journey. Enjoy!!!!
If you can’t fight, and you can’t flee, FLOW! Dr. Robert Elliot
Success requires three bones---- a wishbone, a backbone and funny bone. Kobi Yamada
Families are like quilts…… Lives pieced together, stitched with smiles and tears. Colored with memories and bound by God’s love. Unknown
We found out on Thursday that a mistake was made when the social security office entered Angella’s name into the system. This would most likely delay our departure until Thursday, as it’s the first step in processing her passport. The wind was completely knocked out of our sails….. After three days of stress and anticipation we found out that the passport was making its way for a Saturday arrival, via train, from Kiev. However, the passport agency is closed on Saturdays, so even though Galya worked with our new facilitator in Kiev to “expedite” things – (again) we wouldn’t be able to get it until Monday. Friday afternoon, with a little pleading, a woman Galya knows at the passport agency, offered to come in on Saturday to process Angella’s passport. This gesture of kindness will enable us to make on flight on Tuesday!!!! It was nice to end our experience in Sevastopol on a high note.
So tonight we packed and cleaned our “home away from home” and prepared for the final leg of the journey. Monday in Kiev, will consist of an appointment at the American Embassy and a medical exam. We have changed our flights and are now booked on the 10:00am flight to New York. I can’t wait to land on American soil and see the expression on her face!
We’ve packed games, books, snacks and other little surprises to help us pass the time. Angella seems up for the journey and cannot wait to get home!!! We’re hoping she’s up for a little Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, but will wait and see how things go……..
Before signing off from our “international location”, I’d like to ask for those of you that haven’t left a comment but have been following along, to please sign in. We’ve been told that we have many “friends of friends” following our journey. It would mean a lot to us, and no doubt to Angella some day, to know who you are and who told you about us. This “electronic journal” as Joann so appropriately coined it, will be a keepsake, no doubt.
We’ll no doubt be very busy once we are home. Doctor appointments, enrolling in school and play dates that we’ve arranged…… but I will post again soon to let you all know how the “transition to home” is going…….
Your comments and emails have made all the difference. We love you all!
Sharing a few quotes that have helped us endure the journey. Enjoy!!!!
If you can’t fight, and you can’t flee, FLOW! Dr. Robert Elliot
Success requires three bones---- a wishbone, a backbone and funny bone. Kobi Yamada
Families are like quilts…… Lives pieced together, stitched with smiles and tears. Colored with memories and bound by God’s love. Unknown
16 comments:
I have loved following your journey to bring Angella home.... She is absolutely beautiful and has the prettiest smile. Please, when you return and have time, update your blog so we can follow the next chapter to follow.
Have a safe trip home and God Bless!
maryann_browne@msn.com
certainly gives new meaning to the song 'somewhere over the rainbow' so here you are at the juncture where endings become beginnings...
jo ann and kirk kavanaugh
Praise God!!! You can surely see the light alive in her again. What a life changing experience for her. May God continue to bless you and her and a family. One that nothing can cut the ties. Can not wait to hear about the first at home. Please call when you settle. Love to hear from you all.
Gail Nealey
It is so wonderful to see such big smiles on Angela's face. I still remember the haunting look of longing that we saw at Camp Gorney as we were leaving with Natasha and Leo and I still hear Costia's pleas that we all try to find a family for Angela. We are so happy for you and Angela. Be sure to call us when you settle in. May you have a safe and happy journey home.
May your journey home be safe and your transition with Angela continue it's sweet path as you become a strong family! You have more support than you know!
Dear Pam, Len and Angella,
Soon you will be home and we are so excited to see you guys. We've been following the blogs, checking the pics and great stories through your trip -- it's hard to believe your about to enter the next Chapter back in Cincinnati. We can't wait to see more pics, more details on your travels and above all, meet Angella. Travel safely and take care. Love, Joe, Christine, Casey and Natalie Pax
I have thought about your comment: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone; the key to success! From reading your journal over the past 49 days I have come to realize that the three of you possess these fine attributes. Such a gift that you are freely giving to Angella. I met her in 2005 at Camp Gorney and realized that she was a girl with much personality and spunk. I am thrilled that she has you both to be her mom and dad. She is truly blessed. Chris Watkins
Tears come to my eyes when I write this. I think about how long you both have been wanting this. I never thought this day would come. You are a true testament that good things come to those who wait and to never give up on a dream. This truly is a dream come true. I think back to the day we met Pam. God sure does work in mysterious ways. I am counting the days until I hear your voice.
Molly (and the girls)
It is Monday,7am where you are. Are you up yet? Are you sleeping at all? You will be on your way TOMORROW morning. Oh my gosh...finally!
Home soon! So very soon!
Love you all,
Teri
Hi and welcome to the family of adoptive parents - my daughter was adopted from Simferopol in 1999, she is now 9 1/2 - yes she was 7 months old when she came home - the law allowed much earlier adoptions at that time - she is doing great as I'm sure Angela will also. Congratulations - Gail
It's amazing to realize that you are really on your way home. Just in time for the emergence of forsythia and all other good signs of renewal and change. We are looking forward to seeing evidence of the new resident over at Clifton Hills and are priming the pizza stone for the first visit to the castle. We'll have to combine it with a trip to Findlay Market!
Best wishes for a safe and uncomplicated journey. We've missed you a lot and are looking forward to meeting Angella soon.
Love,
Mary and Ron
Glad that you are heading home!!! It has been a wild journey and we have watched it with anticipation! Cannot believe this day is finally here...looking forward to meeting your little angel...angela.
Ann, Molly, and Brandy
Wow--it was such a blessing to meet Angella and see Len and Pam at the airport last night (3/18)!! Angella is EVERY bit the magical, loving, precious soul that we've come to know and love through the blog site. She is bright and energetic and enthusiastic and seeing first hand the tenderness and love between these three people that has been birthed in the past weeks is nothing short of PURE JOY and DELIGHT. All the agonizing, all the trials and tribulations, all the setbacks and disappointments, all the tears, all the waiting, all the not-knowing, all the fear and doubt--WORTH IT!!! Of course, easy for me to say, but the joy on each of their faces is better than winning the SUPER BALL GAZILLION $$ Lottery! The Universe is abundant and let me just say, all of us who know and love Len and Pam are going to have our hearts expanded in the most amazing ways as we witness and share this miraculous journey with them.
I am SO happy -- and thank the Thomas Family for inviting us into their journey so intimately, so generously, so lovingly. Welcome Home!!
YIPPPPPPEEEEE! Love, Michele Laumer
Welcome home! My two sweet cousins, sisters now almost eight and eleven, came home from Ukraine almost exactly two years ago - I am sure that Angella will bring the same joy to your lives as my two cousins have to my family.
Have a safe trip home (hope you packed your umbrellas, as it's pouring in Cincy right now!)
Best wishes,
Susan in Kentucky
Congratulations Pam, Len and Angella! I just learned about your incredible story and journey and have read all the posts. It's been an amazing trip for you all and certainly one that has changed your lives forever. I am so glad I ran into Tammy Dillon and for her telling me to check out your blog. Your lives are truly blessed and these blessing will continue forever! Congratulations and know that I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! Enjoy every moment of every day, as I know you will! I hope to see more photos and read more about how things are going now that you've returned- Keep in touch!
Barb Blanford Easley, Richmond
Welcome home and congratulations! We have been following your very touching journey and are very much looking forward to meeting Angella. She is blessed to have "found" two very special parents like you!
Jakki & Len Haussler
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