Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Had big plans to start this blog with a picture of the U.S. Embassy Consulate for Foreign Affairs Office (because that is where we started the day) but security stepped in and stopped us.  We had 2 pics on the camera already but Jason obediently deleted the photos when security hollered at us.

Even with (or maybe because of) the strict and stern security inside and outside the building - the feeling of being in American territory was overwhelming. Safe, protected, welcome. The first appointment where an interpreter or interpretation was not required.

The U.S. State Department in Ukraine requires two appointments in order to issue an immigrant visa to an adopted children. This first appointment accomplished two things: 1) Examined the portolio to ensure that every necessary document was translated, copied and prepared. 2) Received payment for services being rendered. The staff was very helpful in getting us prepared for tomorrow's appointment (the long one with an interview) as they guided on how to fill out certain applications, which documents to get copied and which don't need to come back.

The afternoon was taken with the medical exam necessary for tomorrow's appointment. Both Jason and Nathan had individual examinations with the U.S. State Department approved Dr. Uriy. The process took most of the afternoon by the time we took the subway to meet Sergei, drove to the clinic and went through the process from room to room. On the way home, Sergei found a place for us to make copies mentioned earlier.

Big day. Big accomplishments. Another step closer to home. Thank you, Lord.


Psalm 130:5-  I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope.