Wednesday, March 23. 2011

Today we took our signed SDA paper and Dossier to Juvenile Services with our lawyer Viktor to get a supervised visit to the orphanage.  The 9:00 AM appointment across town was in a small office shared by three social workers.  Lucas, Jeanne, Viktor and I literally scrunched in while we answered the Social Worker's questions through Viktor's interpretation (e.g., how we met Sasha, our work, our home, how we decided to adopt, etc.).  We answered the questions at face value but in the back of my mind I thought did I say something that's going to disqualify me from going to the orphanage...not that I would answer any differently.

At one point, there was a lot of exchange in Russian and it seemed a little contentious...or it was the Eastern European tone.  But...Glory to God...after a few minutes wait in the hallway, we were going to the orphanage with a Social Worker for our 1st visit.

She stayed with all us for 15 minutes, we left the office and never saw her again. Viktor said he was taking her back to her office to sign some more papers.  It was five days later than expected but now we are "free at last, free at last"  to see Sasha at the Orphanage anytime we want.  Thank you Jesus!

It was a major milestone and victory.  We had "the best day ever" as Lucas would say or sing the Sponge Bob Song.  We could  talk and play with Sasha and the other kids, wrestle, play soccer and hang out.

During lunch it was also great conversing with another family adopting a teen girl.  This is their second time in Kiev as they adopted from the same orphanage 3 years ago. I went with them to the nearby market to get a few lunch items and on the way back an older woman recognized him - she had been the boy's caretaker at the orphange when he was first admitted (age 4).  He is now 13 (adopted at age 10 and a great kid!). The caretaker's daughter spoke English and translated the spontaneous reunion.  The woman told how she had prayed for him to be in a good Christian Family way back then as she was teaching him. The family blessed her and thanked her for teaching him so well and praying. God confirmed to her today that her prayers were answered in a divine way.  PTL!

Back at the ranch, so to speak, the boys, myself and th eother father got into a good, fairly aggressive game of soccer.  Alot of fun, laughs and a work out.  Some of the kids including Lucas befriended a young German Shepard mix dog--Jessica.  Very sweetie dog and one of the many we see roaming the city and countryside...the communal pets.  All of us were outside on a very sunny, warm and beautiful day.

We also took the bus (sp? "menushka") back to the subway.  Another experience that went very well.  It's 2.50 Grivnah/person or about 33 cents.  The subway is 2 Grivnah each and Lucas is free. The cost and ease of public transportation is good once you understand where to go and get off.

No orphanage Thursday because they have a government inspection.  We have to go to a Notary with our Lawyer in the morning to sign papers (not sure what about 'til tomorrow).  Back at the orphanage Friday!