Dear family and friends,
The Lord gave me a new love this Valentine's Day.
Her name is Christina Elana White and our hearts are forever joined.
The 2 hour court session was difficult, but when the decision was announced, there was hardly a dry eye in the courtroom.
No, the judge didn't cry, but .....she smiled.
I am presently back in the US for some R & R. I'm jetlagged, bone tired, but rejoicing.
The 10 day waiting period was not waived. The Ukrainian government recently warned judges to stricly enforce the 10 day wait in all cases.
We shopped for new clothes for Christina's homecoming before I left.
I frowned on all the provocative pre-teen styles, and favored the more innocent and demure clothing. Fortunately, so did Christina!
I depart again February 24th for a whirlwind tour to pick up my new daughter.
We will spend a half a day at the Torez orphanage to wrap up this important phase of Christina's life.
She is a devoted friend to many and will need plenty of time to say goodbye.
Then, it's off to Kiev for passport, medical exams, and Visa.
I wouldn't have made it this far without your prayers and encouragement. I will need them now more than ever as I embark upon the breathtaking responsibility of being Christina's mother.
The lifetime adventure begins!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The V.I.P Room
Hello family and friends,
I'm killing time today in the back room of an internet cafe. It's called the V.I. P. room.
The Russian mafia may have started here
They've set me up in a comfortable chair with my laptop. And the cost of all this indulgence? Just a few extra grinas. It keeps me out of the ranks of the wild teenagers playing video games. I'm glad I can't understand what they are saying. I have wondered when these kids go to school???
Okay, I admit it. I'm a little nervous about my court date tomorrow to finalize the adoption of Christina.
The officials here are kind, but unnerving. Nothing is done until it's done. Anything and everything can change in a Ukrainian millisecond. I spent most of yesterday trying to track down a document that would prove that children adopted from other countries have the full rights of natural born US citizens. I finally called our friendly state department in Kiev. It took half a day to get a real person. I was fuming, " I'm an honest tax paying American citizen and I need help today, not next year. " Truth be known, they were very helpful and friendly.... when I finally got through. They are familiar with this request from Ukrainian judges. They draft a letter saying, this is the US, you know. We give immigrants BETTER treatment than natural born US citizens. :)
Not really. They write a nice letter to the judge guaranteeing that the child will have the same rights as any child born in the US. It seems like a superfluous request, but the judges are just looking out for their children. They care very much what happens to adopted children once they leave Ukraine.
My judge seems like a nice lady. I've heard she is strict, but fair. She has a nice smile. I hope I see a lot of that smile tomorrow.
Thank you for your notes of encouragement. They keep me running toward the finish line.
debbie
I'm killing time today in the back room of an internet cafe. It's called the V.I. P. room.
The Russian mafia may have started here
They've set me up in a comfortable chair with my laptop. And the cost of all this indulgence? Just a few extra grinas. It keeps me out of the ranks of the wild teenagers playing video games. I'm glad I can't understand what they are saying. I have wondered when these kids go to school???
Okay, I admit it. I'm a little nervous about my court date tomorrow to finalize the adoption of Christina.
The officials here are kind, but unnerving. Nothing is done until it's done. Anything and everything can change in a Ukrainian millisecond. I spent most of yesterday trying to track down a document that would prove that children adopted from other countries have the full rights of natural born US citizens. I finally called our friendly state department in Kiev. It took half a day to get a real person. I was fuming, " I'm an honest tax paying American citizen and I need help today, not next year. " Truth be known, they were very helpful and friendly.... when I finally got through. They are familiar with this request from Ukrainian judges. They draft a letter saying, this is the US, you know. We give immigrants BETTER treatment than natural born US citizens. :)
Not really. They write a nice letter to the judge guaranteeing that the child will have the same rights as any child born in the US. It seems like a superfluous request, but the judges are just looking out for their children. They care very much what happens to adopted children once they leave Ukraine.
My judge seems like a nice lady. I've heard she is strict, but fair. She has a nice smile. I hope I see a lot of that smile tomorrow.
Thank you for your notes of encouragement. They keep me running toward the finish line.
debbie
Monday, February 11, 2008
Pics at long last
Christina holding an orphan baby.
No, I'm not adopting the baby!
Christina in front of the orphanage
No, I'm not adopting the baby!
Christina in front of the orphanage
Hello again ,
Here are a few pictures of Christina.
In the snow in front by the orphanage, Christina holding an orphan baby, and Christina in pink with her best friend.
Counting The Days
Hello friends and family
A bright sunny day in Torez is a blessed relief from the dreary overcast skies and bitter cold of the last several days. It doesn't offset the heaviness in my spirit. I am burdened for the orphans who will not come home with me or another family.
The Torez orphanage is drab and gray with a leaky roof. The halls are dark and mottled with water stains. They are brightened only by art work created by the children. Paint peels. Pipes leak. The musty air is cold.
The orphanage smells like cabbage.
There are several bright, colorful rooms that offer respite from the dull gray, browns and greens.
The road to the orphanage is filled with what could best be described as boulder holes.
If you travel this road, you will never complain about an American pothole again. The treacherous, long drive from the city to the orphanage deters visitors.
Sundays are just another day at the orphanage. No local minister comes to bring good news. The children are not taken to church services.
I visited Christina yesterday, Sunday afternoon. We took a short walk through the snow to a small store for treats for the children. Christina doesn't ask for anything and seems grateful for the small gifts I have given her. I gave her a small stuffed cat and she named the cat "debbie".
At the store, Christina carefully counts the number of girls back at the orphanage and asks for a small treat for each one. She is very careful to give me the right head count.
We returned to the orphanage to distribute the treats and we spent our time in the one bright room with colorful walls. Several girls joined us in this activity room. The difficulty with visiting with Christina at the orphanage is that all the children know why I have come. They know that only Christina will go home with me. They all long for a family. Their eyes speak volumes. One 14 year old named Julia is especially sad. I told her that I can't promise her a home, but I can tell others about the wonderful children at the orphanage.
My goal and desire when I return is to help this orphanage. I want to send them bibles in Russian and DVDs which deliver the gospel. My translator Helen says that she will make some contacts with local pastors to ask them to visit the orphanage.
My court date is still scheduled for Thursday, February 14th. However, I've just heard about delays other Americans experienced this week at the adoption center, which is a necessary step before court. You go to the adoption center once for your referral to a child, then when you decide to adopt, you have to get their approval again. They can delay court dates due to their backlog. Please pray that the adoption center will process my approval and send it to the court on time.
I am weary, but well.
After the court date, if the ten day waiting period is not waived, I am going to return to the US for a few days. Then, another short trip to bring Christina home.
Thank you for your prayers. My love to you all.
debbie
p.s. don't get me started about the homeless dogs and cats. I carry around a packet of food for passing strays.
A bright sunny day in Torez is a blessed relief from the dreary overcast skies and bitter cold of the last several days. It doesn't offset the heaviness in my spirit. I am burdened for the orphans who will not come home with me or another family.
The Torez orphanage is drab and gray with a leaky roof. The halls are dark and mottled with water stains. They are brightened only by art work created by the children. Paint peels. Pipes leak. The musty air is cold.
The orphanage smells like cabbage.
There are several bright, colorful rooms that offer respite from the dull gray, browns and greens.
The road to the orphanage is filled with what could best be described as boulder holes.
If you travel this road, you will never complain about an American pothole again. The treacherous, long drive from the city to the orphanage deters visitors.
Sundays are just another day at the orphanage. No local minister comes to bring good news. The children are not taken to church services.
I visited Christina yesterday, Sunday afternoon. We took a short walk through the snow to a small store for treats for the children. Christina doesn't ask for anything and seems grateful for the small gifts I have given her. I gave her a small stuffed cat and she named the cat "debbie".
At the store, Christina carefully counts the number of girls back at the orphanage and asks for a small treat for each one. She is very careful to give me the right head count.
We returned to the orphanage to distribute the treats and we spent our time in the one bright room with colorful walls. Several girls joined us in this activity room. The difficulty with visiting with Christina at the orphanage is that all the children know why I have come. They know that only Christina will go home with me. They all long for a family. Their eyes speak volumes. One 14 year old named Julia is especially sad. I told her that I can't promise her a home, but I can tell others about the wonderful children at the orphanage.
My goal and desire when I return is to help this orphanage. I want to send them bibles in Russian and DVDs which deliver the gospel. My translator Helen says that she will make some contacts with local pastors to ask them to visit the orphanage.
My court date is still scheduled for Thursday, February 14th. However, I've just heard about delays other Americans experienced this week at the adoption center, which is a necessary step before court. You go to the adoption center once for your referral to a child, then when you decide to adopt, you have to get their approval again. They can delay court dates due to their backlog. Please pray that the adoption center will process my approval and send it to the court on time.
I am weary, but well.
After the court date, if the ten day waiting period is not waived, I am going to return to the US for a few days. Then, another short trip to bring Christina home.
Thank you for your prayers. My love to you all.
debbie
p.s. don't get me started about the homeless dogs and cats. I carry around a packet of food for passing strays.
Friday, February 8, 2008
I'm in love
Hi everyone,
No, I didn't meet Mr. Right in Ukraine. But I did meet a precious 11 year old girl named Christina that wants to call me mom.
She is a beautiful blue eyed girl with dark hair. We've agreed to become a family. I'll send pics when I can.
We can't send out the birth announcement yet. A judge in Ukraine still must issue the decree saying it is done on February 14th. Please pray on that day for favor.After that follows a ten day waiting period before the decree is final.
I will probably return to the US during the waiting period, then fly back over to claim my daughter.
Thank you ever so much for your prayers. I still feel them.
I am now homesick but happy.
debbie
I'll write more later.
No, I didn't meet Mr. Right in Ukraine. But I did meet a precious 11 year old girl named Christina that wants to call me mom.
She is a beautiful blue eyed girl with dark hair. We've agreed to become a family. I'll send pics when I can.
We can't send out the birth announcement yet. A judge in Ukraine still must issue the decree saying it is done on February 14th. Please pray on that day for favor.After that follows a ten day waiting period before the decree is final.
I will probably return to the US during the waiting period, then fly back over to claim my daughter.
Thank you ever so much for your prayers. I still feel them.
I am now homesick but happy.
debbie
I'll write more later.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Missing America, But Loving Ukraine
Dear Family and Friends,
I'm beginning to see a patten here.
Ukrainian train cars are as small as their elevators.
I just arrived in Torez, Ukraine after a 12 hour overnight train ride from Kiev in a sleeper car with my translator Helen. I have heard these train rides described as gigantic Ukrainian slumber parties.
The most amazing thing is that these minor discomforts have bothered me little. Now remember, this is the woman who needs half a gym floor clear of other people for aerobics.
Im posting from an internet cafe. I did walk through the snow, but it was only a block from my hotel. Groans , shouts, and claps provide ambient sound. The noise is all about the Superbowl.
I understand as little about football in Ukrainian as I do in English.
I love the Ukrainian people. They work so hard for so little.
Even four years of college doesn't buy them a good standard of living.
I want so much more for them..
Tomorrow is a very big day. I meet Christina for the first time. I first visit "the Inspector". This title sounds ominous, but really ithis is the person who oversees adoptions in each province. Then, we meet another city official, and after these customary greetings, we go to the orphanage.
I'll let you know how my first meeting with Christina goes.
debbie
p.s. I have not heard a short Ukrainian conversation yet. Even casual conversations sound intense. The Ukrainians have some very funny jokes about Americans. I have laughed very hard at these good natured spoofs of US culture.
I'm beginning to see a patten here.
Ukrainian train cars are as small as their elevators.
I just arrived in Torez, Ukraine after a 12 hour overnight train ride from Kiev in a sleeper car with my translator Helen. I have heard these train rides described as gigantic Ukrainian slumber parties.
The most amazing thing is that these minor discomforts have bothered me little. Now remember, this is the woman who needs half a gym floor clear of other people for aerobics.
Im posting from an internet cafe. I did walk through the snow, but it was only a block from my hotel. Groans , shouts, and claps provide ambient sound. The noise is all about the Superbowl.
I understand as little about football in Ukrainian as I do in English.
I love the Ukrainian people. They work so hard for so little.
Even four years of college doesn't buy them a good standard of living.
I want so much more for them..
Tomorrow is a very big day. I meet Christina for the first time. I first visit "the Inspector". This title sounds ominous, but really ithis is the person who oversees adoptions in each province. Then, we meet another city official, and after these customary greetings, we go to the orphanage.
I'll let you know how my first meeting with Christina goes.
debbie
p.s. I have not heard a short Ukrainian conversation yet. Even casual conversations sound intense. The Ukrainians have some very funny jokes about Americans. I have laughed very hard at these good natured spoofs of US culture.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The Promised Land is Closer than it was Yesterday
Hi family and friends,
My meeting with the adoption officials was wonderful. I am jubilant and at peace with the direction I believe the Lord gave me today. Thank you for your prayers.
Is the uncertainty over? Not on your life. Not for many days hence.
And tolerance for uncertainty has never been my strong suit. I want a place of certainty. And I want it NOW! This adoption journey cuts to the heart of my brash impatience.
The journey continues on a 12 hour train ride to the Donetsh province of Eastern Ukraine. At least I don't have to worry about missing a connecting flight :) Small consolation,
but the good news is that after that 12 hour ride, I will meet an 11 year old orphan girl named Christina who desperately needs a home. Everything I have heard about this child says she is a possible match, but relationships have to be forged. If I choose her, she must choose me too.
I am told she was removed from her mother because of neglect. An aunt took her in but gave her up to the orphanage because she couldn't afford to keep her. Tragically, this is an all too common scenario in Ukraine.
My scenic train tour of Eastern Ukraine to visit Christina starts Saturday night to arrive Sunday morning.
Many of you know that there was another orphan named Julia who was on my heart. We even communicated through several letters. However, several days before my trip, I found out that Julia has a very complicated family situation in Ukraine i.e. older brothers and a sister ( not in the orphanage). She is very attached to them and does not want to leave Ukraine, even though her family may never be reunited. I didn't think it was right to pursue her at this time. If it doesn't work out with Christina, I still have the option of a second appointment to pursue another child. I will continue to pray about Julia.
If there is one thing I've learned from my friends who led the way in Ukrainian adoption : keep an open mind about the child or children you ultimately adopt!
In yondermost Ukraine, I can say with surety that the accommodations will be spartan and internet access sparse. There will definately be no McDonalds. I hear the snow cream is pretty good though. My translator laughed and said "yes" when I asked about phone service. It is not an unreached people group.
I'll try to update the blog when I can.
Your prayers are carrying me. I FEEL them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Please prayfor my meeting with Christina on Monday.
Love to you all,
debbie
p.s. I LOVE BORSCHE! It's my favorite Ukrainian food so far.
My meeting with the adoption officials was wonderful. I am jubilant and at peace with the direction I believe the Lord gave me today. Thank you for your prayers.
Is the uncertainty over? Not on your life. Not for many days hence.
And tolerance for uncertainty has never been my strong suit. I want a place of certainty. And I want it NOW! This adoption journey cuts to the heart of my brash impatience.
The journey continues on a 12 hour train ride to the Donetsh province of Eastern Ukraine. At least I don't have to worry about missing a connecting flight :) Small consolation,
but the good news is that after that 12 hour ride, I will meet an 11 year old orphan girl named Christina who desperately needs a home. Everything I have heard about this child says she is a possible match, but relationships have to be forged. If I choose her, she must choose me too.
I am told she was removed from her mother because of neglect. An aunt took her in but gave her up to the orphanage because she couldn't afford to keep her. Tragically, this is an all too common scenario in Ukraine.
My scenic train tour of Eastern Ukraine to visit Christina starts Saturday night to arrive Sunday morning.
Many of you know that there was another orphan named Julia who was on my heart. We even communicated through several letters. However, several days before my trip, I found out that Julia has a very complicated family situation in Ukraine i.e. older brothers and a sister ( not in the orphanage). She is very attached to them and does not want to leave Ukraine, even though her family may never be reunited. I didn't think it was right to pursue her at this time. If it doesn't work out with Christina, I still have the option of a second appointment to pursue another child. I will continue to pray about Julia.
If there is one thing I've learned from my friends who led the way in Ukrainian adoption : keep an open mind about the child or children you ultimately adopt!
In yondermost Ukraine, I can say with surety that the accommodations will be spartan and internet access sparse. There will definately be no McDonalds. I hear the snow cream is pretty good though. My translator laughed and said "yes" when I asked about phone service. It is not an unreached people group.
I'll try to update the blog when I can.
Your prayers are carrying me. I FEEL them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Please prayfor my meeting with Christina on Monday.
Love to you all,
debbie
p.s. I LOVE BORSCHE! It's my favorite Ukrainian food so far.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Expect the Unexpected
Hi everyone,
I am happily situated in Kiev in a quite nice WARM apartment with internet access.
I have two observations so far: it's not as cold as I expected and elevator space is at a premium. You get really get up close and personal with all fellow elevator travelers. I smile pleasantly as my wonderful translator Helen makes small talk with other passengers and hope we don't run out of oxygen.
Kiev is a beautiful city and much more modern than I remember. Interestingly, I feel right at home here. On prior international trips, I remember an almost physical sensation called "culture shock". This time, no culture shock , no doubt due to the many prayers prayed for me.
However, my travel to get here was was quite eventful and hence, the title of this blog.
Just a heads up, some Delta connections are far too close for comfort especially when your plane has mechanical problems before it gets out of the gate.
I arrived at the Norfolk airport to receive the news that the flight to NY was going to be delayed for two hours. arriving one hour past the time of my next connection.
Well, I ended up being rerouted through several American and European cities. I ate my first Ukranian meal on Ukranian International Airlines from London to Kiev.
Tomorrow is the big day. The appointment with the adoption officials. I need favor, favor, favor. The process has changed from prior years in that they are quite proactive in identifying possible referals i.e. children that would be suited to you. If you don't accept their referrals, it can be weeks before another appointment is granted. Please pray that all will go well.
Tonight I am having dinner with two other American couples here to adopt. It's great to compare notes with other Americans and laugh about any frustrations.
I hope to write again soon.
debbie
#end
I am happily situated in Kiev in a quite nice WARM apartment with internet access.
I have two observations so far: it's not as cold as I expected and elevator space is at a premium. You get really get up close and personal with all fellow elevator travelers. I smile pleasantly as my wonderful translator Helen makes small talk with other passengers and hope we don't run out of oxygen.
Kiev is a beautiful city and much more modern than I remember. Interestingly, I feel right at home here. On prior international trips, I remember an almost physical sensation called "culture shock". This time, no culture shock , no doubt due to the many prayers prayed for me.
However, my travel to get here was was quite eventful and hence, the title of this blog.
Just a heads up, some Delta connections are far too close for comfort especially when your plane has mechanical problems before it gets out of the gate.
I arrived at the Norfolk airport to receive the news that the flight to NY was going to be delayed for two hours. arriving one hour past the time of my next connection.
Well, I ended up being rerouted through several American and European cities. I ate my first Ukranian meal on Ukranian International Airlines from London to Kiev.
Tomorrow is the big day. The appointment with the adoption officials. I need favor, favor, favor. The process has changed from prior years in that they are quite proactive in identifying possible referals i.e. children that would be suited to you. If you don't accept their referrals, it can be weeks before another appointment is granted. Please pray that all will go well.
Tonight I am having dinner with two other American couples here to adopt. It's great to compare notes with other Americans and laugh about any frustrations.
I hope to write again soon.
debbie
#end
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Blog Test Posting - boring, but it should get better.
Hi Family and Friends,
I'm still in the USA doing a "test" page posting to my blog.
I want to make sure I get this down before I leave.
I depart Norfolk on Monday at 2:20 pm
Depart New York around 5:30 pm.
Arrive Kiev the next morning
Tuesday I plan to sleep, shop and find the nearest McDonalds
Wednesday is another "free" day. I'll probably shop and sight see.
Thursday is the BIG day.....my appointment with the adoption officials at the SDA. Not to be confused with the CIA or FBI or KGB or even Seventh Day Adventists.
The wonderful people at the State Department of Adoptions guide prospective adoptive parents to their prospective adoptive children.
I'll be in touch with another post when I get to Kiev.
debbie
I'm still in the USA doing a "test" page posting to my blog.
I want to make sure I get this down before I leave.
I depart Norfolk on Monday at 2:20 pm
Depart New York around 5:30 pm.
Arrive Kiev the next morning
Tuesday I plan to sleep, shop and find the nearest McDonalds
Wednesday is another "free" day. I'll probably shop and sight see.
Thursday is the BIG day.....my appointment with the adoption officials at the SDA. Not to be confused with the CIA or FBI or KGB or even Seventh Day Adventists.
The wonderful people at the State Department of Adoptions guide prospective adoptive parents to their prospective adoptive children.
I'll be in touch with another post when I get to Kiev.
debbie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)