My day began with an appointment at the adoption office to receive Hailee and Harper’s referrals. It was quick and easy. I walked in, the psychologist asked me one or two questions about why I want to adopt these two children, then they read some info to me off their files. It was funny to see our dossier lying on the table. Months and months of hard work now in their hands.
Yep, that’s me outside the government building. I figured you’ll be seeing me so rarely in these posts that when I do have an opportunity for someone to take a pic with me in it, I’ll do it…just for my kiddos to see their Mommy.
Oh I was so tempted to bring out my capris this morning. But I thought twice when I realized they may think I’m a totally incompetent mother who does NOT know how to bundle herself up, and what in the world would I be dressing the darling children in on a 70 degree day. So I whipped out a little sweater too just to make sure everyone was as happy as Larry.
I got to see two baby pics of our girls. I got a lump in my throat and had to fight back the tears while sitting there. It’s so different from our first two adoptions in a country where the children are pretty much abandoned secretly. Today I got to hear details about my children that I thought I would never know. My heart ached.
Here’s the strange thing-according to their records Hailee has NO heart condition, but Harper does. All along we thought that Hailee did have a heart condition. Not sure about that. They had no record of their current weight or height, so there really is no way of telling until I get there. They said that Hailee is very ‘quiet’, and Harper ‘does not attach well to anyone’. Both of the girls are ‘psychologically, socially and developmentally delayed’. Yeah, like whatever.
According to their records Hailee is doing so much better than Harper, which is completely the opposite of what we thought. It seems that there really is no way of knowing exactly how our girls are until they are in my arms, and I can see for myself what’s up. Welcome to the world of adoption! We learned this lesson a very long time ago…hang onto every single morsel of information you get very loosely, because you never really can be certain what truly is going on with your child. Botton line-they’re either your child, or they’re not, no matter what is ‘wrong’ with them.
There you have it-my two cents worth.
Unfortunately I will have to wait until late tomorrow afternoon to receive the referral letters. Bummer. Hopefully they can get me on a train tomorrow night so that I can get to the girls city by Friday. I think it is about a 12 hour train trip into their region. I am learning to just take one day at a time here. Lots and lots of waiting around.
Oh, the people at the adoption office did tell me NOT to expect the judge to waiver the ten day waiting period (after court). They pretty much said it was completely out of the question in this region. I bit my tongue to prevent myself from telling them that I have the Greatest Judge, the Defender of the Weak, on MY side! Ooohhh, I was so close to telling them-but figured they might think I’m a total nut and tell me to forget about adopting their children. So I shut up and just smiled ever so sweetly…knowing full well that my God is more than able to make it happen!
This gorgeous church is right next to the government building. An Orthodox Church they tell me.
I’ve been walking around and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this place. It really is a fascinating city.
I am such a sucker for all things old (not you, Honey). I LOVE historic buildings. There is just something magnificent about them. This city is full of them. Most of them could do with a good renovation job. But even as they are, they are simply stunning.
It’s wierd, there are places like this…..
And then right next door are places like this……
They’re neighbors. Go figure.
Love the detail.
I think I could quite fancy turning this place into my home.
Ah, I never feel too far away from my beloved Africa here. The burglar bars make me feel quite at home.
Okay, help me out here because this is driving me nuts. They paint the bottom half of the trees white in China too, but for the life of me I cannot remember the reason for it. I used to know why they did it.
Anyone know why they do this?
Oh my goodness, this has to be the sweetest little police car I ever saw. Too cute. I’m wondering how in the world anyone manages to do a high speed chase in that little thing though. Maybe dynamite does come in small packages and this thing has some serious vooma under the hood.
Things that make me smile.
So there you have it. Another day almost over here in the Ukraine, which means another day closer to our sweet angel girls. I am so praying Friday will be the day we meet. I’m starting to feel a little antsy now, I feel so close, yet still so far away.
I’m longing to get to them now. Desperately longing.
Thank you for your prayers, I appreciate them so much. I am doing okay on my own. Missing my family something awful. I’m trying hard to stay focussed and not let my emotions run away with me. Ugh, add the hormones to the emotions, and it really is not a pretty thing. Remind me why the Lord gave us women hormones? I’m sure there must be a great reason, I just haven’t quite figured it out yet.
Okay, it’s taken me like three hours to try and get this thing posted-my internet connection is horrible. I’ll save the rest for another post.
Love you all heaps and heaps.
It´s so much fun to read your blog posts Adeyé! I love all those pictures. Those informairon about Hailee and Harper and seem strange. But considering how amazingly much Haven has developed since you got her there´ll probably be no time until Harper will attach and Hailee will be healthy. I am looking veyr forward to seeing the next part of your journey!
Thanks for sharing so much about your day. I can’t imagine taking in all the info about he girls… praying for your meeting, for their health and their hearts- we know we serve a GREAT GOD who does GREAT things! More than we could ever ask or imagine!
Praying for you and sending you hugs friend,
Gayly
So glad your appointment went well and you are one step closer to your babies! My favorite line of this post was “Yeah, like whatever”. They can label these children all they want, but they don’t understand the joy, the love, the design of our Master’s hand, and the potential each one possesses.
So thankful that you answered God’s call and are pursuing His heart. Can’t wait to see pictures of your sweet ones in your arms!
Jenn
It is so fun reading your daily posts. Of course we are all with you in prayer and looking forward to that first photo of your babies in your arms. Wish I could wave a magic wand and come and spend a day or two exploring with you. It all looks so fascinating. The buildings are beautiful. I can’t even begin to imagine how brave you are to make this trip on your own. But you are really not on your own. I picture God walking right beside you as you stroll down the streets taking in the scenery. May God continue to bless you on your journey and I pray the days pass quickly until you have the little sweeties in your arms.
great post and photos!
i spent 6 weeks in china during college and asked everyone i could why the trees are painted. no one really knew!!! uhhhh, maybe so they are healthy. um, maybe so they grow straight.
it drives me nuts that after 9 years i still don’t know!
Closer….closer….I feel like I’M about to give birth! Hang in there….can’t wait for the post when you get to see your sweet daughters. I back in CA doing my lamaze breathing for you….. (inhale….exhale…..inhale….exhale….)
Oh my - what a day !
I really really hope you will get the papers early tomorrow …
Easter is such a big holiday in the Orthodox church. Everything will be closed on Great and Holy Friday. And a lot of countries in Europe are close on Easter Monday, too.
(If you have to stay in Kiew, you may want to keep an eye on that beautiful church, ’cause the festivities are impressive.)
May all puzzle pieces fall into the right places for you !
As much as I waited for this entry today, I hope there is none tomorrow, ’cause you are on your way !
Today I am “only” 1000 miles west of you
God bless your journey. Bee
We are talking about self-control vs self-indulgence this week and today we talked about 2 Pet. when Paul told Timothy that the Lord had not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and love and self-control. We talked about how you and your family are living that out right now.
Love to see all those pretty things with you…I am also a sucker for old buildings…I can just imagine that hours of fun I could have photography them
Loves to you from us,
Shonni
Very interesting about the girls’ conditions being flip-flopped somewhat. You’re very wise in knowing that seeing them will be the true “diagnosis” of how they are.
Glad you opted for layers you rebel you! Capris? In March? Are you nuts? ha ha I’m sure they would have given you the referrals anyway because you’re just so darn cute…and that accent…oh, don’t get me started! ha ha
Enjoy your sightseeing-the buildings truly are beautiful and tell quite a story of that city’s heritage.
Kristin
How exciting…I love those old buildings, the burglar bars are a common site here as well (Detroit).
I believe they paint the bottoms of those trees with a white anti-pest kind of thing, so that certain bugs leave them alone.
Can’t wait to hear more about the girls!
Praying to the God of Miracles for you and your babies.. HE HOLDS YOU!
Dawn
So glad to hear your account with the office. We do serve a God that has been moving mountains … huge ones for these sweet girls. We shall see what He does with the judge and waiving the wait! :o)
Praying for you every day!
I LOVE the pics. I too am a sucker for details in architechture. :o)
Blessings!!!
Andrea
Great update! Love the pic of you. Darling!!
Praying!!!
One day closer! WHOO HOOO!
Praying you have the emotional stamina to make it through till Friday!
P.S. Is the paint to stop insects from destroying the tree?
Wise friend keeping the focus and not letting your emotions run away with you or heck they would be back to South Africa by now!!!
You touched my heart posting on my blog when you are so far away. You may be far away but being carried closely by so many hearts all over the world. I loved the comment by the nun. How precious was that for you??
Take more adorable pictures of yourself. It is fun for us and you’ll appreciate them later! If I was that cute I would be taking self portraits!
I heard they paint the trees white to prevent sunburn, but I am no arborist!
You are in my daily prayers, never far from my thoughts!!!
Hang in there, Adeye! You are so close!!! Praying that there are NO heart conditions to deal with. Hope you packed more than one pair of big girl undies:)
Lisa
seriously find me ONE child in an orphanage setting that is NOT delayed in some way? They just tell you everything and you do with it what you will. They told us Ben was mentally delayed. sure he is, he is 6 and just learned to walk and spent most of his life in a stroller! but he is doing JUST fine coming around at home. I like what you said, either they are your kid or they arent, doesnt matter what they have or dont have. I like that a lot. go to the zoo on your day off! its loads of fun!
Love your post! So glad to hear that you are doing well! It won’t be long until you are holding those precious girls of yours! Those cop cars are funny, huh? When I was in Russia, a cop would just wave a red stick at each car that needed to pull over and get a ticket. Our driver got one, I can’t imagine why! LOL!
Amy
Adeye.Following along every word, every photo!! And I am praying for you!
Now I remember why they paint the fruit trees white…so the tree doesn’t warm up too fast when the winter sun hits, if the tree gets too warm it will think it is spring and start pushing buds too early.But I also knew housewives that painted their trees “for pretty”
I woke up around 2AM on Mon nite, and thought about you, wonder if it was when you were in front of the gov. people telling you about the judge.
Will be praying that our Judge takes things in His hands.
Yeah, Easter might throw a wrench in your plans for Thurs/ Fri. do they have Easter Mon. like the Amish do around here?
Prayers.
I’m so happy for you and what an experience you are going thru. I can’t wait to hear about you two sweet babies. My son and dil will soon be making that journey very soon. God Bless, Hugz, jann
Love the pics.. What a good girl you were to don the sweater!
10 points to you
I think maybe they paint the bottoms of the trees to discourage men from urinating on them.
Hey…I’ve seen it happen!
Maybe they are measuring the growth each year?
Who knows. Be sure and find that out for us will you love?
I am SO glad that you have the peace and knowledge and experience that you have going into this!
God is your anchor and He is going to keep you steady!
Love you much!
Holly
You are so funny! The pictures are beautiful.
I just love seeing that you posted again today. Thank you for letting us be a part of what you are doing through this means of communication. I am so excited for you! I truly am!
I am loving all the photos and details of your journey, my dear friend! My goodness, what strange twists and turns, eh? The road may have some surprises, but GOD has paved it for you, so ONWARD! Missing you and praying for you constantly. Have they got any fresh fruits and veggies for you over there? Hey, it’s been super-HOT here! I will tell you more about what’s going on later. Love you!
Love the picture of you, Adeye! We rarely see you on the blog! You look absolutely adorable! Love the sweater touch to make them think you are “bundling”! Don’t get the bundling thing there. Love reading the posts! Love you and praying!
Enjoying your blog. Looking forward to meeting the girls soon!!
I just love reading your posts everyday and seeing the progress. And you’re making me long for a return trip to Europe. Sigh…
Love following along! Great pics- I love architecture too! It is so interesting how they can be neighbors! What ever happened to city ordinances and city planning?
I can hardly wait for you to meet your girls! You will know which info is accurate and which is not once you have them- it doesn’t take a Momma long.
Praying for you, your family and your precious girls!
So excited!
Oh, I know, I know….Pick Me, Pick me!!! The white on the trees is to reflect on your car lights, when you are driving home drunk….it is so you don’t hit it!!
Praying and loving your updates. I tried to comment last night, but it messed up. Selfishly thankful that another country is a lot like China, I thought surely no where else was like this!
Love and hugs and lots of praying!
Okay, honey. Now you’re becoming like me because I told you while we were in China and you forgot. I’m supposed to be the older one!
Painting the bottom of trees is all over Europe, but also parts of America. It’s to keep insects from burrowing in the trees and travelling up. And it’s also to deter rats from climbing them. Something about lack of footing for them.
I love you stacks, and miss you more!
Much love,
Your Hubby
I’m so impressed that you’ve been able to get all these beautiful photos posted on your blog. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Prayers continue to flow in West MI.
Thank you for posting!!! We are praying..You are so CUTE!
You are so darn cute!!! So great to hear an update and yes, I wouldn’t listen to a word they say about the girls. You will know best when you see them
Oh how I miss those sights! I miss Ukraine.
Praying for safe travels and quick referral letters from the SDA! I can’t wait to see those precious little ones in your arms!
So…I grabbed my sweet iced tea and sat down for my fill of the Salem reality show…haha! I just love seeing God at work and His children being obedient to His calling.
You looked so purty in your pink ruffled shirt. I think you did good in choosing to layer it up for the locals!
It’s very interesting how different the medical info is that you are getting now, but you are so correct in knowing to hold on loosely to what you were told. God already knows the real facts and choose your family for this mission from the beginning.
I love the building too that you mentioned as being a lovely home. Very cool architecture all around you.
Praying you daily!!
Adeye,
I loved reading this post!
I agree 100% - you as the Mommy will know what is best for the girls and be able to get a clear idea of what is going on!
I will be praying for complete healing and many miracles while you are there!
Praying for you and your family while you are apart. Trusting God to hold you all so close to His heart while you celebrate the reason you are adopting - being adopted by our GOD into His Kingdom forever! You are off redeeming two more of His children - what better way to celebrate the resurrection of His SON!
I would love to have my camera and walk around getting great shots of the architecture.
You are so cute FYI! Love your pretty smile - you make me smile!
Can’t wait to see your photos with the girls in your arms!
Blessings and love,
Jill
I am so with you about loving all things old, especially architecture. Love it all. And I just love it that you are Ukraine! I know I told you that already, but it’s one of the places where my heart will always be. I am praying continually through the day for you! We don’t know each other, but isn’t blog world cool? (My hubby totally doesn’t get it. Why would I spend so much time praying for people I don’t even know?) Well, I don’t know, other than that God uses lots of things to link His people together. And I love praying for you! I can’t wait to see what He is going to do, and I just know that adopting these two precious sweeties is going to be a huge blessing. Hugs coming to you from Michigan!!!
Wow, I only just realised that everything is taking place over Easter Weekend. What a powerful way for God to show how much He loves each and every one of us. He died so we may have life and two precious childern are going to be give LIFE….. He is so awesome. Praying and loving the posts… Luv Janelle
Lots of hugs for Adeye! Thinking of you and praying for you!
Love,
Annerieke
I missed logging on yesterday because of extreme busyness, so I dreamed about you holding the girls. I cannot wait to see what each day unfolds. You are so right. You are the mother of those sweet girls, period. On my motherhood front, I got to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time yesterday. Never gets old, even at #5.
Love you dearly my “whatever” friend,
Shauna
I can not wait to see you with your daughters in your arms! What a glorious moment it will be.
Hugs from hot, hot Northern Uganda.