Do we look happy?! We are elated!!! Just minutes ago, we completed our appointment with the official psychologist at the State Department of Adoption in Kiev. The meeting was startlingly brief... it happened so quickly that it was hard to believe it was over. At least one other family was there when we arrived and still there when we left. We were asked a total of three questions: 1) when did we host Sasha in our home; 2) when did we decide we wanted to adopt her; and 3) what are the ages of our other children and did they like her? Easy enough. We thought that was just the preamble... we had rehearsed answers to many other more difficult questions... I felt some of the nervousness/excitement for this meeting almost like when leading up to my Ph.D. oral exams... but it ended up that was it! Wow!
Masha (the psychologist) then showed us the official state documents on Sasha... which included a picture of when she entered the system and a recent photo... and she told us personal information about her which we already knew -- like the fact that she likes to dance, she is kind-hearted, sincere, and healthy, and that she has an older "half-brother" (same mom, different dad). When we asked more about the brother, she simply said that the brother was "over 18" (as if we didn't need to know anything more, or perhaps they didn't know anything more about him).
She then told us (through the translator) that we would have our "referral" tomorrow afternoon! And we left! The picture of us above was taken right outside the door as we left. If you look closely, you can see the snow starting to fall and our happiness off the charts!
THANK YOU for praying for us and this important first step! We know that many were praying at Rose Drive along with our family around the country. We believe that the Lord has led us thus far and through the prayers of many has opened this door for us. We are so thankful!
Next steps? We take a 15 hour train ride tomorrow night (Wednesday, December 9) to Chernivtsi to see Sasha Joy and continue the adoption process!
I can't come up with adequate words. Wow. Love you guys.
ReplyDeleteSandi
On a train and a prayer... off you go.... Many steps ahead, but many more prayers ahead of you already. His Peace, Tony.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the very first official step to bringing your joy home!!!! Don't envy the train ride, tho it does have its unexpected moments of joy too ( like when you finally realize-wow, I actually dozed off for more than 15 minutes & I'm not totally sweltering at this moment!) Enjoy every moment, even if your not at the time, they make you cherish the memories all the more when your home with your beautiful baby girl!!!! In His love, J&L
ReplyDeleteCongratulations LeShana Family! Thanks for setting up the blog and letting me read it. We will continue to pray as you advance toward the goal and bring your daughter home.
ReplyDeleteLove, Bobbi
Congratulations! Step 1 now complete. We hope you can get some much needed rest on the train. Paul slept like a baby...I was lucky to get about an hour. I am guessing your daughter won't be getting much sleep either in the anticipation of it all. Know that we are praying for a smooth (and speedy) process for you. Your journey is bringing back wonderful and cherished memories of our journey just one year ago. In fact, on this very day we were on a plane headed to Ukraine. God is so faithful! Love, Paul & Stephanie
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Every step brings you one day closer to bringing her home! Dave is looking over my shoulder and saying how awesome it will be when you see Sasha! We love you guys! The Reinharts
ReplyDeletePerhaps that other family didn't arrive with 2 large and overloaded suitcases full of prayers the way you did. What a wonderful journey (both literal and spiritual) that you are on right now. As our pastor has pointed out to us in the past, "God is Good...all the time". It is our prayer that you would continue to experience His goodness in each moment and all parts of this journey.
ReplyDeleteIn His Love,
Bonnie and John
Woooohoooo!!! Love you!!
ReplyDeleteAre we there yet????? How about that train ride!!! Just think, at best you only have to do it three more times!! The grand adventure. We were excited to see the snow had just begun there for you. Have a blessed day, the ladies at the ReJoyce Luncheon today were glad to get an update on you two, as always, you are in their prayers. Can't wait for the big day-when you walk in to the house of child and see your beautiful daughters face light up. What a joyeous reunion. Get some rest-God bless, In His love,J&L
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim and Jeanine for sharing your journey with us. It brings back lots of memories. Even the ones we are trying to forget like the food ones. LOL. Congrat's on the SDA appt! Hope you enjoyed the train ride, and looking forward to hearing about your encounter with your daughter!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless and take care of you both and Sasha! Lori and Chad
Thanks for continuing to send updates. . . wow! We are praying for you to go through the rest on a fast track! You must be the best Christmas present Sasha has ever had!
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