We spent all the morning exploring the Independence Square area in Kyiv. Lots of interesting building and sites to see. Kevin took a total of 68 pictures. We had a good time seeing the people and the buildings and just enjoying the culture. We came back to the apartment to meet Sasha about 2:00. He brought us our cell phone. I will post the number on the side so that anyone can call that would like to. It does not cost us anything for someone to call us. We only have to pay for the calls that we make out.
Ben picked us up at 6:00 and we went to church with him. It was interesting to attend services in another country. We did recognize some of the songs and joined right along in English. Shine, Jesus, Shine and More Love, More Power. After church we went to McDonald’s with Ben and his oldest daughter. Alyssa enjoyed spending time with her.
So here is the news you are waiting for. We had our appointment at 10:00 this morning. Alyssa stayed with Ben’s wife Tanya and his three children. We were presented several files. The first file they showed us was a little girl with Cerebral Palsy. The second file was a little boy who turned two in May. The next file they were going to show us was four girls. When they called the orphanage the parents were trying to get their rights restored so these girls were not available. Then they showed us a couple other ones. Then they brought the one out that we are going to go and see on Wednesday. We are not in a position to share much information at this time, because things may turn out differently than they look right now. We are being somewhat guarded in our approach to make sure we do not set ourselves up for a potential disappointment. We do ask for continued support through your prayers. There are decisions we will face at the orphanage that we did not come prepared to make. We are confident that God is in control, and we joyfully look forward to our visits to the orphanage starting on Wednesday morning. We would just like to ask for your prayers. We will need some guidance in making the decision on this referral. We know that God was with us in that room. He did give us wonderful guidance there and He won’t fail us as we go for the visit.
We will spend the next two days exploring Kyiv. We will leave very early on Wednesday morning to travel to Kirovograd. It is only about four hours away from Kyiv so we will travel by mini bus. We will be staying there while we are in the process of adopting if this is the referral that we accept. We will have a facilitator with us while we are there. There are a lot of logistical issues that still have to be worked out, but hopefully those will come as easily as the rest of this process has been once we reached the Ukraine. Stay tuned, more excitement surely will follow!
Tammy, Kevin, and Alyssa
Monday, August 11, 2008
SDA Appointment
Posted by Kevin and Tammy at 8:07 AM
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8 comments:
Just wanted to say we're thinking of you and your journey. You've probably read our story, but we had some very interesting and very spiritual experiences while we waited in Kiev to travel and also as we traveled out to the region where our boys were. We knew by the time we got there that we were supposed to adopt these boys on the referral. We pray you will be able to also have that confirmation (or not) to know if it is the right referral.
Ask lots of questions, ask to see lots of medical records (hopefully your facilitator is good at translating medical records) and just keep an eye open as we found a lot of the medical records were very inaccurate and incomplete.
Best wishes on your travels to region and meeting your potential child/children. It is an absolutely amazing experience! We left the SDA almost shell shocked and wondering what we had gotten ourselves into. But the experiences we had over the next couple of days assured us that indeed, these WERE the children God had prepared for us and that we were sent to find...even to the point that we knew before we ever met them that they were ours! Once we did finally meet them, we
also knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, there was no way we could ever leave them behind.
We, too, had to make decisions at the time we met them - and repeatedly throughout our adoption process - that we initially weren't prepared to make. We did ultimately take on more than we were initially prepared for - but we also knew the way would be provided for us to make it work. And it has been. The journey has been so worth it, too!
May you be blessed with the same amazing experiences and opportunities. In the meantime, enjoy Kyiv. It is an amazing city with no shortage of things to see and do.
Praise God for getting you through this first step in the right direction. Enjoy your next day or so in Kyiv! I pray that all goes well as you travel to the orphanage for your initial meeting on Wednesday. Can't wait to read more!
Best wishes as you travel to meet your referral! Adoption forces you to make so many difficult decisions, so I'll pray for you as you make them. We did not accept our first referral, and I think of that sweet little boy EVERY DAY!!
Staci
Praying hard for your visit and anxious to hear more.
Take care!
Congratulations on your arrival and selection. One thing we have learned while we have been here is that we had to give up control to God, Just pray for God's will and we know that His will is ALWAYS perfect! You may have "hurdles" to overcome but these hurdles will make your bond stronger. We will be praying for you as we all go through this process together. Also, keep taking lots of pictures...buy more memory cards if you need them.
In Christ,
Dave and Candace Steyn
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you meet your referral. Have fun while in Kyiv!
Kristina
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I know that God will guide you in your upcoming decisions! We are so happy for you guys and looking forward to meeting our new cousin(s)!! We love you guys!
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