Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Leaving for Dniprodzerzhinsk - the orphanage

Hi,

Thank you for all the warm comments - it is really great to hear from our friends while we are over here so keep them coming!!

Today we received our paperwork from the SDA which is needed to visit the boys. Once we got this we walked about 3 miles to the train station to get tickets for the morning express train (for Thursday). Luckily they had some seats so we will be on our way by 7AM local time. If all goes well we might be meeting the boys tomorrow afternoon. If there are delays with paperwork in the region it might be Friday before we can see them. At this point we are unsure if we can see the boys on the weekend or not. Some regions are open to this while others are not. We'll let you know when we know...

It is still hotter than you know what over here. Today it was 90 degrees F again. We have been mostly walking to get around but every once in a while we will jump on a bus to get across town. They are like steam baths and people are crammed in them like sardines. It gets you where you are going but you surely need a shower after taking the bus on these hot days.

We went downtown before we picked up our referral at the SDA. We met Olga and had lunch with her. She took us to a local pub and brewery and we had Ukrainian brew and Borschdt (sp?) which is beet soup. Andrea said she was going to try it and she did. It was actually pretty good and we both enjoyed it. This place also had fried pig's ears (which Olga said she loves) but we passed on that. Can't get too crazy in one day - have to spread it out!!

Our experience has been very smooth and pleasant so far and we are hopeful that continues. The people we are working with are all very helpful and caring. I think we mentioned in our last post that the region we are heading to is notorious for being difficult so things could be changing from smooth to bumpy. We'll just deal with that scenario if it occurs.

Take care - we hope everyone is well.

Chris & Andrea

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Maybe you guys should become deodorant importers in Ukraine. Sounds like you'd make a mint.

Saw Ginger and Bailey yesterday, they send their best. Both are well and enjoyed roaming around the yard while I hacked away at your lawn. Your home is in great shape. Kristen was sacked out on your new couch when I finished in the yard but she informed me she was getting ready to dust the deer heads. All is well!

All the best.

Todd said...

Thanks for keeping us so well informed. It is really interesting reading.

Sounds like things are continuing to go great. Looking forward to reading more about your progress.

Erica said...

Chris & Andrea!!
Oh my goodness...this is so awesome! I can't believe you might meet the boys today! :)
I don't know why - but I had a FEELING...that when you came home I'd have two new precious cousins rather than one!
We are praying for you and can't wait until you come home. I love the updates!
Love you...take care.
-Ecka

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be ADOPTED AS HIS SONS through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will - to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.
-Ephesians 1:4-6

Jennifer said...

Hopefully your boys are in baby house #2 - if so the process should be smoother. If in baby house #1 - get ready for a bumpy road! If BH #1 - read my blog - and start gathering paperwork.

Jennifer

Jennifer said...

My blog is jensadoption.blogspot.com

jon said...

Can't wait to hear how the meeting went with the children. Tried to call three times to say a quick hello. Hope your trip went smoothly. Anxiously awaiting your latest news. I am sure Chris's hard nose negotiating skills will be helpful - more so than with game wardens...
Kristen raked your lawn - Dan thinks that is a first for the Donahue estate....
Sox dropped two to the Yankees.

Kristin & Mark said...

HI guys,

We are thinking of you. I hope you see the boys today. You are both going to love twins- one for each of you!!
Stay cool and enjoy this trip.

Kristen said...

I've been trying to study the books you guys left on the coffee table so I can say 'congrats and good luck' in russian/ukranian but I'm not getting very far; so mazel tov! I'm having fun with the girls; trying to figure out how to throw Ginger a ball withough Bailey getting there first (even though she already has two balls in her mouth). They are doing well and we're all having fun; including the black flies. Should I file enrollment papers at Montpelier Montessori for them? teehee...

Charlene Rinker said...

How exciting for both of you!! Hope your visit with the boys went well. Tell us all about it!
It's been hot here, also, but we're not having to get onto crowded buses! What an experience you're having. Will continue to pray that all goes well and you can all return home soon.
Love, Char

Unknown said...

Chris and Andrea,
I've been keeping up with the blog. The kids are reading along as well and very interested in the daily report.

We hope all continues to go well.

Sandra & David said...

Hi Guys-
We are so happy to hear your news and that all is well - though hot (it will be 88 here today!). I read your message with tears running down my cheeks!
Just wanted to offer any assistance with coordination of services for the boys. If you are comfortable, would be happy to call the school and inquire about support. Since the boys will three years old, the school will be responsible for evaluation and intervention. If you choose to go elsewhere, the school will have no obligation to support them. I could at least find out how, who, etc. Please let me know if I can help out - this is one area I can offer assistance.
Glad to hear that your journey has been a good one. Can't wait to have you both home with your complete family.
Take care!

Kim & Bob said...

HOORAY!!! That is fabulous news. We are so excited for the four of you. Can't wait to meet Brady and Lucas. They are two very lucky little boys.