Lee Here -
A few updates.
Many have asked about the fighting in Georgia. That is probably 300 miles from us and doesn't affect us directly - but it is clearly on the minds and hearts of people here. Many have family and friends in the region; and Kharkov is only about 20-30 miles from the Russian border. The aggression is clearly something that has people on edge. The Russian navy maintains a large fleet in the Black Sea base (in Ukraine) of Sevastopol - so it goes to show how anxious they are to protect their interests.
On the adoption front - we had (kind of) birth certificates issued for the girls - however one listed Karen and I as citizens of Ukraine - which isn't quite yet the case (maybe a few more weeks and we can qualify)... so there is two steps forward and one step backwards. Our facilitator is doing everything in her power to keep this moving forward - but it is a daily struggle. Pray for her, pray for the paperwork - it is complex, sequenced and some of it just takes time.
What is ahead for us:
- need to get the birth certificates legalized
- need to get the girls new names assigned to what we would call their social security numbers.
- passport applications and completion
- visas
- medical check ups
- embassy and state dept work done in Kiev
It is very difficult to say we will be done by a date - because these things can take from 1 to 5 days - and all are in a sequence.
We are doing fine - but are very anxious to get home. Thanks for the comments, the thoughts, the prayers. It is amazing to see God work right in front of our eyes. We are grateful for the wonderful support of family and friends who are with us on this journey.
Lee - for Karen, Daniel, Andrew, Katherine and Emelia
7 comments:
This was the part of the process that was the most difficult for me--all this paperwork which takes an unpredictable amount of time and not really knowing when I was going home. I am praying for all of you guys.
Joy, RR
well, lee, you are beginning to look very ukrainian with your new elbows...so i can understand the confusion.
praying...
I'm so happy for you both. Yes, in deed you are in my prayers. I hope your facilator gets the information that she needs. Remember our greatest gift as a parent is to properly train and guide our children into a loving relationship with God. You both are already doing that. Thank you for having so much faith.
Your friend...
love you guys!!!! can't wait for you to be on this side of the ocean. Actually after the 5-7 inches of rain we received last night we might be an ocean!
My prayers are with you often. The HS prompts me to pray at all times of the day for you. Cool!
Lee, when you get back it has to be chicken stacky uppy time, K?
Well, Scooter is banking on the assumption that you guys will return and not become citizens of the Ukraine. But just in case that happens, he is working out the details for hairball intervention out there. Meow.
Yay! I have been out of town for the weekend and just got caught up reading your blog. How wonderful the way everything is working out! We'll keep praying for you guys and your facilitator... looking forward to seeing you together as a whole family here in MN!
Love,
Lorina
We have enjoyed following along. I know it must not be easy at times but you will be so blessed. The girls are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing them with all of us.
We will continue to pray for a smooth journey.
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