Very busy day trying to find our way around the city. Most everyone walks or takes buses. We are so thankful for our missionary friend Kyle who is from Virgina who has taken us under his wing and trying to teach all we need to know to be here. He stayed with us all day yesterday. He is teaching English in one of the orphanages and is currently working on getting funding to set up a home where children can go after they leave the orphanage at age 16. He works with a canadian pastor missionary. We will attend their church tomorrow night. He took us to McDonalds and the mall. Also took us to a sanitorium for orphans who need time away from the regular orphanage, they might be ill, or need discipleine, or just some rest. Didn't really figure out why they got sent there. Usually stay there for about 2 weeks at a time. The kids were very interested in us as Americans. They asked us why Americans want to adopt Ukraine children???? I told them because they are so cute! They laughed. They did not want to leave us, they were all around us in a circle. Kyle needed to go there because itwas one of his English students birthday and he was at this facility and he wanted to bring a big bag of cookies for his birthday.
Then it was on to do more paperwork, Seems like the paperwork never ends! You wait and wait and wait because they write everything by hand here. And then you sign. By about 4p.m. we were able to go to the orphanage and see the girls once again and talk about the names they wanted on their new documents. Olessia wanted to keep her name and Alina thought she might like to change her name but we only had about 15 minutes to decide so we decided they would keep their Russian names and use there mothers name as the middle name. Their mothers died 3 years ago of a leak in the brain. I did not want to take their mothers memory away from them. So the new names are: Alessia ( A Lay Sa) Angela ( an gel a) Bunton and Alina (a leen a)Angela Bunton. They were happy and wanted us to tell it to them so they could say it in English.
They were proud of themselves.
We have a court date this morning and then wait about 2 weeks for the final court date. We can visit the girls every day after school and on the weekends. There are 5 american families at our orphanage adopting at this time. All the kids wanted me to take their pictures yesterday. I finally just had to say no more, tomorrow. They are all so cute. Eash orphanage has a grandma, so the kids wanted me to take her picture, the grandmas are so cute. She was so happy to see her picture. She just kept looking and smiling.
We went out to dinner with Kyle and we were adventourous so we took the bus home in the dark by ourselves for the first time. We got off at the wrong stop and had to walk for awhile, but with Kyle on the phone and Jesus in our hearts to help us we found our way.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 5&6 recap
We all slept good last night.
What a relief to finally see the girls in person. So they could know we Really were coming.
You know there are six beds in the room where they sleep. It is the same size as Ashley's room at home. There is one dresser and no closet. One dresser, six girls. The room is absolutely neat, nothing on the floor, some Hana Montana posters on the wall. The beds are small like army cots. One girl has a home made frame for a photo of her and a friend and there are some stuffed animals. Thats all.
We talked, I showed them pictures of where they will be living with us. The house, the living room, their room, I pointed to a bed in their rooms picture and then two a second bed and hand motioned; you sleep here, then to the sister, you sleep here. Heads shake Yes-Yes as eyes close and tears squeeze out. Big smiles. All our faces hurt from smileing.
Today we learn how to ride the busses. We can take two busses for 25 kil. and be at the orphanage. It is eight miles out of town on a long road with farm fields behind the single deep line of small houses. Closest store the size of a news stand 1/2 mile. Nearest dad and mom? well that would be Susan and Me.
What a relief to finally see the girls in person. So they could know we Really were coming.
You know there are six beds in the room where they sleep. It is the same size as Ashley's room at home. There is one dresser and no closet. One dresser, six girls. The room is absolutely neat, nothing on the floor, some Hana Montana posters on the wall. The beds are small like army cots. One girl has a home made frame for a photo of her and a friend and there are some stuffed animals. Thats all.
We talked, I showed them pictures of where they will be living with us. The house, the living room, their room, I pointed to a bed in their rooms picture and then two a second bed and hand motioned; you sleep here, then to the sister, you sleep here. Heads shake Yes-Yes as eyes close and tears squeeze out. Big smiles. All our faces hurt from smileing.
Today we learn how to ride the busses. We can take two busses for 25 kil. and be at the orphanage. It is eight miles out of town on a long road with farm fields behind the single deep line of small houses. Closest store the size of a news stand 1/2 mile. Nearest dad and mom? well that would be Susan and Me.
Day 7
Day 7
The GOOD stuff
We saw Olessia and Alina today.
Ashley was first. Ashley said she saw Alina with some other children watching us across the courtyard.
Susan and I did not see her, But I was looking at faces trying to pick her out.
Ashley saw Alina the next time also before I did. We were by the directors office and Alina came up the stairs behind me. I turn around and she is kind of stepping away from me. She is tall, very thin. I say.”Hello, Mena Javoot---my name--- Dad” She stops, steps towards me and I lean and give her a hug ,as a try to hold back tears. I motion to Ashley and say” Sister” Alina hugs Ashley.
Then Olessia is there. Mom Hugs her and she cries in her arms. We are all teary eyed.
The director gives the girls a twenty minuet pep talk about they should allow us to adopt them because they will have greater opportunities in America and parents to love them. Then they sign a form and write a short paragraph saying why they want to be adopted, Three revisions in long hand and sign.
We are all happy, I notice other orphans walking past the office looking in. All day long they have been watching from the corner of the eye. I can only only help these two little ones. I hold back tears each time I think of it.
A missionary who helped us today is working on halfway homes to help graduating orphans transition out and into society without the unattachment which causes such crushing depression. Less then ten percent make it.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day four( Dave)
I believe Susan said everything well. Here are a few additions as I think over little things.
The pictures on the files were from when they first arrived at the orphanage. We learned the mother's name. We all gave a sigh of releif when we looked at those younger photos and saw our wanted childrens faces in those younger ones. One of the questions was do you want to consider these girls? Yes. Do you want to look at photos of other children before you choose these? No. I think to my self at that point: This has got to be a trick question! No.
The woman talking to us tells the file contents through the interpreter. I think about what were their feelings as these things took place in their young lives. We learn a little and I ponder with these new daughters how I can best be a father to them to heal their hurts, honer their bravery and remember all they have overcome thus far.
Wed. we will see the younger one for the first time in some nine months. She is older and taller now. We will meet the older sister for the first time in person. We have been told she is shy but she does very much want our family and the move. I can think of at least five good reasons she has not, other than to say she is willing, not reached back out to us. The first one would be." Lets see if they even show up"
Well we will travel through the night on Tuesday and" Lord willing and the creek doesn't rise" We will be there, Her family who wants her and her sister,there to see her, in person, in Zaperosiapha Ukraine.
God's best to you and thank you for your prayers.
The first five minutes may be the happiest, Then the work starts, The work of becoming a family.
Ps. Our son Brandon and his wife Kate have announced. They are expecting ITS A BOY!
The pictures on the files were from when they first arrived at the orphanage. We learned the mother's name. We all gave a sigh of releif when we looked at those younger photos and saw our wanted childrens faces in those younger ones. One of the questions was do you want to consider these girls? Yes. Do you want to look at photos of other children before you choose these? No. I think to my self at that point: This has got to be a trick question! No.
The woman talking to us tells the file contents through the interpreter. I think about what were their feelings as these things took place in their young lives. We learn a little and I ponder with these new daughters how I can best be a father to them to heal their hurts, honer their bravery and remember all they have overcome thus far.
Wed. we will see the younger one for the first time in some nine months. She is older and taller now. We will meet the older sister for the first time in person. We have been told she is shy but she does very much want our family and the move. I can think of at least five good reasons she has not, other than to say she is willing, not reached back out to us. The first one would be." Lets see if they even show up"
Well we will travel through the night on Tuesday and" Lord willing and the creek doesn't rise" We will be there, Her family who wants her and her sister,there to see her, in person, in Zaperosiapha Ukraine.
God's best to you and thank you for your prayers.
The first five minutes may be the happiest, Then the work starts, The work of becoming a family.
Ps. Our son Brandon and his wife Kate have announced. They are expecting ITS A BOY!
Day Four
Today is Monday and are long awaited appointment took place at the State Dept. of Adoption. Everything went so well. We were able to learn more about the girls and their family. They do have an older brother that lives in the same city but he is not interested in raising them or cannot. One has no father to be found and the other the father and mother were divorced and his rights were terminated for not providing for her.
They are both beautiful girls.
We go back to the same office tomorrow afternoon to get the paperwork we need to travel to the orphanage. We board a train tomorrow night for an all night train ride to the orphanage. Both girls were born in that city so we will not have to do any more traveling to get their new birth certificates. We will arrive on Wed. morning and go to visit the girls. They will be told at that time we are arriving. Although I think they already know.
It is a cold and cloudy day today, hope it warms up. Glad to have brought winter coats, hats, and gloves. You do alot of walking here. I know how not in shape I really am. Walked many stairs yesterday to go to church and feeling the muscles today. More exercise is a good thing!!!
They are both beautiful girls.
We go back to the same office tomorrow afternoon to get the paperwork we need to travel to the orphanage. We board a train tomorrow night for an all night train ride to the orphanage. Both girls were born in that city so we will not have to do any more traveling to get their new birth certificates. We will arrive on Wed. morning and go to visit the girls. They will be told at that time we are arriving. Although I think they already know.
It is a cold and cloudy day today, hope it warms up. Glad to have brought winter coats, hats, and gloves. You do alot of walking here. I know how not in shape I really am. Walked many stairs yesterday to go to church and feeling the muscles today. More exercise is a good thing!!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day3
Hello on day Three
Our sleep is doing better and we are Good. Today was a great day. Out early and on our way for church with friends. In a new country everything is new and different.
Mcdonalds has expresso in Kiev. Our friends met us there and we took the subway. Entrance cost 2 grieve, about ($1:80) once through the gate you can readh any part of the city on trains which arrive and depart with only two or three min wait times. First we went down 300 ft and then we were off taking three trains to reach thee church. Service was good with translation. Pastor even made a connection in scripture I had not heard before, After service we walked and visited an orthodox church, a number of monuments and the cities center which is beautiful. We ate traditional Ukrain food, Susan had chicken kiev, I had borsch and fod desert it was a type of perogy with sweat cheries.
Returning to our friends apartment we enjoied good conversation. With me every ten minits reminding my self I did not have to hurry off becouse I had to be or do something else. There was no other pressing issues.
Should mention the friends we were with are medical missionary who can refere adorable special needs children for forever homes they can join.
While we were there our adoption facilitator brought by another couple who are adopting. The man sang a song he had writen and it was hard not to cry. We were crying. It was about little hearts and tiny hands waiting for someone to hold them. "don't tell me what you think ontil you take the time to hold my hand" We got the audio but posting it will have to be Ashleys dept.
Well our Big appointment day is tomarrow at 5 AM your time (it is now 4AM couse they just started daylight save time) I have been told now I do not need to be aprehensive and things will go well. I am glad to hear this and will be even more glad when I tell you they were right.
Will close for now. Hope we are in your thoughts and prayers. You are in ours.
sincerly, David
Our sleep is doing better and we are Good. Today was a great day. Out early and on our way for church with friends. In a new country everything is new and different.
Mcdonalds has expresso in Kiev. Our friends met us there and we took the subway. Entrance cost 2 grieve, about ($1:80) once through the gate you can readh any part of the city on trains which arrive and depart with only two or three min wait times. First we went down 300 ft and then we were off taking three trains to reach thee church. Service was good with translation. Pastor even made a connection in scripture I had not heard before, After service we walked and visited an orthodox church, a number of monuments and the cities center which is beautiful. We ate traditional Ukrain food, Susan had chicken kiev, I had borsch and fod desert it was a type of perogy with sweat cheries.
Returning to our friends apartment we enjoied good conversation. With me every ten minits reminding my self I did not have to hurry off becouse I had to be or do something else. There was no other pressing issues.
Should mention the friends we were with are medical missionary who can refere adorable special needs children for forever homes they can join.
While we were there our adoption facilitator brought by another couple who are adopting. The man sang a song he had writen and it was hard not to cry. We were crying. It was about little hearts and tiny hands waiting for someone to hold them. "don't tell me what you think ontil you take the time to hold my hand" We got the audio but posting it will have to be Ashleys dept.
Well our Big appointment day is tomarrow at 5 AM your time (it is now 4AM couse they just started daylight save time) I have been told now I do not need to be aprehensive and things will go well. I am glad to hear this and will be even more glad when I tell you they were right.
Will close for now. Hope we are in your thoughts and prayers. You are in ours.
sincerly, David
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Day 2
Having a great day, Our apartment is very nice and comfortable. We were blessed today to be able to go to the HIV childrens hospital with a medical missionary couple who we met at our church in Florida. They have lived here for 10 years teaching doctors and working with the kids in the hospitals. We love the kids at the hospital and Ashley asked to bring one little boy home with us. We played ball with him and had so much fun. He did not want me to put him down. But then it was lunch time and someone took him to go eat.
We went to McDonalds for lunch, same food as home. Now we are home for a rest. Still very tired from traveling.
Our facilitators name is Sasha, he feels like part of our family. We have alot of fun with him. He is a believer so we talk about the Lord alot. he has 2 daughters of his own and I think he has taken on Ashley. His is giving her alot of advice about boys!!! Thank You Sasha from Susan.
We went to McDonalds for lunch, same food as home. Now we are home for a rest. Still very tired from traveling.
Our facilitators name is Sasha, he feels like part of our family. We have alot of fun with him. He is a believer so we talk about the Lord alot. he has 2 daughters of his own and I think he has taken on Ashley. His is giving her alot of advice about boys!!! Thank You Sasha from Susan.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Confusion, and excitment!
Day 1, or day 2, im not really sure!!! there kind off all mixed together. Today we landed in Kiev at about 1pm only to find our good friend Sasha at the airport waiting for us. Sasha is our adoption facilator. So anyways.. From the airport Sasha took us to our appartment in Kiev where we will be staying till tuesday night. That is when we will get on a train to go see Olessia and Alina :) tomorrow we will be visiting a childrens AIDS hospitol! Im excited for that! Tonight after getting setteled at the appartment we went out to dinner at TGI Fridays. (what a relief! American food, haha) I had some soup and a coke and it was some of the best soup that i have ever had! but no refils on my coke which is bummerish! Also tonight i got to go to the store with my parents and Sasha to get some food for the appartment. I was in shock when i saw what i thought to be tubed ground beef and i later learned that it was ice cream!!! I now have tubed ice cream in my freezer and i am very excited about it to!! One thing that i found not so exciting was the milk in a bag that we bought... my only response to that was ewww!!!!! In conclusion, I have been up for about 48 hours now and half of that was spent in the plain or in the airportsssss (stress on the S) we went from florida to washington dc, washington dc to Germany, and then Germany to Kiev! What A Day, or shall say TWO! Well its time for me to hit the hay... Goodnight and i pray for a wonderful day tomorrow! sincerly, Ashley :)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day2 Dave
First I hope you are well.
We Flew all night and arrived the next morning. Every thing was safe and sleep fitfull, it went well. Our facilitator met us at the airport and we called it a day after we had dinner and picked up groceries, plus checking into the apartment.
Kiev is beautiful, and old, and I love to look around. I so love to LOOK around at all the sights.
During the night I awoke at 4AM Kiev.time when I often get up but as the time difference is 6hrs ahead it was 10PM back home when I often go to sleep. Stay up 3 hrs and then almost overslept for a 10AM pickup.
We visited hospital for aids children. Some have one parent who visits. Most have none. We played with and held little children to young to understand all but the appreciation of receiving love and comfort. I feel our love and comfort is so little for the scope of their situation.
Our facilitator is an Orthodox Christian. We are having a great time talking. (He says there is hope for me.) I like that he came from an evangelical backgroud becouse it lets me know he understands our positions and we can skip over the "educational talk on my part" and move to his part about why he feels how he does, Strong and weak points. Also it is so a part of the heritage of this country.
Tomorrow Sunday we attend an Evangelical Church with the medical missionaries we visited the orphanage with today.
Monday AM (5.30 your time) is the meeting requesting approval for adoption, Then on Tuesday at 4PM we get our referral and go directly to the train station to take the overnight train to Zaporozia.
I have Down time. We can relax and sleep, read a book, On third one plus financial investment strat paper.
Time to relax is different for me, Especially for the work we were doing at the house. Most things are different here. It is a nother country. The people are friendly.
Later Dave b.
We Flew all night and arrived the next morning. Every thing was safe and sleep fitfull, it went well. Our facilitator met us at the airport and we called it a day after we had dinner and picked up groceries, plus checking into the apartment.
Kiev is beautiful, and old, and I love to look around. I so love to LOOK around at all the sights.
During the night I awoke at 4AM Kiev.time when I often get up but as the time difference is 6hrs ahead it was 10PM back home when I often go to sleep. Stay up 3 hrs and then almost overslept for a 10AM pickup.
We visited hospital for aids children. Some have one parent who visits. Most have none. We played with and held little children to young to understand all but the appreciation of receiving love and comfort. I feel our love and comfort is so little for the scope of their situation.
Our facilitator is an Orthodox Christian. We are having a great time talking. (He says there is hope for me.) I like that he came from an evangelical backgroud becouse it lets me know he understands our positions and we can skip over the "educational talk on my part" and move to his part about why he feels how he does, Strong and weak points. Also it is so a part of the heritage of this country.
Tomorrow Sunday we attend an Evangelical Church with the medical missionaries we visited the orphanage with today.
Monday AM (5.30 your time) is the meeting requesting approval for adoption, Then on Tuesday at 4PM we get our referral and go directly to the train station to take the overnight train to Zaporozia.
I have Down time. We can relax and sleep, read a book, On third one plus financial investment strat paper.
Time to relax is different for me, Especially for the work we were doing at the house. Most things are different here. It is a nother country. The people are friendly.
Later Dave b.
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