| The Journey, continued |
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| June 9 We were giddy with joy at the realization that we found our son! While Slavik worked hard on the paperwork, we visited Robbie-Roma (we wanted to name him Robert after my father; we used the "transition name" of "Robbie-Roma" , then later dropped the Roma) and did some sightseeing in Kharkiv. |
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| June 10 We had the privilege of attending church with Slavik and sharing Communion with our Ukrainian sisters and brothers. Then, we had a special treat - a visit to the minister's home for lunch! (Slavik has Baptist friends EVERYWHERE!) Later - more playing and bonding with Robbie. |
| A cheery rainbow greets you when you enter the gates of Orphanage #1 |
| *Packing hint: a beach ball deflates for convenient packing! |
| June 11 & 12 Lots of running around to complete the necessary paperwork to adopt Robbie. We were allowed to visit Robbie 2 or 3 times a day, for an hour or so each time. The caregivers (or "mamas") all seemed nice, and even let us come in to see the children's living quarters and to visit them during mealtime. The orphanage had a total of around 100 children, 4 years old or younger. Robbie shared a living space with 15 children, all 3 or 4 years old. |
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| June 13 Officially parents!! Court was a pleasant surprise. We were blessed with a kind judge who only asked Slavik "Are these good people?" and us "Have you changed your minds?", then signed the papers. He automatically waived the optional 10 day waiting period and didn't even ask for an expiditing fee! |
| The "locker room" outside of the group's living quarters - for coats, shoes, hats |
| The bedroom -- how do they get fifteen 3 year olds to go to sleep??! |
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| The proud new parents in front of the courthouse. The roses were from Angel Slavik |
| June 14 Another hectic day. We got Robbie's new birth certificate (listing us as parents) and his Ukrainian passport. We also bought him some clothing, since none of the children have any "possessions" to take with them, including clothes. |
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| June 15 Taking custody! We had a farewell party for Robbie, his group, and his caregivers to say good-bye and to celebrate him finding his forever family. The children loved playing with the balloons and having treats of fruit, cake, and candy. That evening, it was back on the overnight train to return to Kiev. |
| Signing more papers in the orphanage director's office... |
| Some of the "mama's". We will be eternally grateful to these women for caring for Robbie during his time in the orphanage. |
| Journey, still continued.... |
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