September 29, 2009

Hello,

Sorry we have not posted regularly but we do not have internet access except through an internet cafe that is always full of teenagers.   Just to bring you up to date, when Bogdan's grandfather left him at the orphanage, he told him he was not to leave with anyone.   So, we were taken to meet with the grandfather at his home.  The facilitator, our tranlator, and the orphanage director went with us.  He agreed to the adoption as long as we would allow Bogdan to call him every week and let him know he was alright.  We also told him we would send photos every month or two.   This was Friday, so Saturday morning we all met in the directors office at the orphanage and Bogdan's grandfather told him it was alright to come with us to America.   Bogdan did not run and greet his grandfather nor did he cry or show any emotion like he would miss him.   He has however, acted so much happier like a burden has been lifted.  We see him every day as well as the other children.  They all want to come to Amerca with us.   Unfortunately, it will only be Bogdan that we will be bringing home this time.   

Monday, Bogdan told the court official he wanted to come live with us in America.   He also had to write a little document in his own handwriting stating this.  After this was completed we went to several different offices filling out forms and getting them notorized.  Today the local regional paper work was signed and sent to the SDA.  They will give us the final court date that will be the end of this week or the first of next week.  After that we can come home for ten days.  

When we return, we will pick up Bogdan, then go to the Embassey in Kiev to get the copies of the paper work, new birth certificate, and passport, etc.  All of this should take about a week and then we can bring him home.   

It is going to be hard to leave the children at the orphanage.  They are all great kids that need homes.   We were told that one 10 year old little boy openly prays for a family every night.  I know the others are praying as well.   We have been allowed to see their bedrooms, bathrooms, and playrooms.  There is only a sink and toilet in the bathrooms with no shower or tub.   The facilities are very old and the children keep clean as best they can.  We were also told that the first month home, Bogdan will probably eat everything he can get his hands own, as their food is rationed and no seconds are offered.  They told us this was normal and to let him eat whatever and as much as he wants.   We will have our work cut out for us helping him adjust to such a different environment and getting him prepared to start school.   With much prayer and God's guidence I believe he be fine.

Lisa