Boy, a lot has happened since Sunday. First, we did not get to take Elona home from the orphanage on Monday like we were supposed to. After going to several offices with Galya and Kostya, we went to the orphanage to pick up and Elona. The representative from the government was there also. They whisk Galya away and ask (tell) us to wait in the library. About 20 minutes later Galya comes in with a very sober look. “It is not happening today.” What??? She repeats the statement and we are shocked. The director will not release Elona without the birth certificate- that we cannot get until tomorrow. Even the government representative is surprised.
But that was yesterday. Today we have Elona with us. She is working on an art project and listening to music as I am writing this.
The day started at 8:30 this morning and we went none stop until 4:30 today when Galya and Kostya dropped us off at the apartment. I will not bore you with all the details, but we went to eleven locations during that time. It was after we got the birth certificate that we picked up the Director at her home (she wasn’t feeling well) and went to the Orphanage for the official transfer. Galya handed over documents and we signed some papers. They gave Elona a nice book of Ukrainian Folk Tales and the Director gave her phone number. Later our little angel says to Galya in Russian “Why the hell did she give me her number, I’m not going to call her”. One neat thing, they brought out a wooden US puzzle with pictures of adopted children glued to it and we placed a mark where Elona would be living in America. Elona’s mark is right next to Angella’s. The Neeley’s from California and the Webb’s from Tennessee were also represented.
The government representative was 40 minutes late…..so after he arrived and signed the papers, it was official; we got our papers, said good-bye. In the hall Galya says….lets run. Roger and I are a little surprised, but we don’t ask question. All four of us take off as fast as we can through the orphanage and out to Kostya waiting in the car. Roger and I are thinking….did we get away with something, are they going to come running after us and take Elona back????? Turns out we are just running b
ehind and Galya is just trying to get us to our next stop before the lunch break at 1:00 starts. We get there in time to get things turned in, but still have to wait for the lunch break. So we had lunch and had a really nice talk with Elona.
Long story short, it took all day but we have applied for Elona’s passport, which should be here in time for us to leave for Kiev on Saturday evening (thanks you Galya and Kostya). We will apply for the U.S. visa on Monday, get it on Tuesday and leave for home on Wednesday. Hallelujah.
Tonight, finally, is our first night together. I have a feeling our adventure is just beginning.
Kelley, Roger and Elona
(The photos are of Elona with some dorm mates, and Kostya and Galya on the day of our outing.)
But that was yesterday. Today we have Elona with us. She is working on an art project and listening to music as I am writing this.
The day started at 8:30 this morning and we went none stop until 4:30 today when Galya and Kostya dropped us off at the apartment. I will not bore you with all the details, but we went to eleven locations during that time. It was after we got the birth certificate that we picked up the Director at her home (she wasn’t feeling well) and went to the Orphanage for the official transfer. Galya handed over documents and we signed some papers. They gave Elona a nice book of Ukrainian Folk Tales and the Director gave her phone number. Later our little angel says to Galya in Russian “Why the hell did she give me her number, I’m not going to call her”. One neat thing, they brought out a wooden US puzzle with pictures of adopted children glued to it and we placed a mark where Elona would be living in America. Elona’s mark is right next to Angella’s. The Neeley’s from California and the Webb’s from Tennessee were also represented.
The government representative was 40 minutes late…..so after he arrived and signed the papers, it was official; we got our papers, said good-bye. In the hall Galya says….lets run. Roger and I are a little surprised, but we don’t ask question. All four of us take off as fast as we can through the orphanage and out to Kostya waiting in the car. Roger and I are thinking….did we get away with something, are they going to come running after us and take Elona back????? Turns out we are just running b
ehind and Galya is just trying to get us to our next stop before the lunch break at 1:00 starts. We get there in time to get things turned in, but still have to wait for the lunch break. So we had lunch and had a really nice talk with Elona.Long story short, it took all day but we have applied for Elona’s passport, which should be here in time for us to leave for Kiev on Saturday evening (thanks you Galya and Kostya). We will apply for the U.S. visa on Monday, get it on Tuesday and leave for home on Wednesday. Hallelujah.
Tonight, finally, is our first night together. I have a feeling our adventure is just beginning.
Kelley, Roger and Elona
(The photos are of Elona with some dorm mates, and Kostya and Galya on the day of our outing.)
GREAT NEWS & ADVENTURE ...... I can get back to work now after checking this all day.
ReplyDeleteSee you all next week.
Wonderful news. WOW! I can't believe she said that. My girls paint this beautiful picture, that she is so perfect. :D
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you guys. I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees Angella. :D
Blessings,
Thank you so much for letting us all share in this amazing journey!! We can't wait to meet her.
ReplyDelete-laurie & michael
Robbin called this evening and told me the good news. Thank goodness it's just about over. She also told me what Elona's commet was and I truly had to laugh. She is going to fit in with our family just fine, don't you think????
ReplyDeleteCounting the days as I know you all are too.
Love to all,
Jim and Sandy
Wow, what an incredible story - this could be a movie! I can just picture you guys running through the orphanage. I am going to miss checking the blog to find out the latest news. xoxo
ReplyDeleteFINALLY!!! A week from today you will be waking up in YOUR home with your new family. We can't wait to see all of you! Angella is counting the days!!! Congrats! (so now I can ask, was it as difficult as child birth - or possibly worse?) :) Pam
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS! Can't wait to hear how the first overnight went. Will we be seeing a bubble bath and candles photo like Angella? I know your counting the days until you're back home - it won't be long now! Are Ben and Robbin joining you for the final leg?
ReplyDeleteLove, Tammy
Congratulations Roger & Sis! "Back To The USA" (that was the original title the Beatles had in mind before switching to "Back in The USSR"). Looking forward to hearing from you and meeting Elona in a couple of months!
ReplyDeleteFrank
Please don't send us back!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI forgot to respond to the question about eating everything in sight....... Yes, Angella ate like there was no tomorrow - we would sit in awe and wonder where she put it! She even ate green beans and peas!!! Now of course, and actually soon after we got home, she was a normal kid.... moving things around on her plate and turning her nose up! Can't complain, though, I can't keep enough fruit in the house and she does pretty well with most veggies..... And she's proud to say, she is vegetarian, like mama, she only eats chicken and hot dogs! :)
Leaving for a little get away.... hope to skpye with you from Kiev - if not, will SEE YOU in Cincy, sooner than you think!
Pam
Congratulations! This is a true Holiday for the Holliday's. How exciting and special that you got to go on the naval ship. Can't wait until you get home, your sentiments as well I know.
ReplyDeleteGod speed.
Yeah! I'm so happy that she is your girl and that she knows the power of a thoughtful swear... many congratulations!!!
ReplyDeletemaggie