We Have Arrived!!

So, we flew out on the 3rd from D.C.and tired through Frankfort to Eastern Europe. There was some turbulence but when we finally landed we just wanted to grab some groceries and get to the apartment. Vitaly was or driver that met us and his job was to get us set up and prepared for the next step. First stop was for money exchanging and the grocery store. Hryvina in hand, we went shopping. Let me tell you, the smell of the bread and seeing all the fresh veggies...I love it! We weren't sure how long we would be in Eastern Europe so we decided to shop light- this would prove to be wise! Really, we were exhausted and wanted to shower and swallow whatever was ready to chew...then sleep. I have to say that Rich has surprised me with his willingness to try new foods. After reaching the 'doll' apartment, we were given a phone to use that was programmed with everyone's numbers we might need while here. We gave Vitally some money to load minutes on the phone for us and said goodbye. The apartment, by the way, is beautiful! We showered, ate, watched one of the 2 English speaking channels and lost internet service. Fortunately, we had already found out from Yulia that we had DAP at 11 the next day- this means we could sleep. The next day, we went to or appointment and met our son-to-be. After a very short time, he put us back in the car with a driver of the day...Niko! Niko took us to a notary, we waited while he took care of the business end, he calls us in, we sign papers for the adoption (he did sit down and translate everything for us first...We didn't sign papers blindly!), and back in the car and return to the apartment. He told us to be ready at 4 and Vitaly would be back to get us. Ok!

Meanwhile, we did meet Yulia and Ludmilla at DAP. We told her about the internet and she said she would take care of it. Later on, we got our referral and Serge told us to be ready to leave early for the region. We were shocked! I mean we did ask for prayers for swiftness and fairness and funds too be released, but not has God been working overtime! I think He wants this young man home with us.
So, 530a.m. we are packed and downstairs from the apartment- remember how I said we shopped light? We still had food to bring with us...mainly fruits we bought. Now, it is Thursday morning and we are bumping along, serving and dodging the potholes with Max at the wheel and a GIGANTIC stuffed lion in back and starting me down! I took a nap, best defense driving on these roads..lol. We arrived in region, went to the store to get treats for the kids and a bottle of water. By the time we got to the orphanage, food was on the table and it was time for business. We met with Tatiana and Andrei and the team, had some good and went upstairs. The kids were there, all dressed in traditional clothing and the accordion player was ready to go! We immediately went to our soon to be son! He was smiling from ear to ear and so we're we! I can't begin to tell you how good it feels to finally be here and see him and let him know that he was never forgotten!

Soon, the social worker came to observe its interacting with each other. She seemed pleased and off they went to the office and before I knew it, Lena had me up and dancing with the kids! It was so nice to see them all again!

After some music and dancing and visiting, it was time for lunch. We joined Tatiana and the team for lunch and shortly after, the team was ready to go with instructions to call if we needed anything. Later that day, Andrei came to let us know he would take us to the store for any water or snacks we wanted.

Since we are staying in the orphanage, we only pay for our food while we are here. Also, we have internet via a little Wi-Fi box from Verizon they have us...We are paying a flat price for that for the duration we are here, roughly $12! So worth it. Generally speaking, staying here is not that bad of a deal and it allows a lot of time with our soon to be son. I promise to write more tomorrow when I am not so tired. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and conversation as we proceed. We are still about $7000 from being able to finish this journey and bring him home to America! If you feel led to, please visit the Reece's Rainbow website or you can donate using the above button. Good night!