The Home Stretch

Hard to believe, but after a whole month in Ukraine, we are packing our bags today. Christian and I catch the first flight out of Odessa Wednesday morning, while Jim and the girls have to take care of business with the US Embassy in Kyiv later this week. That will likely push their homecoming into next week. Jim will keep the blog going as long as he stays in Odessa, but it's time for me to say thanks to all of you for the incredible love and support you have sent our way.

We had no idea what kind of response we would get from doing this blog, but it has been overwhelming to get all of your heartfelt emails and comments. The most amazing thing is that we now have a bond with people we've never met. God Bless you all. For those following us who are in the "process," keep the faith! We never thought this day would come - but it does! (If you are curious about adopting in Ukraine, please see the links on this page.)

This month has been the most amazing and yet relaxing adventure I've ever had. I have not seen one person jogging in this city and that's been nice too - no guilt! On the contrary, we've eaten ice cream every day (sometimes twice) and haven't spotted a low-carb item on any menu! How the women look so great here is a mystery because they sure aren't drinking Atkins Shakes and doing Pilates! Having time off to spend with Jim, Christian and the girls has been wonderful and has certainly made the trip special.

But I think it's even more. I believe it's the genuine sincerity of these hard-working, sturdy people that has made this a journey to remember. I'll never forget seeing Dima, who is at least 65 years old, hauling bricks for 12 hours a day, seven days a week for the new apartment courtyard. He had a smile for me every single day. Nor will I forget the elderly babushkas standing at the two-hour long Orthodox worship service (no pews here)! These are tough, dignified and patient people and I have learned a lot from them.

But now it's time to move on - to take the girls home and begin the challenging task of building bonds and trying to form a loving family. There is a lot of work to do and not much time to do it given the girls' ages. They are essentially toddlers in teenage bodies, demonstrating behavior that is baffling and frustrating on a daily basis. And the real adventure has yet to begin! This will be very hard work, but we knew that coming into it.

Our lives will never be the same. For the last 4 1/2 years, this beautiful child has brought us more joy than we ever imagined. Part of me is sad that he will no longer have our undivided attention. But part of the reason we've come to Ukraine is to build a family for Christian. Jim and I both come from big families and have always wanted Christian to have loving siblings like we do.

This will no doubt take time. In fact things started out rocky on this front for Christian and the girls. By the end of their visit to America last year, the little guy was saying, "I want those girls back to Ukraine!" To which they would respond, "you go back Russia!" But the good news is that Christian now adores his sisters and they seem to respond in kind.

The kids are already rough-housing like they lived together all their lives. Here Galyna gives Christian a "wedgie".

Christian responds with some Tae Kwon Do on Nastia.



When all is said and done - this is what will make it work. Jim and I celebrated our 11th anniversary last week and we know that this is where it all starts. No doubt our marriage will be tested more than ever in the next couple of years. But I'm confident that if we put our faith and our marriage first, we'll give them something they've never had -self confidence, hope, a sense of what loving relationships look like - and ultimately an assurance that they are indeed adopted children of God. We pray for God's mercy as we go forward, and ask for your prayers as we begin life as a family of five.