OK, so here we are in Mykolayiv. Now, if you ever get the opportunity to ride a Ukrainian train for 11 hours... spend the money on airfare (about 6 times the price). Imagine being in a small 6x8 foot room with four bunks, sweaty strangers, and no fresh air. That about sums it up. Got very little sleep, no place to sit - just the bunk to lay down on, but the compartment was so stifling hot we didn't want to be there. But - the only alternative was to stand in the 2 foot wide corridor. Yeah, it was a blast. But, it got us to Mykolayiv around 6:00 this morning, giving us plenty of time to do what we were really here for...
We have absolutely found the child that God sent us here for. Oxsana (yes, Justin, the name will change) is an angel. She is beautiful - curly blond hair, blue eyes - and has an incredibly sweet disposition. She cried when she saw me (Steve) because they see so few men in the orphanage that they find us intimidating. But it wasn't more than about 10 minutes and she was climbing into Julie's lap and giving her a hug, and wouldn't let go. After an hour or so together, she was walking holding hands with both of us, and calling us Mama and Daddy. She's smart as a whip, speaks very well, and was already repeating English words by the end of our visit. We had the opportunity to bring her to an eye specialist, and it appears that she suffers from nothing more serious than lazy eye, easily treatable. Of course, we'll get her thoroughly examined in the U.S. as soon as we get home. If we had made a checklist of exactly what we would have wanted, she's it. Of course, we know that this was just our first visit, and that there will undoubtedly be adjustments for all when we bring her home, but this was so much more than we expected from today. Thank you all for your prayers... we feel truly blessed.
We got the paperwork started this afternoon to proceed with the adoption. They don't make anything easy here - truly bureaucracy run amok. Please continue to pray that things will move smoothly (and quickly). Hopefully we'll know our court date within a week or so.
Having trouble posting pictures, will hopefully be able to do it in the next couple of days so you all can see her.
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6 comments:
So exciting! Julie, blue eyes and curly blond hair - God is so cool!
Can't wait to see the pictures.
Are you able to stay there with her while the paperwork is being processed? We will continue to pray. It is so neat to see this all happening. Can't wait until you come home,we will pray it will be soon.
Oh wow!!! I can't stop crying,am so pleased.Just read this to Sarah and she's also in tears.Praying that God makes every crooked path smooth.
Hi Steve and Julie,
We are enjoying reading your blogs. God bless you for your effort. It has been a long time coming hasn't it? We will be praying for you.
It definitely sounds like the train was a lot of fun.
Texas Pilchers
We are so excited for you! Oxsana sounds perfect and we can't wait to see a photo. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.
Enjoying the blog and Mackenzie can't wait to have a little girl to play with!
Be safe!
Kelly and Mackenzie
I'm so happy you have found the little girl you've been looking for. What will you change her name to? I hope we get to meet her at Christmas.
Love,
Dad
This is so AWESOME!!!
As painful as the train ride sounded,to finally see and spend time with Oxsana made it all the worthwhile.You are all in our prayers and we are looking forward to having you all back home.
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