Finally Lena!

We’ve had some very long days, extremely productive, but very long, especially for us old folk…  so where to start??

Our SDA appointment was Wednesday morning, we were in and out in a half hours time.  It was not soon after that we heard from Konstantin that there could be a possibility that we could receive our referral (permission to visit with Lena) the same day, not typical, usually it is received the following day.

At 3:15 we got the call, we were to meet him at the SDA at 4 to pick up our referral, and have our bags packed, we’d be headed into Lena’s region immediately after picking up our referral.  WOW!  That was fast!!!! 

With possible delays due to the holidays, Konstantin and his team are working extremely hard to push things through as quickly as possible.  We are appreciating them sooo much! 

So off to region we head… we arrived at our Hotel just a few blocks from Lena at about 9:30pm.  I was grateful it was dark, and I was unable to see the world outside (so I didn’t have to keep my eyes shut), at times I wondered if our driver could… a total “Ice Road Truckers” episode!

Needless to say Charlie was impressed with our driver’s skills; it’s a guy thing…

Yesterday morning after running, and I mean running (if I haven’t already said it, these people move fast!!!  It has exhausted me as we try to keep up with the pace in which our adoption team moves.  Actually there seem to be two speeds in Ukraine, fast and stop.  Not complaining at all, just one of the many things to observe and appreciate about another culture…) a few errands with our translator, Alla, we head to the orphanage to meet Lena.  We were taken to the social workers office, it was about 5 minutes later that the door opened and Lena walked in.  The look on her face and the speed in which she moved as she dashed towards us will be something Charlie and I will never forget.  She buried herself in us, and we in her.  We weren’t speaking the same language but I know we were saying the same things.  Lena had known we were coming, but did not expect to see us until late in the afternoon, it was wonderful to be able to surprise her.  After several minutes of hugging and kissing, trying to listen to what Alla was saying through the I love you's and so happy you are here’s, we were able to leave the office and begin spending our much anticipated time with Lena.  At that point, Alla had to leave us to continue doing what she does best, moving things along. 

The time spent with Lena was precious, we were able to communicate with her very well, she is doing great with her English.  Once again I am amazed how easy it was, how quickly those parental instincts kick in, it’s as if she’s been ours forever, I don’t think there was more then a few moments at a time throughout the day that she didn’t have a hold of us, I mean arm wrapped around either mine or Charlie’s waist.  She is playful, quick, silly, affectionate, beautiful, smart, resourceful, engaging, energetic, accommodating, and generous.  We felt as if she introduced us to the whole school… and all we met seemed so happy for us all.  We also spent a good portion of the day with two of Lena’s very good friends, Dasha and Karina, and how sweet they were too.  If Lena didn’t have a hold of one of us, they did.  The love and hugs come so easily.  We were also struck by the reality that just a quick smile and a hello to the children that we passed in the hallway, made for extremely bright faces, the expression on their faces changed so quickly from one of curiosity, and interest, to one of pure delight.  My heart melted, it was liquefied…

It is really so hard to share all that we are experiencing, we should have a little more time in the following days, so I hope I can do a bit more justice to all that we’re feeling and seeing.  Today the children are having a Christmas program that we will attend at noon, we’ll then meet with the director of the orphanage, and spend more time with Lena.  Tomorrow we have been invited by Lena’s good friend Uncle Peti (seems to be a grandpa figure to Lena) and his wife to visit their home, they own the horse Sultan that Lena has spent so much time with.  Uncle Peti stopped by the orphanage yesterday to meet us and extend a personal invitation.  It was a very sweet meeting, he really cares about our Lena, and we can understand why…

Strange, we keep forgetting it is Christmas Eve, and that tomorrow is Christmas, seems sad to say that, but at the same time we feel as if we’re witnessing God do an amazing thing in our lives.  He is most definitley present… I know we will look back soon and see that this has been one of the most blessed Christmases we’ve ever experienced.

Wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS from Ukraine!!! 

“But the angel said to them, “do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”    

 

me and Dasha... :]

Karina and Charlie

Karina, Dasha and Alyona trimming the Yolka (Christmas Tree).