As scheduled, our dossiers were submitted to the Ukraine State Department of Adoption. The SDA has up to 20 business days to review our dossiers and respond either with questions or a request for more information (not very likely to happen) or an invitation with an appointment date to meet with them. The invitation date is anywhere from 2-and-a-half to 4 weeks from the time they respond. In summary, "our" most recently determined timelines have not changed. We anticipate traveling in April. We pray that it is "early" April but remind ourselves daily that this is God's plan and His timing is perfect (so ugh but true!).
During our most recent "downtime" we've focused on selecting a school for our children for the fall. This was no easy task considering our limited options given that they do not speak English coupled by all of the unknowns about our kids. In the end, we were blessed to have found and are 99% decided on Haw River Christian Academy. They teach a Classical Christian curriculum (i had no idea what that meant and had to google it!) and while we were initially drawn to the small student body size (32 students, currently thru 5th grade, and adding a grade each year) because of the personal attention they would receive, we have become more and more interested in the curricula! And the icing on the cake? UNIFORMS! If you are familiar with Nastya's looks and the typical Ukrainian style of dress, you are right now nodding your head in favor of the plaid pleated skirt!!
Now for our "reason to smile". The Churchill family (adopting Angelina from Nastya's orphanage) is currently in Ukraine and was able to deliver a package from us to Nastya and has sent us pictures of her! When I got word that they saw her and delivered the package, I was so emotional it caught me off guard (even though I had been waiting for word for days!). The tears just flowed... This was the first we had any connection with her since she left in August. It was such a huge relief to be able to know that her hope is renewed! It was also some insight into how intensely stressful this waiting period has actually been.
Unless something unexpected occurs, my next post will be in a few weeks when we have a travel date. Just in case we get an early surprise, I've already packed for the kids! Note: for those of you who understand the "typical" process - clothes for the kids are not needed until the second trip - surprise, surprise, we are not following the "typical" process. During the time that most families come home, we will be otherwise occupied with court for second child.
Also in my next post, I'll give a general outline of what will happen and all the countryside we will see while we are in Ukraine. It will require nothing short of ironman endurance.
Blessings,
Andrea
No comments:
Post a Comment