We Accept

Today we packed up and started our journey from Kiev. During our travels we were pulled over while leaving the gas station. After some heated discussion with the police we were allowed to continue on our way without issue. Finally we arrived at the orphanage around 10AM we reviewed the paper work and medical conditions. We were then allowed see our prospective daughter.

It took only a few minuets but we both knew this was right. She has grown a bit since our original picture. She is quiet and shy, but I think given the circumstances it's a normal reaction. We were only able to spend a short period of time with each other but it was enough. Sam and I both officially accepted her as our daughter. We can now begin the legal process to finalize the adoption.

From this point forward we will be able to visit her twice a day for short periods of time. This will continue until the legal proceedings are completed. Sam and I both plan on making the most of it as possible. We are not able to post pictures or her name until the legal proceedings have completed. Sam and I will try to keep everyone up to date on our progress over this and next week..

Tour of the city

I woke up early this morning and had breakfast in the apartment. Sam decided to clean and do some laundry before we travle to the city where the orphanage is located. I decided to go for a walk and see some of the sites. I also wanted to get a pre paid sim card for my phone being the geek that I am. This has been my first expierence as an outsider in a culture. It has been a humbling expierence relying on the kindness of strangers to communicate. Everyone has been very kind and tolerant of the stupid american trying to get through the kacca.

Free Day

Sam and I went exploring our neighborhood this afternoon. The first picture is where we are staying. The second is a daytime view from our apartment. The architecture is so beautiful and ornate.

Meeting with SDA

Today we got to meet with the SDA(State Dept. of Adoptions). Our visit involved a Psychologist, our translator Serg, and a few questions on why we chose to adopt. We got to see another cute picture of the Alexandra, and our hearts melted. Tomorrow, we will receive the permission to visit her orphanage, and the plan is to travel to her region on Thursday.  We have a free day today to take advantage of the city, and going to hop right on it since our apartment is located right in the middle of downtown.  We will catch up with you later :)

Мы здесь

After a long day of traveling Sam and I have finally made it to our final destination. We found the weather to be similar to utah about two weeks ago, in the teens and very chilly. We met our host who showed us some sites and where to exchange money. Sam and I went out to eat at a Ukrainian buffet, the food was very delicious and worth the 2 block walk. We are all settled in to our temporary apartment and getting ready for our first interview and then our first visit. Here is a picture of our current balcony looking over one of the main streets in Kiev.

It was like that when i got here

Sam had bought a sandwhich for lunch before our flight. It came in paperbag with a pickle. While getting settled Sam looks over with a cheesey grin and wipes the seat with her sleeve. Aparantly the pickle had decided to take a window seat. Sam quickly wisked it away before our row buddy arrived.

And The Journey Begins

Sam and I are on the plane now headed for Memphis. Getting packed and ready was a little slow going but we made it. Sam worked the day before so we were a little rushed getting all of our pre trip tasks in. Before we got started packing we had a good talk. Like grafting a new branch to a tree the process will take time, trust and patience for both us and our new daughter.