10 Days of Bonding

Chernigov – 09 Feb 07- Friday

Dateline – Gorodnia Ukraine, Thursday 08 Feb 07 – We walked into the courtroom at 1600. It was a little intimidating. We sat on a bench in the front row. A prosecutor, secretary, the orphanage director and the orphanage inspector all came in and sat down. On our right was a metal cage (for criminal cases). Oles explained what would happen, then the judge and two stern-looking jurors walked in. The court hearing was quite formal. We rose and gave our full name and place of birth, address, employer, etc. I was asked why we wanted to adopt. Each one was then asked for their opinion of the adoption. The jurors then asked one question. The sterner one asked how long we had known Alyona. One week was the answer. Did we think that was long enough for us to know whether we wanted to adopt her. That was a great question and got me thinking philosophically. So how long would it take to know a 12 year old girl who can’t speak English well enough to know whether you wanted to be her parent’s? It took me all of about 5 minutes when I met her. I said yes, it was long enough. Then it was Sophie’s turn. The judge called her to the front and asked if she wanted to be adopted. She said yes. Then he asked if she wanted to be adopted by us – she said yes again – whew! The judge and jurors left after about 30 minutes to make a decision. They returned in about 10 and announced the decision to grant the adoption. Needless to say we were overjoyed!

We returned to the orphanage and then met with the assembled orphanage leadership team and provided a donation. I made a short speech (I love to make speeches) thanking them for their obvious love for and care of the children. It was all very up-front. We had learned earlier in the day that 80 of 200 kids were sick with the flu. The director told us that the money would be used to buy medicine. He also said that Sophie was one of their favorite children and they were sad to see her go, but happy to have her adopted.

Since all three of her roommates were sick, we asked for permission to take her back to our hotel, and it was granted. She had her things packed in a superman backpack. Olha (mentioned in a previous blog entry) said a tearful good-bye.

Today was spent at the outdoor market buying clothes for our new daughter. It was quite an experience – fun. Oles explained about the 10-day period we have now entered. For the next 10 days, anyone can appeal the adoption or Sophie could change her mind. Oles told me to be on my best behavior. It’s hard enough for me hour by hour, 10 days will be difficult (right Lynne and Sandy) ;-)

We’ve been having difficulty connecting to the internet from the hotel. Yesterday I spent almost 45 minutes trying to connect to cox.net for my e-mail. If I don’t get this updated every-other day, then that’s why.

(Pictures - one on the left is Mom, Dad, and Sophie in court. On the right is Mom, Dad, and Oles)

Thank you for your prayers, Tim and Charlene