Wednesday May 30 and Thursday May 31, 2007

A double update today—

 

First the important stuff—The judge has agreed to meet with Max on Monday. She wants two changes to our documents. The homestudy says we have 4 kids living at home. Max filled out the paperwork saying that we have 7 kids. Both are true, but the judge wants the paper Max did to match exactly the wording on the homestudy. Secondly, she wants a paper saying that Daniil will be permitted to enter the US. (which is what the I-171H, that she already has, is). Not sure what she's looking for there. Max is calling the Embassy to see if there are any other papers to issue to make her happy. She has still not agreed to move up the court date, but does seem a bit friendlier. More when we know more….

 

Yesterday at the internet café we ran into the only other American in Slvansk (or at least we assume she is). A nice Peace Corps worker from Los Angeles.  Yesterday was her birthday. We asked her impressions of Ukraine and gave us the Peace Corps line that "it's the hardest job you'll ever love" She teaches English at the College here and helps out at a rec center for disabled young adults.

 

We will be stopping by and helping as much as we can in her English class (it's very close to the Orphanage). We also found out about more about the cool spas and healing lakes in the region and plan to check them out on Saturday. There is a thousand year old cave Monastary in the area too. I hope we can swap some English lessons for a local to take us around and show us the sites.

 

She also had some very interesting insight. Ukraine is not as it seems. The civil, polite surface hides a very dark society. She said when she got here she was disgusted by the whole "Russian Mail Order Bride" thing. Now she is 100% for it and asked us to let all our single men friends know that it is for real and these are wonderful loving women who have no future here. And she implored us to tell people to help "get them out".   So there ya go fellas.

 

We were also warned about meat from anywhere but the western grocery and that, even filtered, the tap water will make you dear friends with the commode.

 

As for Daniil, we have discovered that the early visits go much better than the afternoon visits. By afternoon he is really tired and not much in the mood for anything. He also gets over-stimulated very easily. Added to this is the difficulty we find in securing a location where we may visit. There are 5 or 6 individual "playground" areas around the grounds, with each group of children seeming to have an area assigned on a rotating schedule. We may not be in an area with the other children (We are briskly told we must move, immediately) and one time all of the areas were taken. We literally had nowhere to go but on some stone steps in the full sun! Luckily, this has only happened once since we've been here, but I'm sure we are up for a repeat performance. We have finally realized that he is usually content to sit and/or stand and watch the Sobaka (Dogs) and "Fuzzy Devils" (like dust devils only made of "Fuzzys").   He loves to leave the Orphanage grounds but we have been told that he may no longer go out (a couple of the caretakers were okay with it—a couple were not—they appealed to the Director and she said Nyet" to the road trips).

 

A very sad moment today. A blue school van was parked near where we were playing. He really wanted to stay close to the van. The doctor and a girl came out of the orphanage and boarded (probably going to the clinic) and he flipped out wanting to get on the bus--- he kept saying "home" over and over—I'd like to think he was wanting to leave with us,   but I think he wanted to go back to Antoshka (the baby house orphanage where he was his entire life up till 5 months ago.) He was sobbing when the bus left without him—Heartbreaking.

 

Tomorrow there is a big performance at the Orphanage. There will be song and dance. Skits and more! We have been invited—they were especially excited when the found out I work for a country music station, as one on the numbers they will be performing will be a "cowboy song". We will bring cakes and pop for everyone for after the show.

 

We have given up our cab rides! They cost 8 hrv 4 times a day for a total of just over 6 bucks a day. We are now taking the bus for 60 kopek a trip for each of us—the 4 trips works out to about a dollar a day total. It's a "trolly-bus" powered by overhead lines. The afternoon ride is not too crowded—the morning rides are packed. Think of the most crowded place you ever been---Maybe Tina's before a rainy Bengals game? Not even close—at lease twice the number of people in the same space…and ahhhh the smell. (I won't get into details. but it is quite ripe). But 5 bucks is 5 bucks and with everything being way more expensive than we expected every little bit helps.

 

A typical day for us right now is: (sorry for the minutia)

 

7am     Get up and maybe head to the Rynok for some fruit for breakfast

8am     Breakfast. Either cereal (some sort of corn flake kind of thing) or bread, butter and jam. Cold Cuts, Cheese, yogurt, milk and either juice or fruit. (this is usually our big meal)

9am     Shower. Get ready to go

9:30     walk about half a mile to get the bus to the Orphanage

10-12   Visit with Daniil

12        Bus back home (maybe stop at supermarket)

1          Lunch –bread butter, cold cuts, cheese, bottle of water

            rest/read and write

3          leave for internet café and bus

4-6       Visit with Daniil

6:30ish Stop for a beverage and maybe dinner at a street side café

9          grab an ice cream at the corner 7-11 (tin hut) and head home to do laundry, read and write.

11        shower and bed

 

Every day is a bit different and we do hope to be helping at the college soon so things will change.

 

******* Weather update********

 

It is still CRAZY HOT. It has pushed 100 ever day since we got here save one. Yesterday afternoon was wonderful! A big storm blew through. Thunder, Lightning, Wind and about 17 raindrops. It did cool things off a bunch, but the forecast for the rest of the week is sun and close to 100. (Looks like there will be a chance and temps back into the mid 70s for Sunday and Monday!!) I miss my "Weather Rush"!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday May 29, 2007

 

UGH—not a good day.

 

So far everything has been "best case scenario". Today has been worst case. All started out well. Max arrived at 6:15 and we were set have a very productive day. I went with the doctor to 2 clinics and the hairdressers (yes one of the docs was getting her hair done) to get all the needed signatures. Mary stayed with Daniil and played and Max went to see the judge. Two out of 3 ain't bad unless the one you need is the important one. Mary's mission accomplished—a nice visit with Daniil. My mission accomplished—the doc got all the paperwork done. Max ran into a roadblock.

 

The judge had had a hectic day. By the time he caught her, she was leaving court after a full docket. She was not happy to see him and told him there was no chance for court before June 14 ^th. WHAT June 14^th?? We hoped to be on our way home by then. It is permitted by law to take this long, but everyone else has been so helpful and appreciative that we are giving this youngster a chance we thought the judge would feel the same way. She does not (or at least did not this afternoon) We are hoping that Max just caught her at a bad time and she may reconsider in the morning.

 

The SDA will process all the paperwork so that we could have court anytime after this Friday. June 14^th is A VERY long way from Friday.

 

After a frustrating day, we had a nice dinner at our café and Max headed back to Kyiv (the only berth left on the train (is that proper train lingo??) was 3 ^rd class. A small sleeper on top (the hottest) right next to the lavatory (the smelliest). (we love you Max!!). He will deliver the papers to the SDA in the morning and they promised to turn them around by Friday at the latest.

 

So here is the deal—If the judge will bend and grant court like we requested on Monday we could be home by the 15^th or 16^th. If we get held up in court we could be here for the 4^th of July. Argh----

 

Stay tuned for more as we know it----

 

The weather forecast for the rest of the week—Sun and highs near 100!

 

YAY!

 

 

Jim and Mary

 

PS: On a lighter note--A word about meat sticks:

They are kinda like Slim Jims only they have flavor beyond the salt that cured them. Somewhere between a summer sausage and pepperoni. Dr Atkins would have loved them (were he not dead). They are my fave as I am trying to lose 30 lbs on our trip. "Go Meatsticks"!

 

 

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Max arrived early at our hotel room (6:15ish), and we began our day of planning. The two most important steps today are: Getting a court date if possible, (at least meeting with the judge) and getting the Inspector's letter. If both of these are accomplished today (or really, if only the Inspector's letter is gotten) Max will be on his way back to Kyiv tonight. If not, we have a roommate. And, we still need to go over the medicals at the orphanage, just so we know everything in his file

 

Also, on the "to do" list, is to make a decision about staying in our current hotel, or trying to find more fiscally responsible accommodations. This place is nice; western rooms, downtown location, close to many things, but not walking distance to the orphanage. And, EXPENSIVE (2 days here is more than 3 weeks at the Ivankiv Hilton)... but it IS air-conditioned, and a very nice oasis. I'm voting for staying put.

 

Also, the medical form from the orphanage needs to be redone-I'm not sure according to whom, but it does, which requires someone to accompany the orphanage doctor to all of the specialists for stamps next to their signatures,, while Max hangs at the courthouse to accost the judge and try to nail down a court date.

 

We took a cab to the orphanage, taking note of the proximity of the number 7 bus route, and vow to use that mode of transportation from now on. We arrived a little early, (before the doctor), so Jim and I got Daniil, and visited a little with him and his group outside. The workers keep trying to keep the other kids away, but they want to see the pictures too. We honestly don't mind showing all of the kids and although Daniil is somewhat perturbed at having to share attention, it is a good thing to begin to teach him.

 

After a while, we were able to secure permission to remove him from the orphanage grounds—this is caretaker dependent—and walk to the corner store.  

 

Max is ready with the orphanage doctor, and two cabs are waiting for us. Jim goes with the doctor, I stay with Daniil, and Max reports in a the courthouse. Everything is going as planned……

 

Then, Jim called me.  Daniil and I were playing a sort-the-leggo-blocks-into-colors game, and I was trying to talk to Jim, write a number he was giving me, AND keep Daniil happy all at the same time. Seems one of us should call the SDA and ask/remind them about our case, to see if the 5 day processing time could be shortened. More of a reminder.   Who has the phone number of the translator? Not me—it is in the hotel room. Jim's cab stops there first, and he calls me back with that number. I tried it, but the number was not valid. We tried a variation (both Jim and I) and neither one got the SDA translator. Max called me with 3 other numbers to try-and I gave up trying to do anything with Daniil, the backpack, the computer case, a liter of water, and the phone, all needing my hands! I took Daniill back 30 minutes early to his groupa, and tried to explain I HAD to make these phone calls.

 

I did get through to the SDA, and they got our translator on the phone for us. She remembered us (I don't think there are too many people who are adopting kids with Down syndrome) and said that although she could not promise, and Max would have to ask when he turned the papers in, she thought it would be by Friday! I called Max back and he is trying for a Tuesday courtdate, giving us a cushion day, should they not be inclined to get this finished BY Friday.

 

And, here I sit, at the orphanage, waiting for the guys to return. Thankfully, we have two cell phones (THANK YOU Melanie! You are a lifesaver. ) and could do all of this rather quickly. The last word is that everything will be ready to be filled, registered, stamped, signed, sealed, sewn, delivered, and whatever else they do here (everything short of having a hard bound edition of the documents prepared!).by 1pm today.  

 

Mary

Hey! They are open!

Yes, Today is a holiday and most things are closed, but or some reason the library internet center is open.

 

It's hard to type ont he Ukrainian keyboard (even though they do have the same layout and letters) so I'll be quick.

 

there are new pcitures on the picture page and new videos on youtube...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QshLWIqZO84

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TobSUQGBGWw

 

 

HAPPY Birthday to Lynn...we would not be here were it not for you--THANKS!

 

It is MUCH cooler today--overcast chance of rain and only mid 80s. back to near 100 by mid week.

 

We'll write more tonight--- keep us in your prayers-- things will get crazy again tomorrow as we need to get the inpector's signature and send Max back to Kyiv (he's there now but will train back here overnight). Hopefully the SDA will process us in a day or so and we can get a court date mid week next week!!

 

Don't forget to say "hi" on the guestbook-- it's nice knowing you are out there!

 

 

 

JIm and Mary

Sunday May 27, 2007

 

 

Yes, it's another Sunday in the south! The sun is shining, the wind a howlin and if you don't find some shade you'll be melting 'fore long. The "Fuzzies" are still fuzzin and the dust will still sting you all over—but all considered it could be MUCH worse. We have 24/7 water and A/C—that's SO much more than we expected.

 

There was a ton of activity this morning at the market by the hotel. This afternoon it's a ghost town—a car drives by every few minutes. A couple of sweaty people slink by now and then. Mostly it's just the dogs out trying to liberate the meaty scraps from the garbage cans.

 

The church on the main square is being rebuilt and is closed. We did not find another church anywhere so Pentecost was celebrated with Daniil in the playground. There is a Catholic church in Kramatorsk. We will try to get there next week—maybe with Daniil.

 

Fun news today! We found out today that we are pretty much free to take him anywhere we'd like during our 2 hours. Today we went to the local 7-11 (well, actually more like a tin hut with beer, pop and some snacks). Daniil was in awe of the store and was SO excited to get his very own water ("biz gas"). We also grabbed a 3 tea cookies and headed back to the orphanage to dine in the shade on our favorite bench. I do not think he has ever not had to share. He was very protective of his bottle, but did offer it up to us a couple of time after we had finished ours. Significant visible "backwash" made us decide to decline his offer. But it was sweet of him.

 

Daniil seems to be more tired in the afternoon. Maybe it's from the heat, maybe just worn out from the day. He is also much "floppier" (a low tone DS thing) and can get a bit grumpy if he does not get his way. "tuta" is "here" and "tuta" is where he expects us to take him in the afternoon--That could be the teeter totter, or the monkey bars or our favorite bench to explore what is in the "backpack of fun". But it better be now-- tuta!!

 

The "nice" orphanage worker  is teaching him to say "I love you" he surprised us with that this morning—so precious he is!

 

 

More tomorrow!

 

PEACE

 

Jim and Mary

Saturday May 26, 2007

Saturday May 26, 2007

 

You are reading this later because of lack of internet connectivity in beautiful Slvansk—sorry.

 

Man, it's HOT---I mean really hot. In the mid 90s with a dry dust and "Fuzzy" filled breeze. "Fuzzys"? Yes, "Fuzzys". It seems the Soviets thought that by planting poplar trees they could reduce smog as poplar's are great O2 producers (I do not know if that is sound botany, but it's what we were told). We Do know that they are also great "Fuzzy" producers and for a month each year the air and ground are filled with the cottony puffballs. They stick everywhere--- up your nose, in your eyes, cover your hair... You can't brush them off—they smear and stick. "Fuzzy" accumulation is about an inch and a half on the orphanage grounds.. very pretty—but not much fun when you inhale a bunch of them and cough for a few hours trying to hack them up. (sorry to be graphic).—back to the heat. We were very smart to take the room with AC for an extra $10 a night. The poor folks in the non air-conditioned rooms look miserable (they all keep the doors open to try to cool off a bit). The hotel is a wonderful oasis for us.  

 

Outside we see lots of people wearing shorts (in a culture that really does not believe in them) Everyone is in sandals and it is a nation of baseball hats. (we don't look that out of place after all). Mornings and evenings are wonderful—the heat of the day is not!

 

We were up this morning at 8 and headed to the Rynok to get some groceries. (The Rynok   is a giant open air market where you can buy everything from shoes, to bread to coloring books—much like a SuperWal-mart without the roof (and the meat and dairy departments have no refrigeration)). We got some shampoo, hand lotion, bananas for the kids at the orphanage, cheese and a wonderful 40 cent snack-- it was an 8 inch across flat deep fried dough pocket with a filling similar to a pot sticker. YUMMY! I think they have other fillings too—we will try that tomorrow.

 

At 10, we got our cab and headed to the orphanage. They had Daniil ready to go when we arrived and we headed right outside. We are trying to get into a routine. First we sit and visit—then play and climb in the playground. We then look at pictures of his new home and family and practice English. A small snack, a video and back to the playground and our two hours are up… We were worried that we would have trouble filling the time. That has not been the case. Daniil still feels a bit warm to us and has that "sick smell" He was also a bit more tired today. He is happy to hold our hands and walk around, but he knows when it is getting to be time for us to leave and really wants to be carried—so far my back is holding up fine!!

 

We got the cab back to the hotel and stopped off at the supermarket – we needed some stuff that they did not have at the rynok (or we did not feel good about buying there i.e. the non refrigerated milk and meat). We got the goods into the fridge and left straight away to the internet café. It is nice. It is one of a network of such facilities partially funded by an American NGO. It's housed in the public library and has air-conditioning (NICE!!). The place is located right by the town square and the statue of Lenin. The wind had knocked down the memorial wreath of flowers placed there. I wanted to set them up, but Mary would not let me. Poor Mr Lenin.

 

Got back to the hotel watched a soccer match and power napped.

 

Up at 3:45 and back to the orphanage for our afternoon visit. Same schedule except paper airplane making took the place of the video. We called the kids back home and let them talk to Daniil--- he seemed to have fun as we pointed to the picture of each of the kids as he was talking to them.

 

We are now back in the hotel getting caught up on the journal and doing a bit of laundry in the sink. I think we will go out to a café tonight for a small meal—

 

***************Ice cream Update****************

 

Every small store has several items: soft drinks, Pivo (beer), water, cookies, old meat and cheese in a deli case that no one buys and ICE CREAM! Tonight we were very excited to find CCCP Ice Cream (see the photo on the photo page—it is photographed atop the Paul Kengor Ronald Regan Biography The Crusader which deals with Regans role in the demise of the Soviet Union—Wonder how "Dutch" would feel about CCCP Ice Cream--- I bet he'd like it!—We did too—YUMMY!

 

Sorry to be so verbose---just want to paint a picture of life for us here in Slvansk!

 

 

PEACE!

 

Jim and Mary

Mary's Update

So far, Jim has been doing all of the updates-with my input-but I decided I'd try to put some in as well. His writing is much more humorous and concise, but for those who like more detail, I'll try and fill in.

 

Our impressions so far: We have been to Kyiv 3 times now, in 2004, 2006, and now. The city is changing rapidly. Today, there are many new, stylish, beautiful apartment buildings being built, many fewer old Ladas, and many, many more American and German made cars. We have seen quite a few Chevy Aveo's   and lots of VW's. Seems the middle class is growing.  Yesterday we flew into Donetsk, drove through Kramatorsk into Slavyansk, then back to Kramatorsk to spend the night. It is more "untouched". Hopefully the growing economy will soon reach beyond Kyiv.

 

We have been thinking much of our new friends, the Attwoods. If you are reading this, Sarah or Adrian, call us back. We tried to return a call, but it was from your hotel, not your cell.

We had a lovely dinner with the Attwoods on Tuesday evening at the restaurant in Shevchenko park. It is a great place to eat, authentic atmosphere and food (and Emily, no bunnies in cages this time!) Just outside the restaurant was a crepe stand. Also delicious!

 

Our apartment in Kyiv was wonderful. It was right on Shevchenko Blvd, a block from the park, and only up 2 flights of stairs. Air conditioning that ran cold, and a beautiful, elegant bathroom, We are in a hotel right now in Kramatorsk, but we will be moving somewhere else tonight.

 

The SDA was a very different experience than the NAC in 2004. We walked to the building, Max took us in and told them we were here, and right on time, the translator came downstairs to meet us. She was very young, (20-25 years old), and although she spoke English with a heavy accent, we had great confidence in her ability to translate. She took us upstairs, through one office to an inner office. Both of these offices were outfitted with new furniture (looked like Sauder made a major sale here!) and a nice love seat size couch for us to sit on. Both the translator and the psychologist had desks, but their chairs were brought around to the front side of the desks so we were in a more "friendly" arrangement. At first, they were business-like. Polite, but not especially friendly, just businesslike. We introduced ourselves, and they asked the general opening   questions about why do we want to adopt, and why a child with Down syndrome. Then, how do we know Daniil, and have we ever met him. We had not, and explained how 2 other mothers who had adopted from his former orphanage had met him, he had made a particular impression on them, and through the internet, we got to talk with them about him.   They had a couple of pictures, and we just wanted to add him to our family. They said that we had not included his current orphanage in our letter of request for him, so they could not know where he is now. We came prepared with that information (thanks Lynn and Megan!) and they left to find the referral. We sat for about 5 minutes, worrying that perhaps he was not properly registered for adoption afterall! But when they returned, their demeanor changed quite a bit. The psychologist smiled broadly, and held the file close to her. She spoke briefly of his diagnosis-we did know he has DS, and what all of that entails-right! She said we would get the complete medical report in the region, then, smiling, slowly showed us the photo! A good picture makes all of the difference in the world. I've not seen this picture before, and really have none of him as a baby. They offered to give us this picture, if we would return with one of ours for their file! I don't have any with me, but we promised to print one out, and bring it back.

 

Then, they said to come back Thursday, between 5-6 to pick up the referral. Jim asked very politely if we could possibly get it any earlier in the day, as we had train tickets booked and the train left at 6:30.   She could not promise, but said she would ask them to process this faster, because of the nature of our request and the child we are adopting. We explained the educational and medical testing that we had scheduled for him at home. The translator gave us her cell phone number for Max to try and call her, and the psychologist took Max's number so she could call him to arrange all of this. By the time   an hour and a half had past, Max had talked to both of them, and it seemed that they were trying to be very cooperative. We also asked for faster processing of the approval, which has a normal processing time of 5 working days. We will see if they are still so inclined to help speed things along. I hope they are. Total time, about 25 minutes.

We went out of the building looking for Max. They had sent him on a mission to make some copies of the dossier, so we grabbed a coke and listened in on an English speaking tour group's explanation of a statue. Max found us, turned in his copies, and we were on our way for the afternoon tasks—Max had to go back home and get his passport and copy of his power of attorney to pick up the referral that afternoon—he left his apartment unprepared for that turn of events-and we went back, got changed out of our SDA meeting clothes, into something cooler, and went to find a place to print a picture of Daniil/Alexander. And to pack!

 

 Out and about, we found somewhere to print the photo, and left the task to them, while we went to the underground mall to grab a bite to eat. (Air conditioning)We elected to get local food, not Mcdonald's, and there was a little cafeteria line place where we could see the food, so we knew what we were getting. Pretty good lunch for average price-but it was airconditioned!

 

Max called us with options—fly in the morning, or train the following night. Flying is more expensive, but we gain a half of a day to get the paperwork going.   We opt to fly, so we meet him after getting the picture, and walk to the airline office to purchase the tickets. We leave at 8 in the morning. Max has one of our suitcases that we need to complete the packing, but he has plans tonight if we don't need him, so he will bring it with him when he picks us up at 5:15 am.

 

We left for the airport right on time, and Jim was disappointed that our flight was on an Airbus, not a Soviet jet. Oh well. We were crammed for the one hour flight, but they did serve a nice breakfast in a Styrofoam box, so the hour went by quickly. We deplaned, rode the bus to the terminal, then waited outside for the luggage truck to bring the luggage in. Everyone swarmed the truck, picking their luggage, and a ticket checker waited by the door,   processing everyone as they tried to get past, making sure that you took only your own luggage. Max's friend, Sasha was our driver for the day, and he was there, ready for us.

It was about an hour and a half drive, maybe a little more, to Slavyansk, and we went right to the orphanage. The director had been notified, for the past 24 hours, that we were arriving to meet Daniil, but when we got there, she was not there. Never said she had to be out, just wasn't there. We were ushered into the psychologists office, leaving Max and a clerical worker to begin drawing up the papers. This was at about 11:30 or so. The director arrived, but had "visitors" and could not see us. Then, she had a spot in her schedule for us, and we followed her to her office. Max had spoken on the phone with her a couple of times, and said she seemed hesitant about international adoptions in general, and totally unclear as to why anyone would want to have a child with Down syndrome in their family. "They" don't do well in a family, and the family does not do well with "them" is the attitude.

Max helped us explain that we did indeed know exactly what we were getting into, and we wanted another child with DS. She was very adamant that he was so low functioning (my term, I can't remember exactly how Max translated it, but I could tell he was also trying to be kind in his translation) She explained that this orphanage is for children who will never   make it in the regular school,, but will always need special schools. And he is a year older than his groupmates, and he is still significantly behind them! According to her, he cannot play ball, play with blocks or trucks, or any of the other things the other children can do. We tried to convey that this does not matter to us. I don't know if she ever got it, or not.

She called for him to come in, but we did not get to interact with him. His head was down, but he raised his eyes to make contact with her. She was warm with him, helping him blow his nose, and asked him if he wanted a mama and papa to come for him."Da". Will you keep your nose clean? "Da" Will you keep your face clean? "Da". Do you like to play with the other children? "Da" Are they nice to you? "da"   Do you share your toys with them? "Nyet!"  Hey, at least he is honest! After the interrogation, she sent him back to his groupa, without introducing us, or allowing us to interact with him, then asked if we were still sure we wanted him! I was in tears, just wanting to go and scoop him up! He did look at us and smile, but when I asked her if she thought he knew what we were there for, she denied it. He had no idea, according to her.

Back to our room (psychologists office) for more waiting. Max continued to work on papers, updating us as he went, while we fought sleep. At 4, they allowed us to come and see him. Our visiting hours are 10-12, and 4-6. He recognized us IMMEDIATELY when he saw us from afar, and came running, hugging us with total abandon. No way he did not realize   who we were in that office. They had been talking to him for some time, that his mama and papa would come and get him soon.

We played in the motor room with him, and it took him about 10 minutes to warm up to us. We played with a big truck, and a ball, and we got him to say "ball" if he wanted us to throw the ball to him. He catches on quickly. We played with the smaller than normal size hoola hoops, but mostly he just put them in a random pattern on the floor, and then picked them up to return them, one by one, until two were left, then started the procedure again. By 6, Max had returned, and we took Daniil outside to his group. We asked Max to tell him we would be back in the morning, but Daniil just kept saying "I don't want" over and over again, not wanting to let go. Heartwrenching.

 

Off to find lodging for the night, we decide to go to Kramatorsk because Max has papers to be produced at the notary there. There are so many official papers for these adoptions.

 

That is where I began this diatribe. I'll have Jim post it in a conspicuous spot on our blog, so those who do not want so much rambling info can skip it. But I know that when I am researching, I   like all of the nitty gritty. Plus, it makes a great diary to remember how things went.

 

Mary

Day 2 with Daniil Update

Friday May 25 2007

 

*** First a note on connectivity**** Here in Slavansk, the internet is available only at the public library (in the building on the public square right behind the very L A R G E statue of Mr. Lenin—sorry that didn't work out for you). They have very limited hours on weekdays and even more limited on Saturday. They are closed on Sunday and Holidays—that means you will not hear from us again until midday Tuesday (our time). Cell phone coverage seems pretty good, so we are not totally disconnected!

 

It was a good day—it was a bad day. We had 2 great visits with Daniil. Check out the new pictures on the pic page YES we have video on you tube---click the following link     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwerDI3CqiE  (sorry for the poor quality it takes forever to up load"

 

The bad part is we were not able to get the inspector's signature today as hoped. She had people in from Donetsk and was unable to get through all the documents and proof them. That means we will not get the paperwork to the SDA until Wednesday. L

 

Our day started in Kramatorsk. (we had a lovely evening before at a café there where I was able to chat with our nice waitress (we both spoke German as a second language). The hotel was quite Soviet in all things (no hot water, brown cold water, no AC, really scary elevators) except in price--$60 for the night--- Where is Tom Bodett when you need him.

 

We got all the papers notarized by 10:30 and made the 30 minute drive (past the really stinky meat rendering plant) to Slavansk. Paperwork was the order of the morning. We got to the orphanage at 11 to hang with Daniil. We played outside today; Climbing, running, jumping and the like. We took videos and pictures and shared them with Daniil.. We also started talking about his new life and showed him pictures of his brothers and sisters, his new house, his room and his new school.

 

We had to leave at noon per the orphanage rules and went to grab lunch—on the menu today: A nice tomato and cucumber salad, Some egg salad for Mary and borsch and pampusky (outrageous rolls smothered in garlic oil and fresh dill) for both of us. Some nice water ("biz" gas—not carbonated please).  

 

We got all the documents we needed EXCEPT for the inspector's signature. She really wanted to be able to help us to get it done today, but she had her bosses in from Donetsk today and was not able to get it done. (she promised to get it by 11am on Tuesday—Monday the holiday for Pentecost).. then, we went apartment hunting—Slavansk is a "spa town". We thought that sounded neat—spend our time here in a spa—3 meals, mud baths, pampering…ahhhhhhhh.

 

SHOCKER!! Soviet spas do not work that way. If you are lucky enough not to be in a dorm room, you stay in a simple room with a single mattress on a spring foundation. Your spa treatments include sitting a room with naked old men beating each other with birch branches… THEN comes the real fun when you plunge into ice water to "invigorate" the soul.   Pass. Thank you.

 

We looked at an apartment. It was very frightening on the outside. The dingy stairwell and hallway stunk of cat urine. Not to mention that it looked like we could be killed at any moment by someone lurking in the dark halls. The apartment was very nice, but we could not get past the smell. PASS. Thank You!   We ended up in a very nice hotel for at least the next 3 days. It is WAAAAY more expensive than we were expecting ($60/night) but it is beautiful. Up to western standards. It's a 2 room suite with air-conditioning, 24/7 hot and cold running water---nicer than we stay in Germany. But we will go broke here—We will stay till Tuesday then look for something cheaper.

 

We sent Max back to Kyiv for the 3 day holiday weekend. All the trains from here were sold out but he got a train from a nearby town. (we could tell he did not want to be stuck here in "Hooterville" for the weekend.) We'll be fine on our own. We went to a café for dinner tonight and got by just fine. Shashlick (the "food of death" from the last trip- (it's somewhere between shish kabob and bar-b-q), potatoes and some beverages (okay a LOT of beverages) for $11.

 

I think we have a schedule set.--- 8am wake up and go to the Rynok (outdoor market) to   shop for the day's food. Come back to the hotel, eat breakfast (lunchmeat, cheese, bread, juice) and the taxi will be here for us at 10. Visit with Daniil from 10-12. Taxi pickup at 12—stop for lunch and writing on the blog while we dine.   Stop at the library—post to the blog—walk to the hotel (10-15 minutes). Laundry (no washing machine and no Laundromat, sot we'll be scrubbing in the sink) then taxi pickup at 4. Back to the orphanage for our second visit. Taxi pickup at 6 back to the hotel.. snacks for dinner and bed. That is our life for the next 20 some days.

 

 

Mary Here Now:

Just to add to this about our visit with Daniil. First of all, we are changing his name to Alexander. But, as to not confuse him right now, and not to totally confuse us, I will refer to him as Daniil here, since we call him that at the orphanage.

He spotted us when we walked into the adjoining room, and came running to us—in his undies. All of the kids are in their skivveys, getting ready to go outside. They do have hats to wear to protect their heads while outside, but the rest of their bodies, minus those parts covered by bathingsuit bottoms, is free sunburn location! He got himself dressed very quickly, and we went outside. He is able to easily repeat words, at least the beginnings of words, in English. He says dow for down, and up for up. We are signing with him, and he is picking that up quickly. This is one bright little boy with Down syndrome. He does have   a runny nose, and by this afternoon's visit, we both decided he felt warm, and has a decidedly "sick smell". Current moms will know exactly what I'm talking about. For this afternoon's visit they put sandals on him that were way too small. He kept trying to tell the caretaker that he wore the other sandals, but she insisted that he wear the ones that were too small. She was so stern that I was afraid of crossing her! So, once we got outside, I went to the car where our bags were waiting, produced the "crocklings" that we had purchased for him, and changed his shoes. (Catie and Emily, Max chose the blue ones so Danill has the green ones!) Then, we changed them back before taking him in, when they are immediately removed upon entering the building.   We told them that he felt warm, maybe feverish, but they said he was fine. (Max told them, so I knew they understand what we said). But then after we got into our hotel room, both Jim and I said he "smelled sick".   Funny, we both thought it, but neither said anything. He also had a big mark on his back, and we asked about that. They said it was a bug bite—it was HUGE!

He is very affectionate with us, especially with Jim. Definitely is a daddy's boy. He does try to push the limit, by trying things like kicking at us, progressively stronger, until we tell him "No, stop!" then he does it again, and whatever game we are playing immediately stops. He looks sad, and comes and hugs us. All is forgiven, but the original game is over. He is learning quickly, and has stopped the offending behavior twice after being told to stop once.  

We will have to see what tomorrow brings with his "non-illness". I may just take a thermometer with me. I'm not sure if he is sick, if we are able to see him.

 

WE met Daniil

What a day!!

We decided to fly from Kyiv to Donetsk this morning to try to get a 3 day jump on the process. The SDA processed our paperwork so it was ready last night. We were up at 4am to catch a flight (but not, as I have always dreamed of, flying on a Soviet airplane--it was an airbus--Damn French). The flight arrived in Donetsk at 9am and we were at the orphanage by 10:30. We waited while Max worked his magic and by noon Daniil (Alex) was in the directors office with us. We did not "meet" him then-- just saw him. Max continued on and we contined to sit in the psycholigist's office for 4 hours until finally it was 4pm and we were able to officially meet Daniil.

WHAT A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO OUR FAMILY HE WILL BE!!

He is quick as a whip and is already saying "More Ball" and "Dad" and "Mom" in English. He was quite excited to show us off to his friends at the orphanage. We played ball, hoola hoop, and trucks. The director was concerned about his delay, but we found him to be doing very well. He is using 3-4 word sentences in Russian and was putting 2 words together in English after a couple of hours.

He did NOT want us to leave this evening. He kept repeting "I don't want" over and over when we said we had to go.

Our visiting hours will be 10am-12noon and 4-6pm each day. We may miss tomorrow morning's meeting as we are rushing to try to get everything submitted to court tomorrow. As in the States, Monday is a Holiday here and we can get way ahead if the court will accept our papers tomorrow. The best case is: Court next Friday (probably the following Monday)-- 10 day wait (cannot be waived) then 4-5 days on the other side. We may be a bit quicker-- we probably will be a bit longer.

There is so much more, but the meter is ticking at the internet cafe-- we do not know if we will have internet or phone in Slavansk (we are in Kramatorsk tonight so we can get papers notarized in the morning). We will try to take the 30 minute cab ride at least a couple of times a week until we are back to the land of running water.

 

(hey kids, call us on the blue phone)


Jim

SDA DAY

We are "done-day" at the SDA. Things went great! We met with The Psychologist and  Tatiana the translator for about 20 minutes. We got our referral for going to the region to see Daniil. We politely asked if there was any way to speed up getting the paperwork done to travel to Slavansk a bit earlier. (we specifically said we do not want to bend the rules or ask for special treatment beyond what they would do for any disabled child but we need to get him home by late June for the educational assessment and doctors visits (his file says he has some slight cardiac involvement)). They agreed and the documents we need will be prepared by this afternoon (thank you SDA!). We were to train overnight tomorrow, but we are now thinking it may be better to fly tomorrow morning to give us an extra day to maybe save close to a week (If we can beat the 3 day holiday weekend this weekend Max can have everything turned in back here on Tuesday rather than Friday. Our next update will (hopefully be from the region)—

 

We will spend the rest of today getting some photos processed and lounging—we are packed on the crazy chance that we could actually get out of here today and get to see him—A very good day- Thanks for your prayers. They are working!

 

Jim and Mary---

We are here

Day One in Ukraine is done.

We are writing at 8pm from A VERY hot internet cafe---so this will be kinda short---

 

Please check out our new pictures at www.martythompson.com/Ukraine.html click onthe photo link (sorry I do not remember the URL

 

We had a wonderful flight from JFK-- Yummy food and drink-- Nice older Ukrainian couple who had no idea how the plane worked (or that you got to actually eat for free!!)

 

Immigration was a pain again-- I always pick the WORST line (3 times in a row)-- I'm not picking anymore--ever. We were in the first 10 people off the plane and we were in the last 20 from TWO planes to get through.. Customs wwas a breeze. The truth is we had no where to be today so it would not have been worth the $50 for VIP service--- just a little frustrating.

 

Max was waiting for us as we came out the door and we got in our taxi (A shiny new Chevy Aveo---go Daewoo!!) The ride downtown was fun--bad traffic so we ended up going the wrong way on the road to get through it all---"it's just the way it's done, officer".

 

We decided to go to the Ukrainian Folk Museum-- a 300 acre spread of relocated farmhouses, churches and out buildings from Ukraine's rich history. Very cool, but actually VERY hot---record heat again today-- 90 degrees. I passed on the Carpaithians (sp?) I hate the mountains with my heel spur.. but the rest was nice. We took public transportation (subway and bus) out and back. Fast and easy and cheap (about 30 cents per person per way)

 

We met up with Attwoods (sorry if we spelled your names wrong) for Dinner at the neat folk restaurant in Schevchenko Park. Their appointment is tomorrow Am at 10-- ours is at noon. How is this for cool. max and I were enjoying a beverage before the rest arrived and we ran into the Big Ukrainian Pop Star OLEG (ugh I can't rememebr his last name). he IS a huge star and yes, we stalked him. (See the pic on the photo page)

 

WHEW not sure we could cram much more into today-- maybe a 20 cent ice cream cone from the Golden Arches.. from the 21st century plane ride to the 16th at the folk museum. we have seen it all!

 

 

see ya soon

 

 

Jim and Mary (proofing my bad typo-ing on the Ukrainian keyboard)

 

JFK

Greetings from JFK--- we were considering changing the Cincy to JKF leg to a later flight (we have a 3.5 hour wait here) but Mary convinced me to keep us on the earlier flight-- good thing. In the summer, we walked about 100 feet from one plane to the other--- this time it was a change of terminals-- we probably would have made it in the 45 mihutes the later flight offered for the connect--but we would have been running.. I do not run well. 'nuff said! Thanks to the wonderful efforts of a "special Delta friend" we are up front for the JFK/KBP segment-- it cost 50,000 miles, but sitting here in the Buisness class lounge sipping a beverage it all seems worthwhile. If all goes well our next post will be from Kyiv. See ya then

We are ready!

Okay-- you are never really ready until the boarding door closes on the plane, but we are more ready that we have ever been before a trip. The camcorder still needs to go in the carry-on (it's charging)-- but that's it. And a good thing too. Tomorrow's fun starts at 7am with a ride to Oxford for Emily's basketball game-- then James has soccer at 2-- Pre party for the Brooks and Dunn concert at 4, I need to be on a conference call for work at 6 and Mass is at 7--whew!

We have a 3 hour layover at JFK on Monday---just looked to see if we can get a later flight. There is one, but only 45 minutes to get from Comair to Delta--- we DO NOT want to miss the flight--- we'll hang out for the long lay-over--- we can rest from all of Sunday's excitement.

If any folks "in country" are reading here please email us-- we would love to hook up Tuesday night in Kyiv (maybe Podil or maybe in Shevchenko Park ) for dinner.

Jim

Well, 4 more days till we leave.
Gifts are purchased (most of them), bags are packed (sort of) and we are almost ready to leave. Thanks to all who have responded to our letter. The outpouring of warm wishes is tremendous and we appreciate every single one of them.
We are just waiting now for Julie to arrive (to stay with the other kids) and then on Monday, we are off.

WOW

Thanks to everyone for such a wonderful outpouring of support. We sent our adoption notice out today to friends and family and I need to thank everyone who responded. Your prayers are so appreciated. It's pretty freaky to think we are less than a week away.

While we are in Ukraine, I will be doing what I can to help out the Independent Ukrainian Broadcasters Association. I'm excited to be a part of the cool stuff that they are trying to do (If I can only get them on board with Miranda Lambert :-)). I hope to do a few sessions for them. We f9und out today that we should be able to have internet the entire time we are away. Great news. If we figure out the time zones we may try to set us a few voice chats on yahoo instant messenger. Stay here for details. (sorry the radio guys in me)

PEACE!

marty

One Week

Yikes

We leave in one week--

I can't believe we are getting this close--- 2 weeks from tonight we will have the jitters about our SDA appointment the next day. We are all set to go. Work stuff is nearly done--Family stuff is all done. I am hoping to be able to use sky miles to upgrade on the flight over (it's a really long flight from jfk to kbp in coach) But either way--- here we go!

We picked up a new laptop for our translator's friend (Vista has not shipped there yet), snacks for the inevitable food poisoning (it has happened both times for me) Plus several doses of Cipro since I WILL eat street food anyway! We have some great reading-- I WILL get through St Augustine's City of God on this trip-- and some light stuff too.

Still need to get:

Pair of jeans for me (I do not wear jeans in the US--- but it's the thing to do there.
Some shoes for both of us
Kohl's has "American" T Shirts for $5---we will take these as gifts

and that is IT!!!

the plan:

Monday (or maybe Sunday) we fly to Kyiv---please please please upgrade us!!!
Tuesday get settled and hopefully find fellow Americanski to have dinner with in Kyiv-- I'm thinking a cool Ukrainian folk evening with sashlick (sp?) Vereniky and Pivo (beer)
Wednesday SDA appointment
Thursday Paperwork and overnight train to the region--
Friday meet our new young-un and maybe get paperwork started.

from there-- only God knows.

Please tell your friends to check out our blog and PLEASE post comments-- we will need support!

more to come soon!


PEACE

Jim