Just another day in Ukraine, with the exception that it is the annual holiday called "Victory Day". Today, Ukrainians gather to pay homage to those who died in WWII. Typically there are elaborate parades of military equipment and officials in Kiev and other large cities. We did hear some fireworks in the distance throughout the night but have missed out on any real excitement. As we drove to pick up our kids we passed several men in WWII uniforms driving vehicles that reminded me of the Indiana Jones movies. Every once in awhile I feel like we've gone back in time over here... to different eras... quite a trip!
We celebrated a "victory" of our own as we embarked upon our first McDonald's visit as a family. When we picked the kids up they were beyond excited for a field trip to the golden arches. In the car ride, we asked them what they wanted to order, "Do you want a happy meal?" They all replied in unison, "Dah!" ("Yes" in Russian) Then they started joking with one another about how they would eat everything like a pig. It was quite entertaining...
As you can see from the picture, it was one big Merida happy meal - ha ha. They were excited about so many things... cheeseburgers, fries, prizes, KETCHUP.... They even started dipping fries and feeding one another...
Angela struggled a little today. I don't think she was feeling that well, even though she did eat every bit of her food... 
Jana is quite the snuggler... she loves to curl up in papa's lap...
There was some serious focus going on in conquering each happy meal... so fun to watch them enjoy this experience...
Angela LOVED the ketchup...
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!!! Did I mention, these kids LOVE ice cream?!.
When we loaded up in the car to return to the orphanage the kids asked us, "Can we go back to McDonald's tomorrow?" My stomach was saying, "No, no, no!" (Ha ha ha) Of course we replied, "We will have lots of opportunities to go to McDonald's and even better restaurants when we get back to Mississippi!" Then we asked them if they would like for us to bring juice and cookies for each of their classes as a farewell party when the day comes to leave... another resounding "Dah!" It is so exciting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!!! We hugged and kissed goodbye and look forward to seeing them again tomorrow! Please pray for passports to arrive on Tuesday (12th), safe travel to Kiev overnight, and the ability to get medical evaluations and visas done by friday (15th). We would LOVE to be on a plane heading back next Saturday (16th)! Thanks for your continued prayers! God bless! 
5 comments:
How awesome. I would say that your one daughter's behavior is one to pay close attention to. Not that there is anything wrong-- but this is your chance to address things before they have a chance to get worse-- if it happens to be something other than her not feeling well. Your family rocks---- and I am just now getting insight into my oldest daughter's feelings about when she was first adopted. I will be posting about it as soon as I have the right words and her permission.
Safe journies home. Blessings!
Hoping all paperwork gets completed and processed very quickly.
Sounds like a great day! Praying that the rest of the process is speedy and smooth:)
June
What a sweet post!
You know, so many people commented to us, before we adopted how sad it would be that we missed out on so many "firsts" of our adopted children.
I think now about how blessed we were/are to be experiencing other "firsts" with them...as seen through older children's eyes.
I was able to bake my son's FIRST birthday cake for him....when he turned 12 years old. The look on his face melted my heart much more than I could imagine watching his first steps may have been. We are blessed.
Children leaving the orphanage are going through a TON of emotions.....they will experience a lot of loss and all grieve differently. Even though they are gaining a tremendous amount by gaining a new family and life, they are leaving behind all they have known....good or bad, it is familiar to them.
We will certainly continue to pray as you learn from each other and grow together....The children are blessed to have you for their new mom and dad, and you are only just beginning to unfold the blessings in store for you!
Hey Kimberly,
I am so glad to see you guys finally seeing light at the end of your tunnel. I just wanted to wish you a very very Happy Mother's Day!!!!!! This day is always special but your first is extra special and one that you will always remember. Take care and you guys be safe on your journey home.
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