We obtained custody of our children on Tuesday evening, May 12, 2009. Tony and I carried back packs and $600 worth of clothes (which consisted of 2 outfits each + pajamas - Europe is expensive!!!) to change our children before leaving. They each "put off their old clothes" (underwear and all!) and "put on their new ones" (what a glorious picture of the Gospel!). The picture below was taken right before we rushed off to the train station for our overnight trip back to Kiev (hitting a McDonald's drive thru on the way for 'Happy Meals')...
We arrived in Kiev around 6:30 AM Wednesday morning (May 13, 2009). Then had three days of sleepless nights, travel back to Zapporhizhia for passports, visits to US Embassy, meltdowns in our flat, and much prayer to make our Saturday morning flights home... By the glorious grace of our Savior, 27 hours of flights and airport layovers, WE MADE IT TO HOME (May 16, 2009 around 8:30 PM)!!! Below are 'pictures of pictures' someone gave us for your enjoyment...
What you can't see in this picture is all the tears and relief felt by all. Tony gave my father a bear hug and the two of them, in his words, "cried like prom queens"...
We were so grateful to be home with our children. Oh the joy of speaking your native tongue in your native country and the returned sense of control it brings when all your children could speak was Russian!
We pulled into our garage eager to show the kids their new home...
All they cared about was meeting their new dog, Titus... He was a hit... I called it, "Canine Therapy"...
Finally, it was time to see their rooms and explore a few gifts...
Oh wait, more canine therapy...
Dedushka went to town, as any grandpa would, helping the kids with their new toys...
It was hilarious and adorable to watch them try on ALL their new socks...
Everything was carefully spread out to observe...
They each tested the top bunk, but it was weeks before anyone slept up there...
James was captivated...
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17
The tears won't seem to cease falling as I type and reflect. Wow... I remember it was such a trying traveling experience. I laugh at how I'd packed my backpack carryon with my glasses and contact solution, etc... Not once in all our 27 hours did I even open my backpack! Our precious children were quite demanding on our trip back, precious Victoria in particular. She melted down in three dramatic/traumatic incidences. She would get a look of rage, kick, scream, claw at me, attempt to bite me, all the while NOT wanting me to leave her... classic sign of abuse and neglect... breaks my heart... oh, it breaks my heart... I remember once we were home and the kids settled (Mom slept on the floor of the girls' room and told Tony & I to "go rest!")... I went to take a shower and noticed my big toe nail was gone! Ha ha... The travel so consuming I hadn't even noticed the pain - ha! Oh, the glorious grace of our Savior who provides for our every need! The Most High God who has and is doing a mighty work in the lives of each of our children, and mine!
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word... Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus, oh for grace to trust Him more"
To Him be the glory forever, amen!
5 comments:
Kim, I'm so happy for you guys! It's been such a blessing to read your blog, to follow your adoption story, and to see the ways you and Tony have been so faithful to trust the Lord through all the ups and downs. You've been such a huge example of perseverance and faith. Thank you for sharing your life with us! Love you guys!
Such a beautiful post Kim. God bless you guys and those precious kids! I hope to see you later this month? Love to you all - Noelle
Congratulations on reaching this milestone. Each day, each month, each year you can mark the progress of each child. Praying for continued bonding and attachment! God bless!
What a story! I have so enjoyed reading about your journey. We've been through similar circumstances in our family. Unless you've been through it yourself, it's really hard to understand the roller coaster ride of the adoption process...and the joy it can bring. I really don't know how any family can go through it without a heavenly Father to lean upon. We were blessed to be part of a meet-and-greet yesterday for our son's family's second and third adopted children. It is amazing how the children change once they are home in a loving environment! And there's nothing quite like seeing the face of a little one (who a short time ago was in a lonely orphanage crib) light up when she sees Grandma...and then come running with her arms up, ready to give a big hug! (sniff)
Congratulations on their one year home anniversary!! Loved this post...so precious! Thanks for sharing your heart!
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