We tried to post an entry yesterday, but for some reason it got wiped out just prior to
posting??? We had our meeting at the SDA yesterday at 4:00 PM. No one was allowed to join us under the latest procedures. We were presented 2 young ladies (10 and 12) initially and there was a lull that became a little uncomfortable. We showed our album and the entire mood rapidly changed with more warm and happy faces for the remainder of our time. We then were presented another 10 year old. It looked as there was another referral, however, we both felt strongly about the 11 years old (Irina). She will be 12 on 11/27. As a result, we felt the Lord was leading our hearts toward Irina. We were at the SDA for 1 hour but it looked like we could have stayed longer (no real pressure to leave). There was another appointment listed after ours! Irina is located in a "boarding school" (as told to us) in the Kharkiv region (eastern most region, adjacent to Russia). We will be traveling via overnight train this evening. We are nervously anticipating our first meeting tomorrow. Having Sharon with us has been very helpful. Although she is not offering herself as a personal guide in the future I told her to consider the potential (all expenses paid plus a consulting fee of $10,000 or so!!!). We didn't have any suggestions in handling here kids!!! Dale
We are so excited to meet Irina! What we know about her so far is that she was born in the same region as her orphanage, has no siblings and is "healthy". She's been in the orphanage since 2005 and parental rights were terminated at that time. As soon as we left the SDA, SRC went into action with the paperwork to designate acceptance of the referral and delivered it back to the SDA before they closed. The SDA told us our referral paperwork will be ready today between 5-6 pm. Sergey will meet us in Kharkiv and be our facilitator/driver. Sharon and SRC were wondering what might be wrong, since we were in the SDA for an hour! But the meeting overall, went very well, we had good referrals and Zurina (SDA) shook our hands and was happy about our pending adoption.
Thank you for your prayers, they are felt....God bless you all!! Debbie
We are so excited to meet Irina! What we know about her so far is that she was born in the same region as her orphanage, has no siblings and is "healthy". She's been in the orphanage since 2005 and parental rights were terminated at that time. As soon as we left the SDA, SRC went into action with the paperwork to designate acceptance of the referral and delivered it back to the SDA before they closed. The SDA told us our referral paperwork will be ready today between 5-6 pm. Sergey will meet us in Kharkiv and be our facilitator/driver. Sharon and SRC were wondering what might be wrong, since we were in the SDA for an hour! But the meeting overall, went very well, we had good referrals and Zurina (SDA) shook our hands and was happy about our pending adoption.
Thank you for your prayers, they are felt....God bless you all!! Debbie
Left pic. (Dale, Debbie & Sergey - facilitator) - Right pic. (eating the American way!!!!)
12 comments:
Hooray! We are so happy your meeting went well. Sounds like the album was a hit! I'm sure Irina will be thrilled and excited to meet her new mama and papa. We'll wait on the next update and pray you had a safe jounrey to Kharkiv.
Laura and Rob
Irina...that's not a bad name. Lisa and I can handle that! I'm glad things are going well. Snap a picture of her so we can see. (this is a little strange) Keep up the notes. Love, Jodi
Wow - great news on the referral! We wish you a safe trip to Kharkiv...a city we know well! That is where Kate is from!! Her orphanage was called Caritas. Let us know if that is where you are headed!
~Jim & Jean
Hi! I can't wait to see what she looks like. I also tried calling your cell and it won't let me. I guess I have to wait unitl tomorrow for the long distance to work? My study is around 9:30 today because we have an odd day so I will have my phone if you want to call. Love, Lisa
More great news! Glad to hear that they liked seeing pictures of you'all at the SDA. We'll be praying for that first meeting with Irina - Ochen Ochen exciting - and for a nice place to stay.
Tim & Charlene
Thank you for the update. Glad things are going well. I am sure you know how to say the name "Irina." :)
Will continue praying for you.
Love,
Iryna
Hi Deb and Dale! I know your heart is fluttering as you travel to meet her. We're praying that you will know absolutely that she is your daughter when you meet.
~Nancy & Steve
Dale and Debbie,
Wow! Great news... I did not realize you were in Ukraine already. So glad you got a referral and will be traveling to see your little girl. Wish you best of luck.
Robb and Jill
Wonderful!!! I know a young lady in our house that kind of likes that name ;-)
We'll prayer for your trip to be smooth and your meeting with Irina to go well.
Gary & Bev
Hi Debbie & Dale, Wow what an adventure you are having with not much sleep. I am so excited it's going so well and hopefully you will be bring Irina back with you in a couple of weeks. I look forward to hearing more you have such good detail I would be in such a fog after the long days you have been putting in.
Miss and Love you, Sandy
Hi Dale and Deb,
Irina is so beautiful!!!! You all look so happy. We wish you the best and looking forward for more pictures. Wishing you God's blessings.
We love you!
John and Geri
Hi Debbie & Dale,
We were wondering what language Ira spoke? It is so great you are getting along so well she is so pretty.
Love Sandy & Ron
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