Chapter Twenty - Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things

September 25th

I know that it has been over a week since our last Blog, things have been a "little busy", to say the least...The following will be my attempt to bring everyone up to speed.  The date of our last Blog was September 13th.  It is hard to believe that we have already been home for close to two weeks. It is amazing how fast time flies when you are home.  Especially when you get back to the normality of work, running errands, going here & there, etc.

Rachelle and I decided to keep Andrew home with us on the 14th.  We hung out around the house for the most part, except for taking Andrew to see Finding Nemo 3D and meeting my parents in Guthrie that evening to get Andrew's glasses that we forgot to get when Dad dropped us off on Thursday.  We had a really nice visit as we were able to bring both Mom and Dad updated with stories and pictures from our trip.  The initial plan was for Andrew to go to the OSU Football Game with them, however we were looking at the possibility of going to the State Fair on Saturday instead.

Being selfish with our time that we had remaining with each other and Andrew prior to getting back into the swing of things, it was very hard not to tell everyone that we had made it back.  We did let some people know, especially those who had messaged or emailed us while we were gone.

Like I stated above, the initial plan was to go to the State Fair on Saturday, but due to the drizzle and rain almost all day we decided to postpone until Sunday after church.  Our extended family from Elk City came to Yukon on Saturday night to celebrate their sons birthday.  They were so kind to let us crash their party at the Restaurant.  We were able to meet a very fun couple and their daughter who made the trip with them.  The highlight of the evening was when the loudest waitress they had came over with the entire staff and sang "Happy Birthday" to Robbie.

On Sunday morning, we got up and ready as a family and headed to Victory Edmond.  We usually go seperately as I am there for the 9:00 and the 11:00 Experiences, and Rachelle and Andrew come for the 11:00.  We went between Experiences so that we would have time to visit with many of our friends prior to the 11:00.  Pulling into the driveway at Victory was some what different, since we hadn't been there in close to a month.  We barely had Andrew out of the truck, when Troy showed up to meet us.  Then as we got close to the doors here came Pastor Wade, Charlie, Jeff and Pastor Jon came running out jumping and wanting me to catch him I guess.  Darren and Ben followed shortly after. By this time Andrew had already ran inside and Rachelle was following him as I was talking about the high points from our trip.  It was AWEOME to be welcomed and greeted this way, as well as find out that most of them had been following along with this Blog.  As 11:00 approached closer, many of those  previously listed went back to their volunteering positions.  It was weird that I was there in a non-volunteering role.  It was GREAT to see those in the congregation that we had gotten to know over the past 11 months!!!  The Prayers and Support that we have received thus far in our process has truly been a Blessing!!!

After Church, Rachelle and I decided that we were going to the State Fair.  Our friends Vernon and DeeAnn, along with their son Joshua decided to go along and join us.  Vernon called to inform me that the traffic was backed up.  He actually let me "Cut-In Line" in front of him just before the 10th Street exit.  After we finally found a parking spot, the two boys sat in Mickey powered Radio Flyer wagon.  We ate Corn, Corn Dogs and Funnel Cakes.  In the first building we went in, both Vernon and I took advantage of the State Fair pricing on storm shelters.  We ended up going through all of the buildings, Andrew actually fell asleep  laying down in the wagon in the last building.  We were probably there for about 3 to 4  hours and decided to make the Trek back to  the vehicles.  We all left and went to dinner prior to going on to the house to get ready for Monday, Monday, Monday....

Just like pulling into the Church parking lot the day before, driving to Stillwater and walking into the office was the same way, just different after being gone for 3 weeks.  Trying to get caught up on where things are and where I need to help.  Every Tuesday is the Construction Progress Meeting and I was able to talk to those at OSU that have also been following along with the Blog.  A couple of them were actually getting worried because we hadn't posted in a few days, prior to Chapters Eighteen and Nineteen.  

Wednesday was here before we knew it and Rachelle wanted some "Her Time" so Andrew and I went to Church.  The format has changed from a Round Table Teaching scenario to an opportunity that promotes Small Groups.  The Campus Pastor asked that I attend the New Members Small Group.  It was a lot of fun.  Meeting the Newer Members of the Church, and their commitment to come in on a Wednesday night is HUGE!!!  I look forward to getting to know many of them as well as serving alongside them as well.

Thursday after work, I met Rachelle and Andrew at the Church.  She is participating  in the Beth Moore Bible Study there every Thursday evening.  Andrew and I went home, played for while, microwaved some popcorn and watched Thursday night football.  As soon as Momma walks in the door, off he goes!  He really loves his Momma! (Can't blame him a bit, she is Pretty Awesome!)

Friday roles around and knowing that Dylan has an event that he wants to attend after school; I drove home picking up Rachelle and Andrew prior to driving to Stroud to pick him up.  The drive was going along just fine until we were about 3 miles west of the Construction Zone.  The Turnpike turned into a two lane parking lot moving along at a snails pace.  After what seemed like hours, was probably closer to 30 minutes we were thru and back up to normal speed.  We arrived at the McDonald's early enough to have a quick dinner prior to Dylan showing up.  Once he got there, Andrew was SO EXCITED to see his older brother!!!  We went home a different way to avoid the Construction Zone.  Once we got home, we let the boys stay up later than normal so they could watch The Lorax, Andrew's new favorite movie.  He refers to it as "Trees".

Saturday morning came around and the boys and I hung out eating breakfast and wrestling while we let Rachelle sleep in.  Not very often does she get the opportunity NOT to have to get Andrew ready, since Monday thru Friday I am already out of the house when they wake up.  Shortly before 11:00, I started up the motorcycle and rode to the Church for the Guns and Self Defense Small Group.  We grilled burgers, and while we were eating them, we enjoyed listening to the adventures that one of the very active members had experienced during his African Safari that he had just returned from.  Rachelle loaded up the boys and they went to her Brother and Sister-in-Law's house so the kiddos could play.  After we each got done, we met back at the house for a few minutes then off to town we were again.  Rachelle really wanted Dylan to be with us when we bought Vanya's bed.  Needless to say, our sales lady, well she just needed some Grace and we will be looking for another next time we go!  After picking up the bed, we stopped at one of Dylan's favorite places to eat, Hideaway Pizza for dinner.  They brought out some dough for the boys to play with while we were waiting on the Pizza.  After dinner is was time for some "Down Time" at home and then off to bed.

I got Dylan up early like I usually do on Sunday morning, as he goes with me to Church prior to the 9:00 Experience.  However, Andrew decided to get up early this Sunday and I took both the boys with me.  Again, letting Rachelle sleep in a little and not have to worry about getting Andrew ready.  It was gratifying to take both the boys early.  Andrew really likes to hear the Worship Team sing, as he will most of the time sit on the front row while I was able to take care of my Usher duties.  Just like most Sunday mornings, once things start happening the 11:00 Experience is over before you know it.  We met Vernon, DeeAnn and Joshua @ Louie's for lunch and then off we were to take Dylan back to meet his mom in Stroud.  All in All , it was a Good Weekend Visit!!!

When we got back into town, Rachelle wanted to go get bedding for Andrew and Vanya.  While we were there, I received a text message that one of the guys who attended Victory Edmond when it first started, was actually back.  So after we were done shopping, we stopped by the Church as the 5:00 had just let out.  It was AWESOME seeing him and we hope to see him more and more in the coming weeks, months, etc.  We stayed and visited with many of our Church family and really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere!!!  Time to go home and get ready for Monday once again!  

Sasha made it to Luts'k on Monday to pick up the Decree.  I sent him an email requesting a confirmation and he told me that everything has gone as planned.  He is going to pick up the document Tuesday morning and will start the process of getting the Birth Certificate changed per our Request and the Direction of the Court Decree.  I am still on schedule to go back in a week or so to finalize any of the remaining documents that he couldn't get completed, as well as FINALLY return with Vanya and bring him to his New Home!!!

Chapter Nineteen - Home Bittersweet Home

September 13th:

We woke up early so that we could eat breakfast and still make it to the Airport prior to 7:00 am.  Just like the dinner the night before, the Breakfast Buffet (that was free with the nights stay) was just as delicious.  We made it to the Airport, checked our bags and the lady from American Airlines told us about a Security Checkpoint that was closer to the Gate our flight was leaving from.  When Rachelle and I got in line, there were approximately 20 people in front of us.  As we were entering the X Ray machines there were now probably 100 people in line.  Timing was definitely in our Favor again this morning like it had been so many times throughout the trip.  Boarding the plane to OKC!!!

Unlike sitting on the first row on the flight from Kiev to Warsaw, we now drew seats in the last row, right next to the restroom.  The plane was one of the smallest ones I had ever flown.  It had two seats on one side of the isle and then a single seat on the other.  Sitting across from us was a tall, skinny older gentleman that was wearing a Harley Davidson jacket.  He started talking to us and was easy to tell on our end that he couldn't hear very well.  He asked if we lived in Oklahoma, or if we were just passing through or visiting like he was.  I told him that we were both from there and we had been away for close to three weeks.

I returned the question to him.  He replied telling us that he was on his way to Fort Sill for a 40 year reunion with some guys that he had served with in Vietnam.  The gentleman in front of me without hesitation turned around with his hand out requesting to shake his hand as he thanked the Veteran for his service to our Country.  I joined in the thanks and at that time he put his hand over his face and I noticed the Veteran fighting back tears.  

THIS IS WHAT AMERICA IS ALL ABOUT!!!  Giving the proper thanks to men and women who have given sacrifices for the rest of us.  We should ALWAYS take a moment to thank a Veteran for their sacrifices!  Too many people take this Country for granted.  Even if you don't agree with what they are ordered to do, just remember they are like you and me, however they have answered the call to protect our Freedom.  Reminds me of the Perfect One who Chose the Cross for Our Spiritual Freedom!!!

As the flight went on we talked about him riding his Dyna Wide Glide across country.  That his daughter is a Motorcycle Officer in Las Vegas, and that he actually lives close to the Harley Davidson plant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He asked how long Rachelle and I had been married.  He expressed to both of us with his hand down low to forget the times when you are here and stick it out together.  Then with his hand up high, he told us to always remember the high (good) times, all of the while forgetting about the lows.  He told us not to bring up the lows, no matter what.  He said that he had been both married and divorced twice and that he still loved his 2nd wife and how wonderful of a woman she is.

It was actually raining as the plane landed in OKC.  I asked him how he was going to get from the Airport to Fort Sill.  He told me that his Lieutenant was meeting him there and he was going to ride with him.  We shook hands as we left the plane.

Shortly after we left the Gate, my youngest brother Blake was in the Airport awaiting a flight to Las Vegas.  We talked briefly, however Rachelle was looking forward to seeing Andrew who was waiting with my Dad on the way to Baggage Claim.  As we walked down the hallway, I could see Andrew sitting there waiting.  Then it happened.  He saw his Mommy and said very loudly "Mommy!"  Rachelle ran to him, scooped him up and the tears started flowing.  The two of them hadn't been away from each other for this long and needless to say, they missed each other a WHOLE Bunch!!!  There were a couple of ladies waiting for the arrival of one of their loved ones, however they got consumed by Rachelle and Andrew that they too started crying.  As we were going down the escalator, the ladies leaned over the edge and just told her how much they enjoyed watching their connection.

It felt really good to see Andrew and to be back in OKC, just wish that we would have been able to bring Vanya with us!  As we were walking to the truck, I told Dad that we wanted Mexican for lunch.  We went to On the Border on Broadway and enjoyed the company and told Dad details of our Journey.  After lunch, homeward bound we were.  We pulled up in the driveway, opened the garage door just to find out that her Dad had actually locked the deadbolt.  Unfortunately, we didn't have a key.  So Rachelle, Andrew and I loaded up in the car to meet him for the key and Dad headed back to Perry.  After sitting in the passenger seat for so long It felt weird to actually be DRIVING.

We met her Dad at the same restaurant we were just eating at less than an hour ago for the key exchange.  Rachelle got to talk to her Dad as Andrew took a nap in the car.  After about 10 minutes we were on our way home, again.  As I was driving home; Rachelle in the passenger seat, Andrew in his carseat behind her, I was thinking about how AWESOME it is going to be in less than a few weeks that Vanya will be in his carseat behind me!

Bittersweet as it is...WE FINALLY MADE IT HOME!!! 

I will be taking a trip back to Ukraine in a few weeks to bring Vanya home.  So in the meantime, we will be making the final modifications to our house for his arrival as well as loving on the little boy who we haven't seen.  We are so looking forward to seeing Dylan next weekend so we can bring him up to speed   on our process.  The last time we talked to him, he is Super Excited to meet his Brother!!!

Chapter Eighteen - A 36 Hour Day

September 12th:

We woke up early because we were excited that we were able to bump our original return flight plans from Saturday to this afternoon.  We really wanted to stay and bring Vanya home, however with there being about 2 full weeks of waiting on documents and then up to another week to week and a half of stuff to do afterwards, we decided to go back.  Rachelle was really starting to miss Andrew and he would actually start crying for her when we would Face Time him in.  It has been close to 3 weeks and it was time.  This allows me to go back to work for a couple of weeks, before heading back to finalize the Adoption and finally be able to bring Vanya home.

We walked down the street around 9:00 am looking for a cup of coffee and something to eat.  We found a little vendor store that also had donuts, we were all about that.  It was a cool morning and we tried to find somewhere in the sunlight to sit and soak in our last couple of hours in Ukraine.  Sasha was scheduled to meet us at the apartment around 11:00 am so he could take us to the Airport.  We started back about 10:00 am and as soon as we get to the Apartment, Sasha calls and is running early.  He picked us up about 20 minutes early and off we were to the Airport.

We stopped at a McDonald's on the way to the Airport for a quick snack.  It is uncommon that we saw for anyone to help another out in the short time that we were there.  The reason I bring this up is there was a guy holding two trays trying to leave the main part of the restaurant going out to the patio area.  I opened both of the doors and Sasha made a comment how nice that was for me to do that, cause that just doesn't happen here.  Rachelle told him that I try to do that as much as possible, and he was still beside himself.

We then loaded up and went on to the Airport.  We got there a little before two hours prior to our flight.  As we were standing around waiting to see what Gate our flight would be leaving, a guy about our age  was standing within hearing distance of our conversation and vice versa.  He started talking English so I asked him where he was from.  He was from New York and on his way to Odessa, down by the Black Sea.  His wife is from Ukraine and her family lives down in that area.  Sasha told us that it was easy to tell that he was an American, cause he too had his sunglasses up on his forehead like I am known to do.  Bob  made a comment that he was getting ready to get on a bus to the Kiev train station.  Sasha then offered him a ride, since Sasha was going that way after he made sure that we made it on to our Gate.  Bob was very thankful and I was actually proud of Sasha for offering up the ride.  Perhaps in some way me doing such a simple act of opening a door for someone, carried over to Sasha to asking Bob if he would like a ride.  Hmm, only God knows...

They finally flashed the Gate number so off we went to the correct Check-In lane to get our Boarding Passes and Check our luggage.  When the guy gave us our Boarding Passes, he also handed us a couple of coupons. I had no idea what they were for, however we were just thrilled that we were able to get our flights out this afternoon.  We said our "Good Bye's" to Sasha and off to Passport Control we went.  Still confused exactly what the Coupons were for, until after we made it through the checkpoint.  I guess that when I bumped our flights up it gave us Business Class seats instead of Economy.  So the Coupons were for the Business Class Lounge area.  This was definitely a first for both the two of us.

We walked in and there was hardly no one in there.  The seating was very comfortable and there was a full service bar as well as bottle beverages.  I went and got a couple of Coke's and went up to the counter to pay, and the guy behind the bar told me that everything in here is free. REALLY???  You know how it is when EVERYTHING is Free, there is ALWAYS this ONE PERSON who wants to take advantage of the situation.  No, it wasn't me; however this one guy would walk up to the counter and take like 10 to 15 pieces of little candy bars, walk back to his seat and dump them into his computer bag.  After a few minutes he would do it again, and again, and again...I guarantee he made no less than 7 trips back and forth.  There was one point I thought about going up the counter myself, picking up the basket the candy was in, taking it to him at his seat and then just pouring the whole thing in his bag.  However as funny as that sounded, Rachelle would not let me do it.

We boarded the plane and we were on the 1st row. This means that we will also be one of the first ones off when we land in Poland to so we can make our connecting flight that much easier.  As soon as  we were in the air, they brought us a nice lunch on ceramic plates, and actual silverware.  We were used to the paper plates and plasticware, so this was a welcome change as well.

Just like we anticipated, when the plane landing in Poland, we were off in no time.  Then it was through Customs and Passport Control then on to our Gate awaiting the long flight to Chicago.  Rachelle and I were still just in awe about the treatment and position the seats had been from our first flight. 

We were finally boarding the plane to Chicago and as we walked to our seats we realized that we were in the middle section, instead of on one of the outside sections.  Rachelle sat in the middle, me on the isle.  We were on the 2nd row behind the First Class Section, however nothing like what we had just experienced.  The lady sitting next to Rachelle was older and she couldn't sit still practically the entire 10 hour flight.  The lady that sat in front of her had a two year old that cried for practically the first 3 hours of the flight, until she finally fell asleep.  The gentleman that sat in front of me had a cat with him in a crate.  There were a couple of infants behind us a couple of rows back that would make up for the crying when the little girl in front of us was not crying.

Luckily I had a few movies that we could watch on the iPad, so that helped pass the time for some extent thereof.  The thing that I kept telling myself was to not get in a hurry and that we will get to Chicago when we get there.  Knowing that we had a 13 hour layover, I had called my brother earlier in the week asking him of where we should get a hotel room until our flight from Chicago to OKC mid morning on Thursday.  He informed me that there was a Hilton right  on the Airport and that he would get us the room.  That was SO NICE for him to do that!!!

FInally, we landed in Chicago...Off to Customs.  Rachelle did a Terrific job picking the fastest line.  Then we were off to Baggage Claim.  After we picked up both of the Bags, then it was on to one more Customs checkpoint then off to the Hotel.  As we approached the Security team, the Officer asked me "Are You Living the Dream?"  I replied that we were and that we were so thrilled to be back in the United States of America.  He then took our Customs paperwork and then took the time to tell us what terminal our flight in the morning will be taking off from, what stop we needed to get off on while riding the Tram, that will take us straight to the Hilton.  It was really nice for him to take a couple of extra moments to help us!!!

Upon walking up to the Check-In Desk at the Hilton, a gentleman walked up handing us a couple of bottled waters and directed us to an attendant behind the counter.  Customer Service is something that we hadn't had that much of while abroad and it was sure a welcome treatment!!!

We took our bags to the room, and then went back downstairs for some dinner.  The Spaghetti and Meatballs were AWESOME!!!  We enjoyed a drink and a desert as well.  Our Waiter was so polite and courteous, that I made sure he got the tip he deserved.  We were finishing up the desert and our drinks when he came back and thanked us again in reference to the tip  we  gave him.  We thanked him again for providing such a wonderful experience.

Rachelle had to get a report done so off to work she went as I stayed behind at the Sports Bar catching up on Sports Center.   I stayed for probably 30 minutes, part of the reason was to stay out of Rachelle's way so that she could stay focused on getting her report done.  As I was sitting there I realized that I had gotten up in Kiev, Ukraine at 6:00 am on Wednesday morning, and even though it was Wednesday evening in Chicago, it was getting close to 6:00 am Thursday morning.  I had been up for practically 24 hours, minus a couple of naps on the plane. So off to the room I went.  She was finishing up her report when I got to the room.  American Beds, especially those in Hiltons and Marriott's are AWESOME when you have been sleeping on 4 inch mattresses that you can feel the springs.  AWE, Good Night!!!

Chapter Seventeen - Court Is Adjourned!!!

September 11th:

With the anticipation and nerves associated with knowing that we were just a few hours away from our court date; needless to say, Rachelle and I did not sleep very well.  Plus the beds here are not all that comfortable either.

We got ready and loaded up our baggage in Sasha's car shortly before 9:15 am.  We went inside and enjoyed a juice and a cup of coffee, still trying to rid ourselves of some of the nerves.  After we were finished we left and went on to the Courthouse.  

We arrived about 25 minutes before 10:00 am,  just to find out that the clerk that told Sasha 10:00 am yesterday, now is saying that it is at 10:30 am.  We sat upstairs in a hallway and just waited it out.  The ladies in the office in that area were constantly on the move.  Shortly before 10:00, the Inspector and the Orphanage Director showed up.  Rachelle and I sat across the hallway from them and with Sasha's help we had many conversations.  This helped ease some of our nerves, until of course the Court Clerk requested that we follow her back downstairs to the Court Room.

We walked in and sat down at our bench, the Inspector and Orphanage Director on the other side of the isle.  The Prosecutor and two Witnesses sat on a bench directly in front of the Inspector and Director with the Judges Bench on the opposite side of the room facing us.  We all stood until he entered and sat down, and then we followed.

The proceeding was very thorough.  He addressed the entire court all of the while Sasha was translating for me and Rachelle.  Shortly after introductions, we knew that he would address me and then address Rachelle.  Here we go, I stood up answering a few questions and then it was her turn to stand up and do the same.  Then it was the Inspector's turn and then on to the DIrector and concluding with the Prosecutor.  When the Inspector was addressing the Court, she actually talked about his biological mother losing her Parental Rights.   It was so humbling and moving that the Director actually made a comment that it was in the best interest of Vanya for him to be adopted to us, and even addressed us by name. 

The Judge went over the complete context of the Dossier, and explained to the Witnesses what exactly was involved in these documents.  After he concluded that everything was present, he requested that the Prosector acknowledge that as well and she did.

He then addressed me asking what we are asking of the Court.  I requested from the Judge that we would like to File the Petition for Adoption.  That we request that his name to be changed from his current name to Vanya Michael Fuller.  That we also request that the Birth Certificate Records be changed as well showing Rachelle and myself as his parents. 

He then asked all of those I have listed above if they agree that this Court Proceeding was just and that they agree with the terms herein.  All agreed and he went out to confirm the ruling, followed by the Prosecutor and the two witnesses.  Both the Inspector and the Orphanage Director came over and shook our hands and smiled with "thumbs up".  The Court Clerk actually made a comment that at the last Adoption proceeding the Adoption Facilitator, equivalent to Sasha practically had to hold the people up when they were talking because they were so nervous.  She was very impressed how calm we were.  Calm???  I was sweating bullets, and so was Rachelle.  

The Prosector re-entered the room after a short recess with the Judge.  About 5 minutes later, he returned with the two Witnesses.  As we were standing he ruled that our Request to File the Petition for Adoption was Approved.  He ruled that his name shall be changed to Vanya Michael Fuller.  He also ruled that Vanya's Birth Certificate shall be changed to show us as his parents.  Concluding that the Adoption shall be Approved and that after a duration of ten days, we can get a copy of the Decree, needed to finalize Birth Certificate and Passport.  Court Adjourned!!!

What a relief!!!  We left the Court House and took the Orphanage Director back to the Orphanage.  Rachelle and I got to play with Vanya for about 30 minutes while her and Sasha talked.  She told us that she was SO VERY HAPPY that Vanya was going to be going home with us in a few weeks.  When we left the Orphanage, Vanya was in the Director's lap waving and saying "Bye Bye" and blowing us kisses.  How AWESOME is THAT?!?1

Knowing that Rachelle had some reports that she needed to work on, we practically went straight thru to Kiev, except for stopping to eat a late lunch.  We are in a different apartment in Downtown Kiev; just around the corner from TGIFriday's, so that is where we had to eat dinner. Rachelle finished her reports and it's after midnight....we are off to bed. What an amazing day! Thank You Lord!

Chapter Sixteen - Court Date Is Set

September 16th:

I slept in trying to catch up on my much needed sleep as Mickey went and met Sasha for breakfast and get updated on the status of the papers being submitted to court this morning. Sasha said that they had scheduled our court date for next Monday. 

Oh No....NEXT Monday?! ?!

He asked the clerk if we could have court date today since the judge had everything. The clerk said she would talk to judge and see what we can do. After talking to judge and said that we can't have court date today, but we can have it tomorrow. Yay! We have our court date at 10:00am Tuesday Morning. I know people say all the time God is Good, but He really is!!! He is really showing us His hands in all of what we are doing. 

In the meantime we ran some errands, had lunch and went to the notary to get some more official docs signed and notarized. One is with Vanya's official new name. Went by the passport office the doors were locked, the office was closed...however Sasha looked in the window and there was a young lady in there, then she motioned him to go around to the back door. He found the information that he needed to get Vanya's passport processed after our court date. Thank you Lord! Went back to the hotel for a little bit and went to visit Vanya for an hour.

As Rachelle and I visited and played with Vanya, there are SO MANY other kiddo's here that deserve the same opportunity that we are giving him!  There is one little boy in particular that is probably 6 to 7 that will just look at Rachelle, until she looks back at him.  He will then lower his head like he wasn't looking at her.  This went on and on for probably 20 to 30 minutes.  They all just starve for the attention and love they deserve, many of which have never had.  The playground equipment in the Court Yard is old and some of it is falling apart.  As Rachelle and I left this evening, the Orphanage Director came out the Court Yard to see the children. ALL OF THEM Ran to Her like she had a pocket full of candy or something.  It is reassuring to know that they Love her enough to run to her when she walks out of the Building.  It speaks VOLUMES of the Lady that She is, and the Love that her and her team have given these children.

All of the wooden and metal items that the kids are climbing and playing on have paint that is chipping away.  I am hopeful that NONE of the paint has Lead in it!  The people that work here are Absolutely Amazing what they do with the resources that they are given.  There is so much that could be done here in the Court Yard in a weeks time that would provide better and safer place for these children to play.  This was heavily put on our hearts tonight.  

They say that May is Beautiful over here.  Start looking at your calendars, we are praying about the possibility to try to organize a Mission Trip of some sort to come over here to sow some time into the up keep of the facility that took care and provided love to Vanya until we were able to come get him.  As with anything else, the more hands on the ground you have, the more you can get done!!!

We are both nervous about tomorrow's court date, however we know that God has prepared our path up to this point and He has it figured out until we ultimately get to bring Vanya home!!!

Chapter Fifteen - An Awesome Reunion

September 9th:

Rachelle didn't sleep much last night and for the most part neither did I.  We weren't sure if it was because we were headed back to Luts'k or what.  I tried to catch the OSU game on the Cowboy Network, however nothing was really working.  Really disappointed in the coverage, or lack thereof as well as the performance from the Football team.  Oh well, that is to be expected when you have a young quarterback on the road.  

OK, on to Bigger and Better items than College football in Oklahoma.  We left Kiev shortly after 9:00 am this morning.   We stopped by Sasha's parents house around the halfway point to Luts'k.  It was a very nice visit and as always, they always prepare too much food for Rachelle and I to eat.  We arrived in Luts'k a couple of hours later.

Our initial plan was to stay at the Luts'k Hotel, however after visiting the rooms, we wanted to explore other options.  Sasha called a lady that actually had an Apartment for rent a couple of nights, however with it being on the 4th Floor in a rough looking part of town we elected to deny that option.

We really wanted to go see Vanya, so we went on to the Hotel that we stayed at during our first visit.  We requested to look at a different room than the one we had prior.  They showed a very nice comparable room on the 3rd floor that will fit our needs just fine.  There is a wedding party here and they actually have upwards of 6 to 7 wedding cakes.  There are people everywhere.

After we got checked in and carried our baggage up to our room, we asked Sasha if he could take us to go see Vanya.  We loaded up in the car and took off towards the Camp where he had been a little over a week ago, and we believed would still be there since he was supposed to be there 3 weeks.  It was so nice pulling into the driveway and walking into the Camp in anticipation to see him.  We were really curious how he would react once he saw us, and more importantly if he would recognize us.  We walked up to the 2nd floor and he was not there, he had already been transferred back to the Orphanage.  So we walked back to the car and headed back.

The Orphanage is less than a couple of miles from the Hotel where we are staying.  When we pulled up to the entrance, the gate was closed shut.  Sasha parked over to the side of it and we walked in, closing the gate behind us.  There were approximately 10 to 15 kiddo's playing in the Court Yard.  Rachelle and I actively looked for Vanya, however at first glance we were unable to locate him.  There were 3 kiddo's playing on elevated structure of some sort and Rachelle made a comment, "How Cute is that One".  I reminded her that we were only here for one and to stay focused.  Little did I know that the one she was talking about with the cute ball cap was going to climb down, run towards us, then in front of Rachelle and in front of me throwing his hands up wanting me to pick him up.

IT WAS VANYA!!! How AWESOME was that ?1?!  

He hadn't seen us in over a week and he recognized and remembered us.  It truly blew me away!  He gave me a HUGE HUG and it Truly Melted my Heart!11  Sasha even made a comment on how Awesome the connection was!  We were playing on the teeter-totter with the boys on one side and Momma on the other.  He had a Blast!  As we would go up he would laugh and kick his feet, all of the while Rachelle and I would laugh along with him.  After a few minutes of it I would stop, and then we would encourage Vanya to "sign" to us "Again".  After a few times he caught on and he starting doing it with regularity.  So simple of a way to communicate, and yet so nice to see him catch on so quickly!!!

It did not take much for us to draw a crowd from the other boys and girls.  There was a little boy in particular that took a special liking to Rachelle.  I would predict that he is 6 to 7 years old.  He would come up to her and give her hugs, it was really cool seeing that happen.  Rachelle has such an Amazing Heart and young children are just drawn to her!  There were about ten tires laid out in a row and she would run through them, and then there would be a train of followers.  All of the time this was going on, Vanya just wanted me to hold him; and that was just fine with me!

We stayed for approximately 30 to 45 minutes.  It is getting harder each time not to just take him with us when we leave.  We know that is what he wants, and eventually that is what we are going to be able to do.  

Knowing that he is at the Orphanage now and that the Hotel is so close, I am actually glad that we decided to stay here yet once again, instead of in downtown Luts'k.   

Tomorrow is a Big Day, once again for our Journey.  Sasha will be at the Court House first thing to file the Petition as soon as it opens and we are Praying for a Quick Court Date so that the remainder of this process can get underway!!!

Chapter Fourteen - The Journey Captured on Canvas

September 8th:

We woke up around 4:30 am in the morning here so we could call the boys and wish Andrew a "Happy Birthday".  Both of them were having an Apple with Grandpa, a family tradition that me and my brothers enjoyed with our Grandpa Fuller.  They looked like they were having a Great Time!!!

After falling back to sleep for a few more hours, I got up and started the laundry washing everything in sight taking full advantage of the washing machine.  We were able to get most of it done prior to leaving out for a late lunch.

Rachelle really wanted that salad she had at TGIFriday's yesterday, so the marathon walk was on.  We went the one and only route we were sure of, so that there wasn't a possibility of backtracking or getting lost.  When we were just about there, one of the main streets was completely blocked off and there were all sorts of outdoor events going on.  From a Karate exhibition, including some Dragon Dances, to a kids soccer game.  They had a main stage where little girls were all dressed up doing a dance performance.  It was really neat seeing all of the activities, even though we couldn't understand a word they were saying.

We did find Friday's and had lunch, so nice to have food that we and our stomachs are used to.  After lunch we decided to test the waters and go a different route on the way back to the Apartment, hoping that we wouldn't have to turn around.  As we were started the up hill climb up the street, I recognized that we were coming up on the Patio Restaurant area where we had visited earlier in the week.   Keeping the mindset we kept going a different direction back towards the Apartment.  We would walk a block and then ask each other to keep going or?  We kept going.  Sure enough, after we cleared the intersection we once again recognized where we were.

This is where things got a little interesting.  As we were walking up to the Plaza, a couple ran by us with numbers on their shirts with a camera man in tow.  I asked Rachelle if she saw that and then before she could answer there was another couple of flagging down cars trying to catch a ride, again with a camera man in tow.  Hmm.  Then yet again there was a third couple running, holding a map, yet again with a camera man in tow.  We are not positive or sure, but it appeared that it could be couples who compete in the Reality Show "The Amazing Race" or something similar.  We are not watchers of the show, however if you see the show, look in the back ground and see if you see us wearing our OSU shirts.

We kept on walking and started noticing Limo after Limo with flowers on the hoods, trunks and tops.  There were wedding parties everywhere.  As we passed the next intersection once again we realized where we were, on our way down to where the SDA Office is.  Really???  We were this close to all of this stuff and it took us to the last day in Kiev to realize that.  On the sidewalks many of the local painters had canvas paintings for display and for sale.  As we walked through the three plus blocks of paintings, we noticed a couple of paintings that had St. Andrew's Monastery and the SDA Office, we had to get one.  This painting has very significant meaning to the two of us, especially since the SDA Office is where our Journey began here in Kiev.  We believe that us walking down to this area was not by accident.  We believe that the Holy Spirit was leading us down here so that we would find this painting for us to look at for years to come, reminding us where we came to get Vanya!!!

We then walked to the Apartment, my mom Tango'd us and we got to see Andrew playing with his balloons.  Grandpa had gone to get donut holes and Dylan was still in bed.  After about 30 minutes she called back and both of the boys were wrestling in the floor with Grandpa and ALL of them were having a BLAST.  After keeping the laundry going, we took a much needed nap from all of the walking we endured earlier.  Once we woke up, still full from our lunch, we went to the Pizzeria and ordered the Rustic Apple Pie we had a couple days ago.  As we were sitting there eating, a couple of guys speaking English sat down at the table next to us.  After we were done eating, I asked them where they were from.  One was from Chicago and the other was from Los Angeles.  We visited for about ten minutes or so talking about our Journey and listening to why they were in Kiev.  One of the guys actually lost his Passport and was in the process of trying to get another one.  Good thing was that he had a copy of it.

We went and had a cup of coffee at the Coffee Shop and then came home.  Today was an AWESOME DAY!!!  Including the "Date Night" atmosphere we both experienced.

One more face time with the boys and off to bed. Headed to Lutsk tomorrow....to our other son.