SDA Appt

While most of you were sleeping early this morning (about 1AM back home), we had our SDA appt. The meeting was short and sweet, maybe lasted 15 minutes - which really is the norm. Surprisingly, it was VERY quiet there today - at least when compared with last time. We were the only couple waiting (probably at least 6-8 others before). A young woman (psychologist if I remember correctly) met with us. We had to sign a form indicating that we understand that yes... effective July 11, 2011 the Ukraine government will no longer allow the international adoption of children under the age of 5 - unless they meet specific criteria. It is doubtful that Matthew's diagnosis would be on their approved list. Anyway, another young woman was called into the room as well. She was the psychologist who had given us the referral for Maia. Both women remembered her case and were happy to see her. They also expressed appreciation that we were there to request Matthew's referral. Apparently, his information has been presented to other families who have refused to accept him. With the upcoming change in law, he would have NO chance of being adopted. It brought tears to my eyes then and there are tears streaming down my face as I type this. On one hand, it is reinforcement to me that God truly called us to be Matthew's forever family, that this was His divine plan. And on the other hand, it breaks my heart to think that other families were offered the opportunity to love this sweet boy and no one chose him. I can't even put into words how I felt hearing that. We were shown 2 photos of him, one from a couple of years ago (it is on the Ukraine waiting child site) and one that is new since we last saw him. We had been told that Matthew would be having eye surgery to correct his strabismus in January. Whether that did not happen or was unsuccessful, we're not sure. But, his left eye does still turn inward. It looks like he has gained some weight (which is a good thing!) and his hair is growing out. I was teasing Mark this morning, saying maybe it will be cut right before Gotcha Day - lol!
So, our official referral paperwork will be ready for us to pick up late tomorrow afternoon. We've decided to fly to our region - a little more expensive but a 90 minute plane ride versus 18 hour train ride. We'll leave Kiev around 8:30pm. Olga will meet us at the airport there (I'm assuming with Vitaly - who we are also looking forward to seeing again) and we'll drive to our city which is about an hour away. Then on Friday morning, we will be able to go to the orphanage and meet Matthew for the first time as his parents - YAY!
Tonight, I think we are planning to have dinner with the Mikschls. (sorry if I spelled your name wrong!) They are the family who adopted from Maia's orphanage a month before us and were great resources for the city. Their SDA appt is tomorrow so they will likely arrive in our city on Friday night or Saturday.
Thanks for your prayers - Mark is feeling a little better today. Only specific prayer request right now is Maia - still working on the time adjustment. Up again from about 2-5AM, makes for a cranky girl and sleepy parents.
I will blog more later about how things are the second time around. Just want to get this posted since I know many of you are waiting to hear about our appt.