Gotcha Day!!

I'm backdating this post so it actually ends up in the right order of things here on the blog. We started Tuesday off and running again. Back to Balaclava to pick up the birth certificates. It only took a few minutes, but was a sweet moment to hold that certificate listing our names as parents of Matthew Dmitriy Hansen!!

Then, to the notary to sign paperwork for the passport application and to the bank to drop off more paperwork. We had a little bit of a break so were able to go back to the apartment for lunch. Back to the bank in the afternoon to close the bank account. Morgan was such a blessing for us during all of this running. She generously came to our apartment and stayed with Maia! It would have been a long day for our girl spent in the hot car so we can't thank her enough for this gift!


We stopped to pick up the girls and then headed to the orphanage for the BIG moment! Matthew was waiting in his groupa for us. I helped him dress in his new clothes and then began our good-byes. 

Handsome boy - he LOVES his shades!

 

I could just see how much this caregiver loves our little boy and how bittersweet it was for her to see him leave. We shared tears together and I hope that she knows how treasured he will be in our family.

We said good-bye and thank you to Angelina, the orphanage director and Matthew walked out the door - an orphan no more!!!

Went to pick up his passport and then back to the apartment for our first night as a family of four. Things were kind of hectic, but Maia thought it was pretty neat to have Matthew with us. Mark gave him a bath, we had a quick dinner, put the kids to bed, finished packing for our early morning, and headed for bed ourselves.
God's hand was evident throughout the day as we encountered computer issues and other potential delays. But, He favored us by getting everything accomplished that was necessary for us to finish in Sevastopol on schedule! He is so good!