We spent the morning in the car. First, we went to the State Department Administration to pick up some paperwork. Then to the court house to obtain 10 copies of the court decree. After that, we went to Balaclava to request the new birth certificates for Matthew and Mackenzie (the Mickschl's daughter). Unfortunately, their computers were down and we will have to go back tomorrow morning. It's not like at home where things are usually back up and running within a short period of time. We headed to the notary to drop off papers to be prepared for signature and then to the bank to drop off papers to close the kids' bank accounts. This money is released to the orphanage when they leave. It is VERY hot today and Maia was miserable. Olga took pity on us and we came back to the apartment while she continued the legwork. We've had a lazy afternoon, took a short nap, and I've done a little more packing in anticipation of leaving for Kyiv early Wednesday morning. The plan is to pick Matthew about 24 hours from now (around 8:30am Minnesota time) and bring him back to the apartment. I'm so excited!!! Here are a couple of photos from yesterday and then I will end with a few prayer requests.
Ok, so it's not a very good picture. I really just wanted to show Matthew pouting. He was doing something he wasn't supposed to and we gave him a time out. Oh, life is tough - lol!!!
We have a few prayer requests for the next couple of days.
- Pray that we will be able to complete all the necessary paperwork tomorrow to obtain Matthew and Mackenzie's new birth certificates and passports. If we are not able to get the passports, it could delay our return home by a week.
- Peace for Matthew as he leaves the orphanage. While I am sure he will be excited, he is leaving his home of two years with people that he doesn't (really) know and who don't have a clue what he is saying. There has to be some fear as well.
- Pray for Mackenzie as she leaves the orphanage as well. This is the only home she has ever known.
- For all three kiddos (Matthew, Maia, Mackenzie) to have a quiet evening and good night's sleep. We will be leaving Sevastopol around 4am on Wednesday morning to drive to Simferopol where we will catch our flight to Kyiv.
- Safe journeys as we travel.
Congratulations!!!! We will certainly be praying that you are able to get all the necessary paperwork tomorrow, for a smooth transition during and after Gotcha Day and for safe travels as you all come back home!
ReplyDeleteWeeeeeeeeeeee! Now the fun begins. I pray you all will have a good time from here on out.
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