Ukraine Adoption

New families, new experiences

So much going on! My cyberspace friend Laura and her husband Ed returned from Ukraine just last week with three (yes three) children; two boys and a girl, all siblings age 7 and under (see her blog in the right column). She hasn't filed anything in a few days, probably still in shock. The kids are so cute.

Other families have been returning with children, as well, and I'm just thrilled to see this. But I am also hearing that some families are stuck in Ukraine, waiting for second or third appointments at the adoption center because they have not found children in the age group they prefer, or healthy children. The situation can change daily; I hope they don't give up and come home empty handed. Not after all that they have done. But it's brutal to sit there for days, even weeks, far from home in a place where you don't know the language, wondering if you will even get another appointment. I get a pit in my stomach just thinking about all of that waiting and worrying. Been there. Don't give up!

On a good note: I ran into Tara's main teacher Miss Stephanie at her new pre-school early this morning. I haven't seen her since the orientation; usually she comes in later. I was walking out and she walked quickly up to me with a big smile on her face and said, "Oh! I don't usually get to see you! Tara is doing great! She has adjusted really well and she's bonding with some of the girls. She's doing really great." After I got over the fact that she knew right away that I was Tara's mom, I was so happy to hear that. Whew.

So my note to any families that are waiting in Ukraine, or getting ready to leave for Ukraine, take a look at one of the pictures of little Tara Vika when we found her (February 05), and look at her now.