We received the required signature from the SDA yesterday and our court appointment has been set for 9 a.m. on Monday. We are very excited to get to court and we pray for a smooth hearing. If all goes well, we will remain on track to catch our scheduled flight on the 22nd.
Last night, Lena surprised us by presenting us with a salad she had made for dinner. It was extremely tasty and she was very proud of it. She also brought along a can of condensed milk and was surprised to learn that we had it available in America. We were surprised to learn what a treat it is. Elizabeth and Lena spooned it directly into their mouths, spread it on bread, and used it as a sweetener and creamer in their tea and coffee. In no time at all, the entire can was consumed. For those who recently adopted, it may worth trying at home as a treat for the kids.
Sergey returned from his work in Odessa this morning and we had a very nice discussions at breakfast with Lena and Elizabeth. Sergey explained to Elizabeth what to expect in court on Monday and gave her an overview of the remaining steps before we can leave. She is anxious to move on and get to America.
We also spent a great deal of time with Lena urging her to consider a visit to our home. Initially she was skeptical that it could occur, but we informed her of the process and the likelihood that she would be able to qualify for a visa and she is now eager to travel to America.
We took a ride to the end of the Berdyansk peninsula in a taxi. The very end was marshy and quite scenic, with a nice little lighthouse. The causeway was lined with very nice resort hotels and homes (and the occasional goat.) We played soccer on the beach and dipped our toes in the chilly water. It reminded us quite a bit of the Outer Banks – except we saw the Sea of Azov, rather than the Atlantic) on both sides of the narrow strip of land.
This evening we will walk to the Hotel Berdyansk for dinner (a 20 minute walk) and use the internet café there. All in all, we are having a very good time, enjoying what there is to see in Berdyansk, and thankful for the time together. (We are NOT going hungry…the food has been great and we have eaten way too much of it!)
Kentucky Derby selection: Any Given Saturday – colt has excellent tactical speed and the pedigree to go the 1¼ mile distance and is the best value in the race. Wish we could watch it live, but will have to rely on an internet replay.
9 comments:
Jim and Jean,
Tim and I really enjoyed your philosophy of enjoying your vacation and hoping that an adoption will occur--great perspective! Sophie discovered Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk and it's replaced mayonaise on her Eggos in the morning--it's definitely at Ukrops!
Yeah y'all on your court date!
We pray that it goes smoothly and fast and you're home soon.
Love,
Tim and Charlene
Jim & Jean,
Great to hear about your court date and happy you are all enjoying your "vacation". At a beach, no less! Surprised to hear about the sweetened condensed milk and will have add that to my shopping list for Irina. Dale and Irina are scheduled to return this Friday, 5/11, if all the rest of the paperwork gets done barring any hoiday interference! They're in Hkarkiv now. How nice if Lena could visit. Praying all goes well at court date and you are on that 5/22 flight.
Love,
Debbie & Dale
Congratulations! Thank the good Lord. We are so happy you got the court date. Now we'll pray for it to go smoothly.
We went out to the end of the peninsula with Vika, Erin and Olya/Elizabeth too. Played soccer and everything. Did Vova take you all out there? We remember it was a lot of fun and just something different to do.
We can't wait to see you all home soon.
Love,
Gary & Bev
So happy to hear that things are going smoothly for you! You sound like you're enjoying the time there. So happy you have your court date, and it's sooner rather than later!!
We stayed out on that peninsula in one of those resorts for our Elisabeth's adoption. It was beautiful but a little expensive and pretty far to the orphanage every day. We'll be praying for you tomorrow!
Blessings,
the Hathaway's
Dear Henry's,
Congrats! We think of you all the time, and will be praying for a smooth hearing tomorrow. Please send our best to Sergei and Vova. :-)
peace & love,
The Newberry's
love the pics and updates.
Dear Jim, Jean, Taylor, Kate, Elizabeth & Lena,
We are so sorry we missed your call; but we're thrilled to learn you're court date is tomorrow. We'll still be praying, and we'll be waiting anxiously for tomorrow's update. Your vacation sounds wonderful; I wish we were there with you. We can't wait for the five of you to get back here, so we can finally meet Elizabeth.
We hope Lena visits America soon, so that we can meet her then.
Love, Mom & Dad / Grandma & Grandpa
Jim and Jean,
I read your lastest post to our small group tonight. we were all praising God for your outlook, your court date and your family time. We're so glad things are going well with Lena too.
It's around midnight here and I know you're appraoaching 7 AM. You should be in court in just a few hours and I wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. I started to call, but decided against it just in case you're "sleeping in" this morning. Praying that all goes well in court and that we can all celebrate with you in just a few hours. Much love, Robin
I don't know what happened at my house with sweetend condensed milk, but your words were somehow prophetic. I've seen it on pancakes and consumed in great quantities - straight up!
Thanks for the update (PS I got a job).
Tim
By now you have probably had your court appearance sop we hope it went well. Soudns liek we might see you in Kyiv before you fly home! We'll get there on the 19th.
Laura and Rob
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