Final Paper Chase

We arrived in Kiev Monday evening around 9PM. We are staying in the flat with the large potted plant. It is a very nice flat and is the most comfortable of all the places we have stayed thus far. Our trip from Odessa to Kiev was uneventful. We drove in a large mini-van with another couple and their adopted daughter.

We spent the time talking about our spiritual beliefs which made the time pass quickly. Our views differed but we had an extremely pleasant and friendly discussion and I enjoyed the opportunity to see the world through another's eyes as well as clarify my thoughts by speaking them aloud to another.

Unfortunately, three hours of non-stop talking caused my braces and "palate expander" to play havoc with the interior of my mouth and I've been in pain for the past two days. Note to prospective adoptive parents: traveling to Ukraine with braces and other metallic appliances in your mouth should be avoided if at all possible!

Tuesday we met our driver, the other couple and Helen, an interpreter and facilitator from Team Oleg at 8:30AM to begin the last details to finalize the Ukrainian portion of our adoption of Alex. We all headed to a Medical Center where both Alex and the other couple's daughter had to undergo a physical examination. We found that Alex may have a mild astigmatism and will need a more thorough cardiac evaluation when we return to the states due to an anomalous S1 systolic murmer, as I understand it. He was given a chest x-ray which was completely normal. We also learned his arm was fractured and he sustained a mild concussion, both occuring within the first month at the Internot. We were given the list of immunizations he has undergone as well as a handwritten medical summary in Ukranian/Russian. With that he was pronounced healthy and the appropriate piece of paper with the Doctor's signature was provided to us.



We then proceeded to the last appointment we would need prior to being able to return to the United States with our son - we went to the US Embassy in Kiev to receive a Visa for Alex to travel to and remain in the US. Entering the Embassy grounds there we saw a large tent with heavy plastic as walls filled with people sitting in chairs. I didn't ask the guard about the structure. I'd be interested to know if it was for Ukranian nationals who were seeking permission to travel or immigrate to the US. If anyone knows, please comment.

We were told to "go right in" and so we entered a hall like structure appended to the side of the building. We passed through security - Alex had to take everything off his belt loops. This included two small (miniture actually) compasses, one small LED flashlight, a heart with a prayer on it and the Mercedes Key Chain with front door key to our house which we had given him at the airport when he left America after Christmas to return to Ukraine prior to our NAC appointment. He also had to place the two digital cameras into the plastic bin along with the $4USD, $1UAH and 70 kopeck. Randy was required to relinquish the two energy bars he carries with him at all time. I gave up my make up case containing the small cuticle scissors. Thus, having insured we were weapon free, we were allowed into the Embassey. A quick stop at window #9 verified our appointment. The very nice young lady went through our paperwork and asked a few questions. She had us sign a couple pieces of paper. We were then given a bill and told to take it to the cashier window whereupon we paid our sum of money required. We then were told to sit in a room. After about 15 minutes, we were called to window #15. A young man who spoke as a native American would as well as speaking fluent Russian/Ukranian interviewed us. We were asked how we met Alex, why we wanted to adopt him, who we worked with to accomplish the adoption, whether we would recommend them, did we pay any bribes and when we planned to travel. He then spoke in Russian/Ukranian to Alex receiving a series of answers, mainly shy "da's". He then stamped a few papers and provided us Alex's passport with Visa.

That was it! We were free to leave! We could travel to America at that very moment! Tears welled up in my eyes, tension flowed away from my body, exhaustion settled in. My stomach rumbled from hunger and I wanted to lie down. We came back to the flat and just relaxed. Our flight is not until Sunday, so we are spending these last remaining days in Ukraine "bonding" as a family.

Alex and Randy go to the market each morning. I help Alex with his shower and tuck him into bed each evening. In between we practice English, watch DVD's, walk around the neighborhood, play games and dream of home.

Our time in Ukraine has been 5 weeks - not so long a time when the fruits of this time last a lifetime. We started our journey Sepember 18, 2005 and we will end this portion of by flying home as a family on March 12, 2006. This is only the beginning of the adventure. These past 5 weeks, indeed the past 6 months have brought happiness and pain, laughter and tears, we've experienced euphoria and defeat, we have created friendships we hope will last a lifetime and we have ended relationships both good and bad. Our journey now turns the corner as we move forward from adoption to family. My gratitude is immense as I realize this small soul is now ours to hold and nurture to adulthood. Thank you God. Cynthia


Kiev to JFK Aerosvit VV131
Noon - 3PM March 12

JFK - Atlanta Delta DL 175
5:30PM - 8:05PM March 12

See you soon!