It's been almost two years (we started the whole process in August 2005) in the making and we're finally going to the Ukraine.
Our original intent was to get two girls younger than our two boys - Darian who is now 7 and Trevor who is now 6. We picked out two beautiful sisters - Katarina and Anastasia - we began all the necessary paperwork, home studies, etc. We thought we were on the verge of going over several times but delays occurred and the Ukraine closed to international adoptions for about 8 months.
We finally got word about 10 days ago that our appointment date was scheduled for June 27. You can imagine our excitement. Then came the bad news. Katarina and Anastasia were no longer available for adoption. Further, we've been told that the Ukraine will not allow non-sibling adoptions and our chances to getting two young girls who were sisters was slim.
So, we're going over on the faith that whatever child or children we find will be ours according to a grander and greater plan by God (or whomever you choose to subscribe to).
We're traveling over on June 23 and will arrive in Kiev on June 24. That will give us a couple of days to adjust to the time change and emotionally and mentally prepare for our wonderful journey.
We expect to be in the Ukraine for 3.5 to 5 weeks, hopefully returning home before August 1st (Darian's 8th birthday).
We'll post more entries along as our trip nears. While in the Ukraine, we'll find an Internet cafe and post entries and photos.
Keep us in your prayers.
In preparation, we've cut our hair and each donated about 15 inches to the Locks for Love program, which provides wigs for children with cancer. We'll post some before and after photos a litlle later.
19 comments:
Stephen, it was nice to see you in passing at WMDC last week. Please bring Pam and all your children by in the Fall, I'm sure many would like to meet them. Keep trusting God's plan...your patience is being rewarded. Prayers and Blessings! bb
Stephen and Pam, FINALLY!!! Congrats to the entire family. Some day the little girl(s) you adopt will look back on this and realize how truly fortunate they are to become part of your family. Travel safe. Woody and Sandy
Hi Stephen!
Many blessings to your family! What a wonderful journey. Enjoy every minute and be safe. I'll be thinking of you! Carol Johnson
Hi Stephen - Wow, I can't imagine how you must feel right now - such asnticipation and excitement. I hope it all goes as smoothly as possible. Best, T
Dr. and Mrs. Haag,
I am a firm believer in visualizations. So I am visualizing having the unabashed pleasure of making a big fuss over your picture perfect daughters when you bring them in for a visit upon your return from Ukraine. (Okay, after you've had a chance to settle down and get used to a new routine of taking care of four children instead of two.) Meanwhile, have a safe and pleasant journey.
Patricia
Hello Haag Family,
Judy and I are thrilled that the adoption is finally working out for you. The boys will be lucky to have another child to love and to share their good fortune with. We think of you often; know that our prayers are with you for safe travels and a speedy return!
Harriet and I are both thrilled to hear of the progress. It's been such a long haul! We'll be praying for you two and for Darien and Trevor ... and the girls ... as you continue this journey! Oh, and nice hair, you two. :-)
Wow! We are all very excited for you and your family! Tell the boys we are excited to meet their new sisters. Have a safe trip and keep us posted. Debbie & the Curiosity Club gang!
Hi Pam & Steve! Mom just gave us the blog web site, so we're going to follow your adventure! Have a safe journey, and I hope that the adoption(s) go well. We're looking forward to the new addition(s) to our family. Mom and Dad are very excited! We'll check your blog daily, and we'll pass on the news to Mom & Dad. Take care and good luck!
Love, Mark and Cheryl
Stephen and Pam,
If I'm you I'm thinking... "Monday? I gotta wait until Monday?!?!?" But I guess after all this a few more days...no, I still want to see her NOW! Your boys must be anxiously waiting as well. I remember when we adopted our second the first question my daughter asked when we told the kids was "Does this mean I won't get allowance anymore?" (She was 5 and had heard bits about money...) I'm just super excited for you guys and am praying that God will lead your hearts about whether another child of yours is there as well. Can't wait to see the pictures! We have some friends who brought back a somewhat under-nourished little girl from China and within 6 months she was a typical limitless energy two year old some good food and lots of lovin' goes a long way.
Peace of heart and mind to you!
Gary
Pam & Steve,
I can't believe how exciting this is! I am sure it will be a long weekend. Just remember that it is all happening this way for a reason and trust that God is in control of it all. You guys are amazing and what you are doing is amazing. I can't wait to hear more. Hang in there- Pam Lehman
I am so happy for you. Do post pictures of your daughter (daughters?) pronto. Great descriptions of your adventure. I can picture them all: the rabbit stew and the loo (Shana Bosler's rhyme), and the fresh, delectable sandwiches bought on the run. Keep the fun and inspiring updates coming. And be safe.
Patricia
I wish you could have heard Scott Simon's story this morning on NPR's "Weekend Edition." The title is, "Reflections on Welcoming a New Family Member." Briefly, it's about a child that Simon and his wife adopted in China. When the baby was delivered to them, they concluded she did not look anything like the picture of the baby they had agreed to adopt. So they were planning on calling the agency essentially to say they got the wrong baby when their other adopted child gave her a warm welcome; showed signs of being the protective older sibling; and said it didn't matter whether she was the one in the picture or not. To be sure, it was an epiphany for Simon and his wife: "the true meaning of family and the ties that bind siblings together." I immediately thought of both of you and the bigness of your hearts.
Okay, Dr. Haag. As you have often asked me to do, I'll call you "Stephen" from now on because, under these circumstances, I feel like getting "personal." Pam, has anyone ever told you that you bear a resemblance to Kim Bassinger? Beautiful picture of mother and daughter. You're right: if I were to judge your apartment by how it looks on the outside, I would think inside is a nightmare. The "no bugs" part is what I would care about most. Glad to hear all goes well and keep posting.
P.
I'm visualizing this: Pam and Stephen leaving the court, heading straight to the orphanage to tell Alexis the good news, and posting pictures of mom, dad, and daughter on the way home!
P.
I love the pictures. Keep them coming.
Shana told me the news and I could hardly wait to read it for myself. CONGRATULATIONS! Impress upon your guide not to be shy about telling you Americans what's allowed and what's not.
P.
I'm keeping up with the updates and especially look forward to seeing new pictures.
P.
Forgot to mention: I can see the change in Alexis' features. She looks so much happier. Goes to show you what genuine love can do to a person.
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