It has been a couple of weeks since my last blog. It has been crazy since I got back to the states and the blog is not Heidi's thing.
It took me three days to get home but when I finally arrived in Dallas I wanted to roll around on the ground and kiss the dirty tile floor of the Airport. Just like Kevin Costner in Robin Hood. "Home At Last"
Being back on American soil was one thing but when I arrived at my hotel my Father in law and Daughter were waiting for me. She was so beautiful and excited to see me. Even the worst Jet lag ever couldn't keep me from giving her a huge hug, After all it had been three months since I had seen her. 6 weeks in Dallas prior to Ukraine and then 6 weeks in Ukraine. I said a couple of quick hello's at the hotel and then it was off to the house. The last time I saw the house it was an empty shell but now it was filled with all of our belongings even Hewy and Lewis were there to greet me. It was wonderful to see them although they probably only thought I was gone an hour since they react the same way every time you come home. You know running around like a crazy animal, sniffing, snorting, drooling and ready to pee at the slightest petting.
The house looked amazing, we left living in VA and returned to TX like the moving fairies just went "poof" all done. Only the moving fairies were my daughter and father in-law who had worked to exhaustion for weeks to move our stuff and make the new place feel like home.
If I had to describe being home in one word it would be overwhelming, Yes there is lots to do at home and at work but that is not what i mean. The blessings, luxury and convenience that we enjoy as Americans is overwhelming. Simple things like shopping at a grocery store and it not taking 20 min to figure out which can is tuna and which of those is in water not oil. Driving in a nice car down a nice 6 lane highway. I don't think there is a 6 lane highway anywhere in Ukraine and certainly not a nice one. Believe it or not I was excited to see road construction the fact that our country has the money to fix our roads is wonderful. I could spend pages listing the overwhelming feeling of being home but lets just make it easy and say EVERYTHING!
So While Heidi and Jackie waited out the 10 days I was trying register London for school. Registering London took 3 days but finally we did it. She loves her new school. Jae stayed for a week and drove back to PA on Thursday. By Thursday I was a single parent with my better half stuck in the Ukraine. By Thursday Heidi was going nuts, a whole week of waiting in Ukraine will do that to anyone, plus she was not feeling well. since the children had left Berdyansk to return to the Orphanage in Zaporishia Heidi and Jackie decided to head for Zaporishia themselves. Not only would they be able to see the kids again but a missions team from our church was also at the Orphanage. What a relief it has been over the last few days for Heidi and Jackie to see friends. In addition there are multiple translators so it has been easier for Iliah to communicate. He has taken to Heidi again, he waits for her everyday and is glued to her side. He also is excited about the baby, asking all kinds of questions and rubbing Heidi's belly. He is convinced its a Boy. He parades Heidi around the Orphanage introducing everyone to his Mama.
Multiple teachers have commented on his new found confidence and how protective he is of Heidi. Everyday he tells her how many days he has to go home to America.
Tonight is Iliahs last night in the Orphanage. I wonder what he is thinking. Is it bitter sweet? or is it like the night before Christmas? Will he be able to sleep at all? Is he nervous?
I can't wait for the day Iliah can tell us what this whole experience was like for him. Tomorrow Hedi, Victor and Jackie go to Iliahs home town to get his new Birth Certificate then they go to the Orphanage to sign him out for good!!!!!!!! They get his passport, get a few things notarized and then on the train for Kiev.
..... Meanwhile back in the US of A I continue as a single parent. To all those single parents out there you have my prayers and respect. I have no idea how you do it. It gives me a new respect for Heidi who did it for 7 years. although the single parenting is difficult the one on one time with London is great. Its like a 10 day Daddy Daughter date!
I must admit I miss Heidi terribly and can not wait for them to be home. Only a matter of days til my whole family is together. Hallelujah!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. We adopted last year from the orphanage in Berdyansk. I was also pregnant, 8 months when I flew home to the US. My husband was stuck there for 4 more weeks, and arrived home with our new daughter just 5 days before my due date. Talk about close! We tell people that we had twins, they are just 12 years apart! I'm sure your wife will feel the same way. You'll be amazed at the similarities between a child who doesn't understand what a family really means because she's never really had one, and a newborn baby, just learning what a family is also. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI will say, our new son was a healing balm to this family and a great bonding tool for our new daughter. She could bond with her new brother, because he knew no different and expected nothing of her. It was so awesome to watch! I know you'll enjoy the same things.
Again, thanks for sharing. We experienced a lot of the same stuff you guys have. In fact, our adoption took a total of almost 4 years to complete. Crazy. But worth every minute of it, to see our daughter safe, loved, and learning to be happy and have a future. Wouldn't trade it for the world.
Praying for you guys.
God Bless,
Christa in NC