Yesterday (Monday) we had our meeting with the Ukranian adoption official in Kiev. We met our translator, "O" at the office and after a 45 minute wait in the hallway we met with the official. After saying a bit about ourselves we asked about Vlad. She pulled some files and made some phone calls and then showed us a file with a picture of Vlad attached. He must have been about 8 yrs old in the photo. It was very cute and reminded us why we were here just when we were started having doubts. She gave us some basic information about his background and we got some very surprising news about Vlad's family which I won't share here. (It's not a bad thing.) We were told not to talk too much or ask too many questions so we didn't. But everything went well and we go back to pick up the referral today. Then we get on a train this evening at 8:20 and head for Simferopol (14 hours) and from there take a taxi to Vlad's town. (3 hours.) Praise God for the referral and please pray that we get through the train ride okay. (Conflicting information about whether the train is air conditioned or not...the temp has been in the 90's here.) Beth is feeling tired and having some nerve pain but has generally been doing pretty good so far.
Yesterday we walked around Kiev and saw some magnificent Orthodox churches and saw a panoramic view of the city from a hilltop. We're going to walk around some more today before we leave.
Thanks for your prayers.
Beth and Bill
"Yeeees. Look. You seem like nice people, very ..ah, trusting. You are how you say, "baby in woods." Keep your mouth shut." :D
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the adventure y'all. We'll send the prayer cover.
We're excited and prayerful for you guys.
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate the updates on the blog. Thanks for keeping us in the know.
We at Renew are behind you!
J.R.
It is great to find your updates. We are praying and will continue to do so. Happy for the news about the referral and trust all will go well on the train ride. Karen
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear. Praying for the train ride and the nerve pain. (I'm a reflexologist and wish I could help with the pain. I could offer thoughts if you want.)
ReplyDeleteOur family is praying for yours. It's great that we can "travel" with you as you go on this journey to rescue Vlad in Jesus' name. Hugs and love to all three of you!
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