Sofia was an orphan with Down syndrome in Eastern Europe and now has a forever family.
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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Two Weeks in Ukraine

We've been in Ukraine two weeks as of today and tomorrow is court at 10 am. When we think of it that way, it really hasn't been that long and we are so grateful. If everything goes as planned, then we will be Sofia's parents tomorrow around noon. At that point, we will tie up some loose ends, get some gifts for the orphanage staff and for our landlady, finish packing and hop on a train to Kiev at 5pm. We will arrive in Kiev at 11pm and we'll have Nikolai take us to the airport where we will camp out until our flight at 5:35am. We will fly from Kiev to Frankfurt then to DC and home to Sacramento around 7:45pm. It will be a LONG two days but we've rested up for this and we look forward to being home with the boys in time for Mother's Day weekend.

It will be very hard not to come home with Sofia. The boys will be so confused as it's the first thing they ask us when we skype with them. Is Sofia coming home? We don't expect the 10 days to be waived and even if the judge softened his heart to the idea, the prosecutor would be the first to object and possibly cause even further delays in us bringing Sofia home. We know Sofia is taken care of at the orphanage and we think she'll be shielded due to her age of feelings of abandonment. The orphanage is all she's ever known so we take comfort that she'll be ok until we return. I'm trying not to think about the fact that we might not see her for close to a month. She'll have changed so much!

We will most likely come back the first week in June. Our facilitator Marina is taking two weeks off in May to take care of her mother and although we could proceed without her, we would rather not. She is wonderful and amazing and she is also very glad that we want to wait and finish the adoption with her in June as she really knows the system the best here in Dnep. It seems so far away but I will keep busy during that time to prepare our home for Sofia and to make all the phone calls and plan all the necessary medical appointments so that when she comes home with us we can get her looked at immediately and start her Early Intervention services as soon as possible. It will also be just in time for summer break so the whole family will have a chance to bond with her and adjust to having one more little body in our home without rushing off to school routines.

So I'll leave this last post before the BIG DAY with photos from our last visit with Sofia today. I wonder if she knows she's about to become a Sanchez...a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend to many back at home. Her eyes tell it all...she has the wisest, kindest eyes. She must know!








16 comments:

  1. what a precious child your kids will be so happy to see you both (will your husband travel back with you when you get her?) Time will fly with all you have to do. She will no longer need a number on her socks either lol.She doesnt know the happiness that is in store for her when she is home with her family My prayers are with you all for a safe fight home

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  2. What a joyous Mother's Day it will be! Have a safe trip home. :)

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  3. We'll pray that court goes perfectly and that you are headed for home soon after - the parents of 4 amazing children! :)

    (I thought Sofia's socks had a little bow on them -- shows how much I know!) :0

    Be safe!

    JTHTL

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  4. Congratulations.
    I love the latest pictures! Sofia is truly a sweetheart and she knows you are her momma!

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  5. Jen...I have tears in my eyes after reading your last few posts. I am truly humbled by the amazing thing you and your family are doing for Sophia. My heart breaks when I hear about the children who do not have homes and I can understand your feelings of guilt...but...did you ever hear that story about the little child that was walking along the beach and picking up the starfish and throwing them back into the ocean one by one? An adult stopped to ask why they would bother doing so because there are just too many to save and the child responded..."because I just helped that one, and that one, and that one...and so on". You have helped Sophia and while you may not be able to reach every single child that is over there...you have helped one. Sophia is blessed to be becoming a Sanchez. I may never have met you, but I can just SEE the love that pours from your heart.

    Enjoy your day tomorrow and safe travels on your way home!

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  6. I simply adore the last pic. Now that says it all!

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  7. ohh love that last photo of you and Sofia, gosh your hearts must be aching, 1 to leave Sofia and 2 to see your boys at home.
    You are all in our thoughts and prayers, hugs from New Zealand.

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  8. this post and pictures made me cry ... not sure exactly why.. just the beauty and anticipation that Sofia,tomorrow,will officially be yours.She is so very precious and you all are so very blessed.

    Praying for smooth sailing tomorrow.

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  9. You guys are truly amazing! I am filled with tears as I read this post. I can't wait to see pictures of her in your home! Best wishes to you all...

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  10. What a wonderful surprise it would be for the 10 day wait to be waived!!! I will pray for you all ;) I'm going to miss seeing that sweet girl's face everyday until she's home!!

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  11. Hoping and Praying all goes well tomorrow and you are done in one court date!!! Good luck!

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  12. I've been following your blog since just before you went to the Ukraine. Sofia looks like such a little sweetie and is just adorable. Praying everything goes very smoothly for you in court tomorrow.

    Blessings,
    Barbara

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  13. SO excited about today (Ukranian time :) Can't wait to see the post that you are officially her parents!

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  14. So excited for you guys! I can't wait to hear the great news...that she is officially a Sanchez.

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  15. The last picture is beautiful, but please tell me the babies get mattresses to sleep on! Good luck in 1.5 hours! I'm praying and praying...
    Safe travels home!

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  16. yay! I am just now catching up on all of this as I have been out of town. As I type, you both are in the midst of travel and will be home in just a few short hours. I am so happy for your family.

    Love you guys!

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