Moore Family Adoption

We are interested in sharing our experiences with any of you interested in Ukraine adoption.  I will state in advance that some of the stuff that happened is not good, so we will give you a complete picture, in the hopes it will help you make a more informed decision on Ukraine Adoption.  You can reach us at: david.moore7@comcast.net Thanks for following our blog and for your prayers.     

The kids were wiggly and really, kind of obnoxious on the flight from Munich to Chicago.  The kids have no filter, and Samuel and Anya together just gets too loud.  God had a plan, I just had to figure out what the plan was, being totally exhausted, and with Zach being completely burned out.  I separated Samuel from Anya, and had him sit on my lap.  Fortunately, we had one seat on the other side of the plane.  With Anya and Zach watching movies, I took Samuel to the other side, and we sat next to one of 40 US troops on the plane.  There was an empty seat between us, and the guy was very kind to Samuel.  Samuel fought sleep, and then after much prayer, fell asleep, and stayed that way for 5 straight hours.  Praise God. The flight was two hours late, so we got to the Twin Cities after 10:00 PM, making the total trek about 26 hours.  I can safely say I have zero interest in returning to Europe, given the time it takes on the plane. The kids ...

Thanks for your prayers....got the call from the Embassy at 10:00 am, and just picked up the visas and immigration packets.  We are coming home Saturday!!!!  My William Miller moment is now near. 

The pressure is all gone.  Thanks for your many prayers, Saints.  The consulate said our applications are all in order, and at 2:30 pm today said, "Go Home, we'll call you when they (Visas) are ready".  After a power outage at home, I called, and they said they believed the visas would be ready in the morning (but you never know).  We are simply trusting God and waiting on something we have zero control over.  I would love to not stay another weekend in Kiev, but at last, all the paperwork and money handling is over.  Now I can just enjoy time with the kids.  When those visas are in hand, we literally can just go to the airport, and catch any flight to the USA. While I would like to have one more trip to the orphanage, so Anya and Samuel can say goodbye, I'm not sure we can make it at this point.  As soon as I know the Visa status, I'll post an update. All, please lift up my wife Nellie and my son Zach in prayer.  Zach has been my right h...

Igor was right again on the documentation on the first appointment.  The medical exams were a breeze, and we were down at Maidan with two hours to kill until the 2:00 pm interview.  My instincts said leave as soon as possible, becuase I had never ridden the trolley bus.  Sure enough, watching after two small children, I lost count, and was calling Igor after we were several stops past the consulate.  About 1:05 pm, I had an idea, and for the first time in my life, flagged a taxi.  I said the the driver, "US Embassy", and he took me to it.  50 Grievnna.  One problem.  This was the wrong place.  But, the guards have encountered this before, and issued a map showing us precisely how to navigate the two blocks to the US counselate.  The kids were troopers, and we made it 30 minutes early.  Got through the interview...and all is well...except the visas were not ready even by the close of the day.  They said they believe they wil...

Today was a grueling day in which Igor and Victor (names used with their permission) worked their unbelievable abilities to get the Ukrainian passports completed.  It was a full day of paperwork, running from one office to another, pleading with one powerful official, and a late run to get the passports with Sergei and Igor.  I've been told in the past the coordinators in Kiev are amazing, but I could not grasp it.  I call Igor Superman and Victor Rocketman.  When ECAS says they are doing everything for us they possibly can, they are right.  With the Ukrainian passports in hand, I've now completed all the embassy paperwork I can figure out.  It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought.  All the legal paperwork needed for the embassy has already been carefully prepared, so we are ready to roll.  I expect tomorrow to be another stellar day.  The first embassy appointment is at 9:30 am, then the medical exams, and the interview and 2nd appointment a...

Everyone, a window of opportunity has opened up for a possible departure from Kiev this weekend.  Our facilitators have worked tirelessly on our behalf to ensure the quickest possible exit for us.  I wish I could repay them somehow, but I know it is not possible. The US Embassy has also really come through and is allowing an exception in my case, likely due to my having a three year old and a nine year old.  They are permitting the 1st and 2nd interview on the same day. To accomplish this, my coordinators and I need to obtain the passports for the children tomorrow morning, and get the doctor exam done before appointment #2 at 2:00 pm Thursday.  Also, due to short notice, our airline may not give us the discount for adoption travel. I need the following items prayed for, please: 1)  That our children's Ukrainian passports get finished ASAP Wednesday morning. 2)  That we have enough time to get the medical examination for both children 3)  That ...

I just got the great news from my coordinators!!  Set the appointment Thursday, medical exams Friday, which means day 2 of the appointment on Wednesday, June 2nd, and fly home Thursday.  Hoping this all works out perfect.  I cannot wait to get home!!!

It is now 10:50 pm, and Samuel just got to sleep, and Anya has been asleep 20 minutes, thanks to another loud rock concert, this one in St. Stephens Square which is one block from our apartment.  The kids were really affected by it.  I don't want to call Igor at 10:50 pm, and those on the other side of the building are likely not affected.  I just cannot understand how they can get away with this with all the residences around the square.   I wish  there was a way to register a complaint, but I don't even know how to call the police here.  Very frustrating. Well, I called, because Igor said to call anytime.  He said concerts have to be done by 11:00 pm, one minute from now.  I'm hoping.  

Lesson number one....Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you: He will never let the righteous fall (Psalm 55:22) I've been overly worried about Samuel and Anya.  I've been working and pressing to really look after their needs, keep them safe, make sure they have fun, and are protected.  But I found out tonight I'm actually worrying about them too much.  I haven't let God be in control of their safety.  Tonight, I got up after supper, and felt the stress through a good heart palpatation.  It didn't hurt, but it forced me to lie down, get some quick rest, and realize I was not letting God control the anxieties in my life.  I have to trust the Lord to protect them, and to point out when He needs me to act to protect them.  Yes, I will protect them, but worrying has not helped me.  Worrying means I'm looking at my resources to protect them from everything.  Only God can protect them from everything. Lesson number two..."And we know t...

Whew, what a ride!!  It was a great day, and a day of prayer.  God has been abundantly present and constantly giving parenting advice.  God really cares for kids, and the the advice is constantly, patience, patience, patience.  The kids were so excited about everything today...naptime, supper time, going to the park, going to bed.  These are good kids, but as some have told us, especially in Samuel's case, they have no idea about things like family rules. I've also worked my last day in Kiev until we return, I think.  Mr. Mom is a demanding job, and I'm glad to have it.  The day started early with a trip on the red line with the Landry's to meet up with Victor.  About 12:15 pm, our coordinator showed up with the two little gems in downtown Kiev.  We hung out at the Notary, and I thought it was for the Landry's.  Then Victor had me sign something for the Passport, and the day was done.  The Landry's and us took the train to Maida...

Anya was beside herself with excitement when I told her tomorrow is the day we go home.  We walked into the orphanage at 6:20 pm tonight, and we got there as soon as we possibly could.   She said she was so excited, she wasn't sure she could sleep tonight.  Her English is pretty good.  Zach and I did a shop this morning, and were at Furshet at Lybydska when we got a call saying Sergei was picking us up.  An hour later we were driving a very long way to a neighboring community to Novoselki for the first paperwork to change birth certificates.  Then after this was done, we had to travel to the Kiev district where Anya and Samuel were born, to finish the birth certificate process.  After that, Victor (who gave me the okay to publish his name) asked if we wanted to accompany him to the office to get the new Tax ID number.  I said sure, and it is a good thing, because I had to be there to get the new numbers that were assigned, the same day....

I spoke with our lawyer and our coordinator today and while I think we got the judge to sign off on the court decree, I know for sure tomorrow we are going for new birth certificates.  These guys know their system, so I'm just following them and letting them do their jobs.  I'll know a ton more tomorrow after meeting with our coordinators to make arrangements for the children to move to the apartment with Zach and myself.  Some issues have to be weighed, such as what day is best for the children if we are running around getting records done.  I've seen other families that did not get the kids right after Gotcha day.  There are issues to consider.  I've prayed, and others have prayed very much about this...much I'll share about in detail later (warning - not everyone will come out smelling like a rose on this one - but this blog is also for those that follow). The  bottom line all of us who pursue adoptions  are after is to please God, by giving ...

Let's just say I had a better day yesterday than Nellie, and yesterday was no fun until I got to see Anya.  I got a chance to chat with some other families here and explain to them in person what I meant in my semi-cryptic posting yesterday.  But then Samuel grabs my hand, and leads me down the hall.  I yell back, "I'll tell you about it later".  Three year old's do run the world, ya know.  He heads upstairs to the big kids area, where a kid is sleeping on the couch.  Samuel loves to explore, so he did, until he started getting near the computer and stuff he should not be in.  After a couple Nyet's from Dad, we were out of there.  He travels down the hall to the small tyke room, which is clean and pristine.  The tots were outside, meaning Samuel had free reign to all the toys.  He pointed at a high cupboards, which I found out had Kinex in it.  He loves Kinex, but he had to learn what was a safe way to play with them, so he heard a ...

I heard some very difficult news this morning that hit me like a ton of bricks, so I've been really praying before the Lord about it fervently.  I've asked many to also pray for me, and I could feel their support (thank you Saints).  I constantly was thinking over and over about what I've been reading about lately.  Joseph, sold into slavery in Egypt, became a slave in Potiphars house.  But God was with him and blessed him in everything.  And in jail, for two years, God was with him and blessed everything he did.  God was with Joseph, and yet, he didn't free him from slavery, and he didn't pull him out of jail and exonerate him.  I put that into perspective and prayed fervently that God would take away my anger about the unfairness of the situation. I get to the orphanage, and Anya greets me with a hug, looks up at me, smiles, and in perfect English says, "How are you doing, Papa?".  I was so touched I just felt a wave of love come over me, and ...

Blogspot had quite an error, apparently, as this blog entry completely disappeared.  Sorry about that.  Well, I cannot remember what I posted, so I'll just slog ahead.  A Marshrutka is a mini-bus.  I read up on them, and found out they started in Russia, kind of a cross between a bus transit and a cab.  These buses are private, and go on predetermined routes.  The fee is what gets interesting.  Going from the last metro stop, you hop on the 255, and the rate is 3.00 Grievna.  Coming back, it used to be 2.00, and now is 2.50 grievna, depending on who your bus driver is.  Some will insist on 3.00, others will take 2.50.  The 507 bus always takes just 2.50, but it has a longer, slower route. I took Friday off from work after putting in long hours Monday through Thursday.  Zach needed the day as much as I did.  We spent a good long time hanging with Anya.  We walked in an area with large apartment buildings and found two dif...

I'm looking forward to the "last Marshrutka".  I would love to have Zach star in a short film by the same name.  It could encapsulate all the oddities of taking these yellow buses.  Examples?  Well, paying 3 grievna from the metro to Novoselki, but 2 on the way back.  Now paying 2.50 grievna on the 507, but 3.00 on the 255.  Hitting the speed bumps and literally lifting off the seat by a foot.  o Next Monday or Tuesday should be our "last Marshrutka", because day 10 of the court mandated waiting period falls on Sunday.  I understand we have to wait for a signed document.  But oh, I'm looking forward to bringing the kids to the apartment.  Why?  Well, not only to be near them, but to transition them to family living.  I've been requesting activities from the caregivers that could start to assimilate Samuel and Anya to city family living.  It has been going well. Anya is learning that the word "No" is oft repeated i...

I found myself trying a new thing on the train to Novoselki.  I carefully flipped the dial on my digital camera, and tried to learn what each setting meant.  I pretty much go with "Auto" and just snap the photo.  Well I got some doozies on the train doing some experimenting.  I'm not sure if this is the before or after I did resets on the camera.  The next one is definately an "after".  As you can see, the improvement is breathtaking. We eventually made it to the orphanage, and Samuel was already in bed.  I asked Natasha if I could sneak back and give him a goodnight kiss real quick.  I tip-toed to his bed, and he looked up, sat up, and gave me a huge hug.  I was on top of the world.  I did a few momentary games with him, typical Dad/Samuel stuff, and then tucked him in, and gave him a good night kiss.  What a moment.  I just love these kids!! Anya wanted to go to Bymi again, and Igor had just told us to have her back by...

I have a lot to share, but time is tight tonight.  Had a nice quick time at the orphanage today, spending more time with Samuel.  I skyped with Nellie and told her that as we were leaving, Samuel was calling out, Mama, Mama.  He routinely calls me Mama, and sometimes Zach as well, but several times today  I could tell he missed Nellie.  Here are some photos from today.  I'm missing my lost/stolen camera. The sunlight overexposure in these photos is making me kind of crazy. :0  If you see someone on a minibus or around Novoselki showing off their new powershot sx130, please make a citizens arrest on my behalf.   Going from that camera to this is like having a rental reservation for a decked out Expedition, and the car you end up with is a Ford Tempo.  I told Nina I had to get some photos of her for her Mama.  She was thrilled.  Nina is another sweet kid here at the orphanage. Anya posing for a photo.  I was doting on A...

The Metro Station at Lybidska has two really good supermarkets within walking distance.  Right at the South entrance at Lybidska, is a Fora Gastronom (фора).  Two blocks north and one block west, is what I believe is a far better store, with really good prices, which is Furshets ( Фуршет) .  Near Novoselki, at the Magelan mall, is a store called Kraina, that has a really good deli, and has goods akin to a Wal Mart or Target.  I bought an air mattress there when our Coleman, guaranteed not to spring a leak, sprung a leak.  None of these places has peanut butter...you have to bring that. 

Another photo from yesterday.  Zach and I got up today and found out Nellie and Matthias made it home safely, praise God!  We had a good devotion this morning, before setting off for the orphanage.  We made it there about 12:40 pm, and all the kids were down for naps. The place was quiet.  But Sergei woke Anya.  Zach, Anya and I left for the Bymi mart to get some lunch stuff.  Anya can now go off site with us in Novoselki, since our adoption is legal, but pending final certification. So we went to the park with the sludge pond.  Jessie joined us for the adventure, so we bought her a bag of dog food.  It was such a joy.  Anya really enjoyed hanging out at the park with us.  Later, at the orphanage, Zach and I were getting pretty hungry again.  I explained to Anya that Zach and I needed to make a break for Bymi.  She at first was okay, and then came over, and said, "Papa no".  I then remember the book I read about separat...

Yesterday (Friday) was an adventure, and a day of sadness.  Anya had tears in her eyes as Nellie said "goodbye".  On the bus ride home, Zach and I took the 255 to the Lybidska station in search of a grocery store rumored to be there.  I discovered about 10 minutes later my Canon 12x zoom digital camera was missing.  Zach and I called Igor, went back to the orphanage, and looked through everything we have, to no avail.  A really great camera lost, which included some nice photos of Anya hugging Mama goodbye, and a hilarious video of COCH worker Anna boogying in a Randy Moss Vikings jersey we gave her.  I found the emotion of the moment so much at the orphanage that my logic center turned off.  I usually watch my stuff like a hawk.  I think it slipped out the the minibus.  I have no idea where it could be.  But we found our basic, backup camera in the apartment.  The camera is just a "thing" anyway, not worth getting all upset over....

Court was successful, and our family has gone up by +2.  We are very happy.  Matthias did not want to attend, so it was Zach, Nellie, myself, with Victor (our attorney), Natasha from COCH, the Juvenile Services rep, the Judge and her two assistants. Samuel did not attend.  He is too young to understand the process, so the judge makes the call, with all the info and recommendations from the Ukrainian organizations.  The judge was especiallly sweet to Anya, smiling at her and being very kind through all of her questions.  The judge took no time to deliberate, and awarded our petition.  There is now a 10 days mandatory waiting period to allow for someone to appeal the adoption.  Anya is now officially our daughter, named Anya Lucille Moore.  Samuel is officially our son, Samuel Artium Moore.  Thanks for your many prayers, and please, share our joy!!!  Matthias spent the day with the Ritzmans, Jason and Jeanne.  Thanks Jean...