Remember that list of todos that was in my head? Well, most of it is done! It has been a crazy couple of days…
The money snafu… take note, it takes 3-5 business days to move cash money from anywhere to anywhere, unless of course you can wire it, which RR can’t. Western Union, Paypal, you name it… 3 to 5 days. So for a little while it was a bit of a panic trying to figure out how to get my bank to give me 18k in pretty 100 dollar bills that I did not have sitting in our account. Thanks to my cousin and her husband who loaned us 10k in cash, it all worked out ok. But lesson learned, don’t expect to get your money in 3 days. And on top of that, the nice bank manager picked through every 100 dollar bill in the vault to get clean ones because it takes 5-10 business days to get brand new bills.
Plane tickets all set… home city to JFK to Amsterdam to Kiev. Leave at 1:00 on Monday the 16th, arrive at 4:50 Tuesday the 17th, with a seven hour time difference. Got a great price through RR’s friendly travel agent who got us the humanitarian rate on Delta.
Apartment rented. Wanna see it? Ignore the price, they gave us an AMAZING rate break because we are in Kiev the whole time and are renting it for 5 weeks. Read the apartment description, it is hilarious.
Power of attorney doc, medical proxies… all set. Boy does it ever help to have an attorney for a friend who is also your next-door neighbor!
Packing… just about done and it all fit 🙂 Thanks to my packing police friends who have already done this trip and clued me in to what is easily available over there.
Babysitters… MIL on her way to NY right now. My mom is also packing up and coming tomorrow.
Electronics… Skype, cameras, etc all set thanks to my techno hubby.
And, we were blessed yesterday by a visit from Sandie the missionary who was at our orphanage in June of this year. She brought pictures, video, maps, and lots of info and advice. She drove up from PA and we had a great time together. She brought her daughter Jillian who had a wonderful time with my boys.
I wish I had time to write to everyone of you who has emailed me, commented on the blogs, left kind words on FB… I am so encouraged by your love and support. You have kept my spirits up and my nerves in check.
Gotta run… there are still a bunch of things around the house to wrap up, and some little ones that need mama’s full attention today. I’ll be posting again as soon as I can.
We’ll be arriving into Kiev on Sunday the 5th and recouping on Monday. Our appointment is on Tuesday at 11am. So, Monday or Tuesday would be fun to meet up with you!
Please contact us so we can meet while you are here. We are also in here the entire time. email me at wah3@hotmail.com and I will give you our in country phone number. We are waiting on a 2nd SDA appt. & are hoping it will also be on thurs.
~Wendy & Sid Harper
Charlie & Zhora’s Mama & Papa
I’m glad I’m not the only one with tears in my eyes as I was reading this! I pray for a very safe and wonderful trip and I can’t believe how soon you will be meeting your two little girls! I also can’t believe how organized you are! Very impressive!!! Good luck and I can’t wait for updates!
Wow, really exciting news!
I wll be praying for you as you travel and have courtdates etc. but also for kids and blessed babysitter!
Make history (His story!)
be blessed and enjoy!
Adriana
Thinking of you, Sandra!! xoxo
Wow! So exciting! Wishing you a smooth trip!
Oh I’m so excited! I still can’t believe how fast this is going for you! Whew! Did you find that apartment yourself? I like it!
wow, it’s moved so fast, this adoption! Praying for everything to continue moving smoothly. How soon will you be home with your girls?
So happy for you!!! Praying for a safe journey!
Oh how exciting!! I can’t wait to see these precious little ones home at last!!
Praying for safe travels! So excited to see those first pictures when you meet your babies!
We will also pray for the grandma’s to have a great time with the kids while you are away.
So happy for you!!!!! Cant wait to see pics and read all about it. I pray for a safe and wonderful trip and experience. Be blessed.
Giddy for you. JUST GIDDY!!!!!
reading this with tears in my eyes…so excited for your family! How lucky these beautiful girls are and how lucky you and yours are for having them!