Our court went well and we now officially the proud parents of 6, yes 6, kids !!!! The girls were nervous when we picked them up. Vika grabbed my hand in the car and did not let go until we got to the court house. The girls did not say a word in the car ride there. We were taken to a small room, where we were sat on benches, with the girls sitting behind us. The secretary and the city inspector were to the left and right, the kids teacher was beside us, and the judge and 2 jury members on the bench in front of us. Minutes before we were ready to start, Syvetta tells us that there is a new woman who the judge would like to translate for us, who has just learned English. Normally, Syvetta will help you and translate for you if you forget or say anything wrong, not the case today. The woman who translated was very nice, but very hard to understand. Her lips hardly moved at all when she talked, so reading her lips was not even an option. Russie would like me to add in here that the woman appeared to have had an injection of Novocain in her upper and lower lip, as if she had just came from the dentist. The judge started by asking Russie the questions. The questions were very straightforward. Russie ended up answering the majority of the questions. He remembered all the key components everyone is asked to remember. She had a few questions for me as well, all were easy to answer. She was making a lot of jokes and her spirit was very lighthearted when she talked to me. At one point, she asked if we would be back to adopt the rest of the children's house? After the questions, they take time to deliberate, which was about 15 minutes. They came back with big smiles, gifts and a fruit tray and a Ukrainian cake for us. They gave the a traditional piece of cloth with stitching on it and dolls, they gave Russie and I hand painted plates. Syvetta told us that the is the only judge that gives presents. you could tell she has a good heart and cares about the children. We all ate the snacks and then we were on our way. We got to take the girls back to the apartment for awhile before we met up with the McCracken's and Syvetta at a Castle restaurant to
A very special thanks to our new life long friends the McCracken's, for making this trip fun and special for us. We know God planed for us to be here with them and we are thankful for their support and friendship, they have some of the biggest hearts we have ever seen. We are excited that the next time we will see them, Vika Grace will be an American Citizen!!
Congratulations!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFr. George
so Happy for you...and for the addition of 2 more great grandchildren ! safe travels. God is Good !
ReplyDeleteCheri, You and Russie are amazing! God is amazing! Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteWe think Lori will give us a run on having the biggest heart! We love you guys, have a safe trip home, keep us posted.
ReplyDelete