Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Switch-A-Roo

Many thanks for all the kind comments! We're sorry to burst your bubble, but we are doing a switch-a-roo on ya! Clarifying information came to light and we are now going to see the three kids at the other orphanage, not the kidos at Zhytomer. The other three kids are right here, in an orphanage just 30-ish miles away. In fact, we may stay in Kiev and take the daily bus there! How cool! The town is a villiage just southwest of Kiev.

As said before, both sets of kids were equally pulling at our hearts, so we went with the two boys and a girl. We can't get into it right now, but we have switched to the other set, a boy and two girls. They will be a good fit and we hope that they are equally as excited when we meet them tommorow and that they say "YES"! They became available less than two weeks ago! I wondered why our dossier was going slow...Devine intervention, AGAIN!

I've got a quick, funny little story to tag onto the end here. Heidi and I met with Dr. Yuri on Sunday night to get a little information on Ukrainian medical diagnosis. We went to a little coffee shop right near the McDonald's in Independence Square (can you tell that this place is the center of the Universe for us) . He ordered coffee and asked for the same thing. Heidi ordered, I quote, "Hot Chocolate". After 15 minutes or so, the waiter brought out our coffee and Heidi's "Hot Chocolate". It was actually a cup of heated, thick, pudding-like substance with a spoon. Heidi glanced at me and I snickered and Dr. Yuri just kept on talking. It seems that here in Europe, they have hot chocolate (Heidi's pudding) and cocoa (which is what she really wanted). Karen explained this last night and we had a good laugh. On the train ride home, I was all "giddy, bubbly and bouncy" (my words). I couldn't understand why I couldn't stay still, stop laughing, and acting insane. Then it hit me, I don't drink coffee and I just had a huge dose of some form of Ukrainian speed! I've been quiet, resrved and even stoic like most of my fellow Metro riders (these folks never smile, talk, or look up while on the Metro). But on "coffee night" as it has become known as, I was the crazy smiling American. They probably thought I was drunk! Needless to say, I didn't get to sleep until way past midnight. I won't do that again.

We were told that we would get our referal this afternoon. We will travel to see the kids on Wednesday morning. Keep those prayers coming! Seriously, I feel the hand of God in all of this! Thanks, everybody!

~ Felix ~

13 comments:

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

I have heard that same incident happened to another familiy (about the "hot chocolate"). That is funny!! I pray that your referral goes well and that these kiddos are meant to be yours. I haven't yet traveled but am considering talking with Dr. Yuri. I would love to hear your perception of using Dr. Yuri. Best of luck.

Debora Hoffmann said...

Oh, wow--that is a switcheroo! :-) We will pray that the kids say yes. Can't wait for you to meet them!!

Twyla, John, Duncan, Mari, and Misha said...

Coffee...Coffee? You mean that this is what we should have been drinking instead of all that Vodka with the local Police?! Sounds like a good deal if you can stay in Kyiv and travel to Mayberry versus living there like we did!

Johnny

Amy said...

That is so funny! We learned about the "hot chocolate" too! Our son was with us on our trip to Ukraine 2 years ago and we could not think of anything else to get him to drink.. and here comes this overly rich and thick hot pudding! Cracked him up! From then on, he ordered it every chance he got!
Hoping that all goes well with your meeting tomorrow!

Take care!
Amy

ps- Dr Yuriy IS awesome! We just loved him!

Tami said...

We'll be praying for your first meeting with the kids. How wonderful that they're right there. Staying in Kiev would be amazing.
If you do stay in Kiev and need to save some money on an apartment, let me know. We stayed at an apartment run by a gentleman who operates a program for kids who 'age out' of the orphanage system. He uses the money from the rent to support the program. The apartment is modern and westernized. We stayed there three weeks while waiting to find our little girl and were absolutely comfortable.
Its located at the orphanage and is on the edge of town, so its a subway ride down to Kreshadick (sp?) and the city center...but its REALLY easy to get around. And the rent inexpensive. Let me know if you're interested and I'll put you in touch with him.

ArtworkByRuth said...

Still excited to see your posts on your process! Glad you made the decision before you traveled! Still praying-God Bless!

Anonymous said...

We're following your every move. Glad to see that all is rollling along! Enjoy each moment.... Love, J,K, Q +R

adopting2fromUkraine said...

I think I may know the one you're talking about. Coffee Time or something similar? A long skinny shop that is all windows? They had some great looking desserts, but we never go to try them. We went in there once, but my husband is very impatient and didn't want to wait:0

We just got to the point that whenever things didn't go our way, it was 'Divine intervention':)

Best wishes on your referral!

June

Mayme said...

H&F-Keep on listening to the signals about who should make up your family. whatever your reason for the switch-a-roo, i'm sure that you both thought long and hard about it and this feels right. Glad to hear you are finding joy in this journey for you family. Mayme

Anonymous said...

Hey guys!! Thanks for all the updates. The fact that you guys are even there is amazing and wonderful but then reading Felix's blogs make it even more real! It's almost like we're there too. :-) I love you guys and am so happy that your wishes and prayers are being answered! Can't wait to see what you post next. I can't wait for the one that says you are bringing your children home! You two are truly wonderful and I pray that the trip continues to go as smoothly as it has. I love you bunches!! xoxo -Holli

Anonymous said...

Sitting on the edge of my seat. Cannot wait to hear your next news.

Cathy S.

Anonymous said...

Tami,

We're not sure about housing yet but we're interested in hearing about the apartment. Can you email us at felixroge@yahoo.com?

Thanks,
Heidi

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you...holding my breath and saying a very special prayer for some very special people. Can't wait to hear more. Make sure to tell them they have loads of new family members all around the world who can't wait to meet them. Love to everyone

About Us

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Longmont, Colorado, United States
Heidi loves to play sand volleyball, sail and garden. Felix loves to fly at the local aeroclub, sail and fish.