Monday, March 1, 2010

Day 45 - America Island

America Island, that's what I think of everytime we go to the US Embassy. It's like this little oasis of home. Can't wait to fly to the mainland!

We showed up right at 8 am. For reasons not understood by me, we were escorted to the front of a very long line. I felt guilty, but grateful. No one shouted at us, so I guess its standard practice.

There were no adoptive families that I could see when we made it to the adoption department. There were several "couples" waiting there, with two more couples at the window counters. When one of the counters became available another couple got up and went to the window. I figured we would need to wait our turn here unlike the entrance facility. The gentleman behind the glass spoke up, "Is anyone here for adoption?" I raised my hand. He told the couple to take a seat and motioned for me to approach! I suppose adoption takes priority and these folks are spill over from another department, but I'm not sure. Again, I was grateful.

I had all the documentation ready, all lined up on the counter. One by one, he asked for this and that form. The whole thing took 15 minutes and we were done, outta there! Oleg and Nadia were shocked when I walked out 15 minutes after I entered!

O & N took us to the medical examiner's office. Rimma started her examination and had to get the x-ray for the TB results she has recorded. No problem there. After Rimma's x-ray and subsequent physical, I was called in to the office. It was the same lady doctor we had for our other three kids in 2008. I asked her if she remembered me, but in typical Ukrainian tone she said, "I see hundreds of kids each year, how do you expect me to remember you?" Nice, thanks! How 'bout, "No, sorry" next time.

Try as I may, I could not convince her to not require Rimma to take a shot. I explained that all my kids will have to have their shots all over again due to Kaiser Permanente's policies. She said she would not sign the release until we did so and that Rimma only needed the first Hep B shot. Is it me or is it another way to extort more money out of adoptive parents. It's how I feel when I go get my oil changed but the attendant tries to sell you a tranny oil change, a flush and fill on the radiator, new wiper blades, etc. They make you feel guilty for not doing it, like you don't take care of your car. Same thing here..."well, if you don't immunize your daughter, you must not care about her" is what I felt she was thinking!

So Rimma took a shot for the greater good and the possibility that she could contract the Hep B virus on the plane. Unfortunately, she wore the white turtleneck under her pink sweater and stained it with blood. Score Clinic 2, Felix 0!

140 grivna for the shot and $110 USD for the physical exam and we were outta there! I'm pretty sure they forgot to charge me for the x-ray because everyone had to pay $110 USD for the exam. Score Clinic 3, Felix 1!

So, the embassy said to return tomorrow at 2pm for the exit interview and visa. He said it was a formality and that we would have our visa that day. We will be on that 5:40 am flight to Frankfurt!

In other news, word has gotten to me that Zina is doing better. She was so distraught and inconsolable the past three days that her caretakers took her to the main office where the orphanage lawyer, Roman, spoke with her. He told her that he completed her documents and that she would be availble for us in November to December timeframe. This perked her up and I hope that this timeframe holds true. I know Roman and he has an excellent reputation and is honest and forthright. However, he can't control the situation once it leaves his desk. But let's pray he is right. In a phone call today, Lizzie (Z) said that this "would be a happy birthday present for her."

Oleg, without me asking, told me today to remind him in one month to go to the SDA to check on Z's availabilty. "No problem", I told him. A lot of people are stepping forward in Kherson and Kiev in attempts to bring a lonely girl home to her family to visit this summer in Colorado, if only for a short while. Thank you and God Bless you all, you know who you are.

BREAKING NEWS!!!

Not two minutes after I publshed this post, Victoria (one of three caretakers for R & Z's groupa) called Rimma. She said the director pulled Zina into his office due to her condition and told her that he would let her come to Colorado for two months with Victoria as a chaperone. Rimma is jumping up and down and I can hear Z and Victoria on the other side. Everyone is talking a hundred miles an hour! I guess we will have to get travel visas! Praise God!

~ Felix ~

9 comments:

Heidi and Felix said...

Oksana said Z was crying for three days straight...in bed, at school, everywhere. I guess the orphanage relented when they found they coudn't mend a girl's broken heart any other way. Up to this time her text msgs to me were, "Daddy come back, Daddy please"!

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

Oh, guys! I just can't express how excited I am that Rimma is with her family. Such a joyous day, yet one filled with saddness. I can't imagine the feelings that Z has. Knowing you have a home, good food, a loving family, all waiting on you, just beyond your reach! My heart goes out to her and to you. Such a heartbreaking experience as a parent. May God strengthen both you and Z during your wait. Hugs to you all.

The McEacherns said...

Praise the Lord! What an answer to prayer! Have a safe trip home!

Mayme said...

Great news about the summer visit!!

Jim said...

You get to go to the front of the line because you're Americans. One more reason to love America Island.
That's awesome that Z gets to come for 2 months. That will help the time go by faster until you can go get her for good.

The DeHaan's said...

That's so wonderful about Lizzie's visit too! Praise God! Safe travels and we look forward to meeting you all sometime in Colorado!

adopting2fromUkraine said...

So great to read that you will be home soon along with all the other great news.

Have a safe trip home!

June

Annette said...

Praise God! Your last post left me in tears for poor Z....losing her best friend to the family that she desperately wants to join...It's great that they are letting her visit, that should hopefully boost her spirits and keep her going until she can join your family.

Sheryl said...

Rejoicing with you all that one more of your daughters is coming home! Don't forget God is Zina's dad and He will protect her. I used to pray all the time that God would not let anything bad happen to my kids, when it did, I got so mad and fussed at God and asked why. My daughter was badgered at school and almost got into fight, one particular girl screamed in her face. My daughter was called horrible names, names that she did not want to repeat to me.She's now homeschooled. I realized that God is her dad and that He loves her more than I can. God has a purpose and a plan. Praying for peace and protection!

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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.