Home...Finally!

 We arrived at the airport in Kiev nearly 3 hours before we were to board our flight, we thought we were on our way home!!  BUT, once boarded, we sat on the tarmac for 2 hours!!!  Kiev had an unexpected 2 inches of snow, so they were having a tough time getting all of their departures deiced.  As we were in route to Zurich, I checked my watch and said to Cindy, well, our flight to JFK is boarding...When we arrived to Zurich, we hustled to our gate, but at the security check point, the guard told us that our flight left 5 minutes ago!!!!  We were stuck! 

When we reported to the transfer desk, we found that there could be days worth of waiting due to a massive snowfall in NYC.  But, she booked us for standby on the first flight out the next day.  The airline put us up in a nice hotel and gave us vouchers for meals while we waited!  When we arrived at our hotel, we had just about 2 hours of daylight left, so we dumped our gear in the room and headed out for a walk.  We had decided to leave our bulk luggage in the capable and qualified hands of the airlines, so we needed some toiletries--no better excuse for a stroll!

Day 2 in Switzerland we arrived to the airport at 6:00 AM for our standby flight, it should not have been a surprise, but we didn't make that flight.  So, back to the transfer desk--she booked us for standby on a flight to Dulles--we didn't make that flight either!!!  So, back to the desk!  This time, she booked and CONFIRMED us on a flight to Paris, then to Dulles...but it was for the next day.  We ended up leaving the airport at noon--what a bummer!!!  

What in the world were we to do???  Who would want to be STUCK in Switzerland??  Well, as it happens, Switzerland was on the list of the top 3 places Cindy wanted to visit!  I wasn't too upset either!

 We got our complimentary room assignment, meal vouchers, and carry on luggage (once again we decided to leave the bulk of our luggage in the capable and qualified hands of the airlines.) and jumped on the shuttle bus.  When we checked in, there was no Wi-Fi, so I jumped on the public computer to let the folks back home know what was going on--Cindy had a tour book and was looking for something for us to do.
 

 We had 2 hours before the tour started, so we hopped a taxi and headed downtown.  And, man are we glad we did!!!  This was a once in a lifetime experience for us--just a couple Central PA hicks walking and gawking!  The history was amazing--check out the date on the statue--Columbus hadn't even been here yet!  Obviously, after seeing the little that we did, we were torn--should we return to the airport the next day and offer our tickets to some other poor stand by passengers, or come home on our scheduled flight??  We had been gone for more than 3 weeks, so the desire to get "on the road" was too strong!

 These buildings, the river, the fact that we heard folks speaking English, and we could communicate with just about anyone in our native tongue made this place almost heaven!

I could see James Bond in a chase scene driving down the cobble stone roads and escaping the villain by jumping out a window--diving into the river!

Our tour took us on a bus through Munich to a cable car that took us into the foothills of the Alps--unfortunately, the clouds were so low that we didn't actually see their glory until we took off from the airport.  After the cable car ride, we walked 1/2 mile across the top of the mountain to a small cafe where we enjoyed some Swiss chocolate and a cup of coffee.

What we had initially considered to be a major inconvenience, turned out to be a huge blessing!  We needed the opportunity to relax, decompress, and catch our breath!  And, we had planned on visiting Germany, but because of flight delays on the front side of our trip, and financial constraints on the back side we couldn't afford to do it!  But, our airline ended up covering the bulk of the expense!  We couldn't have planned the trip any better!!!

Remember the capable and qualified baggage handlers??  Well, we will officially call our trip complete once Fed-Ex shows up here at the house with my lost baggage!!!


I'll be on my way back January 9th at 4:00pm, and return home January 20th with the newest addition to the Noel household!

A word from the train!

Yes, we really are that happy!!!  

The judge said yes, and we are on the train headed for Kiev!  I just posted our victory story, but had to say some more...our internet was down for the day and we had lots of folks back home just chomping at the bit to know what happened!  So, the last post was written this afternoon in hopes that we could get the info out ASAP!

Just about 2 hours ago we left Sunshine orphanage with 2 Vika's in tears and 1 Dema on top of the world!  All of the kids  know that Mick, Janel, and I will be back January 10th, and others will soon follow, but from experience, we can tell you that 3 weeks here can seem like an eternity!

Anyone coming after us, please think about getting us a homemade dvd to show the kids--YouTube videos are great, but with the slow internet connection, we need to figure 1 hour to download every 1 minute of play time.  With all the Skyping that happens, download time is tough to come by! 


I really need to put this out there one more time, but as I was leaving Dema's group, one of Dan's sisters Nastya came over grabbed hold of me with a big hug and pleaded...America please!  I'm just sayin' we've got plenty of pictures and stories to go with this family of 4 kids.

And, finally, to wrap up this trip...Cindy and I would like to thank Svetta for all she has done for us!  Our process was longer and more difficult than most, but she fought right through every road block and obstical that was in her way--if it weren't for Svetta and The Stork Agency, Dema wouldn't have become part of our family!  And to the other families who were in country with us--thank you for your patience!  We know that our problems compounded your time here.  Thanks for waiting! 

Our courtroom story!

Today was it—the final decision…and all we have to say is “THANK YOU JESUS!”  After a rough night of sleep for both of us, Svetta arrived at 6:30 for courtroom preparations—the prep was short, but necessary.  This time, we were asked very few questions, and they were just repeats from Thursday.   The major player was the Director from Dema’s brother’s orphanage.   He said everything that was in his letter, but added the fact that Dema’s bio-father is around, but he is a vagabond of sorts—he has no home of his own, we have heard that he is an alcoholic who has little to no interest in Dema.  The most disturbing thing that we heard was that the father does visit and take the brother to the park.  He does not do that for Dema, nor has Dema ever had the opportunity to go on one of the trips with the two!

Our trial lasted only 45 minutes, but the deliberation between the judge and jury of 2 took another 45 minutes.  About ½ hour into our wait I asked Svetta if it normally took this long…she said, “no, just wait”…so we did!  At about 40 minutes into the wait, the courtroom reporter returned for some documents—she was glassy eyed, pursed lips, and wouldn’t make eye contact.  Up to that point, I was confident—just 30 minutes ago, the prosecutor, directors, and local “big boss” and all told the judge that they supported the adoption and separation.  (Svetta looked up and said, “thank you God” under her breath)  But, after watching and probably over analyzing the reporter when she entered, along with the time for the deliberation, I was worried about the outcome!  Five minutes later, the judge and jury entered with gifts!  Russ said that if they come in with treasures in hand, it’s a good thing!  And it was!  Dema’s new name is Dmytro Ericson Noel, and according to his birth certificate, Cynthia Lee Noel is his mother and Eric Thomas Noel is his father!  We know that there were folks at home awake at 4:00, praying on our behalf, thank you, thank you, thank you!  And for everyone who lifted up our situation as it transpired, thank you!  We know God heard the cry of His children on behalf of His child, our gratitude will never fully be expresses!

Because their past and their culture is so important to the folks of Ukraine, we received some very cultural specific gifts—a crystal bell, a hand painted wooded plate, a ceramic plate with Mary and Jesus probably when he was about the age Dema is now, and a shawl that is used in Ukrainian wedding ceremonies.  We were told to display the shawl with the ceramic plate, we’ll need to find out why.  As the judge, the jurors, and an unknown woman handed us our gifts, the each shared their well wishes. 

It is over, done, kaput!  We are now headed for the notary bureau to finalize paperwork, then we’re off to the orphanage to tell Dema the good news!  From there, we’ll hopefully have time for a bite to eat before embarking on our long voyage home! 

Looking forward hitting the road, but leaving all of these kids behind will be bittersweet!  

Last full day in Krivoy Rog!

Today was the last full day that we will be in Krivoy Rog, Ukraine--and it was actually the first day that we could say that we saw blue sky and the sun!  Tomorrow evening we're off to the the train station for our 31 hour trek home!  

Dema really wants to come with us...NOW, but in 2 short weeks I will be back here to finalize the adoption. 

 When we arrived, I assumed that we were staying the taj mahal of Krivoy Rog, but Svetta told us that these houses area in fact the most sought after properties in the city.  The residents can have their own gardens, and best of all, a level of privacy that does not exist in the towers.

 
Today was another "off" day for the kids--no one was themselves!  There are many factors at work contributing to this feeling, but we shouldn't go into detail here.  When return home, please ask us!  In the mean time, these children, and every child that has visited us in America needs all of the prayer support they can get!

Here is yet another Vola--I think that she is 3rd that we have met in these past few weeks!  She joined us for some snacks and a couple games of picture bingo.  Then, like the others who have joined us, she disappeared as quickly as she arrived.

This is the most smiling we saw today, the girls had a chance to Skype with Lena, Erik, and Dema who are in Kiev.  

Well, tomorrow is IT!!!  Our second day of adoption court.  Our in country attorney said that the judge has heard all of the testimony she needs from Dema and from us, so if all goes as we hope, and she has planned, the director from the mentally handicapped orphanage will testify to the fact that Dema's older brother is not able to leave the orphanage to testify on his own behalf.  That director has already submitted all necessary documents supporting the separation, and stating that Dema's brother could do physical harm to himself and others if he were to leave his comfortable surroundings.  So, as far as we know, this is just a formality.  We believe that Thursday's proceedings were in our favor, so we go with a confidence we didn't have for round 1!

 We have been told that this is it..."no more court", so everything we have been through to this point hinges on the judges decision tomorrow!  We will enter the court room tomorrow morning at 11:00, or time, 4:00am your time!  Once again, we are asking that you set the alarm clocks and pray for wisdom and discernment on the part of the judge.  Dema already knows what the outcome will be, he tells us daily Dema papa America January 20th!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

 The driver picked us up at 3:30, and we said "market"--they all understand it, and we normally go to the same market every time, but this time he pulled into a little corner store.  So I made the international sign for rotisserie chicken--put your hands under your armpits and flap your wings, then spin your hands around each other.  Fortunately, the driver was fluent in sign language and he pulled out to head for a big market.  It was obviously a bad day for grocery shopping--I think everyone in Krivoy Rog had the same idea, there was a 15 minute wait for the chicken!

When we finally arrived at the childrens' home the kids were all waiting...well except for our Dema!  Vika and I went to get him and then the birthday party could begin!  We were going to read the Christmas story out of Luke, but didn't figure they would understand!  So, Cindy was able to have Nastya translate that we were going to celebrate Jesus' Birthday--they all understood!  After we gave thanks, for the food and for the kids, they each said "awmeen".





We brought 2 rotisserie chickens, 12 drink boxes, a bag of potato chips, a couple of Ukrainian salads, 3 loaves of bread, and of course a birthday cake!  Nastya told us American bread bad, Ukrainian bread good!  They don't seem to be  fans of typical "Wonder" bread, they would rather have the bakery fresh loaves.  The cake was pretty good, lemon icing, banana middle, and a heavy white cake.  (The cake was less than $5 American)

Cindy and I didn't want to eat--this was for the kids, but they weren't happy until we each had a little on our plates!  I had big plans for my Christmas dinner--3 packs of Ramen noodles...Yes!  Happy day!  They do have Ramen in Ukraine!!!  Cindy was going to have a bowl of homemade tomato soup with some salad.

 Everyone was right, this was going to be our most memorable Christmas ever!  It was the first night that the Noel family of 3 got to celebrate Christmas together!  And, how many of us have ever had the opportunity to share a Christmas birthday bash with a group of kids who have probably never done this before? 

 Whatever food was left, the kids divided up and at the end of the night and took to their groups to share...there wasn't much! 

Vika and Cindy enjoying the birthday cake!

 
If you had the opportunity to meet Dema over the summer, you know he LOVES to eat!  He had 4 helpings of salads, we guess 1/2 a chicken, several pieces of bread, and cake.

We had hoped that there would be more kids join us for the party, but Valia was the only one to come!  We wanted the girls to find Roseanna from last night, but they didn't know where she was.  And Andre knocked on the door only to turn and run away before we could invite him in...the little kids seem to be under tighter reigns than the older ones.  

They make a really good sourdough cheese bread that the kids just love!  It is my favorite too--makes a great lunch!  Unfortunately, Vika was being camera shy tonight, I had to sneak the few pictures I have of her!  

 Dema will make a good American--After getting his belly full he staggered to the other side of the room and laid down for a nap!  He just laid there holding his belly, eyes closed, with a big smile on his face!  That didn't last long--we had a happy excited little boy on our hands.  That was a complete 180 from last night!

It was Christmas Day, so we had to Skype with some pretty important people, Russie, Cheri, Joe and Ginger, and Mick and Janel!  The kids loved being able to chat across the miles separated by only a computer monitor!

Nastya seemed a little down today, we're guessing it had a lot to do with the fact that her friend just left the childrens' home.  We had never really considered it, but it really is a bitter sweet moment when someone gets adopted.  They are leaving their friends, and their home and going to a new land, knowing a very few people.  And, those left behind...well, just think about it!

Our Christmas visit ended wit an awesome gift!  For the first time, Dema gave both of us kisses on the cheek, then asked for a hug, and he actually asked us each to give him a kiss!  This may not seem like much, but from Dema, it's huge!



Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

 

Young kids in action!

 Tina called this afternoon asking if I had any pictures of the outside of the orphanage...hmm...nope!  She was thinking ahead!  I'm sure y'all (Mike G.) are curious, and I think the kids might like to look back someday.  


Yesterday, Nastya corrected me when  I was talking about the Orphanages 25th birthday (today), and she quickly informed me that it was the 25th birthday for "the childrens' house".  So, from now on...it's the childrens' house!

Here is the entrance to Dema's part of the childrens' house.  Every time we come--no matter how cold, the door is standing open.  And you can't see them too well  in this picture, but there are metal bars on all 1st floor windows.

I have tons of pictures from many of the children and for some reason, I haven't been able to post them on Facebook for the past 3 days...  If you would like a collection of pictures for a specific child, or everything from our trip, just get me a flash drive and I will download them for you.

 
Here are some of the kids from the performance, Dan is in the back in the yellow, while his sister Nastya has the microphone.  Dan is one of the children who asked if he and his 3 siblings could come to America...Cindy and I are actively looking for a curious family.  It's like Russ said, with the federal tax credit, if you adopt four kids, the adoption process would would not cost you a dime!

This is Ewore, the spelling is probably wrong, and only a few know him, but this little guy is quite the performer!

Andre could be the next king of the dance floor!  He and his date really cut the rug! 

We just met this young lady a couple of days ago, and she brought some of the adults to tears!  She asked if we could find her a family, she said that she is 16, doesn't have anybody, and nobody wants her.  She is really a sweet kid, we know there IS someone who wants her!

The kids danced the macarana--Dan is in the yellow, and Nastya is just behind him.  For those of you who don't know, Nastya and Denis agreed to be adopted by an Italian family yesterday.  That family sat in front of us at the recital and seemed to be a good family.  They brought their daughter with them, we're thinking she is 14 or 15, so the kids will have a good playmate!

The kids did a type of salsa dance...not sure how appropriate this is for the age group, but I guess we all need to be aware and conscious of the cultural differences.  There will be plenty of learning...for both children and adults!

As of 8:00, Cindy and I were the last in Krivoy Rog!  Everyone else has headed for the train station en route to Kiev.  Mick and Janel will be U.S.  bound tomorrow evening, while Russ Lori, and Tina will spend the next 7 days in Kiev with their new children...they will be homeward bound Jan 1st.  Our flight comes into JFK Tuesday late in the afternoon, and then Mick, Janel, and I will return to Kiev on January 9th.






Wishing we were home to celebrate Christmas with our family!  But, we are blessed to be here with these kids and our new families!

A good evening after a tough day!

 This was yesterday, but Tina had the opportunity to share some pretty good news with Artur--Joe and Ginger have their travel dates!!!  Check out their blog for more details (Adopting Artur)!


Artur wanted to Skype with Joe today, but the battery died on the computer...maybe tomorrow??

We just booked new tickets for our return from this trip...unfortunately, we couldn't afford a day in Germany.  A direct flight to JFK saved us over $4000 vs. jumping around Europe and flying into State College.  Bummer that we can't explore while in this part of the world, but we'll do whatever we have to do!

 Artur is quite the competitor!  He played bingo with Cindy tonight and yelled GO FISH--BINGO!  After beating her, he wanted to take me again at arm wrestling!  Here he was cleaning up on Russ with the hand slap game...

It's a good thing that Mick and Janel are adopting Vicka Grace...there would otherwise be a line of potential families for this little girl!

Yesterday, we decided to give Dema his Christmas gift a few days early--we thought it might lighten his emotional burden before the court date this morning.  We're not sure that it worked, but after opening it, he told the other kids that it was just like in his dream...now he was a business man!

Is it dadushka (grandpap)Russ, or da-da (uncle) Russ--we think it is both!  Vika was so excited today when I told her I was da-da Eric!  Why not!!

One happy little business man with his new wallet!

 We opened the Christmas card that Russie and Cheri emailed us--the kids loved the pictures, but once I ran the text through Google translate, the room was silent as Nastya read to the group!

Ok, who looks better???  It's amazing what no sleep and a little stress will do to you!

If you know the two of us, this is a once in a lifetime picture, so why not share it with you! 

  

Every day, Andre sneaks down to see us, he normally shoves something in his pocket--a snack, some play dough, or a toy and scurries off to his room.  I don't think he is allowed to visit, but most every day we see him for a little while!

Momma and Dema Skyping with Rocky, Dusty, and Caleb.

Here are the girls Skyping with Russie, Cheri, and the kids!  

Do you think they are happy?? 

I think these girls have a sixth sense...if you point a camera their way, they can feel it--they drop whatever they are doing and pose!

...

The happy family!!!