Paperwork Milestone
Well today was a “short” day in comparison to the others, we actually made it “home” by 4:30. We were to start at 8:00, but Kostya was doing some of our paperwork, so we waited til about 9:00 then it was off to Torez. At the Social Worker’s office, she, Kostya, and the orphanage director were able to finish up all Leeza’s documents. Due to time, we weren’t able to see her today, obviously a disappointment, but we had to get to Donetsk in time to finish Edward’s. So same situation there, Social Worker’s office then off to make a court date with the judge! The sheer magnitude of paperwork (doubled because of 2 orphanages) required to get to this point is astounding, but Kostya is incredible and misses no details. They only have hearings on Tuesdays and Fridays, so our date is Tuesday, the 13th (wonderful news!).
We then went to see Edward for a little bit, but his group was napping (around 3:00 and they get up at 4:00). We waited outside while Kostya worked the phone in order to get our package to the NAC in Kiev (he sends it via the train and one of his partners picks it up). But while we were waiting, Edward’s caregiver must have seen us and she brought him outside to us, way before we expected (so nice of her!). We were surprised when we realized it was him, she put him down and he ran across the parking lot to me with his arms up so excited. I think my heart left a big puddle right then and there, another blessed moment.
So basically, our paperwork is done now, it is on its way to Kiev for the NAC approval, and then back to here so we can take it to court on Tuesday. Now for the change in rules, up until about 2 weeks ago, there was a mandatory 30-day wait period after court that was typically waived, ie an immediate execution. But now, it is only a 10-day wait, but no immediate executions are possible (kinda bad news). However, during that time, we will be getting the birth certificates taken care of as well as their passports.
Oh yeah, for their birth certificates, we have decided to call Edward, Joseph Edward and Elizabeth will be called, Jenna Leeza (they call her Leeza at the orphanage). Our Russian is only good enough to buy some basic things and exchange
We then went to see Edward for a little bit, but his group was napping (around 3:00 and they get up at 4:00). We waited outside while Kostya worked the phone in order to get our package to the NAC in Kiev (he sends it via the train and one of his partners picks it up). But while we were waiting, Edward’s caregiver must have seen us and she brought him outside to us, way before we expected (so nice of her!). We were surprised when we realized it was him, she put him down and he ran across the parking lot to me with his arms up so excited. I think my heart left a big puddle right then and there, another blessed moment.
So basically, our paperwork is done now, it is on its way to Kiev for the NAC approval, and then back to here so we can take it to court on Tuesday. Now for the change in rules, up until about 2 weeks ago, there was a mandatory 30-day wait period after court that was typically waived, ie an immediate execution. But now, it is only a 10-day wait, but no immediate executions are possible (kinda bad news). However, during that time, we will be getting the birth certificates taken care of as well as their passports.
Oh yeah, for their birth certificates, we have decided to call Edward, Joseph Edward and Elizabeth will be called, Jenna Leeza (they call her Leeza at the orphanage). Our Russian is only good enough to buy some basic things and exchange
9 Comments:
Hi Jen and Jeff
I seem to be addicted to your blog!! I got out of court at noon and have checked your website at least twice since I've been back at the office. It's a nice, happy distraction from everything that's going on here (they're laying new carpet here and I've been literally forced to clean out boxes of junk from my office).
The paperwork you guys have to deal with seems to be incredible, just mountains and mountains of it. Hopefully everything will go smoothly from here on out and you can head home ASAP. The kids look so happy and healthy. That makes me feel a little bit better for all the little ones who will remain after you've come back home, although I'm sure you'll remember them always.
God bless you both. We love yinz guys!
Mandy, Eddie, Liam and Dayna
By Anonymous, at 2:31 PM
Hi again,
whatever will we all do after the blog entries stop? I suppose I may have to start watching survivor or something like that....I, too, keep checking it, hoping for new info or pics! sounds like it was a hard day but I got choked up when you described Joseph Edward running up to you...how bonded you already seem to be! how wonderful! Funny how such a little heart can know when they are "home"....may God and his angels continue to guard you and sustain you through the mountains of paperwork, temorary good-byes and bumpy roads..
love ,
Cathy J.
By cathy, at 2:41 PM
Hi guys!
I bet my e-mails yesterday gave you some laughs when you saw my to be continued. I have a very difficult time minimizing my words to 300 characters at such a special time as this. My heart wells up with love and my eyes with tears when I see the dear pictures of you all. We prayed for you at CBS, & I so look forward to having my neice, Jenna Leeza, and my nephew, Joseph Edward in our Yellow Lambs class (if that is all part of God's plan for them to attend). Either way, we are praying vigilantly for the entire process...so glad to hear you have a date, & we're lifting that up. You'd be so proud of your boys. Justin & Jacob are so kind to Elizabeth & Luke...very patient and tenderhearted toward their every comment. It's truly been a blessed time for our family to have such quality time with them. I'm so grateful to have this opportunity to have one on one time with our nephews. They are truly precious! All is really going smoothly with school, football & band. Can't wait to videotape the Pop Warner team entrance Friday night for you! Of course they miss you & are eager for your return, but they're also so understanding of this process. I think being with Elizabeth, Luke, Corri, & Christopher is good practice! I pray with them when they're with us at night & give
them a kiss on the forehead & tell them it's from you both & all of us. Oh, I think the boys are impressed with Uncle Jason's Pac Man skills & that's been fun. They had fun fishing Monday, no fish but a great time! We send our love & prayers to you all & we cherish the photos of you with your precious little lambs. Be rest assured that we are here for you & will do everything that we can to make Justin & Jacob feel at home during this time. May the Lord continue to bless every step of this awesome journey & hold you all in the very palm of His hand. We love you!
Love & prayers,
Mary, Jason, Elizabeth & Luke
By cathy, at 3:50 PM
Hi Jen and Jeff, It is good to hear things are moving along. The children are darling and it seems the bond is already there. It must be exhausting with all the paperwork and going back and forth...but as they say...it will soon be history and you be back home. Keep well and safe. Lots of love. Mom and John xxxxxxxxxoooooooo
By Anonymous, at 5:19 PM
J and J,
I'm so glad things went smoothly today. In no time you'll be home with those sweeties. I showed my classes pictures of the kids today. I have a picture of Jacob and Justin on my bulletin board, and kids always ask if they are my kids. I say yes, but only for one week a year. They all agreed that Jenna and Joseph are adorable. Beth asked me to tell you she is reading every day, but can't post because of some kind of block at her school. Their home computer is down, but she wants you to know they are also praying for you. The girls can't wait to get their hands on Miss Jenna. I imagine next summer she'll have flowers on her toes, and big bows in her hair. Of course we can't wait to teach her how to do cart-wheels and back handsprings. Mom, Wanda, and Beth are coming to visit me on Friday, so I am sure they will want to send you a post. Until then, know you are in my thoughts constantly. Give them hugs and kisses from Auntie Sally.
By Anonymous, at 7:06 PM
J and J,
The kids are beautiful and I can't wait to see you all together with the boys as a complete family! We love you - Terry and Warren
By Anonymous, at 7:11 PM
Hi Brooks Family!
Scott and I have been tracking your every move! My heart
has filled with joy many times during your new chapter
with your beautiful and
precious children! May
each day pass with wonderful
joy as you wait to bring them
home to Swansboro. We miss
you guys and wish you safe
travelhome. May God continue
to give you patience.
Many Blessings, Donna & Scott
By Anonymous, at 8:57 PM
Jen and Jeff,
They are BEAUTIFUL!!! Come home quick so we can all spoil them rotten!! You two look so happy- God has truely blessed you. Take care and kiss those littles ones!We miss you and look forward to your return! Love ya, Mary, David, Jordan and Connor
By Anonymous, at 10:03 AM
Jen and Jeff, Congratulations! We are so excited for you! You and your family are in our prayers. We look forward to seeing you and your babies soon. Love, the Ahlquist Family
By Anonymous, at 10:30 AM
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