Using the internet has made this trip so easy; we've been able to talk to Pat and Evan every day via Skype and send some reminders, etc. via email, as well as update this blog. Far away, but not so far away at all.
We are in Severodonetsk- staying in a very nice hotel that is about a five minute walk from the orphange- $45 per night includes breakfast. This area looks much different than Kiev- pretty depressed economically, no outdoor cafes or landscaping, etc. We were met at the Donetsk airport on Friday morning by Sergey (same name, different person) who will be our guide/facilitator while we are here. He is great and got us to the hotel in about two hours. We went to go see Sergei at the orphanage (our Sergei) and he was out swimming at the lake, so we get some notarization done and then headed back to the orphanage.
Sergei arrived in his bathing suit---he knew we were coming but still couldn't believe we were here, and we had to get down to business by the close of the work day---what name did he want? Some kids change to a more Americanized name when they are adopted, but to us Sergei is Sergei and he agreed. We talked about middle names---mentioned Ronaldinho as possiblility (his favorite soccer player) and chose John. That is Craig's middle name and was Craig's dad's middle name as well. Good to get that done and we then had to run and get a request for a new passport completed with SERGEI JOHN LOUNDAS on it.
We can't be alone with Sergei until the final court date is completed, but we wanted to have dinner out so we arranged for the orphanage's attorney to join us and another family, the Trumps's from Atlanta, along with their new daughter and Sergey, our facilitator.
On Saturday morning, we went over to the orphanage with a couple nerf footballs and some jacks and played all morning with a bunch of kids. As happy as we are to reunite with Sergei, each child you'll see in these photos needs a home. They were thrilled to have a few hours of undivided adult attention. We will hope and pray that each one finds a home.
Dana and Craig --
ReplyDeleteI had to smile when I read the middle name you all chose for Sergei - John. That was my dad's (formal) name. When I told my dad last Father's Day that Steve and I wanted to use his name - either John or Jack - for Michael's middle name, I asked him his preference. He said he thought John is a "strong name." So, your new son has a strong name, just like our son!!
What wonderful pictures -- the happiness and joy in all three of you is coming through loud and clear!!!
Wishing you more smiles for the remainder of your trip - best wishes!
Fondly,
Dawn