Sweet, Sweet Reunion

After getting all the necessary paperwork and referral from SDA, we BARELY caught our 7:00 train out of Kiev.  We were with a facilitator and we all got separated in a VERY crowded train station, with less than 5 minutes until our train was scheduled to leave!  A little stress, a little adventure, but we made it.  The stairs were already up, but they made an exception and let us on anyways.  The train itself was really fun!  Jim and I have never done anything like it.  We had our own little compartment with 2 beds, a table, and a tv.  Jim was especially excited.  I was too, it just took me a little longer to get over the stress of the train station.  Anyway,  I told Jim that he was like a kid in a tree house!

10 hours later, at 5am, we arrived in Melitopol and were met by our translator, Sergei.  We found a hotel and were able to get a shower and a little rest before going to the inspector's office at 9am.  The inspector carefully reviewed all our documents and then accompanied us to the orphanage to meet the director as well as to see Vanya.

When we pulled up to the orphanage, Vanya was banging on the window!!!!  Our hugs were as sweet as I had expected!!!!  We didn't have much time for all the "lovey stuff" as we were escorted into the director's office.  During our meeting, we got to show them our pictures from over the summer, which proved to be a very important part of them realizing that we already had an established relationship with Vanya.  They asked a few questions, filled out more paperwork, and then asked Vanya to write a letter stating his desire to be adopted by us.  I had hoped to capture this moment in a picture, but we weren't allowed.  It really was beautiful, though!

Upon leaving, we were told our "visiting rights" and they said we could come back at 2:00, when Vanya was done school.

So, from 2-6:00 and then again today for several hours, we visited with Vanya, his close friends (whom we adore), and many other children.  We played soccer, mancala, battleship, and more.........all with Vanya as our translator!!!!!

Tomorrow, we will meet a bunch of "the guys" and go to the large evangelical church here.....the one where Vanya actually got saved as a result of their ministry.  We are really looking forward to our visit with these believers.

Please continue to pray for the smooth and efficient processing of all the necessary documents.  There is even more ahead than we realized!  Thank you all for your love and faithful prayers.