He said YES to a family

I have made it to Mariupol, Ukraine.  It is a city on the southeastern side of Ukraine.  It is an industrial city that is not as large as Odessa.  I am staying at a wonderful place with wonderful people that is within walking distance to the orphanage.  I will be walking to visit with our son each afternoon when he gets out of classes.  


Yesterday was our first meeting and he was excited from the very first moment.  He desperately wants a family and has already signed his statement that he wants to be adopted into our family.  He is very sweet.  After the very first meeting he now smiles the biggest smile when he sees me and he gives great big hugs.  He is so happy.  I am so happy with him as well.  He has already stolen my heart and I am certain he will fit very well into our family.  He told me today that he will be waiting for me each day to get there for our daily visit.  He also told me that he is not the least bit afraid of going to America to begin his new life.


Things move quicker in this part of Ukraine.  We arrived yesterday and by the end of today we have already filed papers with the court.  As soon as they have the agency's signed approval we can have the court hearing.  The court hearing should be May 28th or 29th.  I am hoping it will be on the 28th since that is our wedding anniversary (23 years of marriage this year).  After court is a mandatory 10 business day waiting period.  When that is over we will have to travel to his birth city to get his birth certificate, get his passport here in Mariupol, go to Kiev to get his medical exam and visa, then process him out with immigration.  So, still lots to do but we are making good progress.