We have had quite an exciting final full day in Kyiv. I did not sleep well – Ivanna was a little restless last night and I feel like I woke up everytime she turned over (which was frequent). I certainly woke up each time she bonked her little head on either our bed frame or the wardrobe on the other side. It’s not like she’s cramped – there’s at least 3 feet of space for her! She would cry out briefly each time she bonked and then would settle right back to sleep – not so for her mama. Anyway, I woke up for good by 6, made myself stay in bed until 6:30 and then got up to write in my journal – it’s been a week (a busy one!). Darren got up at 7:30 and Ivanna finally woke up close to 8. Apparently her crazy running around and playing yesterday afternoon took a little out of her! We had a nice leisurely morning and slowly got all three of us ready to go by 11. Vadim picked us up and we headed to get Irina. We then got photos for Ivanna’s Visa and headed to the Canadian Embassy. When the woman who does Visas came down she said that she couldn’t process Ivanna’s Visa today because she hadn’t yet received the second Letter of No Objection. Our hearts dropped and I’m sure mine stopped for a few seconds. We KNOW that our social worker sent it by courier weeks ago, but telling the lady this made no difference. She said if we could get it sent (fax would do for today) before 5PM she could process the visa – otherwise, we couldn’t leave because they are closed on Saturdays. I have to say we were both feeling rather panicked at that point. Irina was quite calm about it and said we would call Rodica. We left the forms (in case we could get everything sent in time) and left. Irina was immediately on the phone with Lesya who then called Rodica (from our agency in Ontario) and when we got home we also called Michelle (our social worker from DCRE -at home, we are very thankful she had given us her home number and that as it happens she’d had a strong coffee that night and wasn’t sleeping when I called!) who headed in to work for us a 3:30AM Saskatoon time to fax the letter (Thank you SO much Michelle!!). In the end, I think the Embassy got faxed the letter both from Rodica (who had a copy) and from Michelle. Better more than not enough – that’s for sure. It has been quite an emotional few hours. I have to admit – I’m a bit of a basket case. We did receive all the copies of the documents today from Irina and it was very neat (if also rather emotional) to read through all the documents – especially the court judgment and her new birth certificate – both naming us as parents. Wow.
After signing more documents at the notary’s office, we drove home and said good-bye and thank-you to Irina and Vadim. It’s hard to believe we leave tomorrow. We are so grateful. We had a nice supper of leftovers (and a nice chat with Tanis – it was almost like she had supper with us) and are now at Mario’s for dessert with the Andrews. And, as a very good ending to a strenuous day, the wi-fi is up. Yay!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
What a nice read today! I loved hearing about all your adventures over the last couple of days.
I was reading back through your blog history this morning... What a long way you've come in just a couple of months. Darren said the following back in March before you had yet left for Kyiv, "The prospect that our waiting may soon have a positive end is almost unbearably exciting and terrifying at the same time." Well, that wait is thankfully now over, but now that you are Ivanna’s Mom and Dad, the unbearably exciting and terrifying (tempered with lots of joy and wonder) will continue. Such is the nature of parenthood.
Safe home, Darren, Shona, and Ivanna. We’ll see you soon! :-D
Lots of love and hugs to all of you.
See you in two days!!!!. so cool. Do we need to talk on the phone b-4 then or are things going to be solid for the airport. It'd be nice for you to have someone with you through parts of the airport experience (departure are is small and crowded), but we can chat too if you want some thoughts/tips.
I love you all. Revel in the last day there. Amazing providence!
jonathan
We're so thankful that in the end all of the documents were in order and Ivanna's visa was processed today, although we certainly wish it wouldn't have been so stressful.
Thank you again for sharing your journey with us. It has touched us in deep and meaningful ways. You three are so special to us and we are just thrilled that you are on the eve of going home together as a family! We look forward to celebrating with you in July - yes, not living in Saskatoon, we have another countdown. :)
Love and prayers as you travel. S Bogom! (Go with God!)
The broken wifi has had me in withdrawal, and now the plethora of emotional writing and information has me feeling like it's an overdose. For myself, reading this, I feel the simultaneous joy and heartache of being unable to truly communicate to Ivanna's caregivers how grateful you are to them for all they've done. The anxiety of another "lost" document takes my breath away. The absolute NEED to look at her over and over, even when she's sleeping, makes me feel sneaky with you; waiting for you to open the door to take a look. (You hope you don't wake her but you just MUST take another look at your daughter. Finally, YOUR daughter.) I think for all of us following your journey we share in the relief, we praise God, we are collectively HAPPY going about our day and thank God for His blessings on you whenever we think of you (about every few minutes!)Now we must find the patience to wait, just a little longer, to have you all at home. Have safe travels. I'm thinking of you.
Well guys, I sure hope that this is my last time to sit at this computer and bawl. That was painful to read so I can't imagine going through it. The birth certificate must have been awestriking. I can't wait to see you on Sun and to introduce Ivanna to Natty who is to be her future best friend.
Luv Jenn
You certainly had our heart stopping as well, when it came to the visa (and you didn't actually say that you had received it but gathered that you had from the tone of your blog towards the end.) I think I shall sleep better knowing that you have arrived in St. John's with no difficulties at immigration!
We are now counting the hours till we see you all! Have a safe and as easy as possible journey home.
Love and best wishes,
We are all wishing you well and a safe journey home from us here in England, following your journey with Ivanna has been amazing for us and we know for you indescribable. There are no words left to say ( your dear friends and family have said them all ) but God speed and safe travels back home. Ken Teresa & family
Can't wait to see you. Was over at your place today unpacking the stuff you sent back with Jonathan. Yes, I know, talk about leaving it to the last minute. Just to prepare you - you are coming home to 30 degree weather here. Apparently you decided to bring the heat home. Oh well, you should be well acclimatized.
We just got back from the Berry Barn and calculated what time it is in St Johns. We're guessing that you are getting off the plane and about to go through immigration. We are praying at this moment about it.
Hope that your flights with Ivanna were as good as possible. We LOVE you. Can't wait to be with you. Misha is counting down his last sleep before 'auntie and uncle and Ivanna' come home.
Lots of Love
Tanis
Post a Comment