OK, I just couldn't help myself.
It's nearly 3 am and I'm still not asleep. Just got done looking thought about 4000 photos (digital) to pick a few for a photo book/scrapbook that we can show the children. We still need to take a few pictures around the house for them as well. We picked up a scrapbooking program and it looks like it will do a nice job of putting our digital pictures into a format that is interesting. Of course it will take some nudges from us to get it looking the way we want it.
We have two days to go and still have a house to clean, clothes to wash and loads of junk to move from the garage to our now completed shed so we can park our car in the garage while we are gone.
We are nearly done collecting goods for the trip. Tonight, we went shopping for a few items and picked up 3 jars of peanut butter (not for us, but to give away while there), a playdough kit with plenty of extra playdough and some other little toys. We figure whatever toys/games we take, we will leave with the kids that have to stay behind; just a little something for them.
It's hard to believe that the time has actually come, or nearly so. We've been working towards this for quite some time. In the mid 90's, we were stationed in Germany and looked into adoption while there, but couldn't even come close to affording it on military pay. When we got settled into civilian life in 2000, we started a local adoption. To make a long story short, we got lost in the paper shuffle as did many others which made us look overseas for children. After looking at many different countries, Ukraine tugged at our hearts the most; we also liked the process of Ukraine over any of the other countries. I know, it sounds wierd that someone would want to go blind, but after the failed local adoption, we didn't want to attach to a piece of paper and video just to have the children possibly not be adoptable. With Ukraine, we will see and learn about our children a day or so before we meet them. Emotionally, we both feel it's easier on us this way. And now, all the waiting is nearly done; the waiting has to be some of the hardest parts of this journey.
We've been pretty open about our adoption and most people react very positivily to it. We've had numerous individuals and businesses help us in getting things done. I believe that being open about the adoption has helped us get things done quicker and easier. If we were to ever do this again, I think we would be just as open as we've been about this adoption.
Yes, we have preconceptions of some of the things we would like to see. We openly discuss these with family and friends and of course their responses are as varied as there are colors in a rainbow. We might not always agree with their suggestions, but we listen and keep them in mind because at this point we just don't know... We're on a train that has no track; it'll be interesting to see where we end up at the end of the day. We are both positive and excited about the impending changes to our lives.
It's now well after 3 am and it's time to close these tired eyes. Sorry for the lack of information in this post, it's just the musings of a tired and excited PAP. Good Night :)
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4 comments:
From one who's been there and done that and traveled blind for much the same reasons you are, add to your packing list a couple of books on attachment and bonding. "Building the Bonds of Attachment" is good, as is "Parenting the Hurt Child" Do be cautious, though, of the holding therapy they preach - it is illegal in some states, including mine. But otherwise, there are some really good ideas in it.
Blessings to you as you begin your journey!
Hello:
It was great to hear from you. One suggestion, pack lightly!!!!! Everyone told me that and I thought I was able to pack lightly and ended up brining two bags that I constanantly have to bring everywhere with me -- it's a real pain. If I can offer any assistance while in Country, please don't hesitate to contact me. I just got my court date today. Baby steps -- but progress is delightful. Have a safe and happy journey. Heather
What an exciting time, getting ready to go!
It will probably be cool, so take a sweater and a light jacket. We have friends in Kirovograd and it has been in the 40's since around mid-September.
You can buy American brands of shampoo there for a reasonable price. They have good Ukrainian brands also plus liquid hand soap and bar soap. You should be able to find clothes washing and dish washing soap easily. There are lots of napkins to choose from, but you may have to search for Toilet paper similar to what we have here. We didn't try the toothpaste, so can't tell you about that.
One thing we found very useful were bungie cords. We took them to help us attach our luggage, but ended up using them for clotheslines. They are small and light. I just stuck them in the front pocket of a duffel.
Just remember, the less you take, the less you'll have to lug around walking and up and down stairs. The train station in Kiev is all stairs going down to the train platform. And wall to wall people! I was shoved going through a doorway into the station. The people there think nothing of it. They think nothing of 'invading your space' either.
Best wishes for safe travel!
June
We can feel your excitement too! I hope the PB jars are plastic...Can't wait to read the next chapter of your adventure! God Bless!
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