Our First Adoption Appointment!

Monday, October 4, 2010 - a VERY important date for the Jewell family! This is the date that we waited to hear about since we first started on our adoption dossier for Tatyana back in February of this year. And, today, we entered the door of the SDA (Ukrainian adoption authority) to see the "file" on Tatyana and to officially accept her as a child we want to adopt. It was very exciting to learn a few things about her that we didn't know and one of those is that she is "flat-footed." Interesting thing to have in a file, huh? On Tuesday, we will return to this same office to actually receive our "referral" from their agency which is basically approval for us to proceed with the adoption process.

Nastya accompanied us to this office and, after the appointment, she had to make copies of the papers they gave her. We waited for her outside the SDA office and, while we waited, we strolled through an adjacent tourist attraction called Andrew's Descent situated on a winding cobblestone street on a hill where artisans display their crafts and Ukrainian souvenirs. (See photo of Steve and Summer amidst the booths.) We again saw that all things American are popular in Ukraine as we perused these booths and had Russian-speaking vendors trying to entice us to their particular booths. Mixed in with the local nesting dolls, cross-stitchings, Russian hats, etc. were t-shirts, nesting dolls, mugs, etc. with photos of President Obama, Elvis, the Twilight stars and even "House" of the TV show of the same name. (See photo of Summer standing next to the "House" astronaut - what?!?) This is also where I saw a guitar selling for 230 hyrvnia and I bought it (see teaser in previous blog)! However, it was only a 5 inch hand-painted guitar and, in Ukrainian money (hyrvnia), it's sale price of $230 was only $25 in American dollars. It is a gift for Tatyana to put in her new room in America as a reminder of Ukraine. It was hand-painted at a renowned art school and is beautiful! Tatyana taught herself how to play the guitar and she played for us while at our home as she sang an original song of hers. I think she will love the guitar!

After Nastya returned, she joined us for lunch and we got to ask her lots of questions about her interesting career as a translator and facilitator for adoptive families. She is only 30 years old and has been an integral part of bringing SO many families together and giving hope and futures to children in orphanages throughout Ukraine. (See photo of Nastya and me.)

It was a great day AND would you believe I was entertained by a talented toaster today? Be sure to read tomorrow...for the rest of the story.

Sunny