Stahlke Adoption

Then and Now

It's summer in Chicago, just like three years ago when we traveled to Ukraine. As we think ahead to our upcoming trip, the weather is about the only thing that's the same.

This time, many aspects of our coming journey are familiar. We are well-acquainted with Masha and Andrei, our facilitator and her brother, our driver. We know the accomodations in which we will reside, and the cities where we will eat, shop, and sight-see. The legal process is still complicated, but we've been through it before. We have visited Mikola's orphanage, which is only three blocks from the children's home where our five kids lived. Mikola's orphanage is a cheerful place, with flowers in the front yard, lots of windows, and freshly painted walls with bright pictures.

This time around, however, we have five children back home. They are very excited that soon they will probably see their little brother again. They are also fearful of our leaving, and apprehensive that Mikola's adoption might fail. At the moment, Paul, Adam and Rachel are acting more settled, probably because they are older and can better understand what is happening. Sarah and David have been a handful, and I keep reminding myself that they are going through a whole lot right now.

posted by Stahlkes @ 9:10 AM