Stahlke Adoption

News from Ukraine

We telephoned Masha this morning, and her complicated answer was overall positive.

The SDA wants us there in mid-September, for sure, but still with no exact appointment date determined. We figure that means the week of September 8 or 15. If we want to request an earlier appointment date, we can. Masha estimates that an earlier date could be the week of August 25 or September 1.

So . . . the possibilities have narrowed to a four-week window.

Jonathan and I decided to request an earlier date even while we were still on the telephone with Masha. Our reasons:

- Kola could start kindergarten in the U.S. sooner to the beginning of the school year, easing his adjustment into school. We asked Masha to give this information to the SDA, since children Kola's age do not attend school in Ukraine.

- The baby orphanage where Kola lives is intended for children younger than him. We think the director has delayed his promotion to the next level to avoid a double adjustment for him (i.e, a move and then adoption). It is probable, however, that she would like to move him on as soon as possible.

- Masha herself has a school-age child who begins classes around September 1. The more work she can do in August, the less school time she is away from home.

- The sooner Jonathan and I leave, the sooner we return, and fall is a busy time for Jonathan's teaching and my church work.

- After hearing the news today, one of our younger children fell apart, alternating between angry outbursts and tears. Our children have wanted Kola here as soon as possible for several years now.

posted by Stahlkes @ 12:10 PM