Our Big Day in Court!

Day 19

Court House in Krivoy Rog!

              Yesterday was the Big Day!! We had our adoption hearing in Krivoy Rog. It was a little nerve racking. Court was scheduled for 3pm or as they say here 15:00hrs. I wasn't sure what time court was. I'm kidding  but I like 3pm better!! We sat in a hall way out side the judges chambers and about 3:15 we were directed down a dark hallway into a small court room. On the right side of the court room was seated the court recorder. Beside her at another desk was the orphanage director, the inspector, and the prosecutor. Scott and I along with our interpretor were seated at the opposing desk facing them. Behind us was an old, tall, cage like jail cell with a hugh padlock. I guess you could say we were on the side in question. It felt like a day in the principals office. At the front of the room was a large bench with three very tall chairs behind it. Where the judge and two jurors would soon be seated. We all stood as they entered the room. The judge was friendly and smiled.  We were asked to stand and say our names and date of birth. Then we were asked if we held anything against the court and if we trusted the court!?! Then he read a lot of  legal documents telling about us and our approval in the US as acceptable/approved for adoption. The same as for our European and Ukrainian clearances. We were then asked to make statements how we know him, why we would like to adopt him and if we had any financial  benefit to gain from adopting this child. Then statements where made by the inspectors office as to there observation, approval of documents and requirements being met, and if their office was in favor of this adoption. They approved!! Scott was asked to stand as the prosecutor asked him questions. He asked how we could communicate with the child? How did he interact with our three children? Did we only want to adopt this particular child? Were we going to teach him English?  I believe his job is to fulfill that someone is there in the best interest of the child. Then the director of the orphanage was asked to make a statement about Lincoln and how he came to know us.  Also, how she believes he feels about us, about being adopted, about leaving his home country and coming to America. She was very nice and explained how he came on the hosting program to America last summer. She stated that he was very happy when he came back, and that we called him about every 6-8 weeks with our translator (our good friend Liliya), how we took interest in sending him art supplies, candies, games, and pictures of him with his American family. Then she told the court how happy he was that we were coming to adopt him. Often, he showed the pictures we sent to his teachers and friends. She seemed very happy for him!

The bench where we waited for court!!

                The judge and the two jurors then left to discuss their thoughts and make a ruling. We waited about 15 -20min. During this time the prosectutor was asking us some questions thru our translator. He wanted to know if Pennsylvania was similar to Krivy Rog ....we told him that it is similar in weather and seasonal changes but that we have a lot of mountains and hills. It is pretty flat in this part of the Ukraine. Also that we live in a small town that has homes and not many apartment buildings like they do. We showed him some pictures and he said it is very clean and beautiful. He then asked if he could find a job in America being a prosecutor. We all laughed...it was nice to see them want to interact and ask questions about our country.             
                We told them in return that we have seen and had some of the best produce ever. The tomatoes are so good and the red, yellow, and orange peppers are picture perfect. The fruits are out of thes world in flavor. This made them proud and they like to tell you how everything in Ukraine is grown Organic. The soil is very rich in minerals and nutrients that the plants need.
             The door opened we are stood and remained standing as the court decree was read. It stated all adoption requirements had been met and that under the provision and decision of the court and it's jurors. That Boyer, Charles Scott and Boyer, Jennifer Jo would hereby be named the parents of Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Zemlyany and he would take their name as Lincoln Oleksandr Boyer.. The court offered their congratsulations and court was adjourned!!! So it is official....the  Boyer's have a new addition to the
family!!

           We then went to the judges chambers. There we were presented gifts from the judge. He gave us three bottles of apple pumpkin juice that a group of priest he knows in a monastery make. Then a picture of a Ukrianian leader named,  what translates into.... George the Great. He then told us he is named the same. We visited and he showed us picture of his two sons and daughter.  He told us his oldest son is staying in Buffalo, New York with a preist and his wife on an exchange progrm. He wanted to know how close we were to there and if we needed his son could give us a ride home from the airport. We told him it was far but thank you!! Our visit was over, he shook Scott's hand and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I was wondering if maybe we are part of his family now!!   It was a good experience and the judge seemed like a man who had personal concern for the children of Ukraine. He  told us the juice that he gave us , he often takes to the orphanage and the children love it.
It is nice to see people hearts around the world love God and want to serve  His children.  

Boys will be Boys!!!

Day 16
                The Lady at the pharmacy was so nice I decided to go back and see her again today. This time under the recommendation of the family pharmacist. What would we do with out George!!! Thank you George!!! And Liliya for telling us  I was able to buy antibiotics over the counter here. Hopefully this will do the trick!!

        Today we went to buy Lincoln shoes. It was about a 30min. drive. We arrived at the store and he was timid about entering the store.  He slowly walked in and his eyes were just shifting all over the place.  We headed to the boys department and they had a good many shoes to pick from. This was a little overwhelming for him. He looked and I showed him a pair of sneakers. He liked them and tried them on. Well, he was pretty impressed with them and was satisfied to take them and go.  First we checked them.... I could put three fingers behind his heel.  So we suggest he try the same shoe on in a different size. It was new for him to be able to pick the shoe and the size. When we told him to pick a second pair he thought we wanted him to get a different pair than the sneakers he already picked.  So we had to explain that he was getting two pair of shoes. Ones for playing in and good shoes for church and dress occassions....like court on Thursday.  Slowly you could see a smile and then he slowly nodded his head as to say....Oh, I get it!!

We then went to the mall for some ice cream. Eager was nice enough to order for us.  The girl brought our coffee and ice cream for Lincoln. She also brought him a pepsi and a creape like dessert with cream and powdered cocco on it. Eager and Lincoln are no longer allowed to order on the buddy system. Talk about Sugar Shock!! I was so worried he would get sick in the car on the way back.  Some of the children got car sick last summer when they were in America from not being use to riding in cars. Luckily he was fine.

When we arrived back to the orphange all the kids were playing inside the gate. They all came runnig toward the car. They are always excited to see us coming and they like to see the  "machina" or car. They like to open  and close the car doors just to see how they work. The boys like to look at the speedometer to see how fast the machina can go. Boys will be Boys no matter where they are.  One boy likes to come see us and practice his English words. He says "Hello" very loud and laughs. Today he says hello and wants to show me something. At first I thought it was a plastic bug out of the toy bug we brought. No it was a real bug that moved. One of the biggest bugs I have ever seen!! .... See Boys will be Boys no matter where they are!!!

Big Smiles!!!

Day 14

                 Yesterday we stayed at the apartment. I have been a little under the weather. It started as a plugged up ear and has went to a sinus/ear infection. I have not had one of those in years. We have tried several home made remedies to clear it up. Warm water, steam, hair dryer, 3 days of antihistamines, Vinegar, baking soda, tilting my head and jumping on one foot, and a few other things we found recommended on the internet. My uncle recommended getting a decongestant. So today we headed to the Pharmacy. The lady was so nice. She read my sign language....I pointed to my ear and put my finger in it and then pinched my nose and pointed to my sinus. I must have looked crazy. She said "da, da, da." Then she showed me a bunch of stuff I could not read. She showed me ear drops and throat drops and I said "da, da, da."  Then she showed me nose spray and again I said "da, da, da." Still I need a decongestant but how do I tell her. Then I see a package that has solpadeine. I point to the pack and then to my nose and she said "da."  I think I may have what I need....my one semester of pharmacology may have paid off.  So we paid and I thanked her several times for her help.  I then asked Eager our driver is this for my sinus/ear and he gave me thumbs up and said "Good."  Now to read the directions....I asked  Eager he puts up 2 fingers and says "vaskriesienia" or Sunday.... then 2  fingers again and says "pan'ed'el'nik" or Monday....so I guess 2 a day. It is funny how the name of things look to be in English but the rest of the package is written in Russian.

What does it say????

    Then we went  to see Lincoln. We took a walk to a local play ground and he played. Then we ran into two boys from his school. He told them my Momma and Pappa from America. He was so proud to belong to someone. To have a family!!!! We are so proud of him for being brave enough to trust us to be his family. He asked the one boy to take a ride on his bike and the boy was nice enough to let him ride. Then we headed toward the orphange on the way we saw a hair salon. Scott pointed to his hair and then the shop. Lincoln shook his head no way, Scott ment for Pappa.... He was ok with that. So the girl inside told Scott to sit and then asked in Russian,,,"How do you want it cut?"  Lincoln steps up, starts pointing to Scott's head and telling her how to cut Scott's hair. He and the girl decided what Pappa needed and the girl started cutting.  I just had to laugh.....I just hoped he didn"t tell her to give him a mohawk......seeing how we have court on Thursday.   She actually did a great job.                                               

                   When we got back to the orphanage I had some bubbles to play with and soon all the kids were playing. They all just laughed and laughed. Such a great group of kids.  We have had such fun playing with them.

 My good friend Liza was there today and brought her friend Natasha with her. She was very shy but I convinced her to get in the picture. They love to see pictures of themselves. Seeing how they don't have many. We are going to make a shutter fly book and send one to each of the kids.

                                                                 Liza  and Natasha
        Soon it was time to leave and the kids were disappointed as were we....our time goes so very fast.  We said our goodbyes and gave out several hugs!!  We then headed to meet our friend  Curtis...he is a missionary here in Krivy Rog. He came with the children on the hosting program last year. He has such a heart for the children of Ukraine. We had dinner and talked about Ukraine and the children he works with.   It was great seeing him!!  After dinner we said our goodbyes and headed back to the apartment to find the elevator out. So we took a walk to the ninth floor. I needed the exercise anyways.  It was a full day filled with a lot of laughter and Big Smiles!!!!

Nap Time!!!!

Day 12

                Today we stayed at the orphanage. We arrived at 2pm and they woke Lincoln from his nap..."yes" I said nap. (As you can tell he just woke up!!)  All the kids take a nap from 2pm until 4pm. The second time we visited  we were in the young boys part of the orphanage which consist of a room for sleeping and a room for play and studies. The boys were called to lunch and they quickly did as they were told. So we waited  in the sleeping room where we were playing UNO.....before very long the boys started coming in one by one.  Some in a hurry and still chewing their food...I don't think they get alot of visitors so when they do it is a big deal.  Soon a caregiver said something and the boys all jump up and start taking off their clothes.  I start thinking.. Oh my ...what is going on! So they nicely folded their clothes and put them on the chair at the end of their beds. They then very routinely pulled back their bed cover, laid down and close their eyes.  Soon after they are sleeping.  Then at 4pm someone wakes them.  I've noticed the days Lincoln is with us during nap time he yawns a lot.  It will be some long days when he first goes to school.  I don't think Bellwood has a nap session in the schedule.
               
               Today we spent playing with Lincoln. He likes to thumb wrestle...I think he won a few rounds. It was a fun day!!! It will really be fun when we can see him in the back ward with his brother and sisters. We are so proud of Jackson, Maddison, and Reagan for opening their hearts and being so receptive and given of  themselves. They have such hugh hearts and they just keep getting bigger!!!!! Amazing how these three children can see serving others and focusing on what in important in life is why we are here.  For this we are so greatful. Also, so many of our family members and friends have been so supportive....I have received well over a hundred emails and facebook posts telling of your love, support, and prayers. It is awesome to know we have so many people praying for us!! So for this we say Thank-You!!!  (and Yes I'm try to fix why you can't post on our blog....Sorry, not sure why)

              I'm closing this post with pictures of where we are living and the view from our balcony. It's not as bad as it looks...it's just the housing in Krivy Rog.   (Lori and Cindy...is this the place you remember?)

Can you say Sheetz???

Day 11

                      Today we went to see Lincoln and again were given permission to leave the orphanage.  So, we headed to a Ukrainian version of "Chucky Cheese."  On the way there it was something to watch Lincoln looking out the window of the car.  I don't think he gets to leave a ten block radius very often or ride in a car very often.  He was looking out the window, touching things in the car, pointing to everything, and was just absolutlely taken by the experience.  The place was a fun time ....video games, air hockey, slides, jumping in the balls, jumping on the "but-toot" or the "trampoleen"...Maddi thinks that is soooooooo Funny..... Kid Humor!!!

                    After a few hours of running, jumping and playing it was getting late. At this point we had a very tired and hungry boy on our hands. So we did the natural thing .........headed for the Golden Arches!!! Ordering was too funny.....we all had the same thing because it was easier to order. Funny thing in Ukraine you pay for everything....you even order and pay for ketchup. Kid you not!!! The one day we ate pizza and asked for a box to take what was left and the guy said 2 grivna which is only  12.5 cents....it's just funny because we just take thoses things for granted.  Also, if you want to take your eggs and milk home you need to buy a bag!!!!  Some eggs don't even come with a carton... you put them in a bag.  Now talk about please don't smash my EGGS !! LOL!!!

      

                                       I don't think I've ever seen a kid enjoy McDonalds so much, it put commercials to shame. This was our first meal together in ten months. Our family usually hold hands while we pray. We sat down and Pappa said  "pray" and he automatically reached for us both.  It was wonderful and uplifting to see him want to be grafted into what we love and believe "Praising God for our blessings and returning many thanks to Him!!" Last summer he enjoyed praying with our family.  One nigh twe were tucking Jackson and Lincoln in and saying their prayers with them.  All of a sudden he puts his finger up like.... wait a minute.  He leaves the room and brings back Maddi and Reagan and wants us all to hold hands and pray.  Then he points to himself and says me.  He wanted to pray ....so thru tears I helped him find the words but I knew he already had the heart.  He says "Christ Good !!"

           Time to get  back and so we head off. On the way I noticed Eager our driver looking down alot. So I look to see what he is looking at. The car is on  "E".. not close ... I mean major "E."  It is a drive back to the orphanage and every station we try to stop at has a  red plastic strip up so you can't pull in. I'm thinking are they on strike, is there a shortage of gas, and... that the director is going to be mad if we call and tell her we ran out of gas.  After three stations he just keeps driving and Drifting... when we can to save on what little gas or should I say fumes we have.   Some how we made it.  Good!! So... I'm thinking he will ask if there is a can with some gas and we will fill it and bring it back tomorrow.  "Nooooo"....it's back in the car and down the road.  At this point he is finally starting to acknowledge we don't have much in the way of fumes.  It's starting to get dusk so I am now praying.  Answer to prayer...the closest station that was closed was now  "OPEN."  Eager wiped his brow and then we all started laughing.  He says Oozen ....Dinner!!!  They were closed for dinner!!!    It is definately not Sheetz  friendly here!!!!!!!!!!   

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood !

Day 10
              Today we went to visit Lincoln and he was not there. So a worker went to find the director. In Russain the director was trying to tell us something but we had no idea what. So she went and brought a worker to us and she took us on a 15min. walk thru the neighborhood. Before you knew it we were at his school. There were two ladies that came outside to meet us. The one was Lincoln's teacher and the other was the English teacher. So she translated to us that Lincoln was not there but two boys would take us to him. She also wanted to know what we were going to do with Z child. We just looked at each other and we told her we did'nt know we could take him from the home grounds! She said the director said it was ok. So picture this ...we are in a foreign country with not alot of language skills, in a strange neighborhood, know nothing of our surroundings, and are asked to come up with an outing on the spot. So I say to the English teacher....what do you suggest?  She recommeded the museum or the botanical garden near by.  Boy was I relieved !!!!
              We then went on another 10min. walk to meet up with him. Here he was swimming. We felt bad he would miss out. But he didn't seem to mind. On the way we stopped at a store that had some shoes. We need to get him his own clothes to leave the orphange. When he leaves all the clothes he wears are property of the orphange. We brought him clothes but not shoes because of not knowing the size. Thinking we could get his shoes today, we stop in the store and the lady comes and I'm expecting to find a pair and she will see if they have his size. To my American thinking I was suprised to find out these few pair of shoes was it. No ..."do you need this in a size six or seven?"  If they have something that almost fits ...that will do!!  Maybe we can look another day for shoes.
              It's off to the botanical garden. We first stop outside the museum to look at some excavation equipment displayed there. We are still not sure of what is in the museum. We get to the garden and come to a big iron gate with a sign on it in Russian. We both look at Lincoln as to say is it open or closed? The verdict is OPEN!! Good!! The funny thing about Kivy Rog is everything looks closed even if it is open.
We proceed to the builing on the grounds in search of a place to pay, a person to pay, some kind of formality or procedure. We finally found a person and payed. Off to the garden we go.

            We are only there a few minutes and can tell he has been here a few times before. We had our own personal tour guide, how nice!!! The garden was beautiful and nice to see in the middle of  old concrete buildings, broken down sidewalks, and  near people whom hardly ever seem to smile. We tour the grounds and smelled the roses. I thought to myself ...."It's a  Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!!"

Max - True Hope Hope Ukraine