Court Date, "Real Date", and Inna's tea party

The blog was down last night so I couldn't update everyone about our court date.  It has been scheduled for 4:30pm on Monday, May 16th.  Thank you for everyone's prayers.  Monday will mark day 20 we have been waiting to have our court date assigned. 

To say we have been irritated, impatient, cranky, and worried about things at home and finances would be an understatement.  We have had so much unexpected support rolling in financially via our blog, which has greatly helped to reduce our stress levels.  One story I just have to share because it has touched my heart. 

A little background...

Three days before we were notified of our SDA appointment in Ukraine, I had a meltdown.  Over the past several months we have had many, many stories pop up in our inbox about the horror stories of adopting overseas.  I knew of these stories and I was scared.  I was scared of what we would witness with our own eyes and scared of what God was asking us to do.  To say I WANTED to come to Ukraine to adopt a baby would be a lie.  It would be much easier to stay where I was.  I would be"safe".  But, God doesn't give up on us and He was not letting me hide behind my fear any longer.  I knew I had to come to Ukraine...

I've been in contact with several ladies and what a HUGE blessing they all have been!!  There is nothing like being able to communicate with others who have seen children in orphanages, know their needs, and also have similar fears, disappointments, and joys.  They are all a blessing and I'm so thankful God has placed them in our lives.  I just pray over and over for encouragement...someone to say, "Keep going...you're doing the right thing...God has a plan...you can do it!"  That's what friends are for...to encourage, support, and knock you over the head when you screw up!  These ladies are a gift from God and their words, emails, advice, support, and "realness", along with God's grace, has been holding me together.

Anyway, to get to my point, a woman I've been in contact with decided to send us on a date!!!  I mean, a REAL DATE!  She is currently in L.A. and adopted a little girl 2 weeks before we flew out.  Despite the jet-lag, new family member, and life, she took the time to talk to me over the phone and keep in contact with us.  Then, a few days ago, she sent us money over our blog and the name of an up-scale restaurant in Dnepropetrovsk.  What a HUGE blessing!  See, I've felt so guilty about doing anything that costs money because of all the financial support we've been raising.  This was a fabulous excuse to go out and have some fun!:)  Here are some pictures of our wonderful meal and time together.  The best part was, it felt like we stepped out of Ukraine and back into America for a few hours.  An English speaking waiter, the ambiance, and the music took us back "home" for a moment.  THANK YOU KEREN!  It was awesome...plus I got tons of kisses from my girl today.  She was a LOVE BUG and Mommy loved every single bit of it:)

"The Reporter"--name of the restaurant



Zucchini appetizer--compliments of the chef
I think I ate my first quail egg today too:)



BEST warm, cheesy bread with butter EVER!  Yum, yum!

Alicia's Greek salad...so delicious and fresh!  This is my favorite summer meal I make at home with cucumbers from the garden!

Todd's salad with scallops, bacon, and every detail covered!  It's so pretty!

Alicia's entree of grilled turkey, zucchini, and potato au gratin.

Todd's entree--a GIANT T-bone steak with some potatoes smoothered in cheese and bacon on the side.

A better shot of the steak (aka, cow on a plate:)

 



The happy couple:)

Apparently Mommy hit the setting button and that's why this super cute video is WHITE!  :(  We should have brought a camera-man along with us to take some footage.  Oh well!

 

Inna loved her $2.50 tea set.  There was more water on the floor than in our cups, but it was a blast!:)