A good evening ...

We went up to The Bar on 8, which is the hotel's top-floor restaurant and bar, and enjoyed a lovely evening.  Konstantin came up to meet us.  He is our adoption coordinator while we're in Ukraine and it was very comforting and informative to go over everything with him.  We feel much more prepared for whatever happens tomorrow.  We are not sure if we will find a child or children who we feel a connection to or who we will feel capable of parenting.  As I mentioned earlier, it is a very subjective process and it is anybody's guess as to whom we will be shown.  Our hearts and minds are open, though, and we are really praying that whatever God has in mind for us, we will know it clearly. 

On our way out, we heard a ruckus from the corner of the room from what sounded like Americans (of course the ruckus was from Americans- lol!), so we walked over to check it out.  Turns out they were a contingency of soybean farmers who are in this country to investigate the possibilities of farming their produce here.  The soybean farners have been all over the world on similar missions.  Who knew?  Very wordly and educated gang from North Dakota, Kentucky and Missouri.  There was also a gentleman from Arkansas who has been living here for the last 12 years and has been their liaison for the trip.  It was really a pleasure just laughing it up with them and it was also very fortuitous for us to meet Brian, the Ukrainian ex-pat, who volunteered his assistance for whatever we may need him for going forward.  So funny, it is always nice to meet Americans when you/re abroad, no matter how long you've been gone.  Here we've been gone for two whole days and we were so happy to meet fellow Americans.  It reminds me of always feeling so at home whenever I meet fellow American Airlines employees or even just other U.S. crewmembers when I'm abroad.  What can I say?  I love my fellow countrymen!

So, our very important, very crucial meeting is tomorrow morning at 9am local.  That is when we will be shown the files of children who are available for adoption to us.  We will probably be shown anywhere from 5-12 files.  Again, very subjective process as there are over 100,000 orphans here in Ukraine and we will be shown maybe 10.  If we're lucky.  Blake and I are convinced that that is where God comes in.  If He has a child in mind for us, we feel that we will know it when we are shown his/her file.  Otherwise, maybe we're just here in Ukraine on a mission and not to adopt.  We've brought all sorts of toys and candy and gifts for the kids and we will certainly be sure that they will receive these.  The only thing we're unsure of is whether or not we are meant to be parents of one or two of these children.  That is the $64,000 question, if you will, and that is what we have devoted all of our time and thoughts and prayers to.

If ever we needed prayers during this process so far, tomorrow is it.  I may ask for lots more in the future, but as of yet, tomorrow is certainly the biggest day so far.  Please pray for clarity for us.  We are looking for peace and clarity above all else.  We do not want to "guess" as to whether or not we are supposed to go and meet a child.  We really want to feel a conviction to do so.  So, your prayers are more than appreciated!!  Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!

I will let you know how our meeting went as soon as I am able.  If we do find a child/ren who we would like to meet, we will most likely be leaving on Thursday night to travel by train to the region where that child/ren is.  That is where the true adventure begins! 

But first things first. Let's see what tomorrow's meeting holds for us.  We are nervous and scared and prepared.  We shall see ...

Thanks for the prayers.  Please keep 'em coming!!

Much love!

xoxo