Adoption update:

There has been lots of interest in our adoption of 9 year old Dema from the Ukraine, so we will take a little time each week to keep you updated on our progress.  This week we decided that we will set our goal for the first trip to the Ukraine December 26, 27, or 28th--so long as we can raise the money to complete the process.  This trip will require a 21 day stay for both of us where we will complete the required paperwork and make our court appearances.  Then, one of us (me) will either return home for 7 days, and go back for 8-10 more days and bring Dema home, or I will just stay for an additional 17 days.  As it stands right now, I may stay...it looks like it would save some $$$ vs. the round trip air fare.  Besides, with the kitchen being the major part of our winter markets, you probably wouldn't be too pleased with my creations!

This weeks efforts include;  asking for letters of reference that will be presented in the Ukraine gathering and photocopying the personal documents that are required by The Hague.  We have also applied for our passports, and Wednesday we will head out to be fingerprinted for an interpool and FBI criminal background check.  Finally, Saturday we will have a social worker here to complete the first of 4 required home studies.

This will be a long tough process, but the efforts will be well worth it!!  We'll keep you up to date as we proceed.