We have birth certificates in hand and will be picking up the kids (hopefully) in just a few minutes! I'll stay in Kramatorsk for the weekend as we wait for my POA from Mike to translate (man I'm glad I brought that!) so that we can withdraw the money in the children's government accounts and get it donated to Antoshka (orphanage). Just over $3000 and it will go a LONG way here!
Monday we'll do that then head to Donetsk for passports, then hop the plane to Kiev! Becky Gantenbein (a friend from church who is willing to give up her week, vacation days, and fly around the world for me- WOW!) will be coming over on Monday which means she'll get to me by Tuesday. We'll have the kids' medicals on Tuesday and apply for the Visas. We hope to be on an airplane HOME on Thursday!
The end is near! :)
YEAH!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow - I am sooo very thrilled for you!! Keep telling yourself that - THE END IS VERY NEAR!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You'll have those kiddos home in no time! God is gracious.
ReplyDeleteGina
Wonderful news - you're getting closer!
ReplyDeleteBTW, we also LOVED Celentano's pizza when we were in Mariupol (southern part of Donetsk region).
Praying that all continues to go well :)
LOL would help if I looked at the dates when you post...So wow you might be home next Friday! That is awesome! How exciting...Let me know if you need anything at all when you get back...the girls are off of school the first week of April so if you needed a hand I could come up for a day and help out :)
ReplyDeleteFly papers fly! so you three can fly and Becky too. Know you can't wait to have the kids in your care. It is hard to have to share them with others especially agencies and institutions. I remember. We move Duane tomorrow so all will be around to help when you get to this side of the earth. Prayers for the medical to be easy Love and hugs Mom
ReplyDeleteYeah! Great News! So glad to hear things are starting to move a little faster :) Take care!
ReplyDeleteMandy R. (RR)
How awesome!! I am so excited. Did you have someone check flights on Thursday and Friday to see if there are 2-3 seats available?
ReplyDeleteAmy O.
I'm just a stranger, but have been following your story and am so glad to hear the end is near! I hope you'll continue updating your blog so we can see how those kiddos thrive in your care!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness-you're almost here!!
ReplyDeleteI have chills just thinking that you are getting closer to getting home.Praying all goes well with all the paperwork and connections.I can't wait to see what these kiddos can do once they are home in your loving family.
ReplyDeleteYay yay yay! I just love reading about your kids! I bet you can't wait to get home!
ReplyDeleteKathy P
WHOO-HOO!!! SO close to being HOME with TWO new babes- hugs and continued prayers from us :)
ReplyDeleteIs this called Gotcha day? We're thrilled to hear such fantastic news! Prayers and more prayers!
ReplyDeleteLu (& William)
Isaiah 41:13 My phasing...God is holding your hand and says fear not... Seemed like the right verse.... Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteAMEN.. congrats on the birth certs.. you are ALMOST there!
ReplyDeleteLove and LOTS OF PRAYERS!
Val, Phil, Josh and Trisha
im so excited about this that I had to come back and check to see if there were any new updates. Cant believe you get to come HOME soon!! I sure have missed you, it kinda felt good to know that I could reach you in a minute or two. Guess that'll teach me to be grateful when you get back! Of course, you will have ALL the time in the world for chatting with friends online lol. I can imagine your excitement at getting to hold K&B in your arms again, it must feel like forever. Sigh...so exciting, but Im so impatient! Be safe, keep smiling, and know we love you
ReplyDeleteYeah Meredith! I'm so happy for you and Mike and all of your four babies! Congrats Kristopher, Brianna, Emma and Micah! Cammie
ReplyDeletei cant wait for you to get home!
ReplyDeletei want to see thos o so happy leaving orphange pics!
congrats your a mommy to 4 of the most beautiful kids in the world
I can't believe the end is near!!! I'm so excited to know that you're home with Emma and Micha!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow. You are almost HOME! How amazing it has been to watch your journey and see God's plan unfold before our eyes. Have a safe journey with the babies. Love on K & B for us when you get home! They have all been great through all of this. Much love always!!! Kristen, Scott & Ethan
ReplyDeleteMeredith,
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all the paperwork.Have fun over the weekend with the kids!!! Wish I could be there to help out. See you soon.THE END IS IN SIGHT NOW!
Love,
Mom & Dad Cornish
God bless you all from England UK, following your story, may you bond closer together as a beautiful family knowing the joy of the lord is your strenght every day.
ReplyDeleteSuch fantastic and exciting news! We are so thankful that you will be bringing your new children home. Praying your trip is easy on all of you and Emma gets through it healthy and well.
ReplyDeleteKris and Tom
Meridith,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the end is so near. I know you & Mike have waited so patiently. I know that is hard. Especially knowing you have 2 older children waiting to see their mommy and new brother and new sister come home. Take care and I can't wait for the next update saying you are in Titusville, FL. I can't wait to see your whole family in person. Anyway, take care.
Sherry Kinsey
godspecialblsn@cfl.rr.com
Meridith,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the end is so near. I know you & Mike have waited so patiently. I know that is hard. Especially knowing you have 2 older children waiting to see their mommy and new brother and new sister come home. Take care and I can't wait for the next update saying you are in Titusville, FL. I can't wait to see your whole family in person. Anyway, take care.
Sherry Kinsey
godspecialblsn@cfl.rr.com
I heard you were in Kiev!! yes!!
ReplyDeletebring those babies on home!
Amy O.
Last I heard Meredith is flying home tomorrow with the children.
ReplyDeleteAmy O.
I am so thrilled! You are nearly home! And no the END is not near the BEGINNING is! Praise the Lord!
ReplyDeleteLu and William
I assume everything is a go for you to leave tomorrow (Thursday). Praying for your trip home. You're almost finished with this process!!!
ReplyDeleteGina
I spoke with Meredith a few hours ago by phone, she was packing up. Her dad is with her, they are doing really well. They should be getting on the plane this very minute! 7 am Kiev time. 17 hours from now, after 3 flights, they SHOULD be home. Hopefully the flights will be ok...two little ones!! :)
ReplyDeleteBy now you are on the plane on your way home. I am sure the children are going to be so happy to see you and their new brother and sister. Good luck and can't wait to see updates
ReplyDeleteMeredith, I am so excited for you all! Apparently you should be on the way right now. Not going to be an easy trip with two little ones, but you are almost home!
ReplyDelete--K
This a note from mom...Meredith and Bruce and the kids should land at DC around 8pm and be home by midnight or so. Thanks everyone for your prayers and keep them coming..Marjorie
ReplyDeleteOoh! So you should be landing right about now! I hope that your flights went smoothly!
ReplyDelete