Friday, June 18, 2010

The Sweetest Meeting


As we anxiously waited for our facilitator to pick us up, many thoughts ran through our minds. It was exciting to imagine how things would unfold in the next hour or two. As we drove toward the small village town where Anastasia and Pavel's Internat is, the road was lined with the most beautiful, lush trees. It really felt like we were traveling to another world.... a remote and special place where we would soon meet our children. It seemed like we traveled this road for a long time but little by little we began to see signs of civilization... we knew the Internat was just up the road. John asked our facilitator to tell us as soon as he saw the Internat... which he did... and of course our hearts began to beat excitedly.

From the road, we were only 30 feet away from the building, but the entrance was clear around the other side. We felt--- so close.... yet so far.

As soon as the building was in sight, so were kids..... everywhere. Kids sitting on the front steps. Kids were scattered in the surrounding fields, sitting in groups, running around. We thought there was a chance we would spot A and P, but we were led inside quickly and they left to get the director. We sat with her for a while as she "drilled" us with questions. Within 10 minutes, we were informed that she liked us just as she began to tell us about Anastasia and Paul.

"Nastya is a sweet girl... always singing... always happy. Very smart, such a wonderful girl. Pasha is a good boy. Does well in school. They know each other and love each other very much. They are calm and they are two of my favorites. Why can't the SDA refer the children who are trouble makers-- LOL?"

It was wonderful to hear her praise-- and it made us all the more anxious to meet the kids. We were led into another room where the inspector went over their social history. None of that really mattered to us.... we just wanted to get to the point where we could meet A and P.

When it was time they told us that they were going to get the kids, Rachel and Caleb got the cameras ready.

It happened all so fast.

A and P walked in together--- looking so sweet and shy. They are beautiful! Both had on little hats, Nastya's long braids pulled to the front over her shoulders. Both have a cute little way of shyly smiling.

Formal introductions were followed with hugs. No questions asked... we already feel like they are ours! We played with punching balls and overloaded them with candy. Pasha does not care for seputchkas, but he enjoyed the fruit snacks and shared them with all of us. Both of the kids are interactive, respectful, patient, and have such an innocent quality about them. They may be 9 and 11 but they are so much younger in many ways. It will be a joy to introduce them to family life!

The inspector talked to them about being adopted and both are thrilled---- especially knowing that many siblings await them at home. We are hoping to have court at the end of next week--- so please pray that our paperwork is finalized in order for this to happen.

Praise be be to God--- Anastasia and Pavel are everything we imagined and so much more!

37 comments:

HomoHausfrau said...

Ahh! SO happy for you guys!

I can't wait to see photos!

Lisa said...

Praying for God's to move things that you need moved in order for these adoptions to move quickly.

Jeff and Sheila said...

I've been following your blog. I got chills reading this and almost started to cry. Congrats to you and your family. I can't wait to be where you are...only a couple more months I think.
Praying for God's hand on your journey and the kids transition into your family.
Sheila and Jeff

Sarah Lynn said...

So exciting!

Anonymous said...

Wow! SO amazing and I can't even imagine the emotions going on!!!! I'm emotional and i'm not even there! ;) haha Well have the best time and I hope the time goes swiftly so they can meet the rest of their beautiful family back at home!! YAYAYAYAY! :) xo
Lin

Anonymous said...

Tears in my eyes, Christine.

I am so happy for all the Reeds, including their newest additions.

Sara P.

The McEacherns said...

Glad that first meeting went so well. I know ours felt so awkward to me. Then again, you've done this a few times now! :)

Anonymous said...

paul, pavel, pasha? What is his name? Congrats, an exciting time in your life!

Mary said...

SO happy for you guys!!!!!!! I'm glad that the meeting went so well and that they seem to be fitting right in to your family!

Re: Anonymous (and correct me if I'm wrong, Christine) Pavel is the Ukrainian version of his name, Paul is the Anglicized version, and Pasha is the nickname most typically used with Pavel in Ukraine (kind of like how we shorten Thomas to Tom here in the U.S.).

Molly said...

Woohoo! cutie pies! I love how the boys look alike and the girls look alike

kharms80 said...

So glad you finally got to meet them. That is so exciting!

Doorless said...

I am so happy for all of you will pray all the papers are in order. Enjoy!

The Robins' Nest said...

What a wonderful story of your meeting. Oh so happy for you and your family!

Annie said...

I am so happy for you Christine. They sound wonderful and are fortunate children. As far as I can see they DO look like Reeds, though of course I'm considering Rachel a Reed through and through.

Renata said...

This is so exciting! Praying for you guys!
God bless you
Renata:)

deb said...

*chills, and wiping tears*
Christine, I am so thrilled for all of you- especially for Anastasia and Paul.
God is so good- continuing prayers for all of you.
Blessings-
Deb

Kevin and Pam said...

Oh I remember the excited of that meeting! They are beautiful from what I can see in the picture. Can't wait to see more of them. What a blessing that things seem to be going so quickly and smoothly for you so far.

Mellimaus said...

That is so exciting-congratulations on meeting them! how cool! Can't wait to see photos...just wondered, how did you find out about them?

Sally-Girl! said...

So very happy for you!!! Can't wait to see photos!!! They sound amazing and perfect for the Reed Family!!!

Bringing Home Sasha said...

oh, I can't stop crying!!! I can remember pulling down the long driveway to our orphanage, I almost got out of the taxi and ran:) of course we knew the child we were adopting and had been waiting for that reunion for 10 months. So happy for you guys, praying that court will come quickly:)

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

Praising God!!! We will be praying that all that is necessary to get you home quick- will happen. that things will continue to go well, and they will accept your love for them. :)

Kelly said...

I guess i was not the only one who noticed that Nastya and Rachel have the same coloring and so do the boys. So cute!! Can you believe that I am not camping during your adoptions this time? You beat me!! I am enjoying this trip (yours) from the comfort of my own home!! God Bless and keep the pics coming!!
xoxox,
Kelly

Michelle said...

i KNEW they'd be calling her Nastia!

is that what you'll call her as well, or her full name? too many "anna" names in your house! :-P

glad all went well... can't wait to follow along on your journey yet again!!!!!!!!!!!

- michelle

Amy...who wanted 4. said...

Awesome post!!! :-)

Chelley said...

wow they really look like the FIT in already!! hehehe

prayers that all will go fast and you will all be home soon

Anonymous said...

Great smile on your husbands face, tells it all. Congratulations to your newest family members. They and you are very lucky.

:)De said...

I have to admit... I am so excited for you you all as you experience this new adventure that I have read this post about 3 times, grinning the whole time. Can't wait for pictures.

Peace

Kathy Cassel said...

Yay. I"m so excited for you.

Kevin and Pam said...

Nastia looks alot like the little girl we went to adopt and couldn't get from the side view. She had dark hair and brades like that too. So cute!

Tony and Dawn said...

I know in our last adoption we were travelling back to town on day 3 and our social worker turned to us and said (very stern and very Russian like), "Tomorrow very important day - you decide if you want children and sign papers." I told her we could have done that the first day at the MOE because I knew before I met them that they were ours. She gave me the oddest look! God bless and we are praying for safe travels!!

Carey and Norman said...

Congratulations! We couldn't be more excited for you and your family. I'm so thankful that Anastasia and Pavel are excited about moving to America too! God is Good!

Cath said...

What a wonderful meeting! I am so excited for all of you! Here I had imagined both kids to have dark hair for some reason (Shrug) and Pavel is blonde as can be. Nice teaser pic BTW. :) Thanks for posting! Thinking and praying for you all here!

Catherine

Cindi Campbell said...

So happy for you guys and the children getting a fabulous new life! God is GOOD!

Anonymous said...

That is so cool mom and dad!!!!
I am so glad that you got to meet them and i can not wait to see more photos of them!!!!Another thing plz tell dad to turn on his phone. his mail box is ful and we can not even send messages.
love
Annalyn

Anonymous said...

i miss you so much please tell dad to pick up his phone and erase some of his messages.
love,
anna.

Anonymous said...

Paval is the proper Russian (slavic) name for Paul. Pasha is a child's name for Paul. I can see him being called Pasha for now.

Mom V.

Kelli said...

you cant wait to introduce them to family life. hehe, they are going to have so much fun in your family. and thats an understatement