This and That

I survived my first day alone in Ukraine just fine. I didn’t even get lost which will surprise Brad since he has led me around like a guide dog for almost 6 weeks. I must have been paying some attention to where we were going because I had no trouble finding the UYM (pronounced Soom). It is a big department store that is more reasonably priced than most of the shops downtown. I have been dying to shop the open markets, but have not had much chance. I am planning on going with Irina on Monday to get some things for the boys and do a little shopping before we pick up Cody. Yesterday I set up a roll away bed and cleaned up the enclosed balcony to use as a little play area.
Last night my daughter informed me that I need to proof read my blog posts before I publish them. Since that probably isn’t going to happen as my internet time is limited, I apologize for all past and future typos and mistakes. Soon the postings on my blog will be perfect in grammar, spelling, and content, since my critic and biggest supporter will take over my updating once I have Cody with me. Anne is my 23 year old daughter that is a student in the speech pathology masters program at University of Iowa. She also does respite care and helps with children with a variety of diagnosis including autism, Down syndrome, and CP. She loves the kids she works with and is VERY excited for our boys to come home.
I have given a lot of thought about whether or not to discuss our grievances with how our adoption was handled. It has been said and is very true that once we have the boys the “labor pains” will be forgotten. Before that happens I do think I should say a few things to the benefit of future adopters. First of all, AAC has been used to the satisfaction of many others, and if succeeding in adopting is the only importance so has it been for us. I do think that there should be more to it than that, considering these people are hired by us and are taking on something that each of us invest blood, sweat, and tears, prayers, and love into. I think we deserve to be served with efficiency, honesty, and consideration and that is where the ball was dropped for us. There was NO good reason for us not to be able locate so we could visit with Cody, as is usual, for at least part of the time. We were not always told the truth and the lack of trust this caused, caused some panic and angry moments. We were not provided consistent qualified help when it was needed and to be expected. We were not given the consideration of being kept informed. This being said, I think our case was the exception not the rule. I do think it would be wise for others to be very clear on the service you expect and to not front all your payment. I would suggest half on arrival and half after the court date.
While the orphanages we adopted from were not used to doing adoptions, they were accepting and helpful. They had no problem with visitation, Obviously, Ladyzhin is a terrible place and I am not sure how reform can happen there. It is certainly something I will be putting a lot of thought and future work into.
Enough said, now onto the really good part. It has been quite a year, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything I am a very blessed and thankful woman.