Sunday, June 13, 2010

Joseph - Day 3

We had another GREAT day with Joseph! We are so ready to just get through the process and get him home. Unfortunately, we are just barely getting started and this will most likely be a very lengthy process. The region he is in is right here in Kiev, one of the least adoption friendly regions in Ukraine. The process will take about 6-8 weeks if we are really lucky. :(

In the meantime we will visit him at the orphanage every day, and jump through all the hoops they want us to jump through to get this deserving boy home into our family.

We are both in awe how different this adoption process is from last. Ava's was so fast, only 2 1/2 weeks from start to finish. We keep marveling at this orphanage and how well cared for the children are. It is wonderful to see even the handicapped children out playing with the healthy children. Would you believe, when we handed Joseph a pen and paper, he clicked it open, turned it the right way, gripped it and started to scribble! Obviously someone has taught him this. :)
















He is fascinated with the camera case. He tries to zip and unzip it, and checks inside. Today he put the strap over his shoulder and started heading to the orphanage gate. He kept turning around and motioning for me to "Come" with him. As if to say, "Come on-Let's blow this joint!"

I followed him, snapping photos of him. Surely the gate to the orphanage would be locked, right? Wrong. Somehow he managed to open the latch and run out, and before I could stop him he had escaped! Man, I don't think I've ever run so fast! 

I used to lie in bed at night imagining what it would be like to hold him and rock him to sleep. Now I lie in bed imagining how I'm going to catch him if he runs off in the airport on our way home! Yikes.








14 comments:

Julia said...

He is BEYOND precious! Get your running shoes on!

Alice said...

I'd order one of those harness/leash things from the internet. They might look awful, but you wouldn't have to worry.

Lisa said...

These pictures are so great! Looks like you might want to place an order for some new running shoes, too :).

Lisa (DanielsMommy) said...

Oh I have a runner too!! I am really enjoying logging on everday and seeing new pics of this precious little guy!! MY BIL is middle eastern and I really can see it in Joseph. I LOVE it :).

MoonDog said...

just give him something full of zippers and put little surprises behind the zippers. that will keep him busy at the airport! will miss you this week!! see you in a couple days!!

MoonDog said...

ps the modem doesnt work, it needs a sim card and they didnt sell us that!

Kelly said...

Love him! :). I will be praying things move along quicker than anticipated!!!

Kristin Ferguson said...

Wow! I had no idea Kiev was such a tough region. I'll be praying that you guys can hang in there for the long haul. He is so worth it as you already know!

We tried bubbles with Nadia but she wasn't all that into it so we gave all 6 containers to the groupa to use.

Kristin

Anonymous said...

This is what we use:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Goldbug-2-in-1-Monkey-Child-Safety-Harness/4532497

Jan

markay714 said...

You SHOULD prepare for the running off possibility. Daniel did that in Kursk the day I picked him up.... on the third floor of this mall at the food court. Not a soul helped! And, it was a challenge because I do have a fake knee! Alas, all was fine, so don't worry too much. Life is fun with an active one!!!!

Larsen Family said...

I pray it doesn't take that long, and that God will move any mountain in your way. I pray that the God who put this adoption in motion will be glorified by it's outcome. May you enjoy every minute with him. :)

We get to meet our daughter in 1 hour and 15 minutes; but who's counting.

Amy said...

A beautiful and lucky little boy is finally in his forever family's arms! Praying for you my friends that things speed up a bit for you so you can bring him home!

Hugs to all three of you!

Janell & Kenny said...

Ok Charissa I have a question regarding Joseph's attire...is he wearing his whitie tighties? Is that how the orphanage sends him out??? Just had to ask. Waiting for your response. Janell

the Gower Fam said...

I love all the pics & stories... I have been following your blog for a while now but gotten way behind in reading everythign cause we've been so wrapped up in getting everything ready to go and adopt Mina through RR from orphanage 26. So now I am reading back through playing catch up :) I am so happy for you all!!