We have made progress and can share some good news....Nikolas has been released from the 'hospital' AND we received the signed separation documents from the local government where Nikolas was born!!!!!
This was a huge milestone to overcome. Many thanks to all of you for your prayers!!!!

Before yesterday, we were struggling a bit with the emotions of all three kids. (plus ours) On the Nikolas front, we were getting very angry, not only because he was in the 'hospital' and no one could explain what, if anything, was being done, but he had not showered or changed clothing (this was day 7). I know everyone reading this is bewildered (as were we). How can a hospital allow patients to go without bathing, etc? What we began to understand through discussions with our facilitator is how economically challenged this country is...the country debt is so extreme the goverment controls the power in an effort to conserve. Therefore, the hospital does not have the means to generate hot or even warm enough water on a daily basis to allow for patients to shower. (Even if this was possible, the building and plumbing may literally be pre-war.) Obviously, this is hard for us to understand, but it also explains why things are so dark here at night. The street lights are very dim and typically, there are no lights in the stairwells in any buildings. One good thing that is very apparent, is that Ukraine must have the world's greatest mechanics....I have never seen so many older cars on the road and being used daily. I will post a few pics soon...the abulances remind me of something you would see on M.A.S.H.

Back to Nikolas: Our facilitator made arrangements for us to take him out of the hospital for a few hours. We took him back to our apartment for a hot shower, clean clothes and a welcomed meal of meatballs. He was so happy and thankful, he cried when we had to return to the hospital. The tears were flowing and it took everything we had to keep from a river developing from our eyes, too. He kept saying he was ready to go to America and go home! Again, we are very thankful for everyone's prayers as they got us through this emotional time.

Next, we were questioned again by Svitlana. She seems to have a legitimate fear of being left behind. I think it stems from the fact that she is already 16 and knows one element of the law which states she is now of age to not be eligible for adoption. We have tried to explain, as has our facilitator, that because we are also adopting her younger sibling, her adoption is legal.(I think the roadblocks we have incurred with Nikolas have become, in her mind, reminders that nothing is final until the court hearing.) In an effort to lift her spirits, we took her bowling on Sunday. The bowling alley was very American. (Brunswick lanes) Unfortunately, the American music videos playing overhead were not sensored. I learned the true words to many songs. Hopefully, she did not understand all the bad words! In the end, what matters to her is the court date.

Later, we met up with our newest friends, Tamara and Derek, for a round of chaos at the orphanage. (The are from San Antonio and are here to adopt two boys who are absolutely adorable!) Kevin and Derek were the catalysts to all the happy yells and fun that evening. We had our kids and many others involved in the fun. (Of course, Tamara and I had to corral them every now and then...especially when an Italian family appeared and seems to be shocked with our loud following.)  When it was time to leave, Kateryna cried and had to be pulled from my arms.

Saturday evening, we were invited to dine with Alla and her mother at her mother's home. Although there was eight of us, she cooked for an army! Check out the many authentic Ukrainian dishes on the table...this feast was full of additions. About every five minutes, Alla or her mother would jump up from the table and bring over another dish and say "Try this!" (This was alternated by her mother reminding Kevin and Derek that real men drink Vodka...how could they say no to the hostess?)  When is was time loosen our pants, it was time for dessert! She said she made a cake, but in reality she made a cake and about six other desserts!Not only will I never forget the food as it was good, I will never forget the company. Alla and her mother are so enveloped with love for the children, their adoption must be bittersweet. We were told over and over again that night how wonderful Sveta is and how lucky we are to have her as a daughter. As the evening came to a close, I told Alla's mother that it was her turn to be treated to authentic local cuisine in Texas and that she should accompany Alla on the next hosting trip. I told her that if she didn't make it for a host trip, she is expected to come to America for Svitlana's wedding! Kevin immediately chimed in with "well, that's not going to be for at least 15 years, so you should plan to join Alla on a hosting trip!!!" As we all laughed, we toasted and raised our glasses (yet again!) to our new family and friends.