We ended up staying a week longer than expected to allow time to get all of the paperwork together for finalizing the adoption.

During these weeks we would have our normal routine of morning coffee, planning our day, go for a walk, and have lunch at our friend’s restaurant.  After, we would either explore or head back to the hotel for rest and then head over to the orphanage for 4pm.  We spent these days with no translator for the vast majority of the stay which had it’s challenges, but also allowed us to have time alone with the children.

Everyday we would arrive at the orphanage to find Anna and Artem inside in their living area usually watching TV or eating a snack.  No matter what the weather was like, we would head straight outside to play.  They love playing on the swings, and playing sports like soccer, volleyball, and badminton.  We always brought an activity of some sort as well as snacks everyday.  It didn’t take long and they were calling us Mama and Papa and giving us hugs, saying I love you. 

The bonding and attachment was happening quickly.  It felt like speed dating, getting to know each other in a very short period of time and the relationship moving at lightning speed.  Every day we would leave the orphanage at 6pm and walk back to the hotel stopping off at our restaurant for supper first.  This time was spent reflecting on the day, special moments that happened, and looking at the pictures we each took.  The evenings at the hotel were spent calling family and friends back home and updating them of what was happening during our day.  These were incredibly special moments as our family and friends would share encouraging words throughout this entire journey.  We would cherish every word shared with us.

We had a few of the days during our time spent there that we were allowed to take Anna and Artem off of the orphanage grounds.  The first outing we had was about a week after meeting them.  After researching what activities were available for children in the area, we discovered a zoo and a children’s play centre.   We walked over to our restaurant to eat lunch before starting our adventure.  While walking Anna took her jean jacket off as she was getting too hot.  She handed it to Artem, and what happened next floored us.  Artem took her jacket without hesitation, folded it and placed it over his arm.  He carried it proudly for her all the way – so kind and such a gentleman.  While at the restaurant we ate pizza and the children were talking non stop to our server in Ukrainian.  She later shared with us that they were pretty much telling her their whole life story.  Once they finished their meal, they picked up their dishes and started walking to the kitchen!  This is normal practice in the orphanage, nobody is there to clean up after you, you clean up after you finish eating.  One of the cute memories we will hold on to.  The first place we visited after the restaurant was the zoo, but unfortunately, there was not much to see there.  The zoo was more of a game farm, and was pretty run down.  We didn’t stick around long before moving to our next destination, “Children’s world”.  Here they had a whole bunch of children’s activities including a jungle gym, ball pit, zip line, climbing centre, rollerblading, skateboarding, trampolines, and games like air hockey.  Anna and Artem both tried rollerblading and loved it.  For Artem it was his second time, but for Anna it was her first time.  She was determined to figure it out, never giving up.  Falling lots, but not afraid of getting hurt.  After lots of falling, she finally figured it out and was skating with confidence near the end.  Both of them continue to show their athleticism which is so great to see!

Another outing we had was to meet Anna and Artem’s Grandmother.  We were fortunate to have our translator with us this day.  This was a definite highlight for us as she shared pictures of Anna and Artem when they were younger and pictures of their beautiful Mother who has since passed away.  Their grandmother was so sweet and kind to us showing her full acceptance of us adopting Anna and Artem.  We will continue to stay in contact with her as she is a special part of Anna and Artem and now our lives too.

On one of our last days in Khmelnytskyi, we took Anna and Artem out for the day.  Our facilitator Inna arranged to have Dima the director’s son take us to a local mall to shop for Anna’s and Artem’s new outfits to wear for their upcoming court appointment.  This was a special time, so fun seeing them pick clothes out and try them on.  Artem found his outfit right away, but we visited several stores before finding Anna’s perfect outfit.   And guess who picked it out for her?  Artem!  He is so sweet to his sister, acts like a gentleman and truly cares for her wellbeing.  It so beautiful to see the close relationship they have with one another.  Here they both are posing in their new outfits.