I made it home by way of Amsterdam and Detroit. I was lucky to get in to Detroit earlier than expected and therefore was able to catch an earlier flight home to Norfolk, but just barely. Running to catch the flight after clearing customs did not give me time to call home, so I just grabbed a cab in Norfolk and surprised everyone by walking in 4 + hours early.
It is very bittersweet though, leaving the girls behind. Before I left Kiev, I booked their flights home for November 17th. They will be flying on Aeroflot (Russian Airlines) by way of Moscow to Dulles and then home at 6:15pm. Liberation day from the orphanage will be monday night November 7th. I am very sad not to be there to enjoy Inna and Rada's reaction to experiencing their freedom. I am sure that it will be bittersweet in leaving their friends and teachers behind. I was able to witness the joy of liberation day travelling with Emily and Jack back to Kiev. Emily could not stop smiling and laughing, freedom and going home were so exciting she never slept a wink the whole night.
Cari told me that her time with the girls yesterday was wonderful again. Inna brought by more of her friends that Cari had not yet met and they did some crafts together. Cari said that Rada informed her that she prefers to be called by her middle name Arrianne (she pronounces it Arianna). Her friends were calling her "Arianna" right away after she chose her middle name. She has not stopped beaming about having a family and belonging forever to us. She has so many wonderful first experiences ahead of her. She has never flown before, never been to Sevestopal, or spent thanksgiving with a big family. Eventhough Inna has been to our home and traveled to Kiev at that time, she also will have so many great firsts to come. Anya will be coming in from Kiev today (Sunday) and so that gives me comfort knowing that Cari will not be alone for the rest of the trip. Anya is such a dynamo and really loves the kids.
Arriving home, I could not help but reflect on the many kids who remain behind who so deserve homes. As you all know from our posts we had to make a gut wrenching choice between Ola and Rada. I take comfort knowing that there is a family in New York who is hosting her for Christmas and I understand is thinking very strongly to adopt her. If our paperwork had allowed it we would have adopted Ola and Rada both as well as Inna but alas, it was not to be. Ola is such a wonderful little gal. Of course had we chosen Ola right now I would be sad for Rada also, but God is in control. Rada is my girl. She loves having a "poppa," not that Inna doesn't also, but Rada has instantly become a Daddy's girl. Man do I miss them, and I can't wait for all of you to meet them when they come home.
Today I feel very grateful to have two new and wonderful daughters in my family, grateful for wonderful boys in Garrett and Jake who both really "manned up," while we were gone taking added responsibilities and behaving extraordinarily well. Carolyn and Wiley were very pleased with them both. We are so grateful to Wiley and Carolyn Smith for being at home and watching over Garrett and Jake, house and home. We never worried a minute with the comfort of knowing they were manning the homefront. I also feel enormous gratitude for my coworkers who made it possible for me to spend the unexpected extra time needed to bring our daughters home, and for all of you who have prayed for us through this fantastic journey of faith. Truly a life-changing experience.
Blessing,
Ray
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