They are ours!! We now have a Hood family of 6!
What an emotional day!! There are not many days in my life that I remember being as emotional as this one. Our court hearing began at 11:30, recessed for lunch and then concluded at 4:30 today. We were asked several questions about various parts of our lives by the judge, jurors, and prosecutor. The orphanage social worker and psychologist were also asked several questions. After much tedious review and a 20 minute decision recess, the judge announced that the state of Ukraine had granted us our four children! (We knew they were already ours-they always would have been no matter what the ruling was!)
We met with #1 and #2 today after court to tell them the good news. They were very excited and are THRILLED about coming to America. #2 began clapping and smiling and #1 began thinking and asking questions. The first question was "Do you have any other children?". What a great question-we had never told them that we did not have children. We also told them that in 11 days we will arrive to pick them up and that they will stay with us forever. We will never have to kiss them and leave them at the end of the day again. Both children are excited about flying on an airplane for the first time and even mentioned that they would have to sit down and buckle their seat belts.
Amanda
God is good. If there was anyone that did not deserve this blessing, it is me. God's grace is sufficient. At the moment, I am overwhelmed that we have been granted the right to adopt these wonderful children. During the court hearing, we heard a letter that the oldest hand wrote. Between tears, I heard this: "I like them very much and I would like to have a home with them and my sister and two brothers..." . At that point, I become teary eyed and for the first time understood that the toughest of the kids may love her new parents. Later when the ruling was read, the end of a long emotional process had culminated with the words -- Approved.
We told the two older ones after the hearing. Our translator, told the oldest to come inside for some news. She asked if the news was bad. Probably due to the fact that we did not see them at the normal times and were dressed up. We told them that they would be ours for the rest of their life after 11 days. They were excited.
She did not quite understand why we had to leave. I explained to her that for the next 10 days that we have certain times that we can visit. I kissed her and hugged her. She said, "why do you kiss and hug me if you are going to leave. I explained to her that it is temporary and that once this time is finished, she can keep the clothes that we bought and be with us everyday. She said, "you mean the one's mama gave me?"
The next kiss and hug was received and returned. End of a great day
Jerry
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
THE PROCESS
We have had lots of questions about what happens during the process from here on. We do have a court date tomorrow! We are very excited and pray that things go well. If so, we have a mandatory 10 day waiting period that will begin on Saturday. On the eleventh day, the children will officially be ours. In the meantime, we will continue to visit at the orphanage twice per day. After the children are officially ours, we will pick them up and begin applying for birth certificates and passports. Some of this process involves traveling to the capital city of the region. We will then travel back to Kiev to have medical exams and visit the US Embassy for some final paperwork. We will be busy trying to find a flight with six open seats at the last minute (ugh!)
That is a lot of traveling for new parents with four children!! I am sure that it will be a fitting end to our adventurous journey. In the meantime, we just need to get through our court date. We are not nervous because we believe that we are meant to adopt these children. We just have to convey that to the judge!
Our Israeli friends are leaving tomorrow with their new daughter. We had the opportunity to spend some time with them tonight before they leave. Their story is very similar to ours. It is amazing how people from all over the world can meet in a strange country and and bond instantly. We learned a lot about their culture and hope that one day we will get to see them again!!
Thank you to everyone who has encouraged us!! We love reading the posts and hope that we continue to make progress. Scott- Congratualtions on your adoption from Ukraine! We would love to chat. We have A LOT in common!! We are ready to come home but know that we have a long way to go. Regardless, it is all worth it!
Amanda
That is a lot of traveling for new parents with four children!! I am sure that it will be a fitting end to our adventurous journey. In the meantime, we just need to get through our court date. We are not nervous because we believe that we are meant to adopt these children. We just have to convey that to the judge!
Our Israeli friends are leaving tomorrow with their new daughter. We had the opportunity to spend some time with them tonight before they leave. Their story is very similar to ours. It is amazing how people from all over the world can meet in a strange country and and bond instantly. We learned a lot about their culture and hope that one day we will get to see them again!!
Thank you to everyone who has encouraged us!! We love reading the posts and hope that we continue to make progress. Scott- Congratualtions on your adoption from Ukraine! We would love to chat. We have A LOT in common!! We are ready to come home but know that we have a long way to go. Regardless, it is all worth it!
Amanda
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Court Date
Hello from Ukraine!
We wanted to let everyone know that we anticipate our court date being this Friday (Praise the Lord!!) There are several things that have to fall into place for that to happen. We are waiting on a few key documents that will be needed for the hearing to take place. Please pray that everyting falls into place, our court date occurs on Friday and that things go smoothly. We are ready for things to progress so that we can be closer to a return date.
The children are wonderful and and Jerry and I are working on learning some Russian as I type. We had learned some Ukrianian before we left, but in our region, Russian is the dominant language. Therefore, Jerry and I will now know how to get around in several countries! We simply need to know some words so that the older two children can "get the point" when we are talking. They are doing very well and are trying to pick up some English words. They have also learned to write all of our names in English! We can also write them and they recognize whose name belongs to who. #2 became quite curious about our names this week. Instead of just being Mama and Papa, they wanted to know our actual names. We took them up on this opportunity and taught them our names in English, along with their new last name. It is a great thing that Hood is so easy to spell! They have that down pat! #3 and #4 are both picking up on some English words very quickly. It is always fun to hear them imitate us with a southern accent. We were showing them some pictures the other day, and #3 popped out the word "uncle" in true southern fashion. It sounded so out of place-it was hysterical!
All in all, things are well and we are anxious to take the next step. The children feel like ours-good and bad! We can not imagine our lives without them now. As hard as it is to be away from home, it is all worth it when they are sitting in your lap and simply kiss just because they love you.
Amanda
We wanted to let everyone know that we anticipate our court date being this Friday (Praise the Lord!!) There are several things that have to fall into place for that to happen. We are waiting on a few key documents that will be needed for the hearing to take place. Please pray that everyting falls into place, our court date occurs on Friday and that things go smoothly. We are ready for things to progress so that we can be closer to a return date.
The children are wonderful and and Jerry and I are working on learning some Russian as I type. We had learned some Ukrianian before we left, but in our region, Russian is the dominant language. Therefore, Jerry and I will now know how to get around in several countries! We simply need to know some words so that the older two children can "get the point" when we are talking. They are doing very well and are trying to pick up some English words. They have also learned to write all of our names in English! We can also write them and they recognize whose name belongs to who. #2 became quite curious about our names this week. Instead of just being Mama and Papa, they wanted to know our actual names. We took them up on this opportunity and taught them our names in English, along with their new last name. It is a great thing that Hood is so easy to spell! They have that down pat! #3 and #4 are both picking up on some English words very quickly. It is always fun to hear them imitate us with a southern accent. We were showing them some pictures the other day, and #3 popped out the word "uncle" in true southern fashion. It sounded so out of place-it was hysterical!
All in all, things are well and we are anxious to take the next step. The children feel like ours-good and bad! We can not imagine our lives without them now. As hard as it is to be away from home, it is all worth it when they are sitting in your lap and simply kiss just because they love you.
Amanda
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Lessons in Parenthood
Today I was taught a lesson in fatherhood. About halfway through the four hour morning visit, #3 had to go pee (my part of teaching English). This falls in Papa's hands. We do our business and return to play with the other five members of our family. It had to be anywhere between 20 and 30 seconds, #3 has to go again. {sidebar - papa has not covered the English word for doing poopie). He pulls down the pants and up on the pot he goes. No paper. Papa yells for wipes from Mama. A few minutes later we are washing our hands and returning to the crew. Then #2 has to go. Papa's job again.
Now some background, I have allowed the two oldest to listen to Mama and Papa's IPOD if they behave and are nice to the younger ones. #2 has an IPOD and we go to the bathroom. IPOD is attached to the pocket on the pants. Pants lowered. Ear phones fall out of ears and INTO THE TOILET. Now papa reaches to catch earphones. {At this point remember #3's adventures}
Papa pulls out headphones and they got stuck under the rim. #2 is dying laughing.
Lesson: Never get caught listening to Bon Jovi with your pants down.
Lesson #1 of many.
A thought: When you look into the eyes of the children here, you immediately realize that our lives must be lived to serve others. OM players, hug the significant male and female adult in your life and say thank you. -------------J (Hey Sela!)
Bubbles, balls, Cheerios, juice, music, yogurt, and anything with flashing lights and noise-These are a few of our favorite things!! (Kids can consume juice, Cheerios, and yogurt in massive quantities!) We are tired but are having a great time! I have never been so sore in my life! I am hurting in places that I never knew I had! Jerry and I tackled all four children yesterday and today! We would have made you proud! There are moments that we are feel like we are coralling children, but they are really doing wonderful! At least we know that we can do it. Traveling will be another issue.
We leave everyday feeling like we had some successes and discussing what we can do differently tomorrow. It gives a whole new meaning to the word TEAM. Once thing is for sure, everyone will know when the Hoods are around. We are loud, spontaneous, and big in numbers. All of the other adoptive parents are playing with their one child and they are quite and calm. And then there is the Hood family. There is no telling how it looks from the outside- to me, it is controlled chaos!! Everyday we make new discoveries and have new breakthroughs. There is no doubt in my mind that this is what Jerry and I were being prepared for. The children have wonderful personalities and each of them is very different. I feel like we are discovering a treasure every day!
We will find out about our court date tomorrow. Ukraine clebrates Easter, in addition to another holiday, the end of April and beginning of May. We REALLY do not need to get caught up in this delay. Please pray for a speedy court date!!
Love to you all!
Amanda
Now some background, I have allowed the two oldest to listen to Mama and Papa's IPOD if they behave and are nice to the younger ones. #2 has an IPOD and we go to the bathroom. IPOD is attached to the pocket on the pants. Pants lowered. Ear phones fall out of ears and INTO THE TOILET. Now papa reaches to catch earphones. {At this point remember #3's adventures}
Papa pulls out headphones and they got stuck under the rim. #2 is dying laughing.
Lesson: Never get caught listening to Bon Jovi with your pants down.
Lesson #1 of many.
A thought: When you look into the eyes of the children here, you immediately realize that our lives must be lived to serve others. OM players, hug the significant male and female adult in your life and say thank you. -------------J (Hey Sela!)
Bubbles, balls, Cheerios, juice, music, yogurt, and anything with flashing lights and noise-These are a few of our favorite things!! (Kids can consume juice, Cheerios, and yogurt in massive quantities!) We are tired but are having a great time! I have never been so sore in my life! I am hurting in places that I never knew I had! Jerry and I tackled all four children yesterday and today! We would have made you proud! There are moments that we are feel like we are coralling children, but they are really doing wonderful! At least we know that we can do it. Traveling will be another issue.
We leave everyday feeling like we had some successes and discussing what we can do differently tomorrow. It gives a whole new meaning to the word TEAM. Once thing is for sure, everyone will know when the Hoods are around. We are loud, spontaneous, and big in numbers. All of the other adoptive parents are playing with their one child and they are quite and calm. And then there is the Hood family. There is no telling how it looks from the outside- to me, it is controlled chaos!! Everyday we make new discoveries and have new breakthroughs. There is no doubt in my mind that this is what Jerry and I were being prepared for. The children have wonderful personalities and each of them is very different. I feel like we are discovering a treasure every day!
We will find out about our court date tomorrow. Ukraine clebrates Easter, in addition to another holiday, the end of April and beginning of May. We REALLY do not need to get caught up in this delay. Please pray for a speedy court date!!
Love to you all!
Amanda
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Ode to Many
Greetings from sunny Ukraine. I know a lot of you would like some pics on the post, however, we must wait until later in the process. We visited the orphanage today, as usual, and had a great time. It is really hard to believe that we have only known them for five days. When we get home, I will share the extraordinary feelings that you go through trying to get to know your children in this way. It will bring you to your knees. (Mostly because they don't know where to aim the ball when they throw) I wanted to stop and thank some of you for your posts. I am sure that I will leave out many, but please know that Amanda and I read them everyday. It warms our heart.
Tip of the Day for International Adopters: Your new children will learn to say Please and Thank You very quickly. Please means I get a Cherrio and Thank You means that I will get another because you crazy Americans are proud of me for saying three words.
Cara - PAP, Hang in there, you will be here at the right time.
Kea - ROL update tomorrow. Hey to Kylie
Lee - That delicious crispy smell is a little bit of Shake and a little bit of Bake
Dana - E-mail me, check with Ron or Steve
Steve - Where have you been, get back on line
Shirley - The babies will fill the house and the yard
The Bucks - You are a great example.
Mel & Jason & Grant - Go Get Them! Your friends have become our friends. We miss you
Katie - Amanda remembers and is proud that you are a teacher.
Meadowbrook Baptist - We can't wait to get home. Please block off a whole section.
Bro. Ron - Will need your help on the sidelines this fall.
Grandparents - Babuska's and Daibuska's - You will love these kids.
The Bush's - You are so sweet to my family. You encourage us with your words and actions.
Ron, Jan, Savannah - God is Cool ! next time we pray for, be specific with numbers.
Leah & Brenda - Keep Wanda calm.
June Calame aka Grandmother - Can't wait to see you.
Jeremy, Christie and Caroline - We need strategies.
The Whitfields - Your posts are so encouraging. Thanks for trying to help us. Will know more
soon.
Alpha Gam Girls - Amanda has a plan everyday. Did you guys know this before we married?
Number 1 is just like her.
Uncle John's Family - Glad that Christmas is at your house this year. Get ready Aunt Janet.
Kelley and JT - Get Martha to give you my e-mail.
Sharon - I love you. Hey to DRE
Faulkners- Keep the posts and prayers coming.
James & Suzanne - James - now I know how nervous you were when you married Amanda and
I. Suzanne - GO EAGLES! Thanks for the church update.
The Huckabees- They are a different four. Keep the faith.
Kim - Your words always touch my heart. See you on Thursdays this fall.
George, Jay,Whit, and JB - Your e-mails are very important to me . Keep them coming and keep
me up to date. I miss you guys.
OM Football Players - The coaches are reporting great things. Build the Family. FINISH. I can't
wait to see you again. Let me hear from you sometime.
Coaches - Thanks for everything that you are doing. We need to start a daycare.
Martha - Thanks for the talks. Please update babysitting license.
Randolph - Have fun at the Master's
Big Lee - One has hunter written all over him.
OM Family - You are the best.
SP Family - Glad you made it through one visit. Keep up the good work and hang in there.
Scott - Oreo's are on the agenda.
Ron G. - I know you know
Andy and Terri - Yours will be soon. Thanks for the calls. Amanda says get ready, you will be
sore.
Mark and DJ - Go dawgs!
Helena & Christy - Keep James straight.
James - We love and miss you. What did you decide? Get the grades right.
Sholmi & Nama - Our new Isreali friends - She is a beautiful princess.
I know I have missed many. Please know that Amanda and I love you and miss you.
Tip of the Day for International Adopters: Your new children will learn to say Please and Thank You very quickly. Please means I get a Cherrio and Thank You means that I will get another because you crazy Americans are proud of me for saying three words.
Cara - PAP, Hang in there, you will be here at the right time.
Kea - ROL update tomorrow. Hey to Kylie
Lee - That delicious crispy smell is a little bit of Shake and a little bit of Bake
Dana - E-mail me, check with Ron or Steve
Steve - Where have you been, get back on line
Shirley - The babies will fill the house and the yard
The Bucks - You are a great example.
Mel & Jason & Grant - Go Get Them! Your friends have become our friends. We miss you
Katie - Amanda remembers and is proud that you are a teacher.
Meadowbrook Baptist - We can't wait to get home. Please block off a whole section.
Bro. Ron - Will need your help on the sidelines this fall.
Grandparents - Babuska's and Daibuska's - You will love these kids.
The Bush's - You are so sweet to my family. You encourage us with your words and actions.
Ron, Jan, Savannah - God is Cool ! next time we pray for, be specific with numbers.
Leah & Brenda - Keep Wanda calm.
June Calame aka Grandmother - Can't wait to see you.
Jeremy, Christie and Caroline - We need strategies.
The Whitfields - Your posts are so encouraging. Thanks for trying to help us. Will know more
soon.
Alpha Gam Girls - Amanda has a plan everyday. Did you guys know this before we married?
Number 1 is just like her.
Uncle John's Family - Glad that Christmas is at your house this year. Get ready Aunt Janet.
Kelley and JT - Get Martha to give you my e-mail.
Sharon - I love you. Hey to DRE
Faulkners- Keep the posts and prayers coming.
James & Suzanne - James - now I know how nervous you were when you married Amanda and
I. Suzanne - GO EAGLES! Thanks for the church update.
The Huckabees- They are a different four. Keep the faith.
Kim - Your words always touch my heart. See you on Thursdays this fall.
George, Jay,Whit, and JB - Your e-mails are very important to me . Keep them coming and keep
me up to date. I miss you guys.
OM Football Players - The coaches are reporting great things. Build the Family. FINISH. I can't
wait to see you again. Let me hear from you sometime.
Coaches - Thanks for everything that you are doing. We need to start a daycare.
Martha - Thanks for the talks. Please update babysitting license.
Randolph - Have fun at the Master's
Big Lee - One has hunter written all over him.
OM Family - You are the best.
SP Family - Glad you made it through one visit. Keep up the good work and hang in there.
Scott - Oreo's are on the agenda.
Ron G. - I know you know
Andy and Terri - Yours will be soon. Thanks for the calls. Amanda says get ready, you will be
sore.
Mark and DJ - Go dawgs!
Helena & Christy - Keep James straight.
James - We love and miss you. What did you decide? Get the grades right.
Sholmi & Nama - Our new Isreali friends - She is a beautiful princess.
I know I have missed many. Please know that Amanda and I love you and miss you.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Step-by-Step
This journey is a whirlwind!! We have loved every minute of it so far-the highs and the lows. We are waiting to find out when our court date will be. We are praying that it comes swiftly. After the court date, there is a mandatory 10 day waiting period that allows time for people to challenge the adoptions. Although we are finding our time here is very beneficial, we would like to have a court date as soon as possible. We should know something soon! This will help us know how much longer we will be here.
The great thing about the time is being able to visit and play with the children every day. Jerry and I go to the orphanage in the morning and afternoon. We are tackling two at a time right now, but tomorrow we are going to try three! Wish us luck! The time with them is critical, as they are learning who we are and we are learning the same things about them.
The children are wonderful! We have sensed some excitement, mixed with some anxiety. I would be the same way! They each have their own personality and it did not take us long to learn who was bossy, who was athletic, who is afraid of birds, and who loves Cheerios!! They also love juice! They drink it in one big gulp!
We are having breakthroughs everyday. We pray that each day we will make a little progress with each one of them. We are so very blessed. If you have ever wondered whether God was listening, the Hoods can tell you that he is. Things do not always come the way you anticipate (in our case numbers!!), but God does provide and his timing is perfect.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and has continued to follow our wonderful journey. We could not have done this without you so many of you. The hard part is just beginning, so please keep the prayers coming! We are praying for healthy attachments, easy transitions, and low anxiety (for all of us!). We feel like our family is much larger than 6 people. We feel like each of you has been on this journey with us, every step of the way!!
Love,
Amanda
The great thing about the time is being able to visit and play with the children every day. Jerry and I go to the orphanage in the morning and afternoon. We are tackling two at a time right now, but tomorrow we are going to try three! Wish us luck! The time with them is critical, as they are learning who we are and we are learning the same things about them.
The children are wonderful! We have sensed some excitement, mixed with some anxiety. I would be the same way! They each have their own personality and it did not take us long to learn who was bossy, who was athletic, who is afraid of birds, and who loves Cheerios!! They also love juice! They drink it in one big gulp!
We are having breakthroughs everyday. We pray that each day we will make a little progress with each one of them. We are so very blessed. If you have ever wondered whether God was listening, the Hoods can tell you that he is. Things do not always come the way you anticipate (in our case numbers!!), but God does provide and his timing is perfect.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and has continued to follow our wonderful journey. We could not have done this without you so many of you. The hard part is just beginning, so please keep the prayers coming! We are praying for healthy attachments, easy transitions, and low anxiety (for all of us!). We feel like our family is much larger than 6 people. We feel like each of you has been on this journey with us, every step of the way!!
Love,
Amanda
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Interesting Facts
Coca-Cola in Ukraine - $1.00
Amanda's admission to every historical site in Ukraine - $50.00
Jerry's John Travolta pants - $80.00
Plane tickets home from Ukraine - $ Forget about it....
Adopting the four most precious children that we have ever seen........PRICELESS!!!
Amanda and I will petition to bring home our new children. All FOUR of them.
More to come..................................
Amanda's admission to every historical site in Ukraine - $50.00
Jerry's John Travolta pants - $80.00
Plane tickets home from Ukraine - $ Forget about it....
Adopting the four most precious children that we have ever seen........PRICELESS!!!
Amanda and I will petition to bring home our new children. All FOUR of them.
More to come..................................
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