Monday, April 21, 2008

Count Down!

We got some good news today. Our facilitator called to let us know that he is taking the overnight train tonight to get the passports. He is going to call us once he has the passports in hand to give us the numbers. Then we can go to the Embassy and start the paperwork to come home. The kids needed another set of photos made for the Visas. We got that done today. So, if we can catch a few breaks we may be able to get the paperwork done at the Embassy tomorrow. Then on Wednesday we have to get the medical exams done and bring the passports to the Embassy for review. Once we have the Visas and medical done, we can come home. So there is a slight chance that we could come home on Thursday. We still have the airfare issue to deal with. Most flights are booked the end of this week and most of next week due to Spring Break. We may have to do a fundraiser to pay for our airline tickets to get home:-). They are extremely expensive. The kids have been asking every day when we will get on the airplane to go to America. They were very excited today when we took them to get their photos made for the Visas.

We talk to V every day. He is a very sweet boy. He sent me a photo text message with a gift box and a happy birthday message on our Ukraine cell phone. He loves to play soccer. He and Michael love to talk "football".

I just ran in to a couple who is here from St. Louis. They just got their referral for an older child in the southern part of Ukraine. This will be their 6th Ukraine adoption. It seems they are experts on this process.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. It was a great birthday and I will always remember how special it was to be here in Kiev with our children to celebrate. That was a nice entry on the blog from Tim.

Kathi - I can't get any emails without my blackberry. Glad you had a good time.

13 comments:

Marilyn K said...

Glad to hear the good news.

Sharon, I mentioned this to your mom in conversation but I guess she didn't want to be the one to butt in so she suggested I post it to you. The first time you take Elizabeth and Michael to Randall's or Kroger's or H.E.B or wherever you do your grocery shopping, I recommend that you allow at least two hours to go up and down every aisle v-e-r-y slowly and just observe their reactions/comments. If you go on a Saturday afternoon when all the samples are passed out, it will be even more interesting.


Fanta 2-Liter .......................................... $1.39

Blue Bell Chocolate Mint ......................... $4.29

Grocery-shopping experience ............. Priceless


Of course, all this is predicated on the fact that you will still have money left for food after you have purchased the airline tickets. Good Luck!

Betty&Jim said...

Hey Coons Family, Can we say..."Luggage Compartment??!!" Maybe you can get a family discount if ya'll stow in the baggage area!!!!! Just a thought!!! It was so great talking to you the other day!!! Stephen had a great visit with his son! He is ready to start A School this week. Keep us posted on your return flight, so that we can come pick ya'll up! Love, Brenda

adopting2fromUkraine said...

You will need to give one of those pictures to the people in New York or wherever your first American stop is.

We'll have been home a little over a week if you're able to be here at the end of this week.

You're almost home:)

June

momanddad said...

Hi Sharon, delighted to hear the good news. Before long all your papers will be in order and you will be saying goodbye to Kiev. Mom & I have acclimated to having two additional Grand Children, I think Mom & I have bonded with Michael, Elizabeth and Vadeem due to seeing their pictures on a dailey basis. Gosh I miss your Blackberry too. I've got pictures of Michael & Vadeem on my Computer screen save so I see them all the time. The weather here in Central Tx. has turned to summer hot we are having Beautiful sunny temp of 75 thry 90 degrees. Hey Tim are you able to purchase c---n cigars there in Kiev?..Love to all Mom & Dad...

Marilyn K said...

Hey, Tony... I caught that c---n cigar! I didn't just fall off of a turnip truck.

Ladybug said...

Yippee!!!!! Great News!!! The count down is on. Sharon - I forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday. I did not have access to my computer on Saturday otherwise I would have acknowledged it then. Everything seems to be working out. God may not always answer our prayers when we want him to, but he is always on time. Can't wait until we know you are ready to board the plan for the USA! Love, Ladybug

Ladybug said...

Yippee!!!!! Great News!!! The count down is on. Sharon - I forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday. I did not have access to my computer on Saturday otherwise I would have acknowledged it then. Everything seems to be working out. God may not always answer our prayers when we want him to, but he is always on time. Can't wait until we know you are ready to board the plan for the USA! Love, Ladybug

TG said...

Sharon,
It is me, Tracy. I hope this message comes through. It is so great to read your blog. Thanks for sharing all this information!!! You need to keep it up when you get back to the office. I am closer to you while you are abroad than being at oppisite ends of the office!!! (for those of you who don't know... I don't get out from my cube much!)
Ok, before I write a book I am going to test the delivery success of this messge. Take Care. HI TIM!!! Michael & Elizabeth!!! We can't wait to meet you! Smiles! TG

The Flying Eagle said...

Happy Birthday and Congrats on the great news. It will be so nice to get the children home. I saw your note about the St. Louis family. We are in STL and hope to travel in Aug/Sept. We'd love to meet the family. If you run into them again, would you mind passing on our info? Many thanks and God Bless! Monica monica.massie@agedwards.com

Becky Maxwell said...

Haven't seen an update lately so I hope you are on your way back! Mike and I are headed to Vegas baby for Rachael and Mike's wedding!! Hope all is going well for you all and you will be back very soon. Can't wait to get back to Texas to say "Howdy" to the Coons family! Take care!
Kisses and hugs, Becky and Mike

Becky Maxwell said...

It's me again! Don't know if you are reading your blog but I just talked to Shane and he says you all are home! Welcome Home Coons family!!
Mike and I are in Vegas.
If you have time, could you update your blog or drop me an email? No pressure....
Can't wait to see you all!
Hugs, Becky and Mike

momanddad said...

Hello Tim Sharon Elizabeth olga and Michael Missha Max and Miss Kitty...Am sitting here @1:45AM Kieve Time thinking that you all will be updating this Blog approx six hours from now expressing your flight from Kiev to JFK New York; the arrival to JFK and then Tim Haggling with 13 Airlines for a quick confirmation with the lowest cost to fly From JFK to Houston. What kind of service & Food did you all experience on the Business flight from Kiev and the flight from JFK to Houston?? Did Tim get to smoke his C---N cigars from Kieve to JFK and from JFK to Houston?? I'll get a worthy remark from Marilyn about the C---N cigars. How did Missha & Olga behave during your flights from Kieve to JFK and from JFK to Houston?? Are you Guys Healthy, I havent heared of any Illness amoung youce. Mom and I are very happy, glad and overjoyed that all of The Coons family are finally at home in Missouri City, Texas, USA. Hou many miles did TIM go on his first Bike Ride since arriving at home. Well I've asked enough questions, so all we need are a few answers. The comments on your Blog makes our day...Love Mom and Dad...

Marilyn K said...

Yes, Tony, I'm still studying that C---n word. I thought I knew what it was but now I'm having second thoughts. I couldn't hardly sleep last night wondering what it could be. But, whatever it is, I hope it works out favorably for you.