INTERVIEWS WITH THE FAMILIES WHO ADOPTED THROUGH SRC

Pupchek's adoption story       Fillmon's adoption story

Caleb and Roxanna's parent interview

 We prayed before our trip constantly for the right children to be clear to us and we prayed for the Adoption Center to have wisdom as they showed us photos. We prayed particularly to see only the two children for us, not a lot of children that we would have to choose from. Then when the Adoption Center showed us an orphanage in Khmelnitsky with one boy and one girl, we knew that was where we should go. As it turned out, when we got there, the boy we went to see was sick, and was developing mental problems; and at that time he was not available for adoption. So they showed us another boy instead, and he was the one we adopted.  We knew that God had answered our prayers.

 What do you recommend to pack?

Less clothes, more food - we used lots of peanut butter and macaroni &  cheese!  We were glad we carried a water filter - we had a "Sweet Water " filter we purchased at a camping store, so we did not have to find bottled water everyday. Especially since we traveled with our 4 year old son, this was a big help. If you purchase a " Sweet Water " filter, make sure that you buy the " Silt Stopper " to go with it. There's enough " crud " in Ukrainian water to stop up the filter by itself.

How did adjustment go to the child/ren while traveling, and back home?

This was harder than we expected, and it took about 2 months before we felt that the children had made the adjustment into our family. Our advice is to remember that "this too shall pass" when it seems like the children are not adapting. We kept very consistent discipline in their routines and sometimes this was difficult to maintain, but after a couple of months it really showed. They are both fitting into the family now and the three children are cooperating together well.

Sierra's parent interview

When we saw Sierra she was sitting alone in a crib. We went up to her and she gave us a big smile. When I picked her up and played with her she laughed and laughed. I think it was that first big smile, a smile of recognition, finally you are here!

Anything you can't live without. Most basic food is plentiful. I brought basic black clothes but I had a purple coat. I would suggest bringing a dark coat as everyone else on the street has a dark coat. And of course, lots of gifts for caregivers, drivers, etc.

We had a one year old and she proved herself to be very very adaptable. It could have been partly the age. But we did talk and sing to her as much as possible and we stuck to her feeding and sleeping schedule which seemed to keep her happy.

We were surprised at how glamorous the women are and also the spiritual and emotional generosity of some of the people we encountered. We were overwhelmed on a couple of occasions with the kindness of others. Also, the orphanage was very nice even though we could tell there wasn't much money.

Always be nice and exceedingly appreciative. Always give gifts to anyone you feel has helped you or your newly found child. Even a small gift will mean a lot to them. Always think of the next eager couple coming to find their child.

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