This is the last picture we took with our son before saying goodbye. John and I have decided that it is best that we go back home for now and wait out the 10 days----- this decision did not come easy. Everyone sensed that Dennis knew something was up. :( But do not worry, Dennis will not have to wait long. We are already trying to book a flight for him to return on the 14th of July to pick him up. Our facilitator has been wonderful and will do her best to get as much done as she can before John gets back. This next trip should only be three or so days. :)
We have to say goodbye for now as we are getting ready to catch a train (the Ukraine Train!) out of Kramatorsk.
Forever Changed
16 years ago
48 comments:
Praying for your family. I cannot imagine how difficult it is to leave Dennis. But as you said, before you know it, he will be in your arms again & surrounded by his brothers & sisters.
I think I know of ten young people who are going to be super excited to see you very soon and to help get everything ready for their new brother's arrival!
I hope your trip goes smoothly and that you'll be able to return and pick up that sweet little boy! Hugs!
Congratulations on the newest Reed!! Christine, I've been following your blog and I'm so pleased you've had such a smooth trip.
One of these days I'd love to meet your family... (we spoke about a year ago during the readoption process here in Fresno). My son spent 2 years at Antoshka, so I really enjoyed some the orphanage photos.
Have a safe journey home...and Godspeed on your return to bring Dennis home forever!!
Sharon D., Fresno, CA
Wow! Super congratulations!! I'm crying. What a precious family! He is so special! I know you just can't wait to have all 13 of you together finally.
I have been reading during this journey for you. I am so sorry you are having to leave your son behind. I know it can not be easy. I will be praying for your safe travels and that the time passes quickly for both you and Dennis!
I hate that you guys have to leave without him. :( But think about how excitied he will be when you come back to get him in just a week or so. Hang in there Dennis!
I'm so happy that everything went so well for you guys!! I can just hear the happiness in your words. July 14th is just around the corner!
I'm de-lurking to tell you how much I'm enjoying your blogs. You are THE MOST INSPIRING family I've ever encountered. How can two parents -- so young -- be so wise? Dennis is just plain adorable. Is it terribly rude of me to ask how he got the owie? God bless all 13 of you -- and your wonderful extended family, too.
JEB
Atlanta, GA
John and Christine,
I'm sure this was a difficult decision. I pray that the time goes by quickly for you and for Dennis!
Wish your family the best! Hope Dennis comes to America very soon. Best wishes!!
Congrats on your newest family member. I know the kids cant wait to meet him.
Godspeed as you travel home, dear brother & sister. I know how hard it must be for you to leave Dennis - but to also be away from the rest of the tribe. He'll be home soon. We'll continue to pray!
hugs,
Beth
hi mom and dad ,it look like you guys haveing fun . in the pcture look like you are will happy . we love you .
I am sad that you guys have to leave without Dennis. I can't wait to hear how he reacts when he sees you again in 10 days. It looks like he's pretty attached to you already. What an exciting adventure! I have to admit, I would LOVE to jump on board and adopt also...I just need to talk my husband into it.
We are in the process of adopting from Ukraine and hope to go this fall to bring home our new son and daughter. Your story strengthens our faith in our Father and our hope of changing two lives. As the seventh of twelve children, I want you to know that there is something special about growing up in a BIG family, a bond that stays strong your whole life. You have given your children a wonderful gift. We hope that Dennis and all your children will rise up and call you blessed among parents.
CONGRATULATIONS!
It is great that you got a quick court date, and have not had any major challenges! The time will fly by!
He is a beautiful little boy - and boy is he BLESSED to have you as his parents! He will be coming home to such a wonderful family!
So happy for you guys!
Hugs!
Amy
Happy Adoption Day, Reed Family!
Christine...
I know how difficult this decision was and will praying for the next 10 days to move quickly.
I am not familiar with the Ukraine process...if you stay the 10 days would they allow him to stay fully with you or would he still be staying with the caregiver?
Just curious and I know you probably won't have time to answer anytime soon.
God bless and prayers my friend...
youe son is so adorible!
he is going to do so well once hes home!!!
im so happy to see u guys with him and so filled with love
Kristina
if you are ever in the inland Empire let me know!
Congrats on Court! What a sweet, sweet little blessing! I hope your return is quick and that he can get home to his new family ASAP!
Christine - I am so happy for you all that court went well :-) It won't be much longer before you are all together again. You and your family and the sweetest new addition are all so inspiring! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story, your love of the Lord and your inner heart with us. You will never know how much excitement, happiness and consolation your blogs have brought to so many of us that are following in your footsteps. Happiest fourth of July (ever!) to you guys! Monica
So great to read that Dennis is YOURS!!! And you are HIS!!! Stinky ol' prosecutor, but your sweet son will be home very soon! Praying for you while you're apart.
Gina
Happy 4th of July!!! Hope it is a wonderful day wherever you are!
Renia
Congratulations on your adoption and your new son!
Sorry about the 10 days. I know how hard it is to leave, but this too shall pass. (Even though I knew it was highly unlikely our 10 days would be waived, I still couldn't help the tears of disappointment that dismayed our coordinators!)
Have a safe trip home.
I love the smiling faces! Just to be loved and know it makes all the difference in the world. Dennis is a blessed little boy.
Hard to believe that anyone would be that cruel to threaten the judge if he was compassionate to poor Dennis. I wish you well and blessings on your trip home and ...know that the time will go fast and he will soon be home.
I know it is hard for you, but those 10 days will pass quickly. God will prepare the way.
Tammy
Thinking and praying for you as you reunite with your kids in Calif and as you wait Dennis' homecoming.
God will protect Dennis and provide him with comfort and safety until you return. You have hundreds of people praying for you and for him. :-)
Wishing you safe and uneventful travels home. Call me when you get home, can't wait to talk.
Laurel
Congrats Christine!! I am so happy for you. May God bless the return of your family and reunite you quickly.
What a great picture! Many prayers for a safe trip home. I'm sure Dennis will do well.
I know its going to be so tough to leave him. But one day soon, he will be your forever darling boy.
Congratulations Christine! He is adorable and I'm so happy for your family! That 10 day wait fills like forever when your waiting to take your little one home, but it'll be over before you know it. I hope you enjoyed your trip on the train!
He is absolutely precious! Congraulations on your little angel!!
Nicole in NY
Congratulations! You have a BIG heart! I know that God will bless your family even more as you give Denise a chance of a beautiful life.
Praying for you guys. Praying also that God will hold both your little one and you in the same strong arms and whisper HIS truth into your ears!
Brandi
Congratulations on your perfect new son! I am so happy court went well. I was really hoping they would waive the 10 days for you. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to say goodbye to Dennis. He is so precious, but of course you know that already :) I hope your trip home is safe and uneventful and that the 10 days will pass quickly. Dennis will be home soon.
Christine, I'm just catching up on all the recent posts from your time in Ukraine. It's so wonderful to see the bonding that has taken place and that you are officially Dennis' parents now. How distressing to be looking at these next 10 days apart. I hope they will fly by. Safe travels.
Queridos amigos, Dennis estará deseando oir vuestras voces y vuestras caricias, pero seguro que cuando os reencontreis de nuevo, será ya algo aún más especial, muchos animos los días pasaran pronto, (eso nos decimos nosotros)
Gerard y Laura
So sorry that you had to leave him. I am sure time will go quickly trying to get caught up with the kids and with getting ready to leave again. I am praying for your family.
Congratulations on your newest family member! So much love.... you are all awesome. May God bless you all and protect the little one while you wait and are gone....
Congratulations on getting through court.
You will all be in our prayers as you wait for the 10 days to pass.
What an adorable little boy and such a perfect fit to your family. I can understand going home during the wait as we did the same thing. It is hard to stay in a foreign country for so long when you have other children at home.
I cannot wait to see more pictures once you return to bring him home!
Praying for safe travels and for Dennis to be comforted during your time apart!
I am so happy Dennis is your son ! He is beautiful. I look forward to following your journey :)
Maria
Christine - one thing that has been unexpected, but that I have loved about this journal have been all the photos of YOU! Maybe your kids ordinarily take the photos of you - and really there aren't many, to begin with! - but these are all just lovely. You are so pretty... In the one of you holding Dennis after your walk you are just a picture of beautiful motherhood.
I can't believe this! I'm so stupid! I just dropped reading this blog when you came home - now I see I've missed a lot! Well....I hope in the next couple of days I can find the time to catch up on it all!
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