We see our son today

Sorry it has taken so long to Post a new update. We have been traveling from Kiev to Odessa by train. It is an experience you can't truly appreciate until you try it.

We arrived in Odessa on Friday morning, April fools day which is a huge Holiday in Odessa. This means nothing is open and nothing moves forward on the adoption front. However, God does not stand still.

April 1, 2005 was a great long day for Susie and I. We traveled by train to Odessa, started at 12:20pm on March 31 and arriving at 11:20 am April 1. We were immediately informed by Victor, who picked us at the train station, that Svetlana - Minister of Education was at work today, but only until noon. Our chances to get signature from Svetlana to visit the child this weekend were slim, very slim. We have heard that legally it can take three days to complete this process.

Victor and Galina called Svetlana, but no answer. We began to travel to Lela's house to unwind and rest. Unbelievably Svetlana called back and said she would wait for us at here office to possibly help us expidite signature of petition to see the child this weekend. Victor turned the car immediately and drove to Svetlana's office. We meet with Svetlana and gave a picture to her of the Hanson family. She was very moved and cherished the picture. We left and went to the orphange, but only to meet with the Director and Dena - Assistant Director. They were excited for us. Dena said she would do everything she can to help us. They said they could not allow us to see the child(ren) until they received the signed papers from Svetlana.

We saw a few children while at the orphange, but no one we knew or recognized. We went to the van where Lela, our host and Alona were waiting. We left for Lela's house, figuring we wouldn't be able to see the children or our son until Monday.

While at Lela's we found out that the Director confirmed she had received signed papers from Svetlana paving the way for visit the orphanage and our son beginning tomorrow, April 2, 2005. We would even be able to take him to other places in the city.

It is really unthinkable that all this could happen on Aprils Fools Day, a Holiday in Ukraine. But God is no man's fool. All this was accomplished on a Holiday! Susie and I were only along for the ride and we could barely (physically and emotionally) keep up with God. We were exhausted.

Pray for us that all goes well as we meet our son for the first time and that all the paperwork continues to move smoothly. We can feel God at work here with each step we take.