Hurry up & wait...

Hello friends...

There's really not much new going on here. We did finally find our way to an electronics store and Dede did indeed purchase a video camera. It's been quite fun getting the little guy on film. However...you'll have to wait to view them...as I haven't a clue how to download them to my computer...all the instructions are in Russian. I did find a manual online in English...and have downloaded it...so maybe we can figure something out...but for now...it's words...and pics.

At the electronics store Dede also purchased a microwave oven. Yep...that's right...I said microwave. She's been "jonesing" for microwave popcorn for over a month...and now we have it every night. She'll donate it to the orphanage when we leave. Her third purchase that day was a fan. She bought one for my room when we first arrived...but the battery powered one she has is getting quite expensive as it uses up the batteries quickly...and for $18 bucks...why not buy a bigger & better one. Both of those will be donated as well. When she pulled out her Visa card at the store...panic ensued. It was as if she'd pulled a gun on the salesgirl...really. We couldn't figure out what the problem was...but it was definitely a problem. Once all the items were rounded up...it took 4 people behind the "kaca" (cash) counter to ring everything up. Every single item was rung up and the card run separately...including each separate dvd for the camera. I'm not certain how many slips she signed...but it was around 7 I guess. We still can't figure out that system...but know that Best Buy sure makes it much easier to make multi-purchases.

We are 3 days now from the court date. I think the nerves are setting in a bit. The French couple we visit with every day went last Thursday...and they said it took 45 minutes in court...and 10 minutes for the judge to make a decision. When Dede asked Nina (the facilitator) if she would apply for his passport that day...she told Dede "Let's just make it through court first." This of course concerned Dede (and me) quite a bit...but Dr. Conaty says that he has never seen anyone denied the adoption during the court proceedings. She could still use some prayers...as nothing is complete until that judge says "OK." I will update you immediately after the court decision is handed down.

That's about all for today. I've been taking new pics and will post them soon. We spend more time with the video camera than the still one these days...but he seems to like the still camera better. He was a bit shy when the video camera first came out...but he's warming up to it day by day. He's also beginning to test Dede quite a bit. Not knowing how to discipline him (not knowing Russian)...is the biggest challenge. We are most concerned about that very long airplane ride home. However...we have a package arriving tomorrow with plenty of "Backyardigans" and other kiddie movies (and movies for us) to keep him occupied. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Just remember...we don't speak Russian...and he doesn't speak English. We can only hope that one of the flight attendents speaks both. We're picking up important phrases...and Dede's got an email out to Dr. Conaty's daughters for interpretation...so hopefully by the time we get to that point...we'll be better prepared.

Gotta run...

Peace...

The Gift

He plucks a flower from the garden and carries it across the yard to a little girl in a stroller…he kisses her on the cheek. He plays peek-a-boo around every tree…every wall…even a baby carriage.

He prances when he walks…and dances in the puddles. He loves to hug and kiss…he says “please” and “thank you” (in both Russian and English). He’d rather play with an umbrella…than a ball. He’d rather play with a computer cable than a puzzle. He dumps his crayons on the floor…but picks them up…each and every one…and puts them back in the box…all points up.

The weather here is sweltering…he’s often in only underwear…leopard print. He wears his hat backwards…always. I fashioned a scarf as a cape…as Superman he struts.

He climbs…everything. He loves his mother’s backpack…and tries desperately to carry it on his own back. Every ten or so steps…he drops to the ground…giggles…and reaches out for Mama to help him up. When he can no longer carry it…he drags it. He will have one of his own before he sets off to America.

He’ll eat anything…and never misses a crumb. His mother’s transitioning him from granola bars to fruit…from Fanta to apple juice. We can’t read the packaging…so the nutritional value of everything is uncertain…but it’s only for a few weeks…all is well. So far his little tummy has handled everything that he has been given…a blessing.

When he has to “teetee“…he heads behind the nearest tree…wall…or even the edge of the garden. He’s not shy…if he’s gotta go…he goes.

Beneath the veneer of the little lamb we met just one week ago however…lies a wolf just raring to bare those jagged little fangs. He is all boy. On the surface…he oozes honey…yet just below lies a mischievous nature testing the waters with each new encounter. He is determined…stubborn…and cocky. The challenge has begun.

He understands “No!”…but doesn’t always like it…and doesn’t always respond. He’s yet to throw a tantrum…but cocks his head…slants his eyes…and threatens one. He’s knocked his noggin’ or scuffed his knees more than a few times…with nary a tear. He’s a tough one this little fella’.

When it’s time to say good-bye…he accepts it with grace. Yesterday however…Dede went to take him back…and he cried. She gave him a few more minutes…and all was well. Sometimes…as we get close to his group…he just turns around…looks at us…waves…and says “Paca” (good-bye)…and rejoins his little friends.

Every visit is a new adventure…another little fragment of his character discovered. The adventure…has just begun.

Until next time…

Peace!

P.S. There are more new pics below...

What a reception!!!

Wow...what a reception for the little guy!! Thank you all so much for sending your love...support...and kind words. We have been shopping today for a video camera...to not avail. We know where to find one...we just can't find that store again. We will...but don't get too excited...it doesn't mean we can get video to you. I will try very hard to figure out a way...I have some ideas. Other than that...I do not have my laptop with me right now...therefore I can not post new pics. However...I have many...and will get them posted either tonight or in the morning. Also...I've been taking lots of notes as I watch him play...and get to know more about who he is...his personality...etc. He has warmed up so comfortably to Dede and is really coming more and more out of his shell. He gets more precious every day.

A court date has been set for Thursday, August 2nd. Nina will try to get it pushed sooner...but there's a slim chance of that happening. After the court date...there is a 10 day grace period. Dede has to apply for a passport which can take a little while as they are in the process of changing every passport in the country. I am not certain...but I hope that process runs concurrently with the grace period. After all of this is complete...we will return to Kyiv where she must apply for an American Visa. We are told that we should give at least 3 days between setting the meeting with the American Embassy and a travel date. Yes...if you add all that up...we're hoping to be home by Christmas. Okay...at least by Labor Day...lol. Actually...if all goes well...maybe 3-4 more weeks. It can't come soon enough...I assure you.

That's it for now...

Peace...

It's a Boy!!!!

We snuck out of town under the mask of darkness on an overnight train to the town of Kharkiv in Northern Ukraine near the Russian border. The car was stifling when we boarded…and we anticipated a very hot voyage through the night. Oh the relief when the a/c kicked in about 10 km outside of Kyiv. It took a while…but we cooled down to the point of comfort…and knew then we could tolerate the journey. Sleep did not come easy…it never does on trains…but we got a few hours in before the porter knocked to wake us …and to bring the absolute worst cup of coffee you could ever imagine. I’m not a coffee drinker…but I know Dede was disappointed as her early morning caffeine fix is a must.

We arrived in the station about 6:25am when Nina…the translator…met us at our cabin…and escorted us to check into the Hotel National to get settled in before our visit to the orphanage. At 9am we were picked up and taken to the social worker’s office to check all of Dede’s documents…then on to the baby orphanage to meet with the director and two physicians. After about an hour of discussion…we were introduced to Dede’s new son. Ladies & gentlemen…I would like to introduce to you…Carson Turner Farris…the most precious little man in Ukraine.

When he walked into the room…it lit up. I wasn’t looking in Dede’s direction…but I knew when my eyes teared up…that she was taking him home…whether she liked it or not. : ) It took no convincing on my part…she knew immediately too.

It has been a whirlwind few days…but it is so filled with joy…that nothing else matters. Finding internet access has been quite the challenge…but we have found a great I-net café near the university…not far from our apartment…and will be able to keep in better touch now. I have written so many blogs…but life is moving so fast…that once I’m through with one…it seems outdated as a new adventure begins. One day I will tell the whole story…but what is important now…is the precious little angel that God has given to my dear friend.

His Russian name is Danilo...he is called Danya (pronounced Donya). We still call him that...as we don't want to confuse him for now. Everyone around the orphanage will continue to call him that as long as he is there...so we will start to incorporate Carson sooner to leaving for home. He is 3 years 10 months and turns 4 on Sept. 19. He is a bit small for his age...but that is to be expected living his entire life in an orphanage. Other than size...he seems as healthy as could be. He may have a bit of a heart murmur...we will know more once he is completely checked out in the states.

He was abandoned at birth by his mother...who was 19 years old...and stayed in the hospital for about 2 months before being moved to the orphanage. The mother said that she would be back in a year...but after a year she was contacted...and did not return to see him. For the next year the court system worked very hard to find her...and with no success...they terminated her parental rights. He became available for adoption in April of this year...and Dede is the first mother given the opportunity to adopt him. Thank God!!! He would have been snatched up by anyone that laid eyes on him. His personality is incredibly bright...and his intelligence level seems off the charts. We are constantly amazed at the things that he does. He speaks Russian...so we have no idea what he says...but he's picking up on English quickly...and I feel will acclimate beautifully into his new environment back home.

We visit him twice a day...at 10am for about 1.5 hours...and at 5pm for an hour. We will hopefully get to push the early visit out to noon now that we are settled...and Dede's time with him is all that matters. The process from here is still a long one...and I will write it out in the next few days. We are planning in our minds to be here for another month...and anything less than that will be pudding. I am going to post quite a few pics at the bottom of the page...and will continue to in the days ahead...as he is a ham...and loves the lens. And...the lens loves him.

I look so forward to all of you meeting him...he is an angel. He is so well behaved...and has wonderful manners...and Dede's going to get mad at me for posting that...because she keeps telling me that I'm going to jinx it. It could be the calm before the storm...time will tell. For now...he is perfect!!!

I am going to close for now...any questions...please post in comments...and we will get back to you on a daily basis now. I will post all the information in the coming days...and more importantly...lots and lots of pics.

Hope everyone is well...I know that we are. I'm just wondering how I'm ever going to go back to Colorado...and leave this little guy so far behind.

Love to all...

Peace out...
Kelly(the Nomad) & Dede

Pics...pics...and more pics...

I have posted some pics. I'm not nearly through...it just takes a long time...my battery's dying...and the bar is too full to get to a table near a plug. I will continue to add until done...in the coming days. This will begin to give you a feel for Odessa...the city by the sea....

Peace out...

the Nomad

Back in Kiev

Good morning all...

We have arrived back in Kiev. We never thought we would be so happy to be back in this city...however we had established a comfort zone here...and have returned to it. Our apartment does not have a/c...but it is on the 5th floor so there is a great breeze that flows through...and we are comfy. Also...our new apartment is right across the street from the Radisson...and upstairs from Dede's favorite coffee shop. I am working on pics right now...just downloaded the last of my Odessa photos...and will have a complete Odessa gallery posted by day's end.

We have met a new couple from Chicago...and they have not seen any of the city yet...so we are going to take them for a tour. Then...I am all yours...and will work tirelessly to post a beautiful gallery of our excursion this past 10 days. Not to worry...I love taking...editing...and exhibiting my pics. I also have a few stories coming in the next few days.

Hope you are all wel...

We will be back with you before the sun goes down....

Friday the 13th!!!

Good Friday morning everyone!!

I stayed up late last night composing a story about our days in Odessa...but fell asleep before I finished. I will post very very soon...promise. We were supposed to have internet in our present apartment...but it's a bust. We also have problems with electricity...and water...or lack there of...depending on the time of day. I feel like I'm back in Africa.

However...I did want to drop by and give you an update on the adoption process. We don't often have news...but today...we do. All we know is that we have been summoned back to Kyiv. There is no appointment set just yet...but Dima (Dede's facilitator) feels that it will be this coming week. He is working very hard to make that happen. The fact that he wants us close...is a great sign. Actually...all signs are great signs...as there are so few.

Dede and I have decided that each one of you must go home this evening...turn off the a/c...the wifi...the satellite tv...and just enjoy the silence...the sound of yourselves breathing...the heat. Then maybe you'll feel an iota of what we experience every day....
(Okay...so we just had to get a good laugh thinking about any of you actually doing any of those things). Yes...it's a tough existence...but just think of the character we're building.... hehehehe

We are going to leave Odessa on Sunday...we're just not certain how we will travel at this point. We are going to try to go by train...but it's high season and tickets are difficult to come by. Dede's never ridden a train...so I'm hoping we will be able to take an overnight journey. If not...the same young man that drove us down here will come back and drive us back to Kyiv. Once we are back in Kyiv...we have our favorite haunt...the Radisson...with fantastic wi-fi...which means more frequent posts...and more than anything...pics...pics...pics.

This trip is getting very long...but I just have to believe that the ends will justify the means.

Have a wonderful Friday the 13th everyone. Yep...I went there...reminded you...just watch out for black cats..... mwahahahaha. (Can you tell I'm getting giddy?!)

Baxton...my name is Kelly...and I am Dede's very good friend...and I am the one writing about our adventure. Thank you for reading...and leaving your words for us. We love hearing from you.

Clarice...we are so happy to know that you are doing so well. Malcolm seems to be taking the wonderful care of you that he always has. You are in our prayers daily.

Sandy...Sheri...Delicia...the pics of the punkins are priceless...and lift our spirits daily. Anyone who wants to send precious pics of their little angels...they are more than welcomed.

Stacey...Ruby says...anytime you want to come to Florence to pick up Ally & Amos...you're more than welcome. I'm sure Jack would love the company. hehehe...just kidding Ruby.

Cliff & Jerry...please send us your email address.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and words of encouragement.

Little Kelley...I'll take you anywhere on this globe you want to go. You pick the place...we'll make a plan. I DO know how to travel... : )


Have a great weekend all. But check back...I'll have a story about the city by the sea soon.

Peace out...

Dede & the Nomad....

Our life in Ukraine...

Had I written about Ukraine before now…I’m afraid that the painting I would have created might have been dingy…dark…and gray. Having spent the last five days in Odessa…I may now throw splashes of color upon the canvas. Although the pictures that I previously posted are representative of a seemingly colorful city…and those places of beauty do exist…they are few…and far between. In this nomad’s opinion…Kyiv is many things: vibrant…is not one of them. I don’t say this to offend in any way…I only speak of what I feel. And…I gave the city a chance…it didn’t seem to give much back.

The people. I cannot figure out the people. I imagine having lived much of your life under the iron fist of soviet rule…would tend to blanket your existence in a fog of darkness. However…having lived the last 16+ years in a world of freedom…and independence…one would hope to believe that the fog had lifted…and the light had crept in. When I look into the faces of these people…I don‘t see illumination…there are still many shadows.

I ask questions…a lot. I am a tour guide’s worst nightmare. We don’t often have the ear of English speaking Ukrainians…but when we do…I fire away. The first question that I always ask is…“which do you prefer…communism…or democracy?” Surprisingly…the scales tend to lean more heavily on the dark side. Well…I call it dark. It always seemed so from my side of that iron curtain. The pictures that were painted in my school books were those of oppression…hunger…greed…the KGB. However…healthcare was free…education was free…and both much better than they are today. Kira…an older woman from St. Petersburg…said that today…if you go to the doctor…and he/she is a young man or woman…you turn and walk out the door. They do not believe that the education received today is enough to qualify you as a physician. It is my understanding that medical licenses here…are not recognized in our country. Nursing is much the same. Being qualified to practice in this region of the world…does not qualify you to practice in America. Here in Ukraine you may also go to law school straight out of high school. I guess that tells you all you need to know about that.

When communism collapsed on this side of the globe…many people that had been comfortable with good jobs…good pensions…lost it all. At their ages it was tough to find a new job…and retirement was not an option. I believe however…that those people fortunate enough to be secure with solid jobs…were very much the minority. We see many old women begging in the streets. We give to every one of them. They have nothing…and at their age…they have no way of getting anything. I was told that the government gives them around $75 a month. I am not certain of the true wisdom of the source…but from the looks of things here…it would tend to lean towards the side of truth.

The younger folks that we have met all enjoy the new Ukraine. They enjoy the freedom that they have to experience western culture. They love the hip-hop music that resonates from their mp3 players…the clothing trends they see on the pages of once forbidden fashion magazines… & McDonalds. Wow…do they love McDonalds. At any given time the lines back up to the door of the restaurant. The one I’m speaking of is on Deribasovska Street. Deribasovska is a cobblestone pedestrian thoroughfare that runs through the city center of Odessa. The road is lined on each side with cafes of diverse cuisines…and varying degrees of style and ambiance. Each establishment very unique and interesting in it‘s composition. We’ve tried a few…but tend to return more than not to the steakhouse that we visited our first day here. The atmosphere is warm and inviting…the food very good…and the prices quite reasonable. I’m not certain what the name of the place is…but it’s the one with the cow out front…in case you’re ever in the area.

While Kyiv left me feeling cold and uninterested…Odessa has more of a warm almost jovial feel in the air. I knew the minute my feet hit the ground here…that this place was different. They actually refer to it as the “humor capital” of the region. The biggest holiday here is April Fool’s day…which is celebrated with parades and comedic festivals. The people here smile. They even laugh. The energy is bright…colorful…positive. People from Odessa consider themselves Odessites first…then Ukrainian…or Russian second…if at all. While the contrast in the culture is hugely different from one city to the next…so is there a contrast in the cities themselves. Kyiv is a very large city. It is reasonably modern…with a sturdy infrastructure in place to support the 4 million residents within. There is no shortage of architectural styles from baroque…to Romanesque…gothic…to Byzantine…and more. While the city is full of beautiful colors on the sides of buildings and cathedrals…it is seemingly colorless. While there are many buildings in much need of repair…the city stands strong…solid…secure. It is a large world capital that has withstood the rise and fall of the Soviet Union…the Chernobyl nuclear disaster just 60 clicks away…and the Orange Revolution just 3 years back. Although a very old country…society…culture…it is still quite youthful in it’s policies and it’s direction. It’s future…is still uncertain.

We have been five nights in Odessa…and three different apartments. When we’re not concerning ourselves with where we’ll sleep next…we’re touring the city…sitting on the beach…or taking a ferry ride across the Black Sea. Not to worry…there are plenty of places to stay…they just all only seem to be available for two days. All is well. The light that Odessa has brought to our lives was a much needed one. While the energy here is more positive…brighter…more fun…the city itself seems in an incredible state of disrepair. There are many fine restaurants…yet the living situation for many seems relatively dire. There are fewer buildings appearing structurally safe than there are those seemingly ready to topple to the ground. If there is a city code for electrical wiring…then someone’s not doing their job. It’s everywhere…and exposed for all the world to see. It is a city in the process of rebuilding. Many buildings are being refurbished…yet the course will be a long one. I’m not an authority on real estate prices back home…but have a good idea of what it will run you per square foot in most areas. I am aghast at the prices of real estate in Odessa. I’m not certain what a square foot of property would run you on the island of Manhattan…but I’m thinking that it is quite comparable to the prices here in Odessa. We are presently staying in a 600 sq. ft. one bedroom apartment that is…well…the dumpiest we’ve seen so far. It is on the market for $300,000. Did I mention it’s a dump? Oh yeah…just a line back. We have no a/c…no internet access…and it would be difficult to cook a real meal in the very small and sparse kitchen. You can barely turn around in the bathroom…which doubles as a laundry room with the washing machine right in the middle. There are no clothes dryers here…you hang them out to dry. Actually…I have found in my recent travels all over Europe…that dryers are just not found in homes. In Italy I would wash my clothes…then carry them across town to a Laundromat to dry them. I have yet to see a Laundromat in Ukraine. So far…we mostly wash by hand…and hang to dry. We don’t much care for the apartment we’re in now…but it’s only for a few days. The place we had to leave before landing here…had digital cable…which meant English speaking tv channels…internet access…and a huge Jacuzzi tub. We each soaked daily…and laughed how we hadn’t felt that clean since we left the states. We are spoiled Americans. We can rough it with the best of them…we’ve had to…but we have come to the agreement that we do enjoy the amenities…and will hold out next time for the right place. Hopefully we will only move one more time while in Odessa.

Right around the corner is the Opera and Ballet House. It is utterly exquisite. It has been ranked in the same league as such masterpieces of European architecture as La Scala in Milan…and the Vienna Opera House. It is presently under repair…and has been for quite some time. It’s history is a dramatic one…not unlike the productions that have filled it’s halls for many centuries past. The original building was constructed in the early 19th century only to be completely destroyed by fire in 1873. However…new construction lead by the great Viennese architect team of Felner & Gelmer…lead to the opening in 1887 of a grander… more beautiful opera than it’s fateful predecessor. During German occupation in WWII…holes were drilled in the foundation and filled with dynamite to destroy the structure…however the Germans loved Odessa…believing the city would one day be their own…and chose to save as much of the beauty of the city as possible. The building was secured. Due to these holes as well as cracks in the foundation due to engineering errors…the structure has been sinking over the years and tends to lean a bit towards the sea. I am disappointed that we will not get the chance to experience a performance in this wondrous institution due to it’s being closed for repairs. Such is life.

We have met quite a few people here…namely a young man named Chris Royce. He is from Philadelphia but has resided here for the last 4 years. He is just about one of the most handsome men we’ve ever seen. As a matter of fact…he was a model in his younger days. He speaks Russian…and has become a wonderful host for us while we are here. Last evening we went out on the town…acted much like kids…staying out to all hours at a disco on the beach. Today…we feel very old. Tomorrow we will venture out to yet another beach for a little fun in the sun.

There is much more to the story…but I will save it for another day…another blog. Thank you all for your patience this past week…it’s been somewhat of a whirlwind. We have stayed busy as to keep our minds off of our surroundings…the situation…the waiting. As for the adoption process…well…you are still as well informed as we are. We have not heard a thing. Dede’s getting a bit antsy…and definitely frustrated…but as long as we keep moving…she’ll be fine. I have so many pics to post…but the internet on the corner is way too slow to upload. I will be in better touch this week…and try to get something new posted every few days. It may be a blog…or pics…but I’ve been working hard on both to try to get something new to you. We hope that all of you are well back home…and hope to be able to send you some good news real soon.

Thank you for stopping by….

Peace…

Your humble blogging nomad…

Thanks....

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the support you've shown since this adventure started. The comments you have all sent are so very welcome. I know this is not going to be an easy process... but I knew that from day one 2 1/2 years ago when I started all the paper work for this adoption.. I am having lunch at the Radisson as I am posting this. It's our favorite hangout here, mostly because the people speak English and I know what I'm eating.Can I just say that I'm glad to be a citizen of the good ole U S of A. I know I will have a better appreciation for all the amenities we generally take for granted there. Continue keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, I know they are helping. I know that God has a plan for me so I just put my faith that He knows what is best for me. To everyone at work,, miss you guy's a lot..however I don't miss not working..ha ha. Hopefully I will get another appointment to go back to the adoption center soon. If it is going to be a week or two before i get another appt. we are going to travel to the coast. According to the pictures i've seen, it is beautiful . Maybe Kelly can get some great pictures, Kiev has not been the most picturesque place.The hotels actually have satellite and internet access Love to you all.....Dede

Meeting the child...

It is as we believed it would be. Dede did not choose the little boy this morning. When the meeting was set-up...she knew that the chances of this child being a match were slim...but there's always hope. He was precious. He seemed to be a bit older than 2.5...closer to 3 maybe. He was found in a hotel when he was an infant...so all information was made up for his birth certificate. He didn't talk...but we got him laughing quite a bit. He did walk...but you could tell that it was quite new to him. He was still a bit apprehensive in his steps. Although it is understandable that all kids in his situation will have developmental issues...the depth of his seemed to be more than just environmental. He fluttered his eyes a few times...his arms tended to flail a bit when he walked...and we did catch him rocking a time or two. Each incident seemingly minor...yet the combination lending quite possibly to a more serious issue. Most importantly...Dede just did not feel the connection. Upon departure from the orphanage...she felt twinges of guilt...but it's a lifelong decision...and it must be the right one. She has petitioned for another appointment...and it could come tomorrow...next week...or next month. We truly have not a clue. We will update you as soon as we know.

We are sitting at the Radisson...famished...waiting on dinner. I wanted to post a quick comment to inform you of the meeting. I will compose a longer post about the process as soon as my brain has been fed. It's been a very long...confusing...chaotic day. The first of many...I'm sure. Dede would also like to post a few words to thank you all for your thoughts. You'll be able to tell which post is hers...it'll be the one with the commas... : )

Peace...

Pics!!

I have posted some pics in the gallery below. I hope you enjoy.

Tomorrow we are off to the orphanage in the a.m. I will post as soon as we return.

Prayers and positive thoughts for Dede are very welcome and needed right now....

Peace and love to all....