Ukraine Beginning...... Just Follow the Yellow Brick Road.

This week has been extremely emotional from "what if's" to "where?" and to "how?" while finalizing our decision to take the next step in adopting from Ukraine.

Ukraine is a beautiful country located in Eastern Europe that shares a Russian history, which was important to us as we have our son from Russia. As we embark on this next journey, the paper work begins to flood in from the home study to the first dossier. At the moment, the application will be our first order of business to the agency, then our application for the home study will follow and then the home study itself will begin with 4 interviews and home visits.

This is not unfamiliar territory for us, however reminds me of when we began our process for Russia 2.5 years ago. The process for Ukraine is much easier, yet varies greatly when it comes to children's ages for adoption and the referrals. We are hoping for a 2-3 year old, preferably a girl, however we have been told there are more boys available at this time. Once our home study is in, we will then wait for a dossier date from Ukraine, which will be the deadline for turning in our complete dossier.
A couple of months following our dossier, we will be invited to the country to look at referrals of children Ukraine has chosen for us to look at and then we decide which child to meet.

The entire process will most likely take a year to complete and as with any adoption time can vary a month or so in one direction or the other.

Do I wonder how we will endure this process and if we will take it in stride and enjoy the ride? Yes.
Do I wonder what and who lies at the end of this winding yellow brick road? Yes.
Am I anxious? Yes.
Does this occupy much of my daily thinking? Yes.
Do I wonder how this transition will go? Yes.

Lots of questions and plenty of waiting time to think of the possibilities.

...... Stay Tuned.