Tuesday, September 4, 2007

A Real Rollercoaster Ride

A couple weeks before we left for our journey, Karen and I went to Great Adventure with Monica and Dan-the-man. We went on some pretty crazy rollercoaster rides including one that is said to be the fastest and highest in the country. At the time, I thought it was probably the wildest ride that I would ever go on. I was wrong.

Things really picked up beginning yesterday morning. There were informal discussions of possibilities of one, two and perhaps even three children. For 7 hours yesterday, our meeting was on and then it was off, then it was Tuesday and then it was on again. In the end, we ran out of time and were told that we would have a chance to meet today (Tuesday).

Today, we did have our meeting. We were presented with two options - a 3 year old and a 6 year old child. The people in the agency were extremely freindly and helpful. They were willing to spend as much time as we wanted answering questions. We were made to feel very at ease. In the end and after some discussion, we asked for permission to meet the 6 year old.

Tomorrow we will leave Kiev and either drive or fly to the Luhans'k region of Ukraine. We will likely be there for the next 2+ weeks if everything goes well. Please keep us in your prayers that all goes well and we are able to adopt a healthy and happy 6 year old. Oh yea, HIS name is Yan. K&M

17 comments:

andy szczepkowski said...

oh my gosh Karen and Michael, I am just sitting here stunned after having read your post. A six year old little boy named Yan! What an ADORABLE sounding name!! Carl and I are just smiling from ear to ear, we are so happy for you that things are progressing as planned. Well, maybe not exactly as planned, but definitely progressing! Please, have a safe trip to your next destination, have lots of fun meeting Yan, post lots of pictures and know that you are in our hearts and prayers. We, here at home, are anxiously waiting to hear about each new development. Good luck you guys!!! You are doing a fantastic job keeping everyone in the loop. Much love to you both!!

Jimmy & Mary said...

Congratulations!!!!!!!! We are soooo happy for you. What a fantastic roller coaster ride! We will keep the prayers coming and best to you in the days ahead!!
Love,
The Dooneys

Beth said...

Mike & Karen,

I am so happy to hear the good news!! The two of you are in my prayers each and everyday. Good Luck to you in the weeks ahead.

Love
Beth

Timmins Family said...

Oh my goodness!!!!! How wonderful to hear from you, and with such terrific news! We are overjoyed, and will keep the prayers headed your way! I guess the ride is really just getting started, so hold on tight and know that even though you can't see us, we are all in the seats riding with you!

Yvonne/Mom's friend said...

Hi Karen & Mike
The news is awesome. Little boys are great. I have enjoyed the pictures you send and can hear total happiness in your words. Prayers and wishes are with you

Nancy DiNubile said...

From the mother of 3 boys..Congratulations!!!! I'm so happy for you both. Michael's analagy was fitting. It has been some ride, good luck on the next leg. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all..

Hillary Andes said...

Karen and Michael

Wow! It's a BOY! How wonderful. Wishing you all the best in the next few weeks. Thinking of you both often! Have a safe trip, and keep all of us posted.

Love,

The Andes Family

The LaMonica Family said...

OH MY GOD!!!!! That is the best news ever!!! I am sooooo happy fo the two of you!!! ....and Avery has a big step-cousin!! woohoo!!! keep us posted!!! I was going to throw away the comment card but i may just hold on to it- ya know until you get home:):))))

Tami said...

Congratulations...we hope everything goes well with your meeting!

Emily's Dad said...

Yeah!!! "Two steps forward, one step back" eventually gets you to your destination... Our collective fingers are crossed!

The Lancaster Sheerins

the manchel family said...

We wish you the very best. Can't wait for the next posting!!! Lots of love to both of you!!!!
The Manchel Family

ileene said...

Hi! I really don't like roller coasters but I am sooo glad to be on your ride. A BOY???? That wasn't an option, but it must beone of those meant to be things. He will be one lucky child and we are all so thrilled for you. Thanks for keeping us posted. Can't wait to hear more.

Oh and Karen....only you would find Louie there!!!

lots of love and luck!
ileene

G-Mom Sheerin said...

Dear Karen and Michael, That was THE BEST PHONE CALL I'VE EVER RECEIVED!!! We are all so excited to meet our newest member of the family. I don't know how we are going to be able to wait till you get back! Please let him know how much we love him alreadyand hurry home. Have fun getting to know your little guy. Love you both Mom/Kate

The LaMonica Family said...

Hi guys...it's Danielle YEAH!!!!! So excited for you guys that things are moving along!!! What an exciting journey!!! Karen...don't you sweat a thing...Pipes and I will make sure you have EVERYTHING you need for you return home with YAN!!! Are you kidding...YAN!!!! :o) Love that name!!! :o) Thinking of you guys daily!

Patrice Curley said...

Wow. How wonderful. I've been praying for you and hoping for you. What a lucky little boy Yan is! His prayers are answered too.
Great, now I'm crying at work. All the best to you.

The pose by the window picture is sooo Karen. Did you have your dancer necklace on?

Katie Owens said...

Hi Karen & Michael.
I do not have the words for how excited Kelly, Sean, Brent & I have been this entire week!!! Literally, all we talk about is "our new cousin"! K & S started Kindergarten yesterday, and they want you to move to Medford so Yan can be in their school and on their bus! I am absolutely freaking out without a picture or a recent update from you guys. Luckily Mom keeps me posted that you have called and things are "on track". We miss you, we love you, we can't wait to have you all safely home. Love, Katie

Tracy Mazuer said...

crying and joyous for you and praying for no curve balls. keep going!!!!!!!
love, tracy and john