Pasha - Lena Coming Home

A french Bakery in Kiev - What a treat!

We are so ready to come home. "Dad, how many hours, 23" ...." Dad, how many hours, 22 1/2".

We spent the last day eating good food and going to a water park, similar to seven peaks in Provo, however it was indoor and pretty crazy. One great thing about orphans; line....what line, what do you mean we have to wait in line. People yelling at them, no big deal Oh my, so funny I laughed all day.

The kids had never seen a wave pool and had the time of their life. As soon as we returned home and had dinner they were sound asleep. They played so hard, just like an 8 year old for the first time. They ran between slides, butted lines, ate high calorie food (ice cream x 10) and just maxed out the entire experience. I am wasted from keeping up!

See you all tomorrow night, details of flight on yesterdays blog.

Since it is the last time I will blog from the Ukraine about this experience publicly, I wanted all those families that may be considering this rewarding and hard process to know, that it is a very powerful event for both the orphan and the adopting parents. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the constant reminder to enjoy the process and not focus so much on the goal with everything in life. It has been during the process that the tender experiences have evolved. I hope to continue this when I return home. There is no question that the Lord has had his hand in this event.

Also there are several kids that would do anything to have a home. It just rips your insides when everyday the kids at the orphanage say "dallll, find me family". Dima, Zjania, Luba-Yula-Victor, these five want this blessing so bad. I hope you all cast your nets for these kids with friends and family. Bon Voyage!

Pasha - Lena - Coming Home and me too!

The Finish Line

We Have the Prize!

2 years later and allot of sweat. We are done!!!!!!!!!!!! What you see are the coveted immigration Visas. The meeting at the embassy went smooth and I loved the words of the lady behind the counter, "Congratulations, you made it".

Xray of lungs

They had never seen such a thing and really thought the B&W picture was cool. This was one of the steps at the medical center as well as blood drawn, shots and waiting...waiting.. waiting.

Oleg and Pasha (almost an american boy)

Trying to stay entertained while we waited at the medical center

Celebration at the Movie House in 3D

Try this one. The kids had never seen a 3D movie before. They laughed, screamed and talked out loud during the entire movie. We will work on movie etiquette when we get home. Another first!

How to ruin kids in 1 day!

When I said "yes" to popcorn, they screamed out load. How is that for gratitude. Once again new things that you never thought twice about. These are the small rewards for me. Popcorn, Pringles and bottled water for dinner! Good job dad (We had a good snack after the movie). The Stockwells also joined us for the movie.

Another First

Tonight Lena was so excited to pick out a swimsuit for the big adventure at a lake tomorrow. This is the first time she has bought a new swimsuit. The kids usually trade suits around at the orphanage. As soon as we arrived home tonight she put it on just to wear it for a few minutes. She is so easy to make happy.

Pasha's new cool shirt

Tonight he was able to pick out a cool shirt on his own to wear on the airplane. He loved it and knew it was expensive, but I could tell he hoped so bad that I would say yes. I love their gratitude.

Not Apples

How about tomatoes for a snack.

Lena calling her orphanage family to give the news

She was so excited to tell her orphanage family that she can now go to the USA.

Kiev has beautiful buildings that are hundreds of years old.

Not an old building - No Comment

An old tower

Personal Note: We will be home this Saturday night, Delta 1733 from JFK to arrive at 10:37 PM. The kids would love to see their Ukraine friends and new family, if you are free.

What a journey. Hard..yes. Rewarding...yes. Expensive...yes. Hot...yes. An experience that I wouldn't trade for anything...yes. We (My wife and I) have learned so much from these two kids and their orphan family. I hope I will never forget the many life principles they have taught us. I am sure they will make our family a better home. Can't wait to be home!

There is no doubt that the other side of the veil has assisted us with this ???? I don't even know what to call it (adoption, process, blessing , adventure, training??). But it was Great!.

Welcome Home: Pasha Joshua Gledhill(16) and Lena Isabella Gledhill(13).

Final Day at Sumy - First day at Kiev

Nothing More to Say!

Hannah Montana strikes again. We returned home late on Tuesday night and the kids showered and before I started on the blog, I was informed that the laptop was going to be used to watch the Hannah Montana movie. What could I say to this new found freedom and I knew we were going to be getting up at 4:30 to go to Kiev for our appointment with the US embassy, so I held up the white flag. Everything went well and tomorrow at 2:00 we have final interviews. That is the final, final, final hurdle to get home. Can't wait. I miss home and the rest of the family.

Lena has spent 7 summers in France and it shows

I cooked spaghetti for the kids tonight and Lena went to the store and came back with tomatoes and fresh mozarella in brine. SHe prepared it on her own and it was sooooo good.

Dads Big Dinner - almost like home

Spaghetti with sausage, mushrooms, peppers and some funky sauce that is kind of like home, but with a pound of sugar.

Kiev Temple

After going to the embassy today we went to the Kiev Temple open house. It was so beautiful and the people were so good to the kids and Natasha our translator. The chandelier in the celestial room was magnificent as always and the mirrors in the sealing room held the kids attention for about 10 minutes.

Kids and Shoe Protectors

They had kids place shoe protectors on Everybody’s shoes. They would not let you do it yourself. It was to show an act of kindness and respect. It was very cool.

Kiev Temple

Elder Monson

After the tour we were in the church next door eating a tart and some juice and in walks one of my sons good friends from Draper. I could tell that he was stunned to see me and then it finally sunk in. To his mom, Tina: He is happy and I took some video of him to show you next week. He had 3 baptismal interviews today and seems like he is really into the mission life. You can be proud of him.

Lena, Natasha, Pasha

This is in the central square in Kiev. The church in the background is over 1,000 years old and has only been maintained, not restored. The germans didn't bomb it becaue they used it for a luftwaffe landmark. Beautiful buildings in this city that was started in about 500 AD.

Had to get out of the heat

The thermometer on the care read 43c on Tuesday, which is something like 107 degrees. It was so hot and I knew the bowling alley was air conditioned. The is Lena's friend Tanya from the orphanage. The kids have this system that somehow they sneak out of the orphanage for about an hour an no one misses them. It reminds me of the old Hogans Heros shows where the americans came and went but always let the germans be in control. The day was non-stop visits by kids on the 1 hour filed trip. Pretty funny and lots of tears again.

More Orphans on the 1 hour unofficial visit

Two more 1 hour runaways " I know nothing"

We had some fun at the market by purchasing sunglasses for everybody. They all looked pretty cool.

Tears from Tanya ..another unofficial visit

Lena Sewing

I started to sew a button on Pashas shorts and Lena would have nothing of it. She said it was her job and she would take care if it and she did. Pretty cool!

Pasha - " Oh my Dad, Ipod is cool"

Well, my Ipod gets used every night by the kids. They love music and movies. It is kind of like fast sunday and it has been a long fast, so everything is great, fun and looks good. Fun to watch.

As Pasha said upon his first bite of peanut butter and honey, "OOOO La La" I guess that is how you spell it. Any way this has become a daily ritual now. It's that fast sunday syndrome.

Ok, we should finish up tomorrow and will be on a plane Saturday. We are suppose to arrive on Delta Airlines form JFK about 10:50 PM on Saturday night. If we can fly out friday, we may try. Will update tommorow. Temple was cool and to watch the kids gaze motionless into the sealing rooms mirrors was worth the entire trip to the Temple. What a great day.

2 more days! Oooo la la!!!!!!!!!

Ciao!

What a Day! Good Bye to the Orphanage

Lena with the Victor(s)

Yes they are just as fun to goof around with as they look in the picture. I have yet to see either one of them of them wear a shirt. Shoes always optional. The Victor on the left is at the orphanage with his two sisters and is always up for any game of any kind at any time. Great Kid! He is one of my favorite shadows.

Signing the release documents with the Lawyer

Yes I did have to sign another 9 documents today to officially release the kids from the orphanage. It is official at this point, they are now our responsibility. Are you ready for this Rebecca?

Teacher from the "8 and under orphanage"

Upon signing the 9 documents we walked outside and this teacher was standing there waiting to see the kids. She was their teacher about 6 years ago. She came to see them because she loved them so much. It was amazing again to see the bond between the student and teacher.

Celebration - Milestone

The kids talked me into taking them to McDonalds to celebrate the document signing. Masha, our translator is also in the picture. Food was OK but the air conditioning was awesome. Big Macs and air conditioning with 2 new kids.... wow.

ARE YOU KIDDING!

Pasha and Lena planned their own farewell party that was to be held at the orphanage at 6:00 PM. We were in charge of the food and of course yours truly was stuck with the bill. The kids kept asking me questions until I finally said, "You are the boss, I will wait for you at the check out". They obviously were not shy by this new found authority. There were 10 people in the store following the kids around, because no one ever fills 3 baskets of food. It was so fun to watch them have the joy of shopping and picking out whatever they wanted. This is a first, and really neat to see the joy it brought to them. There were sausages, imitation crap sticks, chips, bread, tons of fruit, drinks, pickles, candy, Chocolates and one Coca Cola light. A Ukrainian Feast.

Lena- She put dog and cat food in the basket

What else can I say, once again, I was the student and was taught by kids that know how to watch out and take care of others. The animals are going to miss here so much. This type of watching out for others is amazing to witness, especially by kids that have nothing monetarily.

Teachers slicing the Sausage Up

The director of the school told us after we bought all the food that someone had complained and we could not have a party. So one of the invited teachers took all the food to the lake and hosted the party and we all just happen to show up. " The party that didn't happen" wink... wink... Amazing! I didn't know that the kids had invited 8 teachers along with all the kids.

Lena, Dance Teacher, Rita and tears

There were many tears shed tonight and non-stop hugs between the kids and teachers. They really are one big family. They would all serve food to each other, share everything and were so kind. The teachers were more like that one special aunt or uncle that everybody loves. Great, hard, sad, happy, emotional night.

Pasha playing the Sopilka and Serge on the guitar

Pasha's former music teacher, Sergey came back for the party and to see the kids. He and Pasha played music and sang for about an hour. There is a great bond between these two.

Pasha and Lena at the Party that didn't happen

These are just a few of the great teachers that came tonight. As I have said all along, they take care of these kids like they were their own. To see a teacher cry for happiness because the kids finally have a home was priceless.

All those that "happened to just show up" by accident

Mom: "It's the last time you will see the orphan feet".

The kids are now here with me in the apartment and loving the AC. So far so good!

Oh my, their feet are so dirty and wouldn't trade this for anything. The picture really doesn't show how they really look. A sight to behold. Anyway, they have taken a shower, scrubbed their feet and are sound a sleep while I am writing this blog at 1:20 in the morning. We did throw their shoes away, since they are so hammered, broken and dirty. As requested by Mom, we will be getting a pedicure for the kids in the morning since we have a free day while waiting to meet with the US embassy tomorrow. More exciting details on this event tomorrow.

Personal Note: As I sit her trying to absorb the entire emotional swings of the today. I cannot get off my mind how simple the party (the one that didn't happen) was tonight and how enjoyable. There were no ipods, game boys, kids saying I'm bored or fancy clothes or cars to worry about. It really was all about being kind, enjoying the company and loving one another. We are too busy at home and our fast lifestyle most likely precludes us from these type of experiences. I am so grateful to have felt and witnessed such an evening. It was incredible! I may be missing a valuable part of life.

Schedule: waiting one more day for passports and will be at the US embassy Wednesday. Still plan on being home Saturday night (maybe sooner if the passport office speeds up the process.

I am ready to come home!

Sunday in Sumy

A Nice Surprise! Oleg, Pasha & Dima at the Sumy Church

Last night I asked the kids if they wanted to go to church with me. Both reminded me that when they get to Utah, " I go church at home". This morning at 8:00 AM, Pasha called Oleg, the facilitator and said he wanted to go to church with me. They were hiding in the back seat and surprised me when I opened the car door. A great start for the day. The other boy in the picture is Dima (pronounced DeeMa). He really wants a family and has such a good heart.

Kiev Temple Open House

This is the temple open house announcement. I was able to deliver a box to Elder Koefed who is new in the branch. If you look close at the card, you will see his name. He was so excited to get the care package. The missionaries were happy and pretty much do everything in the branch. I will be taking the kids to the open house on Friday.

Invented Ring Toss Game

The kids are playing a new game where we throw the frisbee type ring over the stake in the ground. This is one of the toys that Anndraea sent over for the orphanage. When I showed up today there were kids on roller blades, some throwing a football and others shooting Nerf guns. So nice to see them have something to do. They are all so happy and I am hot! 98 degree again today.

New Card Game

I finally talked them into going inside since I was soaked from sweat after teaching and playing Frisbee football. They love to compete with each other. They loved to learn the card game we call golf.

Another Amazing Site

This is Lena's dance teacher that came over special today to bring Lena bags of candy and gifts. These teachers hardly make any money and yet they spend their own money to show love to the kids. We talked today about the upcoming separation from the orphanage tomorrow, since they chose tomorrow as the day to move to my apartment. I let them choose the day. I told them it is Ok to have tears and smiles all on the same face. These kids are a family and I can tell that reality has finally hit the kids that their little family may never be seen again. Tomorrow could be a tough day!

Ice Cream after Frisbee football

There is a small store a block away from the orphanage that we went to after the big game. It was interesting that they all waited outside thinking that I would only buy Ice Cream for my kids. I had to go get them from the porch and tell them to come in a choose an Ice Cream. They are so kind, patient and respectful. So fun to put smiles on faces for only .40 an ice cream bar. (Note also the roller blades being used every second of the day)

Ukraine Crepes!

Why buy crepes in Paris for $7.00 when you can get them in Sumy for .60 each (not kidding). One of my secret habits here by the apartment. The food here is really good!

Better not get hurt in Sumy

How about a ride in a 1960 dodge van ambulance. I think I will start wearing my seatbelt more in Sumy.

Awesome ... Awesome ...Awesome

Yes!!!!!! Last night I made Ice (I can do toast as well) and the freezer actually worked. Oh my, a Coca Cola Light (diet) just as cold as the ones from 7-11. It's an awesome reprieve from the heat. (Sorry Honey!)

Personal Notes: Anyway, I am looking forward to tomorrow, since this is the day the kids have chosen to leave the orphanage. They could have left the day I arrived, but they emotionally needed time for good byes to this unique family of kids. They have been here almost 10 years. I can tell this will be a big deal. They are loved by so many and it will be a hard, not only on Pasha and Lena, but all their friends. We are planning a big dinner party at the orphanage tomorrow night to help with the transition. So many of the other kids will be sad to see them leave, even though they all would, if given the chance! Doesn't seem fair! These kids dream of a family of their own..... translation, don't take for granted what we all have.

Tears and Smiles Tomorrow! (Siblings)