On the way to Kiev

The day is finally here. Maury and Kol said their goodbyes to all of the children (Alousha, Dema, Anina, Natasha, etc…) and Kol’s caregivers. Maury said that Vera was sad but so excited to know that Kol was on his way to a wonderful life. Maury said he was so ready to get out of Sumy, that the good bye was short. He said Kol kept opening the door saying ‘good bye’ to all of the kids. I can not imagine what must be going through his little mind.

Soooo, on the road again…. la la la la la I can’t believe it. After waiting at the passport office for four hours, the only person in Sumy that can approve the passport finally arrived. Maury made one more quick trip to McDonalds. He said Kol could care less about the toy and went straight for the food. Can you imagine how that will change in a few months? We have decided that he will be as big as a house in a few weeks!

The driver, translator, Kol and Maury left for Kiev about 5:00 pm Sumy time. They should arrive around 10:00 or 11:00. He said Kol is looking around at everything just taking it all in. This is probably the longest he has ever been in a car. Arriving in Kiev will be like arriving in New York for him. He is from a small village and Sumy isn’t the thriving metroplex of the Ukraine. I would love to see his face when he sees the big buildings, all of the cars (machina) and the lights. I am sure he will be amazed.

I called Maury to check on the journey. In the background, I could hear Kol saying “America Mama, America”. I can not explain the joy I feel knowing he understands that he is on his way to a better life.

Tomorrow, they will visit the US embassy and try to convince them to complete all of the paper work in one day instead of two. Based on our experience, I am sure it will be a two day process if not more. Their flight is scheduled to leave Friday morning (3:30 in the morning) and arrive in Shreveport at 9:00 pm. If they can not get the paperwork completed in one day, they will have to leave Saturday (the same schedule).

Of course, we are in full Mardi Gras swing in Louisiana. Maury and I are supposed to ride in a Mardi Gras parade this Saturday. It doesn’t look like that is going to be an option for us. Karmon is a Princess, so she will ride on the King’s float. He will arrive in the US and step right into a Mardi Gras parade and festivities. We will give him a good Louisiana welcome!!!