Referral

We are happy to say we did choose a referral today. We'll actually get the referral tomorrow (signing papers and such) and then travel to Kharkiv (XAPKIB in Ukrainian).

We don't really want to say too much more at this point. We are excited and freaked out a bit. Hopefully the referral will work out well and we'll update you all from Kharkiv with some pictures and more info.

Kharkiv is to the east of us and we will be traveling by car to get there initially. The drive will be done overnight according to Tatiana, so that means Alexei isn't going to get much sleep.

At the region, we'll get an apartment for us and Luba to share. She'll be staying with us after today, I guess until at least we return to Kiev. We'll visit the orphanage with Tatiana and Luba to meet our referral.

Following that Tatiana will be returning to Kiev to work on paperwork and such. If all goes well, we'll be Kharkiv about two weeks before returning to Kiev. In Kiev it will be another 2 to 4 days before we finally come home.

I guess that means we'll be coming back in about 3 weeks - Hopefully!

I know I'm being vague, but I don't want to jump the gun in saying too much. I apologize for the vagueness, but if things don't work out in Kharkiv, we feel being vague is better.

Thanks for the continued well wishes and prayers. We are both very optimistic about this referral.

Here's some more about Kharkiv
http://www.kharkov.ua/region/region-e.htm