11-9-2004

Today, I went before the Ukrainian judge.  At 9 AM court was supposed to begin.  As per trend here in this country, the court proceeding did not actually begin until 10:15 AM.   Attended by the Ukrainian judge, the prosecutor, the inspector (town social worker), orphanage social worker, my translator and myself, I was pronounced officially a father at 11:00 AM local time.  

Technically, these are now my children, at least in Ukraine.  I have an official birth certificate listing myself as the father and a fictitious woman (Cathy Goldfield) who I named in honor of Cathy Harris, the wonderful woman in Florida who has helped guide my in adopting these two boys.

The birth certificate has now been notarized and officiated.   I am in the process of obtaining Ukrainian passports, which should be completed I hope tomorrow. 

Ladies and Gentlemen:  The big news of the day is that the court (with the right appreciation shown the proper parties) has officially waived the 30 day requirement normally needed according to Ukrainian law.   This waiver was received due to the horrible medical conditions my children are suffering from (wink! wink!)  I have to rush these kids home for immediate medical attention.

I want you all to know that I love the Ukrainian system.  Anything can happen, if you know the right people, the right thing to say, the right way to say it and particularly if you appreciate people the right way, in the right amount!

Bring plenty of appreciation if you come to visit!

Anyhow, the current time schedule will have me visiting the US embassy at 9:30 Friday for official American VISAs.   Hopefully, this time, the US Embassy will let me in. You may recall, the last time I tried to approach the embassy I was chased away by the Ukrainian guards.  This time, I have an appointment and a legitimate purpose (and of course the right appreciation!)

I expect if all goes well at the embassy (and at this point, I can't for the life of me figure out how anything could go wrong), I will be able to fly home on AEROSVIT Airlines, leaving Ukraine at Sunday 12:30 PM and returning to USA New York JFK Airport at 3:30 PM.   Marie, or those of you in New York, if you would like to say hello, feel free to be at the Aerosvit gate on that day, at that time.  I know that I have to clear customs, can't tell you how long that will take.

Anyhow, I should be picked up by mom and crew then and drive back to PA Sunday to bring my boys home to America!

I will continue to update you folks each day as things progress.