We FINALLY got through to Ukraine!!

After weeks of trying to call Yuliya, we finally got through!! (Word to the wise: Do not use a cheap calling card to make calls.) We spoke to Yuliya this morning at 3:00 AM and it was wonderful. It was an answer to our prayers because we had to align the help of our dear friend Vera in Ukraine (who helped us translate), the social worked (who took Yuliya out of class to talk), and the phone lines (that that miraculously accommodated a 3-way call between all of us). Maybe when I get my phone bill I will be wishing for one more miracle.

She sounded so good, just like we remember her. The memories came flooding back as we spoke. The first thing we hesitantly asked was if she still wanted to come to Amerika to be part of our family. Before Vera could even finish the translation, she excitedly replied 'так'! (Yes). Carrie, who already treats this little angel like her own, had to wipe a few tears of happiness away. We reassured Yuliya that we are still working hard to come get her and it might take a little longer than we had originally thought. We had promised her when she was here that we would try to be there in late spring, but uncontrollable factors in Ukraine will prevent this. There have been a few snags that Yuri is working out that we are all hoping the best for. We couldn't really tell this to Yuliya. The only benefit to the delay is the more time it gives us to get ready. So we told her how much we miss her and love her and to not loose hope. It wasn't long before her little friends were out of class too and gathered around her whispering things to her. I can just see Alona and Inna watching Yuliya talk, asking her what she was talking about, then hearing Yuliya tell everyone that she was talking to her матуся and тато (mon and dad). Eliza also talked to her for a few minutes. Yuliya giggled when Eliza told her that she won't let us take the bed Yuliya used out of her room. Yuliya also told us that Pasha and Inna
miss their 'Amerikan families' very much and wanted us to tell them this, which we will do.

What a relief it was to speak to her. This whole experience has brought with it so much emotion, and something as simple as a phone call was no execption. We miss Yuliya very much, especially during this season. Our prayers for her are fervent.

я тебе кохаю, ангел Юлія!