Thursday, December 13, 2007

12/13/07 Our Appointment with the SDA




Well all, we met with the SDA today and feel as if we have been run over by a truck. Our appointment went ok, we can cofirm that there are indeed lots of very sick children & according to our psychologist approximately 150 familes waiting for second appointments. Just today the SDA posted on the bulletin board that the wait for second appointments could now be as long as 45 days.


We were shown 5 files of girls ages 7 and under. Our request was for a girl under six. We have chosen to see a 5 year old girl who is listed as being developmentally delayed the full scope of which we will find out in a few days.


We have contacted Dr. Yuri and he has agreeed to come with us to meet her and give us his medical opinion. We hope to get to see her on Saturday. We are trying desperately to keep our hopes from getting too high and to keep our heads screwed on straight (good thing they are already attached eh!).


We now understand why some posts from others are short once they get in country, for we are very tired and don't feel much like typing either.


Our appointment was not of the norm. At 12:00 we were shown 5 files & given a very short time to ask questions and think things over. Our physcologist (Olena) and her translator then came back into the room at 12:30 and asked if we needed more time. To our amazement they said it would be ok to leave and come back at 2pm with our answer. They explained that they were about to go to lunch and would be back then. Sooooooooooooo...we took lunch (Oye' who could eat). After much discussion amongst Vlad, Elena, Konstantine and ourselves, we came up with some very good questions to help us get the most we could out of what we knew would be an extemly brief visit at 2. Vlad accompanied us into the 2 pm (didn't happen til 2:30ish) meeting as the translator (apparently Olena's was needed elsewhere) and we were able to determine based on our clarifying questions which little girl to go visit.


We most likely will leave tomorrow evening by Car or Train. Not sure which yet.


Here's a photo of the front entrance to the SDA and the sign there. We also took a picture of the New Years Fir in Independence Square right at dusk. We'll get another one after it is done being decorated. Interestingly enough, we went in through a side door for our appts today.


All our best,


Donna and Michael

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mike and Donna I'm drinking coffee for you right now and I'm sending my suersonic New York energy and prayers. Your gonna make it. XOXOXOXO Helen

Kathy and Matt said...

We'll be thinking about you as you go to meet the little girl and will pray that Dr. Yuri's evaluation provides positive information for you.

It sounds like the appointment was emotionally draining. We appreciate the details you've offered, and we'll try to keep them in mind as we mentally prepare for our trip.

You are in our prayers!

Christi said...

D & Husband -
I'm glad to hear that you've made it and although I too am tired (probably not as much as you), I'm sending you some strength, some energy & all the love that you can handle. Hang in there and keep thinking positive. She's out there waiting for you. All my love & best wishes.

The Big -
Christi
XOXOXOXOXO

Anonymous said...

I am so thrilled you made it! We have been on pins and needles. I hope for all goeas well when you finally get to meet her! I also pray for you both to have peace and a great nights sleep!!!
LOVE YOU BOTH!
Cari
XO

Amy said...

Donna and Mike -
I know EXACTLY the feelings you are having - we had the same after our appointment. You are lucky that you did have 5 choices. My thoughts are with you guys - and since I know your phone number - I might give you a call - hehe - but not in the middle of the night!
HANG IN THERE! She is there - it just might take more patience to find her! But you will!
Take care and enjoy this time waiting! Say hello to Dr. Yuriy for us!
Amy Libenow