Friday, April 2, 2010

Introducing......

In the eyes of God, all of us....and NOW THE COURT.....Miss Zoya Faith Basile is officially ours!!! We still have to wait 10 days during the wait/appeals period before we can take her but she is legally our little girl! What a long day and quite the story to tell....God is amazing and performed some miracles today. 

We arrived at the court at 8:00, an hour early.  We waited and waited and waited for everyone to arrive.  For court in Ukraine, there are "witnesses" that must be present.  Their role is not to decide the case, but they are allowed to ask any questions and give their opinion.  They were the same witnesses from Tuesday.  While we were waiting, one of the witnesses, a woman in her 60s, sat down next to us.  She hadn't been very friendly on Tuesday, but then again nobody here really is.  I noticed a lanyard sticking out of her purse and it had the word, "miracle," just as I was praying that everything would go well today.  I thought it was pretty neat and pointed it out to shawn.  I knew it was a sign!...........

Anyways, the judge finally graced us with his presence around 9:30, a half hour late.  We were really nervous. They went throug the entire part of court that they already did on Tuesday.  Asked us our full names, places of birth, where we live, and what we do for a living.  Then they read aloud our petition asking to adopt Zoya, and did another role call where every person in court introduced themselves by giving all the same information we just gave.  They asked, which one wants to go first (before the firing squad hehe) and Shawn stood up.  The judge simply said, tell me all about you and why you are here.  Thank goodness our facilitator gave us some questions to answer one at a time.  Shawn did well and spoke from his heart.  Even though our facilitator was translating everything we were told only to look at the judge the entire time (which we did EVEN when he was staring out the window looking bored!).  Next was my turn.  I told all about the programs we are involved in and told the judge, prosecutor, witnesses, and everyone else how these children really do have a future in America.  I noticed one of the witnesses looking at me like I was bonkers....well they both kind of were at one point or another.  Next it was the social workers turn.  She gave all the information about why and how Zoya became an orphan and her "diagnosis." Next was the representative from the orphanage...which was my favorite part.  She told the judge that we met Zoya on March 17th and visited her every day, twice a day, since then.  She told the judge that Zoya gets excited when we come, she recognizes us, and knows that we are "her people"and she knows she belongs with us.  That about made me cry.  The prosecutor only had one question for each of us (which I hear is UNHEARD OF from this prosecutor).  The judge took about 30 minutes to read aloud all of our documents.  He went over EVERY SINGLE ONE and let me tell you there were a TON! When he was going through the papers, he pulled out the pictures we had printed for him.  He smiled a teeny tiny smile, like he was trying not to, and then passed them to the witnesses.  The witnesses both smiled.  Here a smile means A LOT.  Nobody here fakes a smile.  When you see one, it is most definitely real!

The judge said he needed a 5 minute break.  Our facilitator looked worried.  They called the prosecutor out and then our facilitator.  We listened to the other people inside the court room saying something....we didn't know what the buzz was all about.  She came back to tell us that he wanted an offical stamp on one of the papers.  Everyone else agreed it didn't need a stamp because it was on official letterhead from the hospital where Zoya was born.  Even the prosecutor said it wasn't needed.  He said basically that her didn't care and he wanted the stamp.  Marina begged him to just finish court and make a decision TODAY and told him we would go right after court and get 2 stamps even! LOL.  Somehow, HE AGREED!  He took another 5 minute break to make his decision.  He came back in with the witnesses, who were all smiling now...big change! He read his decision and I knew it was coming because when he said it in Ukranian, everyone started smiling, but still we waited to hear it translated in English.  The court granted us our request to become Zoya's parents!!!! Shawn and I teared up big time and squeezed each other's hand.  Once he was done talking we hugged each other and our facilitator.  Everyone was all smiles now, even the judge!! Court finished at approximately 11:45....only 2 hours and 15 minutes!

So we were off for the hour drive to the hospital where Zoya was born.  Our facilitator called ahead and said she was the assistant to the judge and we were holding up court to get this document done and could they please stamp it as soon as we get there.  They agreed!!  Our facilitator is THE BEST.  So we took the drive there going 140km/hour....which is almost 90 miles per hour...and made it there in 40 minutes. We drove back to bring the stamped. document to the judge. On the way we stoped at the social worker's office to drop something off.  Our facilitator came out and said everyone was buzzing about "how in the world did you get the judge to have such a quick court and make the decision today?"  First I thought, "that was quick??!!!"  And I guess where we are, it is quick.  Having ONLY 2 court dates here is a victory.  I said it must have been all the prayers. 

Next we dropped the newly stamped paper off to the judge.  While our facilitator was inside one of the witnesses, who is also a janitor in the court, stopped her.  She said how in her head she was thinking this was a crazy idea that we wanted this child, but after listening to us and seeing the pictures, she knew in her heart "we must let this child go with them."  She said the judge asked her, a cleaning lady (and witness of course) what she thought about the case and if he should make a decision today! She was suprised that the judge asked her opinion and she said, yes I think we should.  Remember the lady with the "miracle" lanyard hanging out of her purse? I told our facilitator I thought she seemed very nice today as opposed to our first court.  She said her and the other witness were both annoyed that they had to come in and hear a case on an adoption of a child with Down Syndrome.  Here that is unheard of and "stupid." The miracle here is the God changed their hearts....softened their hearts for our case.  Usually the witnesses don't do much, but in our case the judge asked their opinion and I believe it was through them that the judge decided to give us a decision today. The lady with the "miracle" lanyard couldn't have been happier for us, when just days before she was so annoyed with us and our desire to adopt a child with Down Syndrome.  Our facilitator reminded us that we really are pioneers here and since this was the first adoption of a child with special needs in this area, people are still confused and leery of us.  I am so glad to know that God has used us to open eyes here.  I wonder if the judge will remember us and Zoya years from now as his first adoption of a child with special needs...hopefully years from now there will have been many more of these adoptions and maybe it won't be so taboo!

So many more thoughts racing through my head...but we are packing to leave TONIGHT! We got a flight out of here into Kiev and a flight from Kiev to Frankfurt to Chicago to Buffalo...getting in at 5:06 home time tomorrow! So excited. Off to pack, one last visit with Zoya, then outta here for 10 days :)  I will probably have some more organized thoughts when my mind isn't racing a million miles a minute...so sorry for the scattered post :)

35 comments:

  1. Praise be God!!! I couldn't take the suspense anymore, all Mya and I have done this morning is pace and wait. I am so happy and little Miss Zoya is officially a BASILE! Love you guys,talk to you soon

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  2. Congatulations on your new daughter! This is wonderful news, not only for you and Zoya, but for all the special needs children in this region.

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  3. Praise God for all the miracles that culminated in this wonderful news! Our power's out so I had to come to Panera Bread so I could keep checking for your news to come up. Good Friday is the day that sealed our adoption as God's children so it's such a fitting day for Zoya to become YOURS. I'm so, so happy for you.

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  4. God is so good isnt He? Wow Praise the Lord! I think the 10 days seems needed for you and Shawn to rest up and get so fresh breath into you. I cried the whole way thru your post. I can not wait until we are going through the same thing stating our daughters full name and saying its official. Hopefully that will be soon. It is so poetic that it is good Friday and all the miracles you have been given.

    Just thinking what this day means for us in history and what Easter means. How God chose this very time and this very moment to show you just how much He cares for His own.

    I am so very very happy for you! Be blessed.

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  5. CONGRATULATIONS Sarah, Shawn, Zoya girl and even to new big sister Mya!! We have been following the blog like crazy! SOOO happy for you guys, this is amazing to read and hear, I can't even imagine how amazing it must feel for you two! What a special Easter gift :) Have a safe flight home!!!

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  6. Thank you, God, for creating this beautiful family! :)

    Thank you for sharing your story. You've had quite a day!

    We're glad you'll have time to refresh (and eat well!) back home!!! Enjoy! :)

    We love, love, LOVE the name Zoya Faith!

    Praying for all 3 of you!

    JTHTL

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  7. YES!!! So incredibly awesome!!! I am so happy for you and for sweet Zoya!
    Congratulations Mommy and Daddy!!!
    Finally!!!

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  8. I'm sitting here crying I knew Good Friday would be your day.God would not let you down it his day and Now and forever it will be your day.What a beautiful name Zoya Faith Basile; CONGRATULATIONS MOM AND DAD.HAVE A SAFE FLIGHT HOME. Love Aunt Marianne

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  9. YAY!! Congratulations! So happy for your new family! See you soon!!! :)

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  10. CRYING!!!! YAHOO!!!! I absolutely love the name too. Zoya is your baby girl!!! May your trip home be speedy and restful. This is indeed a GOOD FRIDAY! You have made my day...my weekend! Happy Glorious Easter!

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  11. Blessings to this precious new family! This post made me cry tears of joy for you all. You are all so special- so happy for you! xoxo

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  12. As the tears are running down my face I lift my heart to the Lord ,Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord. A miracle was witnessed in that court room today! Pretty ironic that our Lord was before a court on this day so many years ago. He did nothing wrong but they still put Him to death so that we may live. So there Zoya was on trial for nothing she did just just so that she may live and have a new life with you. ALL of it Christ/Zoya is a miricle. We deserve nothing and we got everything.Praise The Lord!!!! Praying for your safety home and the respite you so richly deserve! Love and prayers, Kathy,Guy, Desiree,Megan,Zack,Abby, and Seth

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  13. With tears in my eyes, I celebrate with you! Your experiences with the "bad judge" turned out to be, as I had expected; God using Zoya and you and Shaun to open his eyes and soften his heart! This is yet another case of God using adversity and trial to proclaim his mighty goodness and love! This has been an opening of that man's heart so that other families may walk through! I am so blessed that you allowed me to share in your miricle: Zoya Faith!!!! My daughter April shares in your happiness and looks forward to one day "walking in your shoes"! Enjoy your time at home and eat hearty!

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  14. What wonderful news! Congratulations to you both. Your little girl is beautiful. Safe travels.

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  15. ." The miracle here is the God changed their hearts..I just had to repost that ! you are just the first just think of these people that were touched by you they have been changed.Think of how many children this is going to save. all the hard times you guys had to go thru you can now look back on and feel good about.God is so good!he knows what he is doing even if we think it may be crazy at times.
    Bless you May you have a great trip home.

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  16. HALLELUJA!!!PRAISE THE LORD!!!
    We celebrate with you and our hearts are full of THANKS!
    ZOYA FAITH BASILE IS OFFICIALLY YOUR DAUGHTER!!We love her second name; it is indeed a journey of FAITH you started many months ago! And now you are close to bring this precious girl HOME. What a wonderful GOD we have!!!
    We are so glad, that you are able to fly home for the following days to recover, to enjoy, to prepare...
    We wish you safe travels!
    Again: HAPPY ADOPTION DAY to you ALL!!!
    Praying and celebrating the MIRACLE!
    Love Christina and family

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  17. What an amazing day, God blessed you with a miracle.
    To think the hearts and minds have been changed today and I know because of your love for Zoya other children will be able to have the same opportunity to be loved by a forever family.
    I am so happy for your family congratulation!

    Happy dance and lots and lots of hugs.

    Hugs : )

    Sharon

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  18. Zoya Faith Basille, what a lucky girl she is. She is truly an angel. You truly are so deserving of this beautiful day. You have made international history as you bring this child into your lives. Imagine how this will change opinions in this country forever. Love and Prayers are with you for a safe and relaxing trip home. So blessed we all are to have you in our lives. Love to you all, Debbie N.

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  19. YAY!!! I am so happy for you both, and I can't wait until we are all together as a family to celebrate!!! Congrats!!! Be Safe!! Love, Kim, Steve, Mattea and Sadie!

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  20. SCREAMING AND CRYING FOR YOU! PRAISE GOD!!

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  21. I prayed last night, I prayed this morning, I prayed while I was at work, and I prayed before I opened this page. YES! Prayers answered, go home. Sleep. Eat. Bathe. and then go get YOUR DAUGHTER. Congratulations Mom and Dad!

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  22. Amen and congrats Mom and Dad!! Have a safe journey home.
    Love, Kathy and Bren

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  23. I just can't believe we ever doubted those prayers would be answered. I went to Holy Thursday Mass last night and prayed so hard for those very things to happen!! That the judges eyes and heart would be opened to the love and need that these children have, and that there are people who want them. okay, crying again!! Can't wait to meet her. Now praying that you have safe flights and easy flights:o) Love, Kris

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  24. Oh, Sarah and Shawn! That is the best news ever! Happy tears for the Basile family! We will all be dancing in the cul-de-sac! I will spread the word! Love, Liz

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  25. Congratulations!!!! What a miracle. Your daughter is so blessed to have you guys. Congrats on your new baby girl!

    Love, Katie Conley

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  26. muchas felicidades, congratulations.

    =)

    hugs from mexico

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  27. Congrats! So very happy for you! What a wonderful easter gift you have been given! Safe travels home on your flight; enjoy your time at home, and what an amazing feeling to know, that in 10 days, you'll get to bring your daughter home!

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  28. So anxious today hoping you and Shawn would officially get Zoya AND SURPRISE! I am so happy for you 3 that you are now a family. Can't wait til we all get to meet up someday soon. Have a restful 10days and Look forward to hearing about the journey home! Happy GOOD Friday and it certainly was a GOOD Friday! Kim & Tom Baumann, Adopting Vanya #11

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  29. Congratulations Mommy and Daddy!!! I am so happy for you and Zoya. You are all blessed to have each other.

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  30. SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! AND ISNT GOD WONDERFUL TO SEND YOU A MESSAGE OF MIRACLE!

    CONGRATULATIONS BASILE FAMILY!

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  31. Praise God! Congratulations on your new baby girl!:)
    Amy

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  32. You guys did it!!!! Yahoooooo!!!! I am so so happy for you. On Good Friday too isn't that amazing. Thank you God Thank you for hearing all of our prayers. Congratulations.
    Big Hugs Jenny Sousa-Brown

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  33. The picture of her yawning the caption should have been (she looks like she's winking)"I KNEW THIS IS HOW IT WAS GOING TO TURN OUT ALL ALONG". I just love looking at the pictures all the time. She makes you smile and laugh.Happy Easter Love Aunt Marianne

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  34. Praising God with you for this good thing He has done!

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