"The Joy Of Natalia" By Paul and Sandy Silverlieb

We first contacted Journeys of the Heart when a licensed social worker specializing in adoption we know recommended them even though we live in Texas and the agency is in Oregon. She was complimentary of their care and concern for successfully bringing families together.

We were favorably impressed by JOH because it is a family agency and their program managers are highly experienced in their regions.

We ultimately chose Ukraine. Paul’s family emigrated from Ukraine in the late 1800’s. We started the paperwork process in May 2003, and had our first appointment with the Ukraine government adoption center in late March 2004. During these 10 months we joined our local FRUA (families of Russian & Ukraine adoptions) and met many happy families that have or plan to adopt from Ukraine.

During 2 weeks in Kiev we had 3 appointments at the government offices. It was at the 3rd meeting when we saw the file on Natalia, and knew then that we were meant for each other. She was living in the Dnepropretrovsk region, a beautiful part of country that is about a 1 1/2 hour plane or overnight train ride from Kiev.

After many hours in “D’nep” signing papers and other paperwork, we finally got to meet Natalia. Twenty minutes after we started a meeting with the orphanage director in her office, in came a beautiful little girl being carried by a very pleasant middle-age caregiver.

She got quietly on the caregiver’s lap as we reviewed more history of our future daughter. Natalia (they called her by her Russian version: Natasha) was wide eyed at all the new faces, but enjoyed playing with the animal rattle we brought for her.

We became very attached to Natasha in the following few days, just by spending a few hours a day playing with her in a hallway, in her section of the orphanage.

We took Natasha out for what seemed to be her 1st time outdoors, touching tree bark, feeling dirt, watching cars drive by. We saw a rapid improvement as she practiced walking and running, and now climbing.

Back to the process. JOH’s Ukrainian attorney arranged and oversaw the entire process. In 3 weeks our case was done. We then had the 30 day court imposed waiting period.

Sandy stayed in “D’nep” to continue the bonding process. We were issued visas, and the US government granted her citizenship once she landed back in America. Sandy was in Ukraine for a total of 10 weeks.

We had a cell phone provided by JOH, and in Ukraine incoming calls are free; outgoing to the US is difficult and expensive. We feel that without the support from the agency, our family, and our friends in the US & in Ukraine, it would have been a tough process. Though the process was physically and emotionally draining at times, it’s a life building experience that we would do again.

Natasha has adjusted extremely well to her home. We love to see the amazement in her eyes as she discovers her new surroundings.

She has brought immense joy to our lives. We are thankful everyday for everyone that has made our adoption possible.

Update:   We have been back in Dallas for 1 year & 1 month.   Natasha is a wonderful girl, who brings joy to everyone who knows her. She is very, very smart, and everyday learns something new. She is in school. We had a parent-teacher meeting, and on the list of 50 criteria that 2 1/2 year old children should have accomplished, Natasha is at that level on most of them, and in some she has exceeded expectations.   And, she is very interested in Ukrainian culture & history.

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