The next day, Craig went to pick her up Visa and then we went to get her birth certificate apostilled.  Craig went to Lufthansa to see about our tickets. They told us if we upgraded to Business Class from Kiev to Munich - then we could leave the next day!  He paid only $300 and we were able to leave on the 11th!  It was great.  The flights were wonderful and Molly did a great job.  We had people from all over the plane telling us what a great baby she was!  We were so proud of her.  Her ears never hurt either!  When we got to Chicago, we had a 6 hour layover. We rented a room at the Hilton in the airport and that was the smartest thing to do!  We rested and ate!  It was our 5th wedding anniversary and we had our meal there in the room.  Molly had her first PB&J!!! 

When we reached San Antonio, it was amazing!  There were about 30 people there to greet us.  Everyone had American Flags and snapping photos!  Molly did fine.  She never cried, just looked at everyone.  She was so calm.  My mother was crying and couldn't believe that her grandbaby was finally home!

Molly was so mad at us for putting her in a carseat!  She screamed for 10 minutes but we finally got used to it.  She quit crying and then fell asleep.  When we got home, we went in her new room.  It was like Christmas morning.  She went to everything in there and touched it!  She was amazed at everything.  We tried putting her in the crib but realized its too small for her.  She would go right over the rail.  The bed is too high and its on the lowest setting.  We put up her Pack and Play and she sleeps in there.  She slept with us the first night and cried a couple of times. At 7:30 the next morning, she woke up with a big smile and ready to start the day.  She had a great first day!  She ate extremely well!  Last night, our friends came over for a cook out. They all brought their children and again, Molly did well.  She let the other girls hold her!  I was impressed.  She didn't actually play with the other children but she didn't cry either.  They all played on her new Playscape!  Everyone was so kind.  They brought gifts and tons of food! 

At bedtime, I put her in the Pack and Play and she went to sleep just fine.  She woke up at 3 AM and I rocked her back to sleep.  She slept until 7 this morning and got up all smiles!  She ate a great breakfast and then her friends, Chase and Elisabeth, came over to play.  She is just so adorable!

She loves the dogs!  She chases Chanel (the Shih-tzu) all over the house!  She goes outside and walks right up to Ginger's pen (chocolate lab) and lets Ginger kiss her.  I am so proud of her! 

I can't believe I am finally home!  There are times I just look at her and I am amazed.  I also feel like I am babysitting sometimes!  I can't believe I AM A MOM!  Its such a great feeling!

I have great friends who came over this morning just to watch Molly while I took a shower!  Its been great.  My friends have signed up to bring meals every other night for us until October 1st!  Amazing!

I hope to continue to update our journal now that we are home!

Love to all of you!

Becca, Craig and Molly Hill

We headed downtown for lunch and shopping.  Daddy insisted that we buy her a pink outfit since everyone was mistaking her for a boy!!!!  So, she has some new threads on!!!  Back home for another nap and then dinner.  We are actually going out to dinner at Bartholomeo's and taking Anita, Roland, Denis, Beth and Vitaly with us.  It should be a great evening.  I dread saying goodbye though!  I can't believe my time here is through.  We'll get on the night train and will be in Kiev by 7 AM.  Roland and Vitaly are on the same train so that should be fun.  We go to the American Medical Center for her first doctor's appointment - I'm sure that will be fun - at 9:30 AM and then to the US Embassy at 1 PM.  We are really hoping to get out of here on Friday or Saturday.  PLEASE PRAY THAT WE FIND A FLIGHT!!!!  If not, we'll still fly out on the 14th. 

As far as her name - there has been some confusion.  There was a mistake in the petition and her middle name was left out.  So, in order to get it changed here, it would have taken an act of congress.  Craig and I made the decision that we would add the middle name "Rebecca" when we get to the USA!  After all we've been through, we weren't willing to jump through hurdles again just to add Rebecca.

Well, I need to get her changed and ready for an evening out with the adults. 
LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!!!!

Becca, Craig and Molly Hill - Finally!!!!!

We then headed to good ole McDonald's where she had her first lunch with Daddy.  She had a Happy Meal and received her first Hot Wheels car!  Her Papa Hill will be proud!  We then headed to get her new birth certificate!!!  Name:  Molly Hill  Father:  Craig Alan Hill  Mother:  Amy Rebecca Hill - It was so cool!  We saw the little village where she was born - it was devastating!  So poor! 

We then went home to take a nap but after an unsuccessful attempt at sleep we decided to watch Veggie Tales.  Daddy slept! 

We were picked up by Beth and taken to Alpha and Omega.  They were having an outreach "Coffee House" with a team from the US.  They had games, food, and music.  Molly decided it was best if she showed off her talent of dancing!  Everyone was watching her and just smiling.  I think she liked the attention!  We then went to dinner on the river.  Beth, Craig, Molly and myself. We had a great celebration dinner and then headed home. Molly fell fast asleep and is currently in the middle of the bed. She is just adorable in her new yellow PJ's!

Tomorrow, we will get her new foreign passport and then head to Kiev.  Apparently, there was an issue with our marriage certificate and could have caused her MUCH trouble!  We had one sent from the US before our court date but didn't have it appostilled.  When Denis got to the office today, they were giving him a hard time.  One of the founders of Alpha and Omega was there, Misha.  He is a big wig in Dnepro.  (He currently lives in Seattle)  Anyway, he knew the head honcho lady and asked if she could just give Denis the passport.  It wasn't a coincidence that Denis and Misha were there at the same time in this little office.  That was a God thing!  Praise the Lord!  So, they will have the passport ready at 9 in the morning and we are done!!!

We have our appointments in Kiev and then we are going to try earnestly to get a flight home as early as possible!!!! Even if we have to be routed to Germany, then to California, back to NY and then home - it would be worth it! 

I am so thankful for our time here and the experience that we have had.  Though it would not have been the route I would have taken, it was orchestrated by God.  My aunt Sylvia wrote me yesterday and said "Everything that touches you was first sifted through His fingers>"  I think I got that right.

Okay - Molly is screaming - gotta go!

LOVE YOU

We will be there around 10:30 to have a little party for all her caretakers.  We are buying cakes, cookies, chocolate, and juice.  I've bought frames and will put Molly's photo in each of them and give them to the workers.  Craig also brought some hand lotion that I will give them as well.  We just wanted to show our appreciation for loving our daughter the first year of her life.  They do love her and I know they will be sad to see her go. 

Denis has done most of the work beforehand.  We are just waiting on Edward and the remainder of the paperwork needed to get the birth certificate and the foreign passport for Molly.  We leave for Kiev on Wednesday night and will visit the American Medical Clinic at 9:30 Thursday morning.  We will then try to get to the US Embassy that afternoon to get things rolling there.  We still hope to get out of Ukraine early!  We will be checking flights everyday!!!

Well, I  must go to sleep now.  Tomorrow is going to be such a busy day!!! 

LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!!!

Becca, Craig, and Molly

Please keep the children and their families in Russia in your prayers.  I'm not real close to them but close enough.  Its south of us somewhat.  But, its just been devastating!  I can't imagine what they must be going through!  Also, keep the residents of Florida in your prayers.  Two hurricanes within weeks of one another and this one is supposed to be pretty bad.  I catch little highlights of the weather on BBC so I am not sure the intensity of any of those storms.  I hear they are pretty bad.

Molly has not been acting very nicely lately.  The ladies at the orphanage said she would not eat yesterday and she threw quite a lot of fits!  When I had her on Thursday, she cried the entire time.  Today, she wanted to cry but all she did was pout until we started playing with her toes and belly.  She then got a burst of energy and began smiling.  Not sure if she is teething or what.  Maybe she is just so ready to go home!!!! 

I can't believe we leave in 10 days!  I'll be here for 75 days on the day we leave - amazing!  Who would have thought?  I will miss this place.  I will miss the friends that I have made and I've made so many.  This girl, Oksana, and I went shopping this morning.  I just love her!  Everyone is all about relationships so its so cool!  I love hanging out with these students over here.  They just love people so much!  I hope to come back soon and see them again.  C

Craig will be landing at 4:10 Ukraine time tomorrow afternoon.  We will be there with bells on to pick him up.  We hope to get to the orphanage to see Miss Molly as soon as we get him.  I know he will want to see her!

Well, I thank you for your prayers!  I just heard on BBC that the hurricane as been downgraded to a Category 2 so that is better news!   Thank you, Lord!

I must go but I hope to see all of you soon!!!  LOVE, Becca and Molly

We found out yesterday that we will remain in Kiev until the 14th of September rather than coming home on the 11th.  Craig tried to book tickets using www.cheaptickets.com and booked a return flight for all three of us.  I guess they contacted him and told him that they did not have a contract with Ukraine Airlines and that the ticket is bogus!  So, we are using our Lufthansa tickets and returning on the 14th. We had to pay alot of extra money to change our tickets - $400 for Craig, $200 for me, and a lap seat for Molly was over $300!!  I DON'T RECOMMEND LUFTHANSA!!!!  Pay the extra money with the other airlines that are flexible and willing to work with adoptive parents!!!  So, we'll spend about 5 days in Kiev.  Atleast its nice and more modern than Dnipropetrovsk.  However, I really like where we are right now.  The people are so wonderful!  I will certainly miss my friends!!!!!!  I miss them just thinking about it.  Oh, I have been truly blessed.

So, for those of you planning on coming to the airport, I realize its a school/work night so it may be too late for you to be there.  We don't arrive into San Antonio until 10:30 that night.  We were hoping to see everyone at the airport but it just may not work out.  Sorry :(

Well, I need to get ready to go see Miss Molly.  I've missed her! 
Love to all of you - Becca, Craig, and Molly

We booked flights for September 11th and will be getting into San Antonio at 8:35 PM on that evening.  We are so excited - only a week and 6 days!!!!  I can't believe its almost here!

I've been really busy lately here in Dnepropetrovsk.  Beth and I headed to Bartholomeo's on Friday (by the way, the little boy that almost drowned is okay.)  Then, on Saturday, I went to see my baby and then to the American Club with Beth.  On Sunday, I attended Alpha and Omega - which was great!  Then, I got to meet other Southern Baptist Missionaries that are here.  And, the wife, Linda, is from Mississippi!  She grew up just minutes from Hattiesburg - where I am from!  She graduated from William Carey College.  What a small world!  Their names are Mike and Linda Ray and they have Rebekah and Hannah.  They are so sweet!  I also met another team member, Tim, from North Carolina.  We sat around and sang praise songs and had a time of prayer.  It was amazing.  What a way to begin your week.  These people are a part of the ministry team that Beth belongs too.  They are incredible and you can really see them shine the light of Jesus in their lives.  Its just been amazing to see them and the ministry they are doing in Ukraine.  If anyone is ever interested in short term or long term mission trips - I have a great contact here in Ukraine.  They work with teams all over the US.  Next week, they are expecting a medical team to come here to bring people to the Lord.  Pray for them!

Well, Miss Molly got a Playscape from her Gigi and Papa yesterday.  She is going to be amazed!  The things they have over here to play with are big, bulky, metal, rusted, and falling apart.  Its so sad.  But, these kids don't know the difference and its great to them.  I can't wait to see Molly's face.  I had her today and we didn't do too much.  We went to the travel agent and then to Central Market.  This is a TRUE Central Market.  They have meat hanging all over, fresh veggies and fruits, eggs, milk and bridal gowns???  Go figure!  Anyway, I would never buy meat there.  I saw things I didn't even know existed in a cow!  It was pretty gross.

Well, tonight, Beth, Anita, and I are headed to Kiev on the night train.  We are going to have a girls day tomorrow and do some souvenier shopping.  I am so excited!!!!  We leave at 10:30 PM and will arrive around 7 AM.  We'll shop all day and eat at Arizona's BBQ for a REAL American hamburger and then get on the train tomorrow night and head home.  It should be a really fun experience!

Well, just pray for Craig as he comes back over.  Pray that all the paperwork in the final stages is done quickly and right.  We'll be home soon!

WE LOVE YOU,

Becca, Molly and Craig via the US

Well, I am taking the day off tomorrow from the orphanage.  Everyone here insists that I take time out for myself!  It does make the time go by faster when I have other things to do.  I'm sure Molly won't mind if her Mom gets a little R&R tomorrow by the pool! 

She was fine today and quite funny.  Everytime she hears a baby cry, she points her finger and says "No, no!"  Today, they kept crying and she was very frustrated and just got louder and louder!  She wanted them to be quiet!  When I took her up at 7 this evening, I fed her and then started playing with the little babies.  I held one in my arms that was crying and Little Miss Molly was NOT happy at all!  The attention was off of her and on someone else.  She was trying so hard to get my attention and pulling on me.  So, I picked her up and held them both.  She thought that was really something until she poked the little guy in the eye!!!!  JEALOUSY!!! 

Well, I need to get to bed.  LOVE TO ALL OFYOU FROM UKRAINE!

Becca and Molly

Today was a good day.  We picked Molly up at 10 and headed to the zoo and aquarium.  She wasn't as fascinated at the zoo as I would have thought but it was hard to see the animals.  We saw the bears, who apparently, bit off a child's hand about two weeks ago.  The child was not supervised and climbed over a HUGE fence and put his hand in their cage. It was really sad but both bears were alive and kicking today.  I didn't let Molly near the fence!  Then, we headed to look at fish and she was terrified when this huge fish came swimming towards her!  Her Daddy is going to have to teach her to love fish!  Or atleast love TO fish!

Things are good here.  I am going to spend time with Molly tomorrow and then Beth wants to go back to Bartholomeo's on Friday (well, we both do!).  Her life is about to get chaotic with school so she needs another day of relaxation!  Then, next Monday night, we are taking the night train (Beth, Anita, and I) to Kiev.  We will get there at 7AM, shop all day for souveniers, eat at Arizona's BBQ, and then head back that evening.  We are SO excited!  It will be a great girls trip and we'll get to do some great shopping.  There is an outside market there that has the best shopping in Ukraine!  I hope to bring home alot of things that will always remind me of my time here!

Things at home are well.  Everyone misses us so  much and we miss you guys too!  I can't wait to get home and get back in the swing of things.  I tend to get so exhausted here during my visits with Molly but I know that its because we do the same thing just about everyday!

Please pray that Craig does not need to come back to get Molly.  I received an email from a lady who adopted in this region earlier this year.  She said that a couple from Germany adopted and one parent returned for the child.  They would not allow that one parent to take the child home.  We asked the judge and she made it sound like it was okay.  We are checking tomorrow but please, please, please, pray that I can bring her home on my own.

Well, I better get some sleep - its midnight!

LOVE TO YOU ALL!

Becca

PS - I'm posting some photos of my Ukrainian friends on the photo page!

Molly is doing better.  I didn't see her today but yesterday she was fine.  She just wanted to sit in her Mommy's lap and have me sing.  I would quit and then she would just look up at me to tell me to keep going.  I'm not much of a singer but I did the best I could! 

We went over the normal things "what does a dog say, what does a duck say" and then we learned the bear!  She was so funny!  She loves to roar like a bear.  She seemed to be okay, no throwing up and her head looks better.  I am still going to talk to the doctor tomorrow and make sure she is okay.

Tuesday, I believe, is Ukraine Independence Day.  So, there are Ukrainian flags EVERYWHERE!  The lawns are being mowed and things are clean!  I guess they are getting ready to celebrate and they want things to look nice.  Offices are closed tomorrow and Tuesday in observance of this holiday.

Things are going well at home.  Craig seems to be doing okay.  Just keep all of us in your prayers as we are away from one another.  I am planning on coming home on our 5th wedding anniversary - September 11th.  I pick up the court decree on Tuesday, the 7th and then spend that day and Wednesday in Dnipropetrovsk getting her foreign passport and birth certificate.  Then, I will travel by train to Kiev to the American Medical Clinic on Thursday and then the US Embassy on Friday.  I should leave Kiev on the 11th if there are flights available.  I am ready to go home.  Even though I am not miserable being here!  God has blessed me so much! 

Thanks to all of you for your emails! 

LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!

Becca and Molly

Tomorrow I am taking the day off and spending it with Beth.  She has had a tough few weeks and I need to take time for myself too.  So, we are having a Girls Day.  Not sure if we will go to the swimming pool or just hang out but it will be tons of fun.  She is awesome! 

Everything seems to be fine at home in Texas.  Craig is doing well but misses us!  We wish he was here with us right now.  But, I know he has to make money so that he can build his little girl a swing set!!! 

Well, I better get started on dinner.  I'll write soon.  Take care and thanks for all the emails - they are great!!!!

Keep all of us that are here in Ukraine adopting in your prayers!!!!

Love all of you!

Becca and Molly

Alot has happened since my last post with Jenya.  She stayed with me for two days and in that time, the couple from Canada contacted me.  They have actually been following our story and didn't know I had even met Jenya.  I received an email and then a phone call from them.  Like I said in my post earlier, I didn't know the complete story.  But, come to find out, they had a worse nightmare than I could have ever imagined.  They almost lost all three girls and needed to leave the country.  They tried and tried to adopt Jenya but they were not able to obtain a copy of the death certificate of Jenya's biological father.  Its impossible to get!  Anyway, they love her so much.  They try to contact her, but its nearly impossible at times.  So, I just believe that its by the grace of God that she found my website.  I believe that God orchestrated the meeting of Jenya and I so that she could talk to her parents in Canada.  I've spoken with them alot this weekend and come to find out, they love her so much.  They still consider her their daughter and they are trying everything to get her to come to Canada.  So, I am so thankful that they contacted me through email.  Thank you Lord!

Molly is doing fine.  I didn't go see her yesterday - Sunday is my day off.  Well, my driver doesn't work on Sundays so its really his day off.  But, I plan on going to see her at 1PM today.  I'm sure she is just fine.  I can't wait for that day when I go see her at the orphanage for the last time and get to take her with me!!!!!  Jenya and I went on Saturday and it was storming outside.  We had to sit inside the entire time and it was quite boring for the girls.  I could just sit there and stare at Molly but I know that's boring for her.

I was able to spend time with Beth yesterday, the missionary from Texas.  She and I had a great lunch and then walked back to her apartment.  It is so wonderful to be able to spend some "girl" time with a girl from Texas!!!  She has been going through some things here, just alot of frustration that comes with mission work.  Just say a quick prayer for her!  She is doing so much in the lives of these students. 

Craig is safe at home and even got to go fishing this weekend.  I am so glad that he was able to get away and release some of the stress from being in another country.  He even caught what he called a MONSTER Red Fish!  All is well at our home. My mother has taken such good care of things while we have been over here!

Please, please, please - pray for my best friend's grandmother, Mary Lyssy.  She suffered a stroke this past weekend while Brooke was watching after her.  She is originally from Poland and is just the most amazing woman.  I was able to spend some time with her last year and she taught Brooke and I how to make kolaches.  I asked her if I could be her adopted grand-daughter and she said "of course!"  She has prayed and prayed all her life for a peaceful death.  If its in His will that she go home to be with Him, I pray for a peaceful death.  Please keep her in your prayers.  Please keep Brooke in your prayers too, I can't imagine how traumatic it was to be there when she had the stroke!  I love you, Brooke!  Tell Grandma I love her too!

My Uncle Johnny is out of the hospital.  So, thank you for your prayers!  Michael and Cristi survived Hurricane Charley!  So much has happened while I've been here!

Well, I better go.  Love you guys and thanks for all the emails and words of encouragement!  Becca and Molly

It has been laid on my heart to reach out to Jenya - the 15 year old orphan.  Dennis has pretty much taken her in as his little sister.  He cares for her so much!  She was abandoned when her parents died of either AIDS/drug or alcohol addiction - not sure.  Anyway, she lived with two other girls and a Canadian missionary family (not the one I am staying with).  Anyway, they wanted to adopt all 3 girls but apparently, Jenya was not available at the time.  This was May and she would be available in August (this was about 2 years ago).  Anyway, the family didn't feel led to adopt her.  I don't know their side of the story so I won't elaborate.  Regardless, Jenya was left behind.  To her, she has been abandoned twice.  When she was taken to the orphanage the first time, apparently they shaved her head!  She was mistreated until taken in by this missionary family.  The orphanage she lives in now is a nice one.  It was the one I visited yesterday.  Anyway, I have been led to reach out to her. Honestly, I would take her home in a heartbeat but Craig and I haven't really talked about that.  We have talked about her coming over and living with a family while being a foreign exchange student.  But, there are some concerns - one being her beauty!  The others - we don't know where she is spiritually and when she came to the US - she could go wild.  She would be a novelty over in the States.  She speaks increbile English!  She has been invited to go to a Christian camp on Sunday and she is pretty excited.  I bought her some makeup, a backpack and some clothes today for the camp.  She looked so adorable!  She is also staying with me tomorrow night as well as Saturday night.  She helped me with Molly today and she did a great job! My heart breaks for little Jenya.  I want her to have a much better life than the one she has here in Ukraine.  She is smart and has the cutest personality.  Please keep her in your prayers!!!!!!!  How rejected she must feel at this moment. 

Thank you in advance for the prayers!

While we are on praying - keep my brother, Michael and his wife Cristi in them as well.  They live in Key West and should be getting Hurricane Charley tomorrow.  The tourists were asked to leave the island and most of the residents are staying there.  Just pray for safety!!!!

Well, I must run.  I am worn out from today!!!  Craig made it home safely to Texas!  I just can't wait to join him!  I love you all so much!

Also - pray for my friend, Becca and her husband, Jon. They are here in Ukraine and will meet 15 month old twin boys on Monday!

Becca and Molly

I am learning so much here in Ukraine.  I have learned that I want for nothing.  I have everything that I need and I am so blessed.  We were visited by a man tonight that is originally from Nigeria.  He is married to a Ukrainian woman and they have 3 children.  He can't find work here because they treat him so poorly.  They will actually tell him to get out of a seat on the bus because the seats are for humans, not monkeys!  Alot of people here believe in evolution so therefore, think that the black man came from a monkey.  Its just heartbreaking!  I can't believe that people think like that!  Anyway, he was able to get enough money to purchase a heater for his family.  However, now he needs money to get the pipes put in so the heater will work. He is trying to do this before winter hits and his family freezes (literally to death!).  He is trying to get to England where Roland can get him a job.  However, the British Embassy is not wanting to give him a visa because of his color as well.  Its just a devastating story.  He came asking for help and Roland is not able to help him financially right now.  I just wanted to give him all the money I had on me but I know I can't.  He really is worried that his family will freeze if the heater is not put in before winter.  Please keep this family in your prayers - his name is Louis (Lewis).  My heart just breaks for people - we have it so well where I live.  I'll never complain about my home, my car, my clothes, or any of my situations.  I have no idea what's its like to live in poverty.  I have no idea what its like to go hungry!  If I don't eat, its my choosing not because the food is not there.  This country is all about relationships!  They live simple lives and they cherish the times with their families and friends.  Even though some people treat others unjustly, most of the people here know how to love!  I've been reading alot of Max Lucado's books while here.  I just finished, "Its Not About Me" and I'm in the middle of "A Love Worth Giving."  I've learned through my experience here that it isn't about me.  I complained about being here for so long but if I never would have come here, I never would have been able to see how these people radiate God's love.  I never would have met Anita and Roland and seen Jesus through them.  It worries me that so many people on the Internet bash this region.  They warn others not to come here!  But, what about the children?  So what, you are inconvenienced for a little while, put through what you think (or what I thought)  was a nightmare.  But, what about the children that are left behind?  I visited an older children orphanage today.  The kids range from 5-18.  I was in the room with the 5-8 year olds.  I could have stayed in there ALL day!  They kept calling my name "Becca" "Becca" "Becca" - they just wanted someone to touch them, someone to play with them, someone to look at their photo albums, someone to just pay attention to them.  They say here that if a child is over the age of 4, their chances of being adopted are slim to none.  It makes me want to go back home, redo our paperwork and come right back over.  A week ago, those words would never have come out of my mouth!  But, God changes even the hardest of hearts!  I plan to visit that orphanage again and play with them as long as they will play with me! 

Well, I've written so much and I'm sure your tired of reading.  Please keep Louis (Lewis) and his family in your prayers.  Keep my Uncle Johnny in your prayers as well as he has suffered a stroke.  Pray for all the teachers and students as they prepare to begin a new school year.  Pray for the children of Ukraine - I pray that more people will be led to adopt from here.  Pray for those in Sudan as well as Turkey - they have had a devastating week!

Sending prayers and love your way from Ukraine!

Becca and Molly and (Craig via US.)

Craig is still in Kiev.  He is trying to get a flight out.  We had a return ticket but our travel agent is the only one that can apply it to another ticket.  She can't get him out until August 28th!  So, he is having to resort to purchasing another one way ticket to NY.  He'll stay there and try to fly out on Southwest or another carrier.  Poor guy!  Its very busy over here with tourists (especially leaving from Germany) so the summer books up pretty bad.  I don't think I'll have the same issue since I am coming home in September!

Please pray for my Uncle Johnny.  He is my grandmother's brother in Mississippi.  He suffered a stroke yesterday and is in ICU.  There is some bleeding in the brain but he is coherent.  I'll update as soon as I know something.

Well, I better run.  Just a quick note to let you know how things are going.  Please pray for my friends, Becca and Jon.  They arrived in Kiev yesterday and their appointment is on the 11th with the National Adoption Center.  Take care everyone and we'll see you guys soon!

LOVE YOU - Becca and Molly

I am moving in with Anita and Roland today.  I am excited.  They are so wonderful and they have a sidewalk market outside their apartment where people sell fresh fruits and vegetables.  They live right across the street from McDonald's and a huge grocery store (well, Ukraine standards).  I won't be by myself and I am in a safe place.  They have tons of books and videos in English so I won't be bored at all.  They have a van but we are hiring a driver for me to take me to and from the orphanage.  That way I don't have to use public transportation and totally rely on Anita and Roland.  Just call me "Driving Ms. Daisy!" 

Molly is doing fine.  She didn't eat much yesterday and got stung my something on her finger.  Its like they performed surgery on her and rapped this huge bandage just for a bee sting.  She did eat for me but it was Cherrios!  She is getting excited about coming home. The caregivers are so excited. 

Well, we are going to shop at an outlet place and then go to Predniprovsk to see our baby.  Daddy is going to spend some alone time with her this afternoon.  But, I'll be waiting in the bushes just in case she throws a fit.

If you want to see where we stayed, visit the website of the Grand Hotel. www.grand-hotel-ukraine.dp.ua

Love to all of you. Thanks for all the great emails.  On four of the emails it said the same thing - PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!  Its great to be a member of the family of God!  We love all of you!  Becca, Craig and Molly!

We then left and went to visit Molly.  She is not feeling well.  She has an upset tummy.  They thought I fed her something last night but nope, it wasn't my fault.  Atleast not this time.  Anyway, she wasn't herself at all but we just loved and loved on her so much.  I'm sure she wondered why we were acting like that.  The caregivers were so excited for us!  They hugged us and were talking so fast in Russian/Ukrainian - we had no idea what they were saying.  But, they were happy! 

We then went downtown to celebrate at our favorite pizza place - Metropole.  We took Edward, Dennis, Anita and Roland with us.  It was awesome! 

Craig plans to return to the US and he may have to come back to pick up Molly with me.  We are waiting to talk to the orphanage director about that.  But, he plans to go to Kiev on Sunday and be at the Embassy on Monday to sign some paperwork.  It looks like I will possibly move in with Anita and Roland and hire a driver to take me too and from the orphanage.  They have a Christian taxi driver that lives in their building. They live in a very safe place and it will be good to have them there with me.  So, it looks as if all this will work out.  I will be able to pick Molly up on the 6th of September.  I will pick up the court decrees and get her birth certificate and necessary documents from the region and hopefully, I will be on my way to Kiev by the 7th or 8th.  Then, to the US Embassy to get her passport and visa to come home.  I will most likely travel on the 11th or 12th.  I am so excited that I think I've probably made many typos/mistakes in this journal entry.

Like I've said before, I can't begin to thank all of you for everything you have done.  My friends in New Braunfels that have worked night after night and day after day getting us the necessary documents.  Teresa Fillmon with His Kids Too got up at 3 AM and got on her knees praying.  I have received so many emails where people were praying all day and had friends/family members that we don't even know praying for us.  When my sister in law heard the news - she was at VBS with 1800 people and she shared it with everyone!  We have some amazing friends and we consider those of you we don't even know friends!  We will cherish our time here for the rest of our lives!   We can't say "thank you" enough! 

We love all of you so much!  I will try to post photos from the court hearing later.  We need to get home and get some sleep - we are all so tired!

Thanks to Edward and Dennis - they stayed up so late last night translating documents and then worked until a few minutes before the court hearing translating a letter we received in regards to the Social Worker issue from Dib Waldrip (our District Attorney)!  Hey Dib - we promise to work hours upon hours on your re-election campaign!!!!!! 

Molly thanks you from the bottom of her heart too.  Without each and every one of you and the many different types of support - we could never have made it!

With love from Ukraine! Becca, Craig and MOLLY REBECCA HILL!!!!!!!

Birthdate 1-12-03

Adoption Date 8-5-04

Our friends and family in the US have gone to the extremes in getting us the necessary documents that we need by the Ukraine government.  I will never be able to repay them for their time, their money, and their frustrations.  I have two very special friends, Laura and Brooke, that spent the day in Austin trying to retrieve documents.  There are state agencies out there that were not helpful and caused them great frustration.  No one wants to take ownership of the social workers authority even though there is a code out there that clearly states it.  However, after much research, emails back and forth, phone calls in the middle of the night - I think we are on the way to getting what we need.  There are two very special ladies in Austin, Liz and Joan, that have worked so hard in obtaining the Occupations Code as well as the Human Resources Code for us.  We have them and they are on their way to the US Embassy.  In the meantime, we have contacted our Representative, Carter Casteel and District Attorney, Dib Waldrip who have helped tremendously.  We have received many emails from people we don't know that are trying to help us in any way that we can.  There is a guy who adopted from this region helping to prepare a letter to the courts here on our behalf.  I can't begin to even list all the people that are helping us.  Our hearts are truly overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support of all of you.  I have received emails from people that have adopted from here and know the very frustrations that we are dealing with right now.  It helps to hear that they are safe and sound with their children in the US and in Canada.

We have been so blessed while we have been here with the outpouring of the people of Ukraine.  Everyone is willing to help us in any way possible.  Everyone has been patient with us whether it is the pharmacist, a taxi driver, or the lady at the grocery store.  For that, we thank the Lord that they have found favor with us.

Our court date is tomorrow, August 5th at 3 PM.  That will be 7AM CST.  We are asking each of you to pray and pray hard!  God can do the most amazing things!  He used to move mountains!!!  He still heals, He still softens hearts, He still performs miracles we may never see.  He is still God! 

About Molly - well, she is learning new things each and every day.  Yesterday, she was playing with my toes.  So, I took her shoes and socks off - I don't think she has ever seen her toes. They wear onesies with feet in them and that is all the time regardless if its 100 degrees.  Anyway, she started feeling her toes and laughing.  I would ask her where are Mommy's toes and she would grab my toes and then I would ask her where are Molly's toes and she would grab her toes.  She was just cute as she could be.  Her favorite book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" given to us by Aunt Brooke.  She reads it everyday.  Well, we read it.  Actually, we have it memorized.  Everytime we start to read it, she dances.  It has a catchy rhyme to it and she loves to dance.  But yesterday, I told her to kiss the bear and she did - in English!  Then she wanted to kiss ALL the page and ALL the animals.  It was the cutest thing I have ever seen!!!  Of course, we didn't have the camera ready!  We love her so much and long to have her in our home in Texas!

Last night, it stormed worse than it has since we've been here.  It literally stormed with thunder/lightning for 7 HOURS!  It was amazing - I'm surprised the Dnipro river didn't flood!  So, we stayed in last night and tried to eat pasta with Parmesan cheese - it was horrible so I retreated to Nestle Chocolate Ice Cream!  Today it is storming again so we were not able to go see Molly this morning.  We had a TON of work/research to do at the Internet so we will miss our 1 PM visit as well.  But, we should get to see her tonight at 5.  That is when she is at her best anyway.

Well, Craig and I were able to spend time at Barthlomeo's on Monday.  We really felt as if we were somewhere in the Caribbean.  Its a swimming pool that you pay to use for the day.  You can have lunch and just relax in the sun.  Our missionary friends took us and boy did we need it.  We just needed a place to revive ourselves.  It has helped us to get away from reality, even if just for the day.  We are so thankful for a place such as that and plan on taking Dennis there next week. 

Well, its beginning to storm again and I am worried about losing connection and losing this information.

Keep praying is all I can ask of each of you reading this!  If each of you could be on your knees at 7 AM CST in the morning, I would greatly appreciate it. 

We love each of you so much.  I hope I haven't completely bored you with all this writing.

Love in Christ - Becca, Craig and Molly

PS - Thank you Brooke for the late night long long long phone call - it raised my spirits!  Thank you Laura and your parents for their hard work too and you can call me at 2:30 AM anytime. 

We have had an outpouring of support from the US in regards to the issues we are having over here.  I have been contacted by so many people and its amazing how everyone wants to help.  I can't express enough of my gratitude to each and every one of you!!!  Our District Attorney in New Braunfels wrote a letter to the judge and prosecutor as well as the a representative of our district.  We also have someone working on a letter from the Texas State Board of Social Workers.  With all of this, we are hoping the prosecutor will be satisfied.  If not, we will have to take other measures.  Just keep us in your prayers. 

Molly is doing great.  She is still a little under the weather but she was in great spirits this morning.  You give the child Cherrios and she's fine.  She can't wait to come home!!!!

I woke up to a great phone call this morning.  My dad, my stepmother, my two brothers and my sister in law called me from Orlando.  It was 1 AM their time.  It was great to hear their voices.  When we get calls from home, it offers so much encouragement.  We know that we will be home soon.  I also got two calls yesterday from dear friends just to check on us.  Thank you Grace and Heidi!!! 

Last night we went to a restaurant called Bartholomeo's - its a retreat!  Its in a big ship and the food is excellent.  We ordered steak - which you don't get over here very often.  They also have a swimming pool.  Tomorrow we plan on taking advantage of that!  The place is very similar to a country club in the states.  But, you pay each time you go rather than a monthly fee.  Its very nice and when you are there - its like you are in the Caribbean somewhere!  Definitely a break from reality.  And, Craig and I need a break!

Well, I hope all of you are doing well.  Thanks again Mom, Brooke, Ginger, Deanna, Dib, Grace, Carter, Brenda, Shannon, Gigi, and the rest of you that have been working so hard on our behalf in the US!  You have no idea how much we appreciate your efforts.  We will be home soon.  Just maybe not as soon as we had hoped.  But, God allows things to happen for a reason and we have to trust that He knows exactly what He is doing!  Love you all!  Becca, Craig, and Molly!

Well, I will get off my negativity and talk about Molly.  We did go see her today and she was just precious.  She loves Cherrios!  So, I'm sure we will keep General Mills in business.  She has a TERRIBLE rash on her back and bottom and she has a bad cold.  We took her to the orphanage doctor and got the royal treatment.  They are so wonderful here!  They put this spray on her rash and then put a solar light on her.  It was an instrument donated by the Swiss. It was the coolest thing and within an hour, the rash was so much better.  The doctor gave us prescriptions for her cold and she is on her way to feeling better.  When we look at her, we just know that she is the reason we are here.  She is worth the fight and we will fight it to the end.  We love her so much!!!!!  She is our little world right now.  Well, I can't believe its the weekend.  The time has flown here but I am so ready to come home.  Thank you for all your sweet emails and words of encouragement.  I can't write everyone back but I do love each and every one of you - even those I've never met!!!!

Have a great weekend!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAYLA ANN EMERSON!!!!!

The 30th of July is not only our court date but the 2nd anniversary of our first miscarriage.  Isn't it just amazing how God works.  First we meet Molly on the due date of our second child and then to have our court date on the anniversary of the death of the first.  God's plan is perfect.  Though at times we may not see what He is doing, He is always in control.  He doesn't want what's good for us, He wants what is best for us!  His way is PEFECT!  We may look at struggles in our lives and say "Its not fair!"  But, what a joy it is when we can look back on those times and be thankful to Him that we went through them.  God is good!

Well, Molly does have a cold.  So, please pray that she is better.  If we are granted custody of Molly on Friday and the 30 days are waived, we will travel to Kiev.  We make an appointment with the US Embassy to have her US Passport done.  The appointment takes about 3 days to get.  So, if that is the case and we can't meet until middle of next week, we will stay here and say our goodbyes to our great friends that we have met.  If the 30 days are not waived, then Craig will make plans to come home and I'll start the 30 day wait with many friends over here.  There are so many people that are willing to stay with me every minute of the day.  Its awesome!

The reason for the 30 days is that someone can appeal during that time the decision of the judge.  There have been cases where someone has appealed but the couple took it to the Supreme Court of Ukraine and they won.  We hope and pray that the relationship that Dennis has built will prevent that from happening.  We can also call a US representative to come over and plead our case.  But, we just don't think that will happen.  God has brought us too far.  He is taking care of us every minute of the day. 

The couple from Missouri that we've been hanging out with has had a really bad time.  The birthmother originally said she would not give up her rights, then she agreed to do so.  She signed a rejection letter in front of a notary last Friday.  Now, she has gone to the orphanage and told them she was forced to sign it and now wants custody of her child.  The Lockhart's are devastated. They are planning on fighting back but you just never know in this country.  Dennis went to talk to her last night and she is pretty sure she wants to keep the child.  Please pray for Al and Charlotte Lockhart! 

Well, we need to run down and do some shopping.  Again, we would appreciate your prayers at 6 AM on Friday morning or at 7 AM if you are on the East Coast.  Wherever you are - your prayers are needed and greatly appreciated!

We love all of you!  Craig, Becca and Molly

Thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement.  You have no idea what that has meant to us!!!!  Molly is doing great.  She is getting more hair and looks healthier every day!  We can't wait for all of you to meet her.  I plan on posting more photos tomorrow once I get to the Christian Internet Cafe where I can download photos to the website.  I love each and every one of you!  And remember, in the eye of the storm - GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU!  No matter what storm you are going through.  You'll never know the strength of your anchor until you've been through a storm!  When your anchor is in the Lord - no storm is too strong!!!  Love to all of you!  Becca, Craig and Molly Hill

Okay, it wasn't that bad!  The appt was originally at noon but we were pushed until 2:30.  The doctor/psychologist was very nice and very old!  He was so nice to us and he even laughed alot.  They have a parrot in there and he talks or chirps all the time.  It was funny, and nothing like I had expected.

We looked through two binders of children until 3.  We found two boys and three girls.  The last girl was a miracle!  She is perfectly healthy and she became available only yesterday!  WOW = God is so good!  We are leaving tomorrow after 4 PM to go to Dnipro - it was the region we did not want but I guess God has other things planned for us.  The doctor said we are VERY fortunate to have found her.  He pulled her picture from somewhere, it wasn't in the binder.  He called the orphanage and they confirmed that she was an awesome child!

We will go and visit her on Wednesday.  Her name is Lubov which is Love in English!  She is 18 months old.  I saw a picture of her and she is gorgeous!  I knew she was mine!  The boys I saw were great too.  There is one boy in particular that I hope we get to see.  Once we accept the girl, we can write a letter to the NAC and request another appointment to view the books again.  At that time, we will try for a boy.  We can request the same binder that we looked in today and I memorized the photos of the two boys!

Please pray that God will soften the heart of the judge in the Dnipro region.  Apparently, she is very mean.  Pray that the director will allow us to come back for a second appointment very soon.

Love to you all - we are going to watch the Olympic Torch!

Becca, Craig, Oxana, and Lubov!

 

THE DAY is finally here - July the 5th.  The day we have been waiting for for a long long time!  Our appointment is at noon today.  I spoke with another lady who is here in Kiev and she said we have a prime appointment!  Again, God is in control.   Its 10:15 and Edward will be picking us up at 11:00 so this will be a short entry.

We had our first Ukrainian food at a restaurant last night.  Oxana is a MUCH better cook!  I think we will eat at the flat for the rest of the time here.  It was expensive and very small portion! 

Its warm today here but beautiful!  I feel great about today!  The Olympic Torch will be coming through Kiev today!  What an experience to see.  The NAC is not far from there so hopefully we will have a chance to see it.  By the looks of everything yesterday, its going to be a huge event! 

Well, I must go.  Hopefully, I can download some photos today.  We found an Internet Cafe where they speak English and he will download from our digital.

Thanks for all your sweet emails, prayers, thoughts - they are what is keeping me going!  Love to you all!  Becca, Craig, and Oxana!

Well, I just had to write again to tell how God works!  I broke down today with Craig and Oksana and admitted that I am terrified.  I am scared of what is to come.  They both comforted me and I felt better.  We are in the center of Kiev while touring some old historical churches.  As we were leaving McDonald's, I noticed a group of people speaking English.  We stopped them and they are here with Hope Now.  Its a Christian organization that sponsors orphanages.  The guy, RJ, who is from San Antonio, Texas.  YES- SAN ANTONIO!  has adopted from here and now helps couples adopt.  He and his wife were overwhelmed when they came 5 years ago so they want to help others adopt.  Is that amazing or what?  After talking to him, I feel so much better.  He said that people are very negative here and not to worry about what they say.  So, when Edward says "that we may not get a young child" that not to worry.  RJ and his wife are here on a mission trip.  They took orphans on a trip to the Black Sea.  I have a feeling that we will meet them again and be involved with their ministry! 

Anyway, we are headed back towards our apartment flat.  We would like to go see some more of Kiev so I better run.  I'll write soon!

Love - Becca

We landed about 1 PM and we went through Customs like a breeze.  No one smiles though!!!  When we exited the customs area, we were followed around by taxi drivers - it was funny.  Edward showed up and things were fine.  We were taken to our apartment, which is VERY nice.  Its a two bedroom apartment with a kitchen, living area and nice bathroom.  We have hot water and even a washing machine.  But, it could get worse when we go to the region we will be adopting from. 

We are so glad to have Oksana here with us.  She has been so helpful and she loves talking to Edward in Russian.  She feels at home.

We went to the supermarket last night and it costs $20 US dollars for a basket full of groceries.  I couldn't read anything we had in there but that's why we have Oksana.  She made us dinner last night and it was so good.  So much for losing weight while I am here!!!!

We will go to the NAC tomorrow.  Not sure what time.  But, I am alittle nervous. Edward told Oksana that we may not get a baby this time.  It makes me sad but I have to remember that I am here to glorify God not to become a Mommy!!!!  God is in control.  I can't explain the feeling you get when you are here.  Its a feeling of confusion, anxiousness and excitement.  For a minute you wonder what the heck you are doing here and if you have made a mistake.  But, the sweet emails and continued prayers are so helpful!!  KEEP THEM COMING!!!!

Well, I shall go for now but I will keep you posted.  I don't know how we will send photos of the children.  But, we will try. 

Love to you all!

Becca