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suggested that we start our “Roll and Milk” program in this region, and the proposal was welcomed and has since been implemented. The following day, Ms. Shmigel went to see the flood destroyed homes and how people were coping. I would like at this time to thank the Drs. Hanych for taking care of me during a bout of traveler's illness and to thank them as well for the lovely embroidered rug that Nadia Shmigel and I received from them. It will become part of our growing UNWLA collection of special mementos and artifacts. From Uzhorod, Nadia Shmigel and I traveled to Lviv where we met with Zoryana Bilyk, President of UNWLU Lviv, and Director of one of the orphanages. Nadia and I asked President Bilyk to look in on the needs of the orphanages and purchase whatever is needed. Thanks to Taras Chaban, who acted as our guide during our brief stay in Lviv, we were able to see as much as possible. Unfortunately time constraints prevented us from seeing all of the schools in Lviv in which our programs have been implemented. The following day, I was in Kyiv to meet with Katia Yushchenko and to participate in a radio interview. Nadia was to meet with Yarema Bachynsky and with other members of Soyuz Ukrainok. That evening, after a busy day, we attended a dinner hosted for us by Mr. and Mrs. Udovenko. We remain thankful for their hospitality and their kindness. On a concluding note, I would like to extend the UNWLA's congratulations to newly-elected UNWLU President Lilia Hryhorovych. We are looking forward to working with her. I would also like to extend the Executive Committee's congratulations to newly formed Branch 127 (New York Regional Council). In May, we celebrate two important holidays, Mother's Day and Memorial Day. I ask all UNWLA members and other readers of Our Life to take a moment to remember and honor mothers who have passed away and to remember and honor, as well, those who have sacrificed to make the United States strong and free. Editor's Note: UNWLA Social Welfare Chair Nadia Shmigel's report on Zakarpattia will appear in next month's issue. UKRAINE ADOPTION A Mother's Perspective by Lisa Calice Only one year ago, I was awaiting a priceless Fed-Ех delivery — our Ukrainian travel visas — while I packed and unpacked the multitude of borrowed suitcases and travel paraphernalia that were strewn about my house. My husband John and I were about to travel to Ukraine to adopt our children, yet we knew nothing about them. In my "expectant mother" dreams, I often fantasized about a little boy; I guess I had to imagine some sweet angel who might occupy the bedroom we had so painstakingly prepared. After the months of waiting, our visas and our departure date arrived so quickly we scarcely had time to finish packing. On a Monday afternoon, we arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine. The next morning, we awoke to undertake our first order of business, an interview at the Adoption Center in Kyiv. We arrive early at a modest building that did nothing to foretell the important events that would take place inside. As we climbed several flights of stairs, I felt we would never reach the top. Breathless, I peered down the empty, dimly lit corridor, at the end of which was the office of the Adoption Center director. We stood outside in the cold hallway, shivering, until she was ready for us. The director greeted us in a friendly, yet businesslike manner; I felt so nervous that I immediately forgot the greeting I had practiced in Ukrainian. After the dismal corridor, her office was surprisingly cheerful, with fresh flowers on the table and photos of adopted children proudly displayed. After a brief interview, another Adoption Center employee showed us photos of available children. Our translators read the information about each child. It was scanty, at best, and the photos were two or three years old. Once we selected a child to meet, the director handed us a second photo and suggested that we meet this child as well. We did not know at the time how important this small suggestion would become. Then we waited in the icy-cold corridor again, for the letter giving us permission to travel to the Cherkasy region, for it was there our children were waiting for us. Cherkasy is approximately 2-1/2 to 4 hours
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