FLORIDA
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Venomous snakes terrify train passengers
You thought I meant
Yesterday Melaney, Vika, and I had the opportunity to meet Vicki, her husband Paul, and their two fabulous children. They are in
Before I left for
PRAY A
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Late Night with Kevin
While Kevin, husband to Melaney, has been home riding his bicycle with her father, eating very well, and getting much rest in a large, comfortable bed Melaney has been frantically assisting me and on her own search as well. So Kevin, when you return to Chernigivka I request a like photo (see 1st pic above) from you stamped, notarized, and appostilled. I also expect you to thank your lovely wife for her hard work!!!!
(Love you, Kevin...you asked for it!!!)
(Love you, Kevin...you asked for it!!!)
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
CLICK here for pics from the last 2 days
We were so tired last night after our day that I didn’t have a lot of energy to type much but I wanted to share a little more about the process after the 10 day waiting period for those soon to travel.
I can only talk about my experience with Sergei…but he gets it done. I cannot believe all we got done in a day. As a matter of fact Melaney and I keep asking each other what day it is. It is not because it has been a bad trip, rather we have accomplished so much that it is hard to grasp that really this is only the end of day 2 here. What Sergei got done yesterday is unreal:
- leave for Vika’s hometown
– arrive and wait for new birth cert in new name
– leave for Tax ID office
– leave for Chernigivka
– arrive Chernigivka
– Leave Chernigivka (after final paperwork, lunch, and a few necessary, short goodbyes)
– Arrive Zaporozhyze
– Back and forth between notary and passport office about 5 times
PASSPORT (in less than 3 hours!)
Today we slept in and left for Chernigivka. There was no time yesterday to deal with the toys and presents we brought. We THOUGHT we had it worked out with Alex to see all of the kids today…BUT when we got there he was out of town. His wonderful secretary was there. She apologized but said we would have to leave the gifts for the official meeting they have on Sunday mornings where they will hand out the gifts. Families who sent things…the secretary who is a Saint understands each situation and has the gifts marked for each child. She also has birthday supplies for Natasha and Sasha and some for their group of their friends. I am sorry it wasn’t what you wanted, but I can promise we did our best! We did get to spend some time tying up loose ends with Vika and her friends and doing a couple of other things. So all in all it was a good trip and we know the kids will get their things tomorrow. I will say this…Vika has every letter, packing label, anything I ever sent her. They even sent her out with the same suitcase we sent her back with in January. So I do believe you can rest assured that they receive everything you send. The secretary did ask me today to tell any other families to please not send food, candy, or gum in the packages! J
Now onto the interesting trip back to Kiev Kiev
But then you see your daughter smiling on the top bunk of a 4x6 compartment and you realize this is SOOO AWESOME! We set up a DVD player are watching a movie. We ate some snacks and water (that we brought) and will be in Kiev
The highlights of the day…
When we were driving back from Chernigivika, she laid down in my lap and let me rub her hair. It was hard to leave her friends for a second time today and I was honored she allowed me to console her a little and start to me a mom to her.
This afternoon I called to check on Jason and the kids and I told her to say hi to her Dad. She looked at me and I said your Papa. She took the phone and had a big smile on her face. She spoke for a second and then said, “I love you.”
The second the train started Vika opened the bag she brought out of the orphanage. She pulled out a stack of photographs that her grandmother gave her last weight. They are the MOST prized possessions I now own. There are wedding pictures of her mother and father and childhood pictures of her. I cannot explain what it felt like to see this angel standing at 3 or 4 in front of a Christmas or at 7 or8 dressed like a princess. I don’t want to sound like a bragging mother, but Melaney said it first…she was the most precious child and I am so thrilled that they were gracious enough and cared enough to send them. I had a hard time with her being gone last week but I now see that this was a gift God gave her and me. It was closure for her and provided me a glimpse into her life and past I would never otherwise have. The day was wrapped up and tied with a bow!
Good night…we are hoping to meet other with another family in Kiev
Hugs to you all
Post Part 2
We arrived in Kiev City Center NORMAL time tonight!
Now that the train ride is over we both said we would not do that again. When you are here for adoption you have more bags than most people on the train. It is long and was beyond warm. It wasn’t pleasant for that long…especially when you are tired. Our recommendation is…the plane!!
Friday, May 27, 2011
First Day of the Rest of Her Life
We are exhausted from the long day so I will post the details tomorrow and more amazing pics!!! Melaney, my resident journalist and photographer, and I have to go to bed. She and I will post more pics tomorrow!
But a couple praises:
1. For a faithful God who has blessed us beyond measure
2. For the AMAZING friends who have literally prayed us through this process
3. For a ONE DAY passport! God has been unwavering to show us His awesomeness and he did the unheard AGAIN today
The US Embassy is closed Monday for the holiday so we have our appt there Tuesday and then we pick up her Visa Wednesday. We fly HOME Thursday and arrive at 4pm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today was the day I was given a daughter and it was unbelievable...but we did learn tonight that the brother Vika has (he is 4) was returned to an orphanage last week. The family he had been placed with were deemed not fit after a year or so and he was removed from their care and placed back in an institution. One of the things Vika did last with her family was to go see him. He is currently in the same city we are in tonight and I cannot help but wonder what we are supposed to do with this information.
We are headed back to Chernigivka tomorrow for a half day of loving and playing with the kids then we will take the overnight train to Kiev. Accommodations will be more comfortable there, so the time there should be good.
Love you all...and we cannot wait to be home as a FAMILY!
Jason, Alison, VIKA, Meagan, Garrett, Emma, Thomas
But a couple praises:
1. For a faithful God who has blessed us beyond measure
2. For the AMAZING friends who have literally prayed us through this process
3. For a ONE DAY passport! God has been unwavering to show us His awesomeness and he did the unheard AGAIN today
The US Embassy is closed Monday for the holiday so we have our appt there Tuesday and then we pick up her Visa Wednesday. We fly HOME Thursday and arrive at 4pm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today was the day I was given a daughter and it was unbelievable...but we did learn tonight that the brother Vika has (he is 4) was returned to an orphanage last week. The family he had been placed with were deemed not fit after a year or so and he was removed from their care and placed back in an institution. One of the things Vika did last with her family was to go see him. He is currently in the same city we are in tonight and I cannot help but wonder what we are supposed to do with this information.
We are headed back to Chernigivka tomorrow for a half day of loving and playing with the kids then we will take the overnight train to Kiev. Accommodations will be more comfortable there, so the time there should be good.
Love you all...and we cannot wait to be home as a FAMILY!
Jason, Alison, VIKA, Meagan, Garrett, Emma, Thomas
Thursday, May 26, 2011
We're HERE!
MUST SEE! PICS and VIDEO LINK BELOW!
Getting here was not fun! I was in Chicago for work and Melaney was supposed to meet me in Chicago so we could travel together. Well...Mother Nature had another idea! There was terrible weather in Chicago so Melaney couldn't get there. She ended up having to fly into Milan and I went onto Munich then we met up in Kiev. THAT is where the fun begins...the 'VIP Escort' was there this time, but really didn't do a whole lot to help except to tell me how great he is and yell at me. Oh well...the toy bags made it through BUT I did get stopped by customs. I highly recommend him!! He as effective :)))
OK...I have to tell you more about the prop plane. This one takes the cake! I rode on it 2x last trip and Jason took 4 tours but this plane was even older and so AWESOME! We have included pictures and video of take-off but none of these really do it justice. It is like being in a huge Volkswagen bus going 600mph and being propelled into the air with Fred Flintstone is driving. Then, when you land the noise is similar to someone rolling you down a hill on a gurney out of control. It is something to look forward it. Pics but...but watch THIS (THIS is a link...click on it!)
Sergei was there to pick us up and couldn't believe the baggage...but we got it all to fit inside his car! He is the BEST! He did tell me that Vika was still not back at the Chernigivka yet. She is supposed to be back tonight. I cannot believe they let her stay away this long...but tomorrow that will all be fixed. We leave here at 6am in the morning to go and get Vika's birth certificate, tax ID (like a SSN), and then we will be at Chernigivka to pick up Vika!!!! After that onto apply for her new passport. That is the variable that determines how long we stay. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE ONE DAY PASSPORT! We will find out tomorrow if we are getting one and, if so, will have it Saturday. We will let you know!
We are looking forward to spending time with the kids. We have to be back in Zap tomorrow afternoon to get some paperwork completed for her passport application so we may not have a lot of time there tomorrow. If we don't we will go back Sunday and/or Monday to celebrate birthdays of some of the kids there and to hand out toys!!!!!!!!!
By the way, there is a book I have started reading that I would HIGHLY recommend. It is called Orphanology. It has a forward written David Platt (Radical) and is so great. I truly believe that there is a purpose for me and something I am supposed to do to help these children even after bringing Vika home. Someone has to advocate for these kids. Even the few chapters I have read are showing me how many opportunities there are. More on that in another blog...time to post the pics and videos (below) and get some sleep!
Getting here was not fun! I was in Chicago for work and Melaney was supposed to meet me in Chicago so we could travel together. Well...Mother Nature had another idea! There was terrible weather in Chicago so Melaney couldn't get there. She ended up having to fly into Milan and I went onto Munich then we met up in Kiev. THAT is where the fun begins...the 'VIP Escort' was there this time, but really didn't do a whole lot to help except to tell me how great he is and yell at me. Oh well...the toy bags made it through BUT I did get stopped by customs. I highly recommend him!! He as effective :)))
OK...I have to tell you more about the prop plane. This one takes the cake! I rode on it 2x last trip and Jason took 4 tours but this plane was even older and so AWESOME! We have included pictures and video of take-off but none of these really do it justice. It is like being in a huge Volkswagen bus going 600mph and being propelled into the air with Fred Flintstone is driving. Then, when you land the noise is similar to someone rolling you down a hill on a gurney out of control. It is something to look forward it. Pics but...but watch THIS (THIS is a link...click on it!)
Sergei was there to pick us up and couldn't believe the baggage...but we got it all to fit inside his car! He is the BEST! He did tell me that Vika was still not back at the Chernigivka yet. She is supposed to be back tonight. I cannot believe they let her stay away this long...but tomorrow that will all be fixed. We leave here at 6am in the morning to go and get Vika's birth certificate, tax ID (like a SSN), and then we will be at Chernigivka to pick up Vika!!!! After that onto apply for her new passport. That is the variable that determines how long we stay. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE ONE DAY PASSPORT! We will find out tomorrow if we are getting one and, if so, will have it Saturday. We will let you know!
We are looking forward to spending time with the kids. We have to be back in Zap tomorrow afternoon to get some paperwork completed for her passport application so we may not have a lot of time there tomorrow. If we don't we will go back Sunday and/or Monday to celebrate birthdays of some of the kids there and to hand out toys!!!!!!!!!
By the way, there is a book I have started reading that I would HIGHLY recommend. It is called Orphanology. It has a forward written David Platt (Radical) and is so great. I truly believe that there is a purpose for me and something I am supposed to do to help these children even after bringing Vika home. Someone has to advocate for these kids. Even the few chapters I have read are showing me how many opportunities there are. More on that in another blog...time to post the pics and videos (below) and get some sleep!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Thelma and Louise
THELMA AND LOUISE (Melaney and I) leave Wednesday night from Chicago. You will hear from M and me...will either be incarcerated or begging our way out from under the bags of toys we are taking...so take our calls!!!
Seriously....we have that handled and feel good about it. We are in good hands! For those of you praying and those who sent toys...you have NO IDEA the impact you have made. We will take pics so that you can see what is accomplished thanks to the efforts of so many!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
(And we are believing that we will accomplish getting these bags into Ukraine! If there are 2 women on the job who can do it, it is us!!!)
I was supposed to hear if Vika was back at the orphanage yesterday. Day 2 and I have heard nothing. But...that is what faith is all about, and I am really ok. She will be there when I get there and I just know in my gut all is ok. And for those who REALLY know me...that is very different from how I am...I have to know that I know that I know.....
There have been a few setbacks today regarding the other little one I FELL IN LOVE WITH in Chernigivka! She is not able to be hosted this summer but I am CONVINCED that there is a better plan. And, where there is God's Will there will be A Way!!!!!!!!!! So, for my friends working on this...hang in there!
So...here come my requests!
1. Prayers for my friends willing to love and host the other child who stole our heart and for prayers that there is a better solution!!!!!!!!
2. A FAST passport when we get there! The quicker it is, the quicker V and I are home!
3. Safe travels...for me tomorrow and Melaney on Wednesday
4. For Thomas and Jason, who I leave here. I know T will be happy...so maybe more for me missing him! Prayers for them both!
5. For the kids we leave behind in Chernigivka. This is truly the one weighing on me the most. Some of these children know that their friend (Vika) is leaving and they are waiting on their own families. Some don't have families yet. I can't even begin to say how important this prayer is to me. Whether they are waiting to be adopted, waiting to be picked for hosting, waiting on a family member to visit or waiting on something else...please pray. I can actually empathize with them after being there and I understand more about their situation. It is not good. I pray that they know that until there is an answer...they are loved!
6. Praying for any other family reading this, thinking, and wondering if you can make a difference?!?! Money or details should NOT stop you. Help an orphan...in the US or elsewhere if you can. If not...support a family that is! You matter! Just come see my son or speak to my daughter when she is home. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!
Listen to the song Story of Your Life.
What will be the STORY of your life. Don't leave any stone unturned or regrets on the table!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Change your destiny (or that of a child) TODAY!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR7KfFfse3k
Seriously....we have that handled and feel good about it. We are in good hands! For those of you praying and those who sent toys...you have NO IDEA the impact you have made. We will take pics so that you can see what is accomplished thanks to the efforts of so many!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
(And we are believing that we will accomplish getting these bags into Ukraine! If there are 2 women on the job who can do it, it is us!!!)
I was supposed to hear if Vika was back at the orphanage yesterday. Day 2 and I have heard nothing. But...that is what faith is all about, and I am really ok. She will be there when I get there and I just know in my gut all is ok. And for those who REALLY know me...that is very different from how I am...I have to know that I know that I know.....
There have been a few setbacks today regarding the other little one I FELL IN LOVE WITH in Chernigivka! She is not able to be hosted this summer but I am CONVINCED that there is a better plan. And, where there is God's Will there will be A Way!!!!!!!!!! So, for my friends working on this...hang in there!
So...here come my requests!
1. Prayers for my friends willing to love and host the other child who stole our heart and for prayers that there is a better solution!!!!!!!!
2. A FAST passport when we get there! The quicker it is, the quicker V and I are home!
3. Safe travels...for me tomorrow and Melaney on Wednesday
4. For Thomas and Jason, who I leave here. I know T will be happy...so maybe more for me missing him! Prayers for them both!
5. For the kids we leave behind in Chernigivka. This is truly the one weighing on me the most. Some of these children know that their friend (Vika) is leaving and they are waiting on their own families. Some don't have families yet. I can't even begin to say how important this prayer is to me. Whether they are waiting to be adopted, waiting to be picked for hosting, waiting on a family member to visit or waiting on something else...please pray. I can actually empathize with them after being there and I understand more about their situation. It is not good. I pray that they know that until there is an answer...they are loved!
6. Praying for any other family reading this, thinking, and wondering if you can make a difference?!?! Money or details should NOT stop you. Help an orphan...in the US or elsewhere if you can. If not...support a family that is! You matter! Just come see my son or speak to my daughter when she is home. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!
Listen to the song Story of Your Life.
What will be the STORY of your life. Don't leave any stone unturned or regrets on the table!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Change your destiny (or that of a child) TODAY!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR7KfFfse3k
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Toys...again
TOYS!!!!!!!!!!! I just posted on Fbook...but wanted to keep you guys in the loop! Melaney and I have 100+ lbs of toys to go to Ukraine! Keep in mind a LOT of this weight is light...stuffed animals, etc...Basically Melaney went and bought 2 army duffle bags and they are 100% full!!!!!!! Thank you, Melaney, for having the heart for these kids to do this! Thank you to your friends and thank you to our church PHCC, for helping!
I would say 168 kids are getting a toy...but since I won't count Vika it is 167! Now if we can just find a way to bring more of them home?!?!?! In the meantime I can promise the kids will be hugged on, loved, and made to as special as we can for the short time I am there with my friend Melaney!
We fly from Chicago Weds night...I will post before then!
My 12 year old is trying to edit/proofread my post...anything you want to say, Meagan???? no
I would say 168 kids are getting a toy...but since I won't count Vika it is 167! Now if we can just find a way to bring more of them home?!?!?! In the meantime I can promise the kids will be hugged on, loved, and made to as special as we can for the short time I am there with my friend Melaney!
We fly from Chicago Weds night...I will post before then!
My 12 year old is trying to edit/proofread my post...anything you want to say, Meagan???? no
TOYS!!!!!
I can't even BEGIN to fit these toys into this bag...and the 'lovely' airline is thwarting my efforts to carry a lot! Wait for pics tonight to see what I am able to pack! I cannot wait to get there and give these toys away!
And thx, Mel, for the bag!
And thx, Mel, for the bag!
Friday, May 20, 2011
No Control...and I hate that!
Yesterday I spoke with Vika. She was happy on the phone and more engaging then she has ever been. She asked about me and my health (?) and then Jason, Thomas and the kids. I was so glad to hear her interested and happy. She was so cute. Then....she told me that her grandmother was there and the Director was allowing her to go to her hometown to see all of her family for a fairly long period of time.
I was really not ok with this and haven't been ok with it for the last day. I know it is healthy for goodbyes and can be good but I just am not ok with it. Call me crazy, selfish, whatever...but it bothers me. Where have they been for so long? I know many may question my feelings... but I am being honest. It is hard. I write this at the risk of sounding wrong....but I am so bothered. She is legally our daughter and had I stayed and not come home for the 10+ days this wouldn't have happened. It has worn on me yesterday and today. We called Sergei and our facilitator and they feel it is under control...she is still going (and gone) with her family but we asked that she be back on Sunday night. That is what they have said will happen. I am just kicking myself for not staying. I thought that I needed to be home this 10 days/week whatever the officials in Ukraine want to label it as...but truth be known I just want to be back and bring my daughter home.
Adoption is not easy. When it looks like 'it' has a nice bow on it and all is done, it may not be. You may just be getting ready for a curveball! It is hard. I am walking in faith until I get there! I can only do that! Right or not...it is out of my control. What is in our control is to go and make a difference to all of these kids. Melaney and I have lots of fun planned and LOTS of toys to take. We cannot wait to be there and love on these kids if only for the afternoon! The airlines may have made it hard...but we are on a mission!
We have lots of packages to take for families...we also have toys for EVERY child! I can't wait to get Vika and then to plan the next trip...the next trip to help more kids and bring more hope. This one will be so great thanks to Melaney, her friends, our church, and others who have helped us carry a small offering to these kids. I will leave you with this...If you scroll down and look at the picture of Vika and Thomas playing with other children with their hands under our door you will get what I am about to say....there was a little boy...Igor....who just kept saying "I want a toy." If you were there and heard that you would know why this is so important. They are EACH important. These kids at this orphanage are so special and so wonderful. Please pray for them and pray for the short time Melaney and I will have with them. I hope when we leave that they know how special and loved they are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was really not ok with this and haven't been ok with it for the last day. I know it is healthy for goodbyes and can be good but I just am not ok with it. Call me crazy, selfish, whatever...but it bothers me. Where have they been for so long? I know many may question my feelings... but I am being honest. It is hard. I write this at the risk of sounding wrong....but I am so bothered. She is legally our daughter and had I stayed and not come home for the 10+ days this wouldn't have happened. It has worn on me yesterday and today. We called Sergei and our facilitator and they feel it is under control...she is still going (and gone) with her family but we asked that she be back on Sunday night. That is what they have said will happen. I am just kicking myself for not staying. I thought that I needed to be home this 10 days/week whatever the officials in Ukraine want to label it as...but truth be known I just want to be back and bring my daughter home.
Adoption is not easy. When it looks like 'it' has a nice bow on it and all is done, it may not be. You may just be getting ready for a curveball! It is hard. I am walking in faith until I get there! I can only do that! Right or not...it is out of my control. What is in our control is to go and make a difference to all of these kids. Melaney and I have lots of fun planned and LOTS of toys to take. We cannot wait to be there and love on these kids if only for the afternoon! The airlines may have made it hard...but we are on a mission!
We have lots of packages to take for families...we also have toys for EVERY child! I can't wait to get Vika and then to plan the next trip...the next trip to help more kids and bring more hope. This one will be so great thanks to Melaney, her friends, our church, and others who have helped us carry a small offering to these kids. I will leave you with this...If you scroll down and look at the picture of Vika and Thomas playing with other children with their hands under our door you will get what I am about to say....there was a little boy...Igor....who just kept saying "I want a toy." If you were there and heard that you would know why this is so important. They are EACH important. These kids at this orphanage are so special and so wonderful. Please pray for them and pray for the short time Melaney and I will have with them. I hope when we leave that they know how special and loved they are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Ticket purchased! I leave one week from today! You guys will love this...we were complaining while there but now a part of me wants to be back there so badly. I want my daughter home...Just like a woman to be fickle...
Thank you to my friends for the opportunity to take packages to your kids! There is NO better task to be given and nothing I can imagine to be more fun. I am honored to do it and I will take pics and send them to you separately. Melaney and I are also taking toys for all of the kids - that will be fun!
I am thankful for our friends and family who have supported us in so many ways.
I am also thankful for 'old' friends who are still friends and love me.
Thank you to my friends for the opportunity to take packages to your kids! There is NO better task to be given and nothing I can imagine to be more fun. I am honored to do it and I will take pics and send them to you separately. Melaney and I are also taking toys for all of the kids - that will be fun!
I am thankful for our friends and family who have supported us in so many ways.
I am also thankful for 'old' friends who are still friends and love me.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
So...just checking in! We still have friends in Ukraine and MANY waiting to travel. I know each of them can use your prayers!
I bought my ticket today to go back and bring Vika home. I will fly from Chicago a week from tomorrow! As much as I don't want to go back I have a dear friend going with me and we are determined to make a difference in the lives of some children while we are there. A lot of the kids we will see are being hosted in the US this summer. That is so exciting for them and their families. Please pray for all involved!!!
I bought my ticket today to go back and bring Vika home. I will fly from Chicago a week from tomorrow! As much as I don't want to go back I have a dear friend going with me and we are determined to make a difference in the lives of some children while we are there. A lot of the kids we will see are being hosted in the US this summer. That is so exciting for them and their families. Please pray for all involved!!!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Catching Up
I have been absolutely exhausted since we got home! We had something at church Saturday night and I even fell asleep in the middle of that. The flights home were ok. Overall Thomas was good as gold on the entire trip. The only rough patches were the two long flights - the one from here to Amsterdam going and the home from Paris home Friday. Thankfully...we are almost over our jet lag!
When we got home I had a huge pile of mail to go through. I was awake at 3am Saturday am so I started sorting through it. I ran across a letter from a charter school that is opening in our county this fall. It is the first one here and is taking over an existing private school's property. The company that is running the school has a very good track record in other counties so I applied for Vika a spot before we left. I completely forgot I had done so. Anyway, the letter stated there were too many applications so there would be a lottery later that day. I was glad we were home so I could go because we had not found any satisfactory options for school for Vika up to this point. We already knew that private school would not be an option this fall because these schools do not have the resources to allow her to learn English in a specialized program. The only options we seemed to have were the county immersion program (housed in the alternative school in the county - that was OUT!) and the local middle school. I spoke with the principal at the middle school a few weeks before we left for Ukraine and wasn't thrilled with that option because she seemed very inflexible regarding our desire to hold Vika back a grade.
So at my designated time Meagan and I left to go to the lottery. We got there and it was packed. My hopes were certainly not high at all! We sat there as they called number after number. I finally said to Meagan to get ready to go because it didn't look good. I pulled my keys out of my purse, and then...they called her number!!!!!!!!! I was shocked, however I also knew this was step #1 because I needed their support to hold her back and I also needed resources for her to learn English as a second language. We left the auditorium and found someone to help us. It was incredible...this woman had adopted a child from Romania and COMPLETELY understood our situation and basically said if we will be an active participant and partner with the school they would help us in any way possible! So...we accepted her spot to attend this school! I don't know if this will be the long-term solution of not, but it seems to be the best option for her at this time! Praise God!!!
I posted a couple of pics from Court Day last Thursday. We are still so honored by the graciousness of the Judge and the entire process! I am leaving to fly back Thursday night, the 25th. A dear friend is going with me...I can never thank her enough for that! We will hit the ground running to bring Vika home but also to love on the kids at Chernigivka a little bit more. We are trying to collect toys and other small items to take back to them so if you have any used actions figures (for the boys) or small dolls, beanies babies, etc please leave a message and I will contact you about how to get them to GA in time for our trip. The trip SHOULD be 7-10 days...we are praying for the short end of that, so please add this to your prayer list! The passport is the variable. We are praying to be able to get an 'old' passport (no waiting time) as opposed to a 'new' one (3-6 day waiting period).
We have friends in Ukraine now working to bring their children home and others desperately waiting for appointments, travel dates, or other approvals. Please remember this group and pray for them as well!
When we got home I had a huge pile of mail to go through. I was awake at 3am Saturday am so I started sorting through it. I ran across a letter from a charter school that is opening in our county this fall. It is the first one here and is taking over an existing private school's property. The company that is running the school has a very good track record in other counties so I applied for Vika a spot before we left. I completely forgot I had done so. Anyway, the letter stated there were too many applications so there would be a lottery later that day. I was glad we were home so I could go because we had not found any satisfactory options for school for Vika up to this point. We already knew that private school would not be an option this fall because these schools do not have the resources to allow her to learn English in a specialized program. The only options we seemed to have were the county immersion program (housed in the alternative school in the county - that was OUT!) and the local middle school. I spoke with the principal at the middle school a few weeks before we left for Ukraine and wasn't thrilled with that option because she seemed very inflexible regarding our desire to hold Vika back a grade.
So at my designated time Meagan and I left to go to the lottery. We got there and it was packed. My hopes were certainly not high at all! We sat there as they called number after number. I finally said to Meagan to get ready to go because it didn't look good. I pulled my keys out of my purse, and then...they called her number!!!!!!!!! I was shocked, however I also knew this was step #1 because I needed their support to hold her back and I also needed resources for her to learn English as a second language. We left the auditorium and found someone to help us. It was incredible...this woman had adopted a child from Romania and COMPLETELY understood our situation and basically said if we will be an active participant and partner with the school they would help us in any way possible! So...we accepted her spot to attend this school! I don't know if this will be the long-term solution of not, but it seems to be the best option for her at this time! Praise God!!!
I posted a couple of pics from Court Day last Thursday. We are still so honored by the graciousness of the Judge and the entire process! I am leaving to fly back Thursday night, the 25th. A dear friend is going with me...I can never thank her enough for that! We will hit the ground running to bring Vika home but also to love on the kids at Chernigivka a little bit more. We are trying to collect toys and other small items to take back to them so if you have any used actions figures (for the boys) or small dolls, beanies babies, etc please leave a message and I will contact you about how to get them to GA in time for our trip. The trip SHOULD be 7-10 days...we are praying for the short end of that, so please add this to your prayer list! The passport is the variable. We are praying to be able to get an 'old' passport (no waiting time) as opposed to a 'new' one (3-6 day waiting period).
We have friends in Ukraine now working to bring their children home and others desperately waiting for appointments, travel dates, or other approvals. Please remember this group and pray for them as well!
Friday, May 13, 2011
HOME
I am actually sitting in our home typing this! This will not be long...we are exhausted! I want to post some pics which I will do in the morning as I start the MOUNTAINS of laundry!
THANK YOU to Charlie! You are a good friend that we can always count on! You are and will be a huge part of Vika's life and story! Thank you!
And PHCC...you are the most thoughtful group of friends we could ever ask for! We came home to a cooler and bag full of groceries for breakfast tomorrow. I can't think of a more thoughtful gesture. We love you all!
Going to sleep...after a shower!
hugs.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
THANK YOU to Charlie! You are a good friend that we can always count on! You are and will be a huge part of Vika's life and story! Thank you!
And PHCC...you are the most thoughtful group of friends we could ever ask for! We came home to a cooler and bag full of groceries for breakfast tomorrow. I can't think of a more thoughtful gesture. We love you all!
Going to sleep...after a shower!
hugs.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Thursday, May 12, 2011
A Family of 7...and MCDONALDS!!!!
We are now a family of 7!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had court today. It was at 10am and lasted for about an hour. During the hearing the judge only asked us to speak to Jason and I a couple of times. He just wanted the overall picture of how we came to know Vika and why we wanted to adopt her. He asked Vika a few questions about her time staying with us and what she wanted. Then he left and said he would be back with his decision. Sergei said it was standard practice and they use this time to type the order. About half an hour later he came back in with the jurors and read about 4 pages of 'findings'. Towards the end it was ordered that they approved of our petition to adopt Vika and approved the name change! As soon as he was finished he asked us to wait a moment. He went into a back room and came out carrying 2 large bouquets of flowers...one for Vika and one for me!!! We were all speechless! He continued to say that the flowers were in honor of the first adoption hearing and adoption in Chernigivka and the hopes of many more! He was amazingly kind and gracious and even went outside to take pictures on the steps of the courthouse with us. (I left the camera in Sergei's car so I will upload those tomorrow, but I took one of Vika with my phone which I posted.) All Sergei could say was that he had never had this kind of treatment in 10 years. The people in Chernigivka are very good, loving, and considerate people. We have been blessed by their hospitality and generosity to us. I am excited for the other families who are coming behind us to experience the culture of our children and to learn a little bit about their lives.
We went back to the orphanage for some final goodbyes. It was so cute...Vika walked in carrying her flowers and a photo album we brought for her and she was instantly mobbed by kids who surrounded her and wanted to know all about it and see the flowers. It was nice to watch her feel special (which she is!). Then it was time for good-bye. I will be back here 2 weeks from today but it was still hard. We bought her some shampoo and soap and a few things she said she needed until I returned, then she and I started crying. She understands why I need to go home for this period, but it was so hard to watch and I felt awful at that moment.
After all of that we headed to Zap to get a couple of forms notarized since Jason will not be coming back with me in 2 weeks. Then after that...MCDONALDS! Thomas, Jason, and I ate like we hadn't eaten in years! You cannot imagine how it tasted after 2 weeks of porridge 2 meals a day (served with fish!). It may be the best meal I have ever eaten (and I NEVER eat fast food at home!).
Now we are in our room ready for bed and excited to head home in the morning. We have 3 flights to get there and should be at our house about 11pm our time (thank you Charlie for picking us up tomorrow!). NOTHING is going to feel so good as seeing our house. Then we get to get the dogs Saturday morning!
So sleep well tonight. We are still praying for all of you and can't wait to be home and see everyone. We are tired and I hate not having Vika with us right now...but I feel such a sense of relief and completeness. I am a happy mom tonight!!!
Sweet dreams! Oh...and I think I have a travel buddy for my trip back here! She will make the trip all the more special!!! Luv you, M!
We went back to the orphanage for some final goodbyes. It was so cute...Vika walked in carrying her flowers and a photo album we brought for her and she was instantly mobbed by kids who surrounded her and wanted to know all about it and see the flowers. It was nice to watch her feel special (which she is!). Then it was time for good-bye. I will be back here 2 weeks from today but it was still hard. We bought her some shampoo and soap and a few things she said she needed until I returned, then she and I started crying. She understands why I need to go home for this period, but it was so hard to watch and I felt awful at that moment.
After all of that we headed to Zap to get a couple of forms notarized since Jason will not be coming back with me in 2 weeks. Then after that...MCDONALDS! Thomas, Jason, and I ate like we hadn't eaten in years! You cannot imagine how it tasted after 2 weeks of porridge 2 meals a day (served with fish!). It may be the best meal I have ever eaten (and I NEVER eat fast food at home!).
Now we are in our room ready for bed and excited to head home in the morning. We have 3 flights to get there and should be at our house about 11pm our time (thank you Charlie for picking us up tomorrow!). NOTHING is going to feel so good as seeing our house. Then we get to get the dogs Saturday morning!
So sleep well tonight. We are still praying for all of you and can't wait to be home and see everyone. We are tired and I hate not having Vika with us right now...but I feel such a sense of relief and completeness. I am a happy mom tonight!!!
Sweet dreams! Oh...and I think I have a travel buddy for my trip back here! She will make the trip all the more special!!! Luv you, M!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Torn Again
I have dreaded writing tonight because I really don't know what to say. We have been praying to leave and get home and we are very close to doing that. But we are leaving the orphanage tomorrow and I am leaving behind children that I know want and need homes. I have had children cling to me over the last 3 weeks and it is so hard to just walk away. There are a few, in particular, that have simply stolen my heart. There is one that I just cannot let go of. This is the by-product of staying around all of these precious kids. Their situation is not their fault and I am on a mission to help the ones I can. I will work to see that I can help the ones I can.
You have no idea what a hug from these children will do to you. At first it is just a hug. Then they see you out on the playground and knock on the windows to say hi. You wave back and blow a kiss. Then they are hugging you behind the windows because they aren't allowed to come outside yet where you are. Then they are allowed to come outside and all they can do is hug on you and kiss you like you have never been loved. I am telling you that the love of these kids is immense and fills something you didn't know was empty...but you have to make yourself available to know it! You have to put convenience and what makes sense aside and say, 'ok' to taking a chance!
We have not had the easiest road with Vika, even while here. But I can tell you this...God hasn't had the easiest road with me - and my parents certainly didn't have the easiest road with me...they will be the FIRST to tell you that. But here is what is true...God loved me when I was not worthy of it. He loved me in spite of all I did. And He/we will love Vika in spite of the things we don't like and the things we want to change. We had a little situation with her tonight where I had to challenge her in front of her friends. She started crying and the night ended with me holding her like an infant in my lap. She didn't move until I did...so I know she is wanting that love from a mother. She is so deserving of God's love and ours...she just hasn't been given the chance at it. I am dedicated to doing that and more.
So enough of my ramblings. We have court tomorrow. I have had a rough night. I am worried about my own child (for a lot of reasons) and then about other children I am desperate to help. Even my own sweet husband saw the one who has stolen my heart and said, "What can we do about that. We can't take anymore but who can?" If you know Jason that will say enough. She needs a family! Pray that there is a solution for her.
Please pray for Vika. She is at a crossroad. She so desperately wants to come to America and that won't change, but every family member has shown their face and made promises to her. I hate to say this, but where have they all been for 4 years? It is hard to watch and painful. After tomorrow, she is legally ours after the appeal period (10 days)...I will feel better then! Pray for her influences while we have to leave her for this short period. I also pray that she is surrounded with the Holy Spirit and the enemy gains no more foothold on her heart. I pray she knows how loved she is and that our love is unconditional and everlasting.
Pray for Court tomorrow!
You have no idea what a hug from these children will do to you. At first it is just a hug. Then they see you out on the playground and knock on the windows to say hi. You wave back and blow a kiss. Then they are hugging you behind the windows because they aren't allowed to come outside yet where you are. Then they are allowed to come outside and all they can do is hug on you and kiss you like you have never been loved. I am telling you that the love of these kids is immense and fills something you didn't know was empty...but you have to make yourself available to know it! You have to put convenience and what makes sense aside and say, 'ok' to taking a chance!
We have not had the easiest road with Vika, even while here. But I can tell you this...God hasn't had the easiest road with me - and my parents certainly didn't have the easiest road with me...they will be the FIRST to tell you that. But here is what is true...God loved me when I was not worthy of it. He loved me in spite of all I did. And He/we will love Vika in spite of the things we don't like and the things we want to change. We had a little situation with her tonight where I had to challenge her in front of her friends. She started crying and the night ended with me holding her like an infant in my lap. She didn't move until I did...so I know she is wanting that love from a mother. She is so deserving of God's love and ours...she just hasn't been given the chance at it. I am dedicated to doing that and more.
So enough of my ramblings. We have court tomorrow. I have had a rough night. I am worried about my own child (for a lot of reasons) and then about other children I am desperate to help. Even my own sweet husband saw the one who has stolen my heart and said, "What can we do about that. We can't take anymore but who can?" If you know Jason that will say enough. She needs a family! Pray that there is a solution for her.
Please pray for Vika. She is at a crossroad. She so desperately wants to come to America and that won't change, but every family member has shown their face and made promises to her. I hate to say this, but where have they all been for 4 years? It is hard to watch and painful. After tomorrow, she is legally ours after the appeal period (10 days)...I will feel better then! Pray for her influences while we have to leave her for this short period. I also pray that she is surrounded with the Holy Spirit and the enemy gains no more foothold on her heart. I pray she knows how loved she is and that our love is unconditional and everlasting.
Pray for Court tomorrow!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Torn
We were here at the orphanage all day today. Not a lot to report. The kids were in school and then after that they had to work on the property doing landscaping work. That was stopped by a fast moving thunderstorm! We only saw Vika for about an hour today. Sergey has to take her tomorrow morning for a passport picture (we are doing everything we can ahead of time) but then she has to go to school after. Tomorrow will be our last night here and then we head to Zap for the night and then we fly home.
I am feeling work issues and pressure about time off. Suffice it to say I don't want to be gone from work any more than necessary, but it is what it is! This trip would have been much easier if it weren't for work pressure...and I am still trying to figure out the trip to bring Vika home!
We learned tonight Vika has a pension fund here that cannot be accessed unless we stay longer to way for the Guardian Committee to approve her taking her own money. Not going to happen!!! I asked if we could have it donated to the orphanage. The answer was yes if we want to stay for another few weeks. If and when she wants to come back to Ukraine over the age of 18 she can access this account. It is crazy..Sergey told us that if he opens an account in his own child's name he can't do anything with it without the approval of this Guardian Council. He can deposit money but, even as the father, cannot withdraw anything without their approval. So we are not waiting around on that. I guess the state, country, region can make good use of it or she can come back when she is 18. I just wish we could make good use of it now.
As I type this I am realizing that as much as we want to leave for our home I really do NOT want to leave Vika because she should be home too. We have been with her this trip almost as much as she was with us for hosting. I know we want to be home but I now realize the progress we have made with her here in 3 weeks and I hate to think of regressing and starting over again. As much as we have have been yearning for home I now realize that when I have to leave her Thursday I will be upset...very upset. Leaving for home is real to me tonight and I realize that leaving her is harder than I thought...this really stinks. It really does.
So we will hopefully get to spend good time with her tomorrow and then we have Court on Thursday at 10am. In case you were wondering...nothing about adoption is easy...NOTHING! But it is all so worth it.
I am feeling work issues and pressure about time off. Suffice it to say I don't want to be gone from work any more than necessary, but it is what it is! This trip would have been much easier if it weren't for work pressure...and I am still trying to figure out the trip to bring Vika home!
We learned tonight Vika has a pension fund here that cannot be accessed unless we stay longer to way for the Guardian Committee to approve her taking her own money. Not going to happen!!! I asked if we could have it donated to the orphanage. The answer was yes if we want to stay for another few weeks. If and when she wants to come back to Ukraine over the age of 18 she can access this account. It is crazy..Sergey told us that if he opens an account in his own child's name he can't do anything with it without the approval of this Guardian Council. He can deposit money but, even as the father, cannot withdraw anything without their approval. So we are not waiting around on that. I guess the state, country, region can make good use of it or she can come back when she is 18. I just wish we could make good use of it now.
As I type this I am realizing that as much as we want to leave for our home I really do NOT want to leave Vika because she should be home too. We have been with her this trip almost as much as she was with us for hosting. I know we want to be home but I now realize the progress we have made with her here in 3 weeks and I hate to think of regressing and starting over again. As much as we have have been yearning for home I now realize that when I have to leave her Thursday I will be upset...very upset. Leaving for home is real to me tonight and I realize that leaving her is harder than I thought...this really stinks. It really does.
So we will hopefully get to spend good time with her tomorrow and then we have Court on Thursday at 10am. In case you were wondering...nothing about adoption is easy...NOTHING! But it is all so worth it.
Monday, May 9, 2011
VICTORY DAY!
Today is Victory Day in Ukraine. It is the day they celebrate their victory over Germany in the war. It is a big deal here like July 4th is for us in America. Alex (the Director) showed up early and wanted to take us for a walk and show us some of the festivities going on. This little town was energized today and crowded (where did all the people come from?)!! And everyone was dressed to the nines! The men were all in suits and the women in their Sunday best (walking miles, BTW).
Alex also knows everyone. As we were walking down the street a man stopped and started hugging Alex and Sergey seemed to know him as well. We were introduced to him then Sergey looked at us and said that this man said he would see us soon. We had a funny look on our faces. Guess who it turned out to be......................The JUDGE HEARING OUR CASE! He is a godparent to one of Alex's kids - none of us knew that!!! He was actually very kind and was smiling from ear to ear the entire time. So I do believe court will go well!
After we walked around Alex and his wife went to change and said they would be back for us in a couple of hours to go back to the stream I had been to with them last week (Jason missed it!) and we would cook out again. We had such a good time. Thomas ran around and played, we laughed a lot, and ate really well! We had shish-ka-bobs again and, of course, the Russian 'accoutrements' were brought out. Then Alex brought out his pellet guns and the guys had fun shooting at things. I actually hit the bucket too (photo of Alex pointing out my shot attached!). Alex and Tonya are both very sweet. Their son Roman was there again. Alex played with Thomas and Tonya brought special food and candy for him today. Alex is returning to the States this summer as a chaperone with the hosting program. We hope to be able to see him while he is there.
When we returned to the orphanage Vika and 3 of her friends came and hung out with us. We must not be too 'un-cool' for her yet! They love the song Broken Angel?.?. Personally I had never heard it, but it isn't my taste! They got on youtube and watched the video 20x. The song will forever live in my head (UGH!). Then we started showing them videos of music we used to listen to as kids. They laughed and laughed at that. The only songs they found moderately entertaining were Vanilla Ice (the ice ice baby song which I hate, but...) and Madonna songs. Surely I didn't listen to music my parents hated when I was a teenager???!!!
Vika received a letter and package from her mother today. She sent her a wallet with a picture of herself in it. I want to make a copy of it the second we get home so she always has one in case this one gets lost. I don't know what I was expecting, but she doesn't anything like I imagined she would. She also sent her some money. Vika seemed glad to hear from her. I think, in some way, all of this interaction with family is providing some closure. She is also close to her group of girl friends so with us getting close to being able to bring her home we constantly tell her she can stay in touch with them when she goes to America. I assume, over time, some of the interest with that will wane as she begins making new friends.
A dear friend gave me some excellent advice today about how to handle the situation last night leaving the orphanage. Another friend reminded me that on our turf back home a lot of these 'issues' go away or aren't even present. I do believe this is true because we saw none of this type of behavior over hosting. Sure...things weren't perfect, especially in the beginning but she ultimately became aware of our rules, how we do things, and she abided my that. So once again, thank you friends for the support and concern!!
Technically we are 4 days from home...but we are playing head games and telling ourselves that Thursday doesn't count because we will be so busy and will also be in Zap for the night where we plan on eating MCDONALDS!!!!!!! Then Friday we are flying...so we really only have 2 more days to get through!! I don't want that to sound awful...the people here have gone out of their way to help us and show us Ukrainian hospitality. We have had the opportunity to meet Vika's friends and we have given a precious window into her life, both here at the orphanage and before. But we miss home and the other kids, the dogs, our routines, church, etc...We will, however, go home changed and so much more thankful for what we have and where we are.
Hugs from Ukraine tonight. I am still on my knees for friends waiting for good news of many kinds. We also have friends back home with some tough things going on this week. We are praying for you all!
Alex also knows everyone. As we were walking down the street a man stopped and started hugging Alex and Sergey seemed to know him as well. We were introduced to him then Sergey looked at us and said that this man said he would see us soon. We had a funny look on our faces. Guess who it turned out to be......................The JUDGE HEARING OUR CASE! He is a godparent to one of Alex's kids - none of us knew that!!! He was actually very kind and was smiling from ear to ear the entire time. So I do believe court will go well!
After we walked around Alex and his wife went to change and said they would be back for us in a couple of hours to go back to the stream I had been to with them last week (Jason missed it!) and we would cook out again. We had such a good time. Thomas ran around and played, we laughed a lot, and ate really well! We had shish-ka-bobs again and, of course, the Russian 'accoutrements' were brought out. Then Alex brought out his pellet guns and the guys had fun shooting at things. I actually hit the bucket too (photo of Alex pointing out my shot attached!). Alex and Tonya are both very sweet. Their son Roman was there again. Alex played with Thomas and Tonya brought special food and candy for him today. Alex is returning to the States this summer as a chaperone with the hosting program. We hope to be able to see him while he is there.
When we returned to the orphanage Vika and 3 of her friends came and hung out with us. We must not be too 'un-cool' for her yet! They love the song Broken Angel?.?. Personally I had never heard it, but it isn't my taste! They got on youtube and watched the video 20x. The song will forever live in my head (UGH!). Then we started showing them videos of music we used to listen to as kids. They laughed and laughed at that. The only songs they found moderately entertaining were Vanilla Ice (the ice ice baby song which I hate, but...) and Madonna songs. Surely I didn't listen to music my parents hated when I was a teenager???!!!
Vika received a letter and package from her mother today. She sent her a wallet with a picture of herself in it. I want to make a copy of it the second we get home so she always has one in case this one gets lost. I don't know what I was expecting, but she doesn't anything like I imagined she would. She also sent her some money. Vika seemed glad to hear from her. I think, in some way, all of this interaction with family is providing some closure. She is also close to her group of girl friends so with us getting close to being able to bring her home we constantly tell her she can stay in touch with them when she goes to America. I assume, over time, some of the interest with that will wane as she begins making new friends.
A dear friend gave me some excellent advice today about how to handle the situation last night leaving the orphanage. Another friend reminded me that on our turf back home a lot of these 'issues' go away or aren't even present. I do believe this is true because we saw none of this type of behavior over hosting. Sure...things weren't perfect, especially in the beginning but she ultimately became aware of our rules, how we do things, and she abided my that. So once again, thank you friends for the support and concern!!
Technically we are 4 days from home...but we are playing head games and telling ourselves that Thursday doesn't count because we will be so busy and will also be in Zap for the night where we plan on eating MCDONALDS!!!!!!! Then Friday we are flying...so we really only have 2 more days to get through!! I don't want that to sound awful...the people here have gone out of their way to help us and show us Ukrainian hospitality. We have had the opportunity to meet Vika's friends and we have given a precious window into her life, both here at the orphanage and before. But we miss home and the other kids, the dogs, our routines, church, etc...We will, however, go home changed and so much more thankful for what we have and where we are.
Hugs from Ukraine tonight. I am still on my knees for friends waiting for good news of many kinds. We also have friends back home with some tough things going on this week. We are praying for you all!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Teenage Challenges
The weather was yucky here today. We were inside all day. Vika came to see us right at 8:30am! She was here all day and seemed to have a good time.
After dinner she and Jason really started having fun together with the ipad - sharing and singing songs. It was so fun to watch! Then one of her friends knocked on our door (about 6pm here) and said a bunch of things I couldn't understand. It is a friend whose influence is not that great - we have already determined that. With that, Vika was gone. We watched out the window as she left the orphanage property with this friend. Jason and I were not happy. We wanted to go after her, but we don't completely understand the rules here and are certainly not wanting to be the ones to rock the boat in a foreign country with a pending adoption. Unfortunately, Sergey was also gone to Zap to re-send a document on the train (so we can truly have Court Thursday) so we sat here doing nothing and watching our daughter so something that 1) is against the rules 2) is unsafe and 3) for so many other reasons is wrong.
I have read my fair share of adoption books and started reaching back into the memory to pull out what to do. What I want/wanted to do and we should/need to do are different. That much I remembered!
An hour later she came strolling back into the property. She knew we saw her come back in and seemed to try to make up for it - big time. All of her other friends were with us hanging out asking where she was when she walked up. They all saw her walk back into the property as well. We did not deal with it tonight in front of 15 friends but tomorrow we will.
Sergey returned and we talked to him about it. He didn't seemed alarmed at all (??ugh??). He said ALL of the orphanage kids do it. He said, "You are just the first family to stay here and the kids don't understand that they are being watched. But it happens all of the time no matter what age." He said, "On weekends (when the director is away) they all do it." He said he will help us talk with her tomorrow.
I know this is reality here. I know in my new 'family reality' it is not that big of a deal but it is a reminder of the parentless lives they have. I am not necessarily worried about Vika and her behavior. We had her with us for 5 weeks so I believe we have a good handle on her issues. She wasn't out smoking or drinking tonight...that we know. She was just out to get away. I guess if I lived in this environment (like I wrote about last night) I may do the same thing. Jason and I were talking to Sergey and told him that in this tiny, safe town this may be ok. But in the US...14 year old girls can't just go somewhere because they feel like it. It is unsafe. We also aren't happy about the lack of respect for rules but we are more worried to just see 2 girls wander off and no one know.
I am again reminded of the situation all of these children are in. They are parentless. I wrote last night that they do not appear to have things to look forward to. That is my assumption, anyway, from being here for two weeks and watching the monotonous routine they (and we) are in. But I know for a fact that they cannot fathom the love of a parent caring about them and a parent having their stomach in knots because they watch them walk out of the orphanage gates alone. They cannot understand that when we insist rules are followed it is because we care...not because you are one of 168 kids and the rules have to make sense for the masses. We have rules because we love our children. This is a new concept that we will have to work through. We will have a long road to get her to understand that when we say no or are concerned it is because we care and love her. We are also new at parenting a teenager so this is trial by fire for us!!!!!!
We are going to talk to Vika tomorrow about it. We will do it in an appropriate way given the situation we are in with her. This is when I am SOOO glad I have a Kindle with all of my adoption books on it! But we are going to start to plant the seeds and reminders of the way life is in the Hair house!!! She was really so well behaved when she was with us for 5 weeks. I know this is teenage stuff and, in the grand scheme, not a big deal here but we want her to know our feelings and start the process of meshing her into our family.
So...so that's it for Sunday. Started out lazy and ended with watching Jason (and myself) stepping into the role of Dad and Mom for this girl. It was good to see him worried for her and good to feel it myself. Those are the feelings of parents...are we are her parents!!!!!
After dinner she and Jason really started having fun together with the ipad - sharing and singing songs. It was so fun to watch! Then one of her friends knocked on our door (about 6pm here) and said a bunch of things I couldn't understand. It is a friend whose influence is not that great - we have already determined that. With that, Vika was gone. We watched out the window as she left the orphanage property with this friend. Jason and I were not happy. We wanted to go after her, but we don't completely understand the rules here and are certainly not wanting to be the ones to rock the boat in a foreign country with a pending adoption. Unfortunately, Sergey was also gone to Zap to re-send a document on the train (so we can truly have Court Thursday) so we sat here doing nothing and watching our daughter so something that 1) is against the rules 2) is unsafe and 3) for so many other reasons is wrong.
I have read my fair share of adoption books and started reaching back into the memory to pull out what to do. What I want/wanted to do and we should/need to do are different. That much I remembered!
An hour later she came strolling back into the property. She knew we saw her come back in and seemed to try to make up for it - big time. All of her other friends were with us hanging out asking where she was when she walked up. They all saw her walk back into the property as well. We did not deal with it tonight in front of 15 friends but tomorrow we will.
Sergey returned and we talked to him about it. He didn't seemed alarmed at all (??ugh??). He said ALL of the orphanage kids do it. He said, "You are just the first family to stay here and the kids don't understand that they are being watched. But it happens all of the time no matter what age." He said, "On weekends (when the director is away) they all do it." He said he will help us talk with her tomorrow.
I know this is reality here. I know in my new 'family reality' it is not that big of a deal but it is a reminder of the parentless lives they have. I am not necessarily worried about Vika and her behavior. We had her with us for 5 weeks so I believe we have a good handle on her issues. She wasn't out smoking or drinking tonight...that we know. She was just out to get away. I guess if I lived in this environment (like I wrote about last night) I may do the same thing. Jason and I were talking to Sergey and told him that in this tiny, safe town this may be ok. But in the US...14 year old girls can't just go somewhere because they feel like it. It is unsafe. We also aren't happy about the lack of respect for rules but we are more worried to just see 2 girls wander off and no one know.
I am again reminded of the situation all of these children are in. They are parentless. I wrote last night that they do not appear to have things to look forward to. That is my assumption, anyway, from being here for two weeks and watching the monotonous routine they (and we) are in. But I know for a fact that they cannot fathom the love of a parent caring about them and a parent having their stomach in knots because they watch them walk out of the orphanage gates alone. They cannot understand that when we insist rules are followed it is because we care...not because you are one of 168 kids and the rules have to make sense for the masses. We have rules because we love our children. This is a new concept that we will have to work through. We will have a long road to get her to understand that when we say no or are concerned it is because we care and love her. We are also new at parenting a teenager so this is trial by fire for us!!!!!!
We are going to talk to Vika tomorrow about it. We will do it in an appropriate way given the situation we are in with her. This is when I am SOOO glad I have a Kindle with all of my adoption books on it! But we are going to start to plant the seeds and reminders of the way life is in the Hair house!!! She was really so well behaved when she was with us for 5 weeks. I know this is teenage stuff and, in the grand scheme, not a big deal here but we want her to know our feelings and start the process of meshing her into our family.
So...so that's it for Sunday. Started out lazy and ended with watching Jason (and myself) stepping into the role of Dad and Mom for this girl. It was good to see him worried for her and good to feel it myself. Those are the feelings of parents...are we are her parents!!!!!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Saturday night...
You know you are bored (and maybe losing it!) when the highlight of your day is that your husband downloaded the pilot and other episodes of Miami Vice and The Incredible Hulk!
OK, so today is a slow news day so Jason is weighing in a little bit. I am censoring his comments at this point!!!
I have also figured out the main thing that really bothers me about the lives these children live. Yes, the food gets old and the building could be better. They could have nicer clothes and shoes. But I was looking around the last few days and really started thinking about the fact that everything for these children is on such a schedule (I know it has to be with 168 kids). The sad thing to me was that our kids at home always have something to look forward to...an event at church; a party or fieldtrip at school; a family event; a friend to come over; a trip to the zoo or somewhere else; dinner out, etc. These children don't have that. They don't have that hope and that 'thing' to be excited about. That is one of the most heartbreaking things to me. If they decide early on to accept what they have been dealt I worry that they will never break free of this life chosen for them. I worry that they won't become the person God knows they can be. That is what has been weighing on me the last few days...and this is why more families are needed. There is a reason these kids think I walk on water when I go sit on the playground with them for an hour. It is because I HUG them and look at them in the eyes and I talk to them and they are important and I care...even though I can't understand anything they say! I wish I could take everyone of them home. If any of you met them you would understand. They are all so special.
There are still 55 Ukrainian children who have not been selected for hosting this summer through NHFC. The dates for hosting are June 28th-August 4th. Many of the children still available are here in Chernigivka. I have met them all. If you or anyone you know can open their home to a child for 4 weeks this summer I promise you that you will be blessed. You do not have to adopt...that is an option but not a requirement, and many families do not. It is an opportunity to give them that 'thing' to look forward to and to show them something they have never seen...a loving, functional, Christian family. That alone can work wonders in the lives and destinies of these children!!!
I want to wish all of the AMAZING moms reading this Happy Mother's Day!! You are each such a blessing! Despite our immense desire to be home I can't think of a better place to be tomorrow...here with Thomas and Vika. Mother's Day will be extra special for me this year because we will be together in little 'ole Chernigivka!!!
OK, so today is a slow news day so Jason is weighing in a little bit. I am censoring his comments at this point!!!
- He says if he ever eats a potato again, it will be a miracle! Trust me, I am thankful to have food but, as an example, lunch was potato soup, mashed potatoes, and potato bread. Overdose on the potatoes! The other thing that is so incredibly bizarre is the pickled fish served with porridge of some kind for breakfast (that is pretty much every morning). Sergey loves it...so he always get the entire plate of fish!!
- Jason is also fascinated with the fashion here...he says it is a throwback to the 80s, and he is right! You would have to be here to understand, but no wonder I receive so many stares...I look like I stepped out of a camping magazine and everyone here is dressed to the nines...spiked heels, mini skirts, Members Only jackets, etc...
- This country LOVES their stamps! Anything official you receive, whether it is a hotel receipt or adoption papers, has a stamp. Apparently it is serious business and Sergey said getting one is a huge process. We likened it to a notary in the states but after hearing the process this is much more extreme. Well, as a matter of fact, the attorney we met on the little, old plane from Kiev to Zap gave Jason his business card. But before he did he pulled out an official stamp and stamped it on the back?!?! At the time we found it bizarre. Now we know just that is SOP (standard operating procedure in Ukraine!).
I have also figured out the main thing that really bothers me about the lives these children live. Yes, the food gets old and the building could be better. They could have nicer clothes and shoes. But I was looking around the last few days and really started thinking about the fact that everything for these children is on such a schedule (I know it has to be with 168 kids). The sad thing to me was that our kids at home always have something to look forward to...an event at church; a party or fieldtrip at school; a family event; a friend to come over; a trip to the zoo or somewhere else; dinner out, etc. These children don't have that. They don't have that hope and that 'thing' to be excited about. That is one of the most heartbreaking things to me. If they decide early on to accept what they have been dealt I worry that they will never break free of this life chosen for them. I worry that they won't become the person God knows they can be. That is what has been weighing on me the last few days...and this is why more families are needed. There is a reason these kids think I walk on water when I go sit on the playground with them for an hour. It is because I HUG them and look at them in the eyes and I talk to them and they are important and I care...even though I can't understand anything they say! I wish I could take everyone of them home. If any of you met them you would understand. They are all so special.
There are still 55 Ukrainian children who have not been selected for hosting this summer through NHFC. The dates for hosting are June 28th-August 4th. Many of the children still available are here in Chernigivka. I have met them all. If you or anyone you know can open their home to a child for 4 weeks this summer I promise you that you will be blessed. You do not have to adopt...that is an option but not a requirement, and many families do not. It is an opportunity to give them that 'thing' to look forward to and to show them something they have never seen...a loving, functional, Christian family. That alone can work wonders in the lives and destinies of these children!!!
I want to wish all of the AMAZING moms reading this Happy Mother's Day!! You are each such a blessing! Despite our immense desire to be home I can't think of a better place to be tomorrow...here with Thomas and Vika. Mother's Day will be extra special for me this year because we will be together in little 'ole Chernigivka!!!
Friday, May 6, 2011
A Quiet Friday Night
It was a pretty uneventful day here. We had to drive back to her hometown so that the Director of Vital Records could do some paperwork since Jason will not be returning to bring her home. It is a long drive but it was necessary to make sure everything is in order. After that we stopped in a fairly good size city and had pizza and drank Coke! It is the most American we have felt in 2 weeks! Even little Thomas who normally picks at pizza ate 3 pieces!!
We didn't see much of Vika today. A couple of teenagers ran away from here about 10 days ago. The police found them but there has been a lot of drama over it and all of the other kids have been punished for it as well. We found out that is why none of them were outside last weekend and the older kids have to run each night for punishment. I asked Sergey why they were all being punished and he said it is a military mentality...if one messes up you all pay. The staff feels like this will cause one of the kids to turn another in if they learn they are thinking about this or that they will talk them out of doing it. Doesn't seem right to me, but I am not in their shoes. It is just sad for the rest of them and it meant we were only able to see Vika for about an hour tonight.
I have a lot of friends waiting to travel or waiting on paperwork and approvals. A friend forwarded this to me and it made me smile! Hopefully it will you too!
We didn't see much of Vika today. A couple of teenagers ran away from here about 10 days ago. The police found them but there has been a lot of drama over it and all of the other kids have been punished for it as well. We found out that is why none of them were outside last weekend and the older kids have to run each night for punishment. I asked Sergey why they were all being punished and he said it is a military mentality...if one messes up you all pay. The staff feels like this will cause one of the kids to turn another in if they learn they are thinking about this or that they will talk them out of doing it. Doesn't seem right to me, but I am not in their shoes. It is just sad for the rest of them and it meant we were only able to see Vika for about an hour tonight.
I have a lot of friends waiting to travel or waiting on paperwork and approvals. A friend forwarded this to me and it made me smile! Hopefully it will you too!
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again. A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
7 days and counting.....HOME (but then I get to return!)
What a day!
Sergey went right after breakfast to talk to the head judge. The inspector from here went with him because she knows him.
(A little background...some time ago a new policy was instituted to determine which judge hears your adoption case inUkraine
Ok...so Sergey and the inspector went in to speak with him. Remember there have been no adoption cases in this village to date. He was very wary. Sergey and the inspector explained that we have other children at home waiting and that this trip was very hard on Thomas, who is here. They also explained that we are staying in the orphanage and we really need our case heard asap. The judge (like most Ukrainians) asked if we were paid to adopt kids in theUS
Let me back up a minute...Sergey and I had spoken at breakfast this morning. It was the first time he has seen me reading my Bible before breakfast. It prompted conversation about my thoughts on orphans and why we or other Americans adopt. I also told him that I had many friends praying for him and this judge today. OK, so back to the judge and Sergey...Sergey said that all of a sudden he remembered our conversation about orphans this morning and he told the judge that we care about orphans so much because we can't stand to think about any child of any age going to sleep at night without a parent to tuck them in and tell them that they are loved - in our minds these are basics that any child deserves. Sergey said the judge was very quiet. Then the judge spoke and told him that if he was the judge selected by the computer system he would help us but that if he was not the judge selected there was nothing he could do. He told Sergey there were 5 other judges available and it was likely he would not be the one selected by the 'lottery'. Sergey said good enough and he, the inspector, and the judge went to the room to do the selection. I wonder if Sergey prayed!?!?!?!
Guess which judge we received???????? The head judge!!!!! And guess who kept his word and gave us the first possible date (due to approvals and paperwork)? This judge!!!!!!!!! Sergey's comment as he walked back in the door was, "You have a lot of praying friends!"
I know I was down yesterday. I also know there will be other days until Vika is home (and after!) that I will be down...but I have literally seen God move here and it is incredible.\! We are in a village where no other child has been adopted. We are in a country where a lot of people think there is financial incentive for us to adopt...and they can look at Thomas and see we have already done it once - which probably confirms for them that money is our motivation. We came over here not thinking about any of this at all...but the deck should have been very stacked against us. Instead EVERY official we have come in contact with (from the orphanage to the government) has bent over backwards. It is true answer to prayer and you guys have been the ones making it so! Thank you for reminding me of a valuable lesson!
So I was on cloud nine and then got to have a 2 hour fight with Delta to change our supposed "refundable, changeable" tickets. I won't waste anymore typing energy on them, but I will tell you I won that battle! The 3 Hairs are flying home on Friday, the 13th! (NO COMMENTS!)
The rest of my day was relaxing...and then a knock at the door...it was Vika with her grandmother! Wow!!! How much more excitement can a girl take??? Actually it was fine. I couldn't understand a word she said but I smiled a lot and said dah a lot! She was sweet and brought Vika some new shoes, candy, and a few other things. I told her we would take good care of Vika and gave her lots of hugs.
I was able to play outside with a lot of the kids tonight and I took lots of pictures. I also FELL IN LOVE - anyone reading this is forbidden to tell my husband, but 2 of them have STOLEN my heart. UGHHHHHHHHHH I need to stay off of the playground!!!!!!! I will say this…these kids LOVE and crave hugs. Whenever one walks up to me I hug them and I don’t let them leave without a hug. This technique must be working because you would think I am a movie star when I go out there! They bring English lesson books out and they are mesmerized to hear someone read sentences. Then they practice their English on me! They are beautiful and precious children.
I miss home and our friends. We have some friends traveling soon and some waiting on dates. We also have some friends with other important things coming up. We are praying for each of you and your circumstances!
Sleep well!
Sergey went right after breakfast to talk to the head judge. The inspector from here went with him because she knows him.
(A little background...some time ago a new policy was instituted to determine which judge hears your adoption case in
Ok...so Sergey and the inspector went in to speak with him. Remember there have been no adoption cases in this village to date. He was very wary. Sergey and the inspector explained that we have other children at home waiting and that this trip was very hard on Thomas, who is here. They also explained that we are staying in the orphanage and we really need our case heard asap. The judge (like most Ukrainians) asked if we were paid to adopt kids in the
Let me back up a minute...Sergey and I had spoken at breakfast this morning. It was the first time he has seen me reading my Bible before breakfast. It prompted conversation about my thoughts on orphans and why we or other Americans adopt. I also told him that I had many friends praying for him and this judge today. OK, so back to the judge and Sergey...Sergey said that all of a sudden he remembered our conversation about orphans this morning and he told the judge that we care about orphans so much because we can't stand to think about any child of any age going to sleep at night without a parent to tuck them in and tell them that they are loved - in our minds these are basics that any child deserves. Sergey said the judge was very quiet. Then the judge spoke and told him that if he was the judge selected by the computer system he would help us but that if he was not the judge selected there was nothing he could do. He told Sergey there were 5 other judges available and it was likely he would not be the one selected by the 'lottery'. Sergey said good enough and he, the inspector, and the judge went to the room to do the selection. I wonder if Sergey prayed!?!?!?!
Guess which judge we received???????? The head judge!!!!! And guess who kept his word and gave us the first possible date (due to approvals and paperwork)? This judge!!!!!!!!! Sergey's comment as he walked back in the door was, "You have a lot of praying friends!"
I know I was down yesterday. I also know there will be other days until Vika is home (and after!) that I will be down...but I have literally seen God move here and it is incredible.\! We are in a village where no other child has been adopted. We are in a country where a lot of people think there is financial incentive for us to adopt...and they can look at Thomas and see we have already done it once - which probably confirms for them that money is our motivation. We came over here not thinking about any of this at all...but the deck should have been very stacked against us. Instead EVERY official we have come in contact with (from the orphanage to the government) has bent over backwards. It is true answer to prayer and you guys have been the ones making it so! Thank you for reminding me of a valuable lesson!
So I was on cloud nine and then got to have a 2 hour fight with Delta to change our supposed "refundable, changeable" tickets. I won't waste anymore typing energy on them, but I will tell you I won that battle! The 3 Hairs are flying home on Friday, the 13th! (NO COMMENTS!)
The rest of my day was relaxing...and then a knock at the door...it was Vika with her grandmother! Wow!!! How much more excitement can a girl take??? Actually it was fine. I couldn't understand a word she said but I smiled a lot and said dah a lot! She was sweet and brought Vika some new shoes, candy, and a few other things. I told her we would take good care of Vika and gave her lots of hugs.
I was able to play outside with a lot of the kids tonight and I took lots of pictures. I also FELL IN LOVE - anyone reading this is forbidden to tell my husband, but 2 of them have STOLEN my heart. UGHHHHHHHHHH I need to stay off of the playground!!!!!!! I will say this…these kids LOVE and crave hugs. Whenever one walks up to me I hug them and I don’t let them leave without a hug. This technique must be working because you would think I am a movie star when I go out there! They bring English lesson books out and they are mesmerized to hear someone read sentences. Then they practice their English on me! They are beautiful and precious children.
I miss home and our friends. We have some friends traveling soon and some waiting on dates. We also have some friends with other important things coming up. We are praying for each of you and your circumstances!
Sleep well!
PS...the toilet backed up in the shower tonight...but I really just don't care
PSS...two mysteries about Ukraine: 1) EVERY tree is painted white about 1/3 of the way up??? 2) Scented toilet paper????
What a day!
Sergey went right after breakfast to talk to the head judge. The inspector from here went with him because she knows him.
(A little background...some time ago a new policy was instituted to determine which judge hears your adoption case in Ukraine. It is supposed to take corruption out of the system. I don't understand it all but the basics are that it is a lottery which judge you get...there is a computer program that selects the judge and you are at their mercy.)
Ok...so Sergey and the inspector went in to speak with him. Remember there have been no adoption cases in this village to date. He was very wary. Sergey and the inspector explained that we have other children at home waiting and that this trip was very hard on Thomas, who is here. They also explained that we are staying in the orphanage and we really need our case heard asap. The judge (like most Ukrainians) asked if we were paid to adopt kids in the US. He wouldn't let this point go...and with this, Sergey was not feeling so optimistic. The judge also questioned the number of children we will have once Vika is home and he questioned why anyone would want to adopt a child of this age.
Let me back up a minute...Sergey and I had spoken at breakfast this morning. It was the first time he has seen me reading my Bible before breakfast. It prompted conversation about my thoughts on orphans and why we or other Americans adopt. I also told him that I had many friends praying for him and this judge today. OK, so back to the judge and Sergey...Sergey said that all of a sudden he remembered our conversation about orphans this morning and he told the judge that we care about orphans so much because we can't stand to think about any child of any age going to sleep at night without a parent to tuck them in and tell them that they are loved - in our minds these are basics that any child deserves. Sergey said the judge was very quiet. Then the judge spoke and told him that if he was the judge selected by the computer system he would help us but that if he was not the judge selected there was nothing he could do. He told Sergey there were 5 other judges available and it was likely he would not be the one selected by the 'lottery'. Sergey said good enough and he, the inspector, and the judge went to the room to do the selection. I wonder if Sergey prayed!?!?!?!
Guess which judge we received???????? The head judge!!!!! And guess who kept his word and gave us the first possible date (due to approvals and paperwork)? This judge!!!!!!!!! Sergey's comment as he walked back in the door was, "You have a lot of praying friends!"
I know I was down yesterday. I also know there will be other days until Vika is home (and after!) that I will be down...but I have literally seen God move here and it is incredible.\! We are in a village where no other child has been adopted. We are in a country where a lot of people think there is financial incentive for us to adopt...and they can look at Thomas and see we have already done it once - which probably confirms for them that money is our motivation. We came over here not thinking about any of this at all...but the deck should have been very stacked against us. Instead EVERY official we have come in contact with (from the orphanage to the government) has bent over backwards. It is true answer to prayer and you guys have been the ones making it so! Thank you for reminding me of a valuable lesson!
So I was on cloud nine and then got to have a 2 hour fight with Delta to change our supposed "refundable, changeable" tickets. I won't waste anymore typing energy on them, but I will tell you I won that battle! The 3 Hairs are flying home on Friday, the 13th! (NO COMMENTS!)
The rest of my day was relaxing...and then a knock at the door...it was Vika with her grandmother! Wow!!! How much more excitement can a girl take??? Actually it was fine. I couldn't understand a word she said but I smiled a lot and said dah a lot! She was sweet and brought Vika some new shoes, candy, and a few other things. I told her we would take good care of Vika and gave her lots of hugs.
I was able to play outside with a lot of the kids tonight and I took lots of pictures. I also FELL IN LOVE - anyone reading this is forbidden to tell my husband, but 2 of them have STOLEN my heart. UGHHHHHHHHHH I need to stay off of the playground!!!!!!!
I miss home and our friends. We have some friends traveling soon and some waiting on dates. We also have some friends with other important things coming up. We are praying for each of you and your circumstances!
Sleep well!
Sergey went right after breakfast to talk to the head judge. The inspector from here went with him because she knows him.
(A little background...some time ago a new policy was instituted to determine which judge hears your adoption case in Ukraine. It is supposed to take corruption out of the system. I don't understand it all but the basics are that it is a lottery which judge you get...there is a computer program that selects the judge and you are at their mercy.)
Ok...so Sergey and the inspector went in to speak with him. Remember there have been no adoption cases in this village to date. He was very wary. Sergey and the inspector explained that we have other children at home waiting and that this trip was very hard on Thomas, who is here. They also explained that we are staying in the orphanage and we really need our case heard asap. The judge (like most Ukrainians) asked if we were paid to adopt kids in the US. He wouldn't let this point go...and with this, Sergey was not feeling so optimistic. The judge also questioned the number of children we will have once Vika is home and he questioned why anyone would want to adopt a child of this age.
Let me back up a minute...Sergey and I had spoken at breakfast this morning. It was the first time he has seen me reading my Bible before breakfast. It prompted conversation about my thoughts on orphans and why we or other Americans adopt. I also told him that I had many friends praying for him and this judge today. OK, so back to the judge and Sergey...Sergey said that all of a sudden he remembered our conversation about orphans this morning and he told the judge that we care about orphans so much because we can't stand to think about any child of any age going to sleep at night without a parent to tuck them in and tell them that they are loved - in our minds these are basics that any child deserves. Sergey said the judge was very quiet. Then the judge spoke and told him that if he was the judge selected by the computer system he would help us but that if he was not the judge selected there was nothing he could do. He told Sergey there were 5 other judges available and it was likely he would not be the one selected by the 'lottery'. Sergey said good enough and he, the inspector, and the judge went to the room to do the selection. I wonder if Sergey prayed!?!?!?!
Guess which judge we received???????? The head judge!!!!! And guess who kept his word and gave us the first possible date (due to approvals and paperwork)? This judge!!!!!!!!! Sergey's comment as he walked back in the door was, "You have a lot of praying friends!"
I know I was down yesterday. I also know there will be other days until Vika is home (and after!) that I will be down...but I have literally seen God move here and it is incredible.\! We are in a village where no other child has been adopted. We are in a country where a lot of people think there is financial incentive for us to adopt...and they can look at Thomas and see we have already done it once - which probably confirms for them that money is our motivation. We came over here not thinking about any of this at all...but the deck should have been very stacked against us. Instead EVERY official we have come in contact with (from the orphanage to the government) has bent over backwards. It is true answer to prayer and you guys have been the ones making it so! Thank you for reminding me of a valuable lesson!
So I was on cloud nine and then got to have a 2 hour fight with Delta to change our supposed "refundable, changeable" tickets. I won't waste anymore typing energy on them, but I will tell you I won that battle! The 3 Hairs are flying home on Friday, the 13th! (NO COMMENTS!)
The rest of my day was relaxing...and then a knock at the door...it was Vika with her grandmother! Wow!!! How much more excitement can a girl take??? Actually it was fine. I couldn't understand a word she said but I smiled a lot and said dah a lot! She was sweet and brought Vika some new shoes, candy, and a few other things. I told her we would take good care of Vika and gave her lots of hugs.
I was able to play outside with a lot of the kids tonight and I took lots of pictures. I also FELL IN LOVE - anyone reading this is forbidden to tell my husband, but 2 of them have STOLEN my heart. UGHHHHHHHHHH I need to stay off of the playground!!!!!!!
I miss home and our friends. We have some friends traveling soon and some waiting on dates. We also have some friends with other important things coming up. We are praying for each of you and your circumstances!
Sleep well!
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