NEW UPDATE
The good, the bad and the ugly.
THE GOOD
We were able to confirm the rumors about Irkutsk being closed to adoptions was just that - a rumor. The Adoption Center continues to accept applications from International Families.
THE BAD
Our travel plans are all messed up. Initially, our plan was to go to Irkutsk July 21 - 31. We just found out 2 things that will prevent us from making the trip at that time. First, Anya is at camp through the 30th of July. We could visit her there, but it isn't the best situation.
Second, the officials we were going to meet with are not able to see us during this time. Typically, all government offices close for vacation the month of August, however we have requested appointments with these officials - and are waiting to continue our travel plans until we hear from them.
THE UGLY
Paperwork. All of the documents in our dossier have expired. This means we have to completely re-do our dossier - AGAIN. Roughly 125 documents need to be updated.
In trying to see the bright side of things, another week to complete this will be helpful. In the past, it has taken me 4-6 weeks to completely re-do our dossier.
THANK YOU!
Thanks to all of you who have called and emailed us notes of encouragement. It has been an emotionally difficult and exhausting week. Your kind words and prayers give us strength!
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Friday, June 29, 2007
Adoption Newsletter June 21, 2007
THIS WEEK'S UPDATE
Several things happened this week. We were able to obtain enough frequent flyer miles to get tickets to Irkutsk. We have our Travel Agent working on it.
Anya turned 5 on Thursday (the 21st). We thought we might get an email with a photo of her on her birthday, but haven't received anything yet.
Some rumors have surfaced on one of the chat boards. Someone posted that they just returned from a trip to Russia (not Irkutsk) and was told that Irkutsk was closed to international adoptions. If this were true, this would mean that no international adoptions would happen within Irkutsk - period. We don't know if it is true, and are trying to get confirmation or denial from a credible source.
Information like this has popped up A LOT over the past 3 years. 95% of the time, the information isn't accurate, and is the result of the negative attitude and culture in Russia. Intellectually, we know not to read too much into information like this - however, maybe because of the timing, this info hit us like a ton of bricks.
One fact we know is that French and Spanish families have court dates within the next few weeks.
Another fact we have is that when this has happened in other regions, families who have traveled on Trip 1 (which we did in Oct 2004), and who have presented their dossier to the court (which we have) are granted court dates.
Having said that, we also know that things that happen in Irkutsk have no rhyme or reason to what is typical.
A good case could also be made to say that the region is closed (and has been closed) for quite some time-since they have not granted any American court hearings in 2 years-essentially, they have been closed. So the rumor could be semantics and what is lost in translation.
We just have to believe that God is in control...and pray through this - like we've prayed through so many things over the past 3 years.
THANK YOU!
Please pray for the rumors to be squelched, and for God to make a perfect way for us to bring Anya home, SOON!
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Several things happened this week. We were able to obtain enough frequent flyer miles to get tickets to Irkutsk. We have our Travel Agent working on it.
Anya turned 5 on Thursday (the 21st). We thought we might get an email with a photo of her on her birthday, but haven't received anything yet.
Some rumors have surfaced on one of the chat boards. Someone posted that they just returned from a trip to Russia (not Irkutsk) and was told that Irkutsk was closed to international adoptions. If this were true, this would mean that no international adoptions would happen within Irkutsk - period. We don't know if it is true, and are trying to get confirmation or denial from a credible source.
Information like this has popped up A LOT over the past 3 years. 95% of the time, the information isn't accurate, and is the result of the negative attitude and culture in Russia. Intellectually, we know not to read too much into information like this - however, maybe because of the timing, this info hit us like a ton of bricks.
One fact we know is that French and Spanish families have court dates within the next few weeks.
Another fact we have is that when this has happened in other regions, families who have traveled on Trip 1 (which we did in Oct 2004), and who have presented their dossier to the court (which we have) are granted court dates.
Having said that, we also know that things that happen in Irkutsk have no rhyme or reason to what is typical.
A good case could also be made to say that the region is closed (and has been closed) for quite some time-since they have not granted any American court hearings in 2 years-essentially, they have been closed. So the rumor could be semantics and what is lost in translation.
We just have to believe that God is in control...and pray through this - like we've prayed through so many things over the past 3 years.
THANK YOU!
Please pray for the rumors to be squelched, and for God to make a perfect way for us to bring Anya home, SOON!
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Friday, June 15, 2007
Adoption Newsletter June 15, 2007
From: Kathy and Marty Friend
Subject: Adoption Prayers-11
Reply: kathy@mmprod.com
adoption prayer Friday
#11 June 15, 2007
Bring Anya Home Blog
THIS WEEK'S UPDATE
We just found out that the other family who has been working on getting a court date via a non-traditional means has been successful. Her court date is the first week of July. We are praying for a successful court hearing!
Going the route that this other family has - is going to require a trip to Irkutsk to personal meet with various officials. Since we've been planning a trip this summer, timing is perfect. We are 25,000 ff miles away from being able to go. Considering when we starting planning - we needed over 100,000 - this is really good news! Thanks to so many of you who generously gave us your extra Delta miles!
Everything has to fall into place within the next week or so in order for us to have enough time to get updated documents, an invitation and Visa.
THANK YOU!
We continue to pray for everything to fall into place in an amazing way so we are able to go to Russia the end of July.
We are also praying for our travel agent friend - that when she calls Delta on our behalf to book our tickets, that the seats will be available, and that we will have more than enough frequent flyer miles to get from South Bend to Irkutsk.
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Subject: Adoption Prayers-11
Reply: kathy@mmprod.com
adoption prayer Friday
#11 June 15, 2007
Bring Anya Home Blog
THIS WEEK'S UPDATE
We just found out that the other family who has been working on getting a court date via a non-traditional means has been successful. Her court date is the first week of July. We are praying for a successful court hearing!
Going the route that this other family has - is going to require a trip to Irkutsk to personal meet with various officials. Since we've been planning a trip this summer, timing is perfect. We are 25,000 ff miles away from being able to go. Considering when we starting planning - we needed over 100,000 - this is really good news! Thanks to so many of you who generously gave us your extra Delta miles!
Everything has to fall into place within the next week or so in order for us to have enough time to get updated documents, an invitation and Visa.
THANK YOU!
We continue to pray for everything to fall into place in an amazing way so we are able to go to Russia the end of July.
We are also praying for our travel agent friend - that when she calls Delta on our behalf to book our tickets, that the seats will be available, and that we will have more than enough frequent flyer miles to get from South Bend to Irkutsk.
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Adoption Newsletter June 9, 2007
From: Kathy and Marty Friend
Subject: Adoption Prayers-10
Reply: kathy@mmprod.com
adoption prayer Friday #10 June 9, 2007
Bring Anya Home Blog
THIS WEEK'S UPDATE
Not much to update this week. We're waiting to hear from our lawyer what documents need to be updated.
THANK YOU!
We are praying to God make a way for us to go to go to Russia this summer. We are getting closer! We've asked when Anya is going to camp - just to be sure we don't schedule something during that time. Our goal is to go the end of July...if God makes a way for us to go - consider our bags packed!
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Subject: Adoption Prayers-10
Reply: kathy@mmprod.com
adoption prayer Friday #10 June 9, 2007
Bring Anya Home Blog
THIS WEEK'S UPDATE
Not much to update this week. We're waiting to hear from our lawyer what documents need to be updated.
THANK YOU!
We are praying to God make a way for us to go to go to Russia this summer. We are getting closer! We've asked when Anya is going to camp - just to be sure we don't schedule something during that time. Our goal is to go the end of July...if God makes a way for us to go - consider our bags packed!
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Friday, June 01, 2007
Adoption Newsletter May 28, 2007
adoption prayer Friday #8 May 28, 2007
Bring Anya Home Blog
I apologize for the delay in this week's update. Things have been quiet the past few weeks. No updates to report. The Judge is still on vacation. We learned about another angle a French family tried to get a court date. They have received a date, however it is yet to be seen if they are successful at the court hearing. What this family has done might be something for us to consider. We have asked our lawyer about this possibility. This "new" idea would require a trip to Irkutsk - which is something we are still praying about. We hope that God makes an amazing way for us to afford the cost of a 10 day trip to see our little girl!
THANK YOU!
This weekend, we have been in constant prayer for our situation. We have had conversation with those who are prayer-warriors with us, we believe that our prayers need to continue to be specific. We want the doors that seem to be locked - miraculously open!
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Bring Anya Home Blog
I apologize for the delay in this week's update. Things have been quiet the past few weeks. No updates to report. The Judge is still on vacation. We learned about another angle a French family tried to get a court date. They have received a date, however it is yet to be seen if they are successful at the court hearing. What this family has done might be something for us to consider. We have asked our lawyer about this possibility. This "new" idea would require a trip to Irkutsk - which is something we are still praying about. We hope that God makes an amazing way for us to afford the cost of a 10 day trip to see our little girl!
THANK YOU!
This weekend, we have been in constant prayer for our situation. We have had conversation with those who are prayer-warriors with us, we believe that our prayers need to continue to be specific. We want the doors that seem to be locked - miraculously open!
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Adoption Newsletter May 17, 2007
adoption prayer Friday #7 May 17, 2007
3 years ago we received information about a little girl in Russia who was going to be turning 2. We accepted this referral, and agreed to travel 1/2 way around the world to meet her.
1 year ago we were with Anya in Russia. We purchased gifts and planned a party for her 4th birthday, although we were not with her on her day, I am sure she felt like a special princess! We were so hopeful that she would be with us celebrating her 5th birthday.
This past week was a quiet one. We were able to make contact with the local Russian family who is helping us. We received a very nice email from them, expressing their commitment to continue to do whatever they can to help us bring Anya home.
The Judge has been on a 2 week vacation. She returns next week. Our lawyer will try (again) to make an appointment with her and submit our documents in request for a court date. The past 3 times this has happened, it has only yielded more paperwork, however God does work wonders!
We are feeling the stress and exhaustion of the past 3 years.
THANK YOU!
This week, we will again be fasting and praying on Friday with the hopes that a miracle happens in the upcoming week. Thank you for supporting us and not questioning our intensity of our drive to bring Anya home. We know you are all as tired as we are praying for this.
Love,
Marty and Kathy
3 years ago we received information about a little girl in Russia who was going to be turning 2. We accepted this referral, and agreed to travel 1/2 way around the world to meet her.
1 year ago we were with Anya in Russia. We purchased gifts and planned a party for her 4th birthday, although we were not with her on her day, I am sure she felt like a special princess! We were so hopeful that she would be with us celebrating her 5th birthday.
This past week was a quiet one. We were able to make contact with the local Russian family who is helping us. We received a very nice email from them, expressing their commitment to continue to do whatever they can to help us bring Anya home.
The Judge has been on a 2 week vacation. She returns next week. Our lawyer will try (again) to make an appointment with her and submit our documents in request for a court date. The past 3 times this has happened, it has only yielded more paperwork, however God does work wonders!
We are feeling the stress and exhaustion of the past 3 years.
THANK YOU!
This week, we will again be fasting and praying on Friday with the hopes that a miracle happens in the upcoming week. Thank you for supporting us and not questioning our intensity of our drive to bring Anya home. We know you are all as tired as we are praying for this.
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Adoption Newsletter May 11, 2007
adoption prayer Friday #6 May 11, 2007
As with each passing week, something positive seems to continue to happen. Even if the progress is barely detectible - it is progress nonetheless.
This past week, we were able to make contact with the man from the Russian Consulate's office. He advised us to send a letter to him that he will deliver via diplomatic courier to Moscow. One of the other families who is waiting is helping us with the letter. We are very grateful for any help we can get!
We also have been able to drill down our schedules to find a time-frame to plan a trip to see Anya. As luck would have it, the week we will have free happens to be the week she will turn 5! Her birthday this year is a bittersweet one - as on her 2nd birthday we accepted her as a referral, and made the decision to travel to Russia to see her. We never imagined that on her 5th birthday she wouldn't be in our home celebrating.
This week, we will again be fasting and praying on Friday with the hopes that a miracle happens in the upcoming week. Thank you for supporting us and joining with us on this journey!
THANK YOU!
Again, we are humbled by your friendship and unwavering faith.
Love,
Marty and Kathy
As with each passing week, something positive seems to continue to happen. Even if the progress is barely detectible - it is progress nonetheless.
This past week, we were able to make contact with the man from the Russian Consulate's office. He advised us to send a letter to him that he will deliver via diplomatic courier to Moscow. One of the other families who is waiting is helping us with the letter. We are very grateful for any help we can get!
We also have been able to drill down our schedules to find a time-frame to plan a trip to see Anya. As luck would have it, the week we will have free happens to be the week she will turn 5! Her birthday this year is a bittersweet one - as on her 2nd birthday we accepted her as a referral, and made the decision to travel to Russia to see her. We never imagined that on her 5th birthday she wouldn't be in our home celebrating.
This week, we will again be fasting and praying on Friday with the hopes that a miracle happens in the upcoming week. Thank you for supporting us and joining with us on this journey!
THANK YOU!
Again, we are humbled by your friendship and unwavering faith.
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Adoption Newsletter May 4, 2007
adoption prayer Friday #5 May 4, 2007
I can't believe we're going into the 5th week of the praying and fasting. Your prayers are paying off - We were FINALLY able to get in touch with someone at the Consulate's office this week. The man we spoke to was very nice, and had not every heard of the problems in Irkutsk - we found that curious, since our State Department has told me that they had contacted the Russian Embassy and Consulate! When I mentioned to the man at the Consulate's office that I was calling representing approximately 20 American families - he made me repeat that statement several times. He even said to me "I apologize that there are so many American families having this problem in Irkutsk, I will collaborate with my colleagues and call you back with a plan".
Of course, we don't know what (if anything) will ever come of this conversation, but it was encouraging none the less.
SPECIFIC PRAYERS
We would like to pray specifically for the following this week:
Favor with anyone and everyone who has anything to do with adoptions in Irkutsk
Anya's happiness, health and safety
For the Judge in Irkutsk
We are trying to schedule a flight to go and see Anya. Of course, this time of the year, traveling to Europe is VERY expensive. Typically, flights are roughly $850 - $1,000 each. Now they are $1,800 and up! In checking on frequent flyer miles, the miles requirement seems to have gone up as well.
We want to go and see Anya in late June or July. It's been over a year since we have seen her - and not knowing what she is doing, how she is, how big she is gets harder with every tick of the clock.
Many of you have said that you have frequent flyer miles that you would like to transfer to us. We received an email today from Delta that they are waiving the transfer fee on Delta miles...and the cost is only .01cent a mile. The details are to the left of this message.
THANK YOU!
We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your passion, prayers and support with us on this journey. Your willingness to stand by us as friends in prayer means more to us than words can explain. Many of you have told us stories of your time of prayer and/or fasting. We have one group who is fasting that has added us to their prayers...one man has fasted for more than 38 days, another over 14, and yet another more than 7. Thank you for believing, like we do, that we will be victorious. We will win this fight, and Anya will be in our home with our family soon!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
I can't believe we're going into the 5th week of the praying and fasting. Your prayers are paying off - We were FINALLY able to get in touch with someone at the Consulate's office this week. The man we spoke to was very nice, and had not every heard of the problems in Irkutsk - we found that curious, since our State Department has told me that they had contacted the Russian Embassy and Consulate! When I mentioned to the man at the Consulate's office that I was calling representing approximately 20 American families - he made me repeat that statement several times. He even said to me "I apologize that there are so many American families having this problem in Irkutsk, I will collaborate with my colleagues and call you back with a plan".
Of course, we don't know what (if anything) will ever come of this conversation, but it was encouraging none the less.
SPECIFIC PRAYERS
We would like to pray specifically for the following this week:
Favor with anyone and everyone who has anything to do with adoptions in Irkutsk
Anya's happiness, health and safety
For the Judge in Irkutsk
We are trying to schedule a flight to go and see Anya. Of course, this time of the year, traveling to Europe is VERY expensive. Typically, flights are roughly $850 - $1,000 each. Now they are $1,800 and up! In checking on frequent flyer miles, the miles requirement seems to have gone up as well.
We want to go and see Anya in late June or July. It's been over a year since we have seen her - and not knowing what she is doing, how she is, how big she is gets harder with every tick of the clock.
Many of you have said that you have frequent flyer miles that you would like to transfer to us. We received an email today from Delta that they are waiving the transfer fee on Delta miles...and the cost is only .01cent a mile. The details are to the left of this message.
THANK YOU!
We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your passion, prayers and support with us on this journey. Your willingness to stand by us as friends in prayer means more to us than words can explain. Many of you have told us stories of your time of prayer and/or fasting. We have one group who is fasting that has added us to their prayers...one man has fasted for more than 38 days, another over 14, and yet another more than 7. Thank you for believing, like we do, that we will be victorious. We will win this fight, and Anya will be in our home with our family soon!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Adoption Update April 27, 2007
adoption prayer Friday #4 April 27, 2007
We are continuing to try to get a meeting with the Russian Consulate in Washington DC. We're not having much luck finding the right person to talk to. But - we are hopeful that it will happen.
We are also waiting to hear from the Russian family in Granger we made contact with. We hope to hear from them this week with an update.
...so this week, it has been a lot of waiting. Something we've grown accustomed to!
Today is the 5th Friday we are fasting and praying for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome to bring the children waiting in Irkutsk home. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting we all not eat for 24 hours. Some things our friends have decided to fast include:
the Internet
dinner out
sugar
coffee
smoking
soap operas
video games
When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, and say a little prayer for Anya.
This week we will be in constant prayer all day. Our fasting will be in terms of 'acting' (if that makes sense).
Our Faith and strength might not make sense to all of you. Phil 4:13 says 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' - This is the strength that keeps us fighting to bring Anya home!
Looking forward to the incredible story that will come from our prayers!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
We are continuing to try to get a meeting with the Russian Consulate in Washington DC. We're not having much luck finding the right person to talk to. But - we are hopeful that it will happen.
We are also waiting to hear from the Russian family in Granger we made contact with. We hope to hear from them this week with an update.
...so this week, it has been a lot of waiting. Something we've grown accustomed to!
Today is the 5th Friday we are fasting and praying for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome to bring the children waiting in Irkutsk home. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting we all not eat for 24 hours. Some things our friends have decided to fast include:
the Internet
dinner out
sugar
coffee
smoking
soap operas
video games
When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, and say a little prayer for Anya.
This week we will be in constant prayer all day. Our fasting will be in terms of 'acting' (if that makes sense).
Our Faith and strength might not make sense to all of you. Phil 4:13 says 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' - This is the strength that keeps us fighting to bring Anya home!
Looking forward to the incredible story that will come from our prayers!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Adoption Newsletter April 20, 2007
adoption prayer Friday #4 April 20, 2007
This has been another encouraging week. The families who are waiting with us continue to come together - united to do whatever it takes to get our children home.
We are requesting a meeting with the Russian Consulate's office in Washington DC. We are working with someone at the State Department to help us get this meeting. We're hoping this will happen in the next few weeks. More on this later.
We're waiting to hear from the Russian family we met. They will be writing a letter to the governor of Irkutsk on our behalf. We hope that letter is delivered in the next 2 weeks.
Today is the 4th Friday we are fasting and praying for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome to bring the children waiting in Irkutsk home. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting we all not eat for 24 hours. Some things our friends have decided to fast include:
the Internet
dinner out
sugar
coffee
smoking
soap operas
video games
When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, and say a little prayer for Anya.
This week Kathy will be fasting all beverages except water and the TV channel she seems to be addicted to (the E! Channel), and Marty is going to try to get through the day without caffeine and sugar.
Our Faith and strength might not make sense to all of you. Phil 4:13 says 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' - This is the strength that keeps us fighting to bring Anya home!
Looking forward to the incredible story that will come from our prayers!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
This has been another encouraging week. The families who are waiting with us continue to come together - united to do whatever it takes to get our children home.
We are requesting a meeting with the Russian Consulate's office in Washington DC. We are working with someone at the State Department to help us get this meeting. We're hoping this will happen in the next few weeks. More on this later.
We're waiting to hear from the Russian family we met. They will be writing a letter to the governor of Irkutsk on our behalf. We hope that letter is delivered in the next 2 weeks.
Today is the 4th Friday we are fasting and praying for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome to bring the children waiting in Irkutsk home. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting we all not eat for 24 hours. Some things our friends have decided to fast include:
the Internet
dinner out
sugar
coffee
smoking
soap operas
video games
When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, and say a little prayer for Anya.
This week Kathy will be fasting all beverages except water and the TV channel she seems to be addicted to (the E! Channel), and Marty is going to try to get through the day without caffeine and sugar.
Our Faith and strength might not make sense to all of you. Phil 4:13 says 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' - This is the strength that keeps us fighting to bring Anya home!
Looking forward to the incredible story that will come from our prayers!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Adoption Newsletter April 13, 2007
adoption prayer Friday #3 April 13, 2007
"This kind (of evil) can come out only
by prayer and fasting"
UPDATE
Well, what a whirlwind week! I know I have said it before, but it is amazing to me what happens when people pray.
Seems like so much has happened in a week; chatter and energy continue to rise with those parents waiting to adopt children from Irkutsk. We're all banning together in a wonderful way, as a united force. We are deciding to make a lot of noise. Our government isn't willing to help us; however there is someone with the State Department who seems to have a heart. This woman is someone we've spoken to in the past, but now there are many families all telling her the same story. So - who knows? We are planning to file a complaint with the Human Rights board in Russia for violations and discrimination because we are American. This will only be successful if all of the waiting families do this together. It is looking like we have everyone's support!
We also have been able to make contact this week with a Russian family. This family has members in the Russian government. They seem to be willing to help us, to write personal letters on official government stationary - pretty amazing. We are praying that if this is the way we are supposed to take to bring Anya home, that the path continue to be easy, well defined and swift!
Today is the third Friday we are fasting and praying for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome to bring the children waiting in Irkutsk home. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting we all not eat for 24 hours. Some things our friends have decided to fast include:
the Internet
dinner out
sugar
coffee
smoking
soap operas
video games
This week I will be fasting candy and dinner - and my usual wine with Friday night dinner. Marty is going to be fasting sugar (all things sweet - that includes cookies!). I am trying to convince him to fast working on this computer program project (thing I don't understand) - but I haven't completely convinced him that is a good idea (yet!).
When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, and say a little prayer for Anya.
Our Faith and strength might not make sense to all of you. Phil 4:13 says 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' - This is the strength that keeps us fighting to bring Anya home!
Looking forward to the incredible story from our prayers!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
"This kind (of evil) can come out only
by prayer and fasting"
UPDATE
Well, what a whirlwind week! I know I have said it before, but it is amazing to me what happens when people pray.
Seems like so much has happened in a week; chatter and energy continue to rise with those parents waiting to adopt children from Irkutsk. We're all banning together in a wonderful way, as a united force. We are deciding to make a lot of noise. Our government isn't willing to help us; however there is someone with the State Department who seems to have a heart. This woman is someone we've spoken to in the past, but now there are many families all telling her the same story. So - who knows? We are planning to file a complaint with the Human Rights board in Russia for violations and discrimination because we are American. This will only be successful if all of the waiting families do this together. It is looking like we have everyone's support!
We also have been able to make contact this week with a Russian family. This family has members in the Russian government. They seem to be willing to help us, to write personal letters on official government stationary - pretty amazing. We are praying that if this is the way we are supposed to take to bring Anya home, that the path continue to be easy, well defined and swift!
Today is the third Friday we are fasting and praying for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome to bring the children waiting in Irkutsk home. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting we all not eat for 24 hours. Some things our friends have decided to fast include:
the Internet
dinner out
sugar
coffee
smoking
soap operas
video games
This week I will be fasting candy and dinner - and my usual wine with Friday night dinner. Marty is going to be fasting sugar (all things sweet - that includes cookies!). I am trying to convince him to fast working on this computer program project (thing I don't understand) - but I haven't completely convinced him that is a good idea (yet!).
When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, and say a little prayer for Anya.
Our Faith and strength might not make sense to all of you. Phil 4:13 says 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' - This is the strength that keeps us fighting to bring Anya home!
Looking forward to the incredible story from our prayers!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Adtion Newsletter from April 5, 2007
From: Kathy and Marty Friend
Subject: Adoption Prayers-2
Reply: kathy@mmprod.com
adoption prayer Friday #2 April 5, 2007
"This kind (of evil) can come out only by prayer and fasting"
Dear friends,
Again, thank you for praying with on on this journey. It continues to amaze us what happens when people pray!
UPDATE
Over the past week, we've been brainstorming ideas on how to get things in Irkutsk moving again. It occurred to us that if in fact we are the only family who has submitted documents to the Judge in Irkutsk - what would her motivation be to help just one family. We had never thought of this in these terms before.
We also started thinking about the French families who have been able to get several successful court dates to bring children home this year. They came together, and found strength in numbers.
Again, we went back to how powerful can only 'one' be?
In doing some research online, a friend found at least 2 other families who have also presented documents to the Judge in the recent past. There area also several families who are gathering documents to be presented to the Judge in the near future.
PLAN TO GET TO THE HEART OF THE JUDGE
In the past week, another waiting parent made a decision to 'do something'. She is gathering photographs of children who have been adopted from Irkutsk. With these photos, she is putting together a scrap book showing the kids before and after...and telling a little story of each, to show the Judge how happy and healthy they are.
The scrap book will also include some photos of waiting families - and pictures of empty bedrooms that are waiting to be filled with children.
We hope to be able to send this to the Judge in the next 2 weeks in an effort to appeal to her emotions - to show that the kids are very happy and healthy...and the children who are waiting to be adopted are loved, and the families who are waiting are well prepared to bring them into tier homes.
Today is the second Friday we are fasting and praying for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome to bring the children waiting in Irkutsk home. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting we all not eat for 24 hours. Some things our friends have decided to fast include:
the Internet
dinner out
sugar
coffee
smoking
soap operas
video games
Last week, we fasted candy, juice and caffeine. For those of you who know us well, you can appreciate what life was like in our house last Friday!
When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, and say a little prayer for Anya.
Our Faith and strength might not make sense to all of you. Phil 4:13 says 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' - This is the strength that keeps us fighting to bring Anya home!
Looking forward to the incredible story from our prayers!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Subject: Adoption Prayers-2
Reply: kathy@mmprod.com
adoption prayer Friday #2 April 5, 2007
"This kind (of evil) can come out only by prayer and fasting"
Dear friends,
Again, thank you for praying with on on this journey. It continues to amaze us what happens when people pray!
UPDATE
Over the past week, we've been brainstorming ideas on how to get things in Irkutsk moving again. It occurred to us that if in fact we are the only family who has submitted documents to the Judge in Irkutsk - what would her motivation be to help just one family. We had never thought of this in these terms before.
We also started thinking about the French families who have been able to get several successful court dates to bring children home this year. They came together, and found strength in numbers.
Again, we went back to how powerful can only 'one' be?
In doing some research online, a friend found at least 2 other families who have also presented documents to the Judge in the recent past. There area also several families who are gathering documents to be presented to the Judge in the near future.
PLAN TO GET TO THE HEART OF THE JUDGE
In the past week, another waiting parent made a decision to 'do something'. She is gathering photographs of children who have been adopted from Irkutsk. With these photos, she is putting together a scrap book showing the kids before and after...and telling a little story of each, to show the Judge how happy and healthy they are.
The scrap book will also include some photos of waiting families - and pictures of empty bedrooms that are waiting to be filled with children.
We hope to be able to send this to the Judge in the next 2 weeks in an effort to appeal to her emotions - to show that the kids are very happy and healthy...and the children who are waiting to be adopted are loved, and the families who are waiting are well prepared to bring them into tier homes.
Today is the second Friday we are fasting and praying for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome to bring the children waiting in Irkutsk home. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting we all not eat for 24 hours. Some things our friends have decided to fast include:
the Internet
dinner out
sugar
coffee
smoking
soap operas
video games
Last week, we fasted candy, juice and caffeine. For those of you who know us well, you can appreciate what life was like in our house last Friday!
When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, and say a little prayer for Anya.
Our Faith and strength might not make sense to all of you. Phil 4:13 says 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' - This is the strength that keeps us fighting to bring Anya home!
Looking forward to the incredible story from our prayers!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Adtion Newsletter from March 30, 2006
From: Kathy and Marty Friend
Subject: Adoption Prayers-1
Reply: kathy@mmprod.com
adoption prayer Friday #1 March 30, 2007
"This kind (of evil) can come out only by prayer and fasting"
Dear friends,
Thank you for your overwhelming response to our request for prayer and fasting. We are also praying and fasting with the many families who have adopted children from Irkutsk over the years, and those who continue to wait (like us). We estimate that we have over 100 people who have committed to this prayer, and are joining with us today. THIS IS INCREDIBLE!
Today is the first Friday we are fasting and praying for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome to bring the children waiting in Irkutsk home. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting we all not eat for 24 hours. Some things our friends have decided to fast include:
the Internet
dinner out
sugar
coffee
smoking
soap operas
video games
When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, and say a little prayer for Anya.
Our Faith and strength might not make sense to all of you. Phil 4:13 says 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' - This is the strength that keeps us fighting to bring Anya home!
Looking forward to the incredible story from our prayers!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Subject: Adoption Prayers-1
Reply: kathy@mmprod.com
adoption prayer Friday #1 March 30, 2007
"This kind (of evil) can come out only by prayer and fasting"
Dear friends,
Thank you for your overwhelming response to our request for prayer and fasting. We are also praying and fasting with the many families who have adopted children from Irkutsk over the years, and those who continue to wait (like us). We estimate that we have over 100 people who have committed to this prayer, and are joining with us today. THIS IS INCREDIBLE!
Today is the first Friday we are fasting and praying for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome to bring the children waiting in Irkutsk home. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting we all not eat for 24 hours. Some things our friends have decided to fast include:
the Internet
dinner out
sugar
coffee
smoking
soap operas
video games
When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, and say a little prayer for Anya.
Our Faith and strength might not make sense to all of you. Phil 4:13 says 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' - This is the strength that keeps us fighting to bring Anya home!
Looking forward to the incredible story from our prayers!
Love,
Marty and Kathy
Adoption Newsletter from March 23, 2007
From: Kathy and Marty Friend
Subject: Adoption update
Reply: kathy@mmprod.com
adoption update late March 2007
"This kind (of evil) can come out only by prayer and fasting"
Dear friends,
In the past few weeks, we've been prayerfully considering what our next step should be with the adoption. We've listened intently to the advice of those we admire and respect, and have decided at this point in time, we have come to a crossroads; the only way to continue to move forward is consolidated, intense, powerful prayer.
This week we learned the Judge is continuing to refuse to talk to our lawyer (in Russia) about our case. We have also learned that we are in fact the only American family who has presented documents to the Judge in Irkutsk. The only family! This means there are literally, dozens of other American families who are waiting to see what happens with our efforts, before they take a next step.
There was a meeting this past week between the governor (in Russia) and the head of the department of education on international adoptions. Complaints are continuing from European families, and the fact that the Judge has not accepted any American cases is also an issue. Thankfully, to our knowledge, no Americans have filed complaints. With any complaint comes an investigation - in our opinion, any complaint that is filed at this point will be seen as an excuse to continue to prolong giving American court hearings. In other words - don't give court dates until the investigation is over.
We would like to ask you all to join us in weekly prayer and fasting. Each Friday, remember not only our situation, but the overall adoption climate in Irkutsk, and pray for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting that we all not eat for 24 hours. For some, fasting might be not drinking pop for a day, foregoing the internet, a meal, alcohol, sugar or chocolate, anything that is part of your normal day. When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, in the book of Mark 9:28-29, it says, After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it (the evil) out?" He replied, "This kind (of evil) can come out only by prayer and fasting. We believe this is the kind of evil we are working against, which is why we are asking you to join us in this prayer.
We know many of you (our friends) are of different Faiths, different beliefs, and varying ways of worship. We are asking for your powerful, prayerful support each Friday until we bring Anya home. If this is something you are willing to join in with us, please reply to this message. In doing so, your email will be placed on a list, and you will receive a weekly reminder (on Thursdays).
Even if you are not able to join with us in this time of powerful prayer, we want you to know we value your friendship and support of us in this adoption.
It has been a long hard road, and we are in no way considering giving up on our little Anya. She continues to wait for us in an orphanage in Siberia - waiting for her Mama and Papa to come and bring her home. To us, that is enough motivation to keep pressing in, keep praying, and keep on keeping on!
Blessed to call you friend,
Marty and Kathy Friend
Subject: Adoption update
Reply: kathy@mmprod.com
adoption update late March 2007
"This kind (of evil) can come out only by prayer and fasting"
Dear friends,
In the past few weeks, we've been prayerfully considering what our next step should be with the adoption. We've listened intently to the advice of those we admire and respect, and have decided at this point in time, we have come to a crossroads; the only way to continue to move forward is consolidated, intense, powerful prayer.
This week we learned the Judge is continuing to refuse to talk to our lawyer (in Russia) about our case. We have also learned that we are in fact the only American family who has presented documents to the Judge in Irkutsk. The only family! This means there are literally, dozens of other American families who are waiting to see what happens with our efforts, before they take a next step.
There was a meeting this past week between the governor (in Russia) and the head of the department of education on international adoptions. Complaints are continuing from European families, and the fact that the Judge has not accepted any American cases is also an issue. Thankfully, to our knowledge, no Americans have filed complaints. With any complaint comes an investigation - in our opinion, any complaint that is filed at this point will be seen as an excuse to continue to prolong giving American court hearings. In other words - don't give court dates until the investigation is over.
We would like to ask you all to join us in weekly prayer and fasting. Each Friday, remember not only our situation, but the overall adoption climate in Irkutsk, and pray for favor with all the entities that we (and other families) need to overcome. Favor is the key.
By fasting, we're not suggesting that we all not eat for 24 hours. For some, fasting might be not drinking pop for a day, foregoing the internet, a meal, alcohol, sugar or chocolate, anything that is part of your normal day. When you think about that 'thing' you are fasting, remember our prayer for favor, in the book of Mark 9:28-29, it says, After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it (the evil) out?" He replied, "This kind (of evil) can come out only by prayer and fasting. We believe this is the kind of evil we are working against, which is why we are asking you to join us in this prayer.
We know many of you (our friends) are of different Faiths, different beliefs, and varying ways of worship. We are asking for your powerful, prayerful support each Friday until we bring Anya home. If this is something you are willing to join in with us, please reply to this message. In doing so, your email will be placed on a list, and you will receive a weekly reminder (on Thursdays).
Even if you are not able to join with us in this time of powerful prayer, we want you to know we value your friendship and support of us in this adoption.
It has been a long hard road, and we are in no way considering giving up on our little Anya. She continues to wait for us in an orphanage in Siberia - waiting for her Mama and Papa to come and bring her home. To us, that is enough motivation to keep pressing in, keep praying, and keep on keeping on!
Blessed to call you friend,
Marty and Kathy Friend
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