I am SO EXCITED for this family. Between them and the H family, they have paved the way for us (and other families) - we now know what combination of documents the Judge requires. We know what kind of 'stuff' the Judge is looking for in court.
IT'S ALL HUGE PEOPLE...THIS IS JUST HUGE!
I have been trying to process this all day, I can't imagine how the N family are processing this! The tears of joy just keep coming! The slightest little thing will bring tears to my eyes over all this (fair warning to all my friends...).
UGH! I just can not believe that the mountain has moved! PRAISE GOD!
Thought I could update you on where we are on all of our stuff.
As expected, everything is taking longer than I thought - but such is life in the world of adoption.
We're still working on getting this 8 doctor medical thing back from Granger Family Medicine. Our doc has been WONDERFUL about helping us...but it is taking a little longer than I anticipated. They called me today and said that it will be ready on Tuesday next week.
We're fighting with USCIS on our I600A approval. For those not in the wonderful wacky world of international adoption - this is the approval process you get from Immigration to adopt a foreign child (in a nutshell). We have submitted everything according to the requirements - but they are saying we didn't - that our original home study isn't valid. This makes me crazy! Why was it valid before - why was it OK for the past 4 years? Nothing has changed for the requirements. Our Home Study Agency is at a loss as well. Asking questions of the USCIS is fun, kind of went like this:
*note, you can't call them, everything has to be done via email
Me: "we received a form letter saying we did not supply the requirements of BLA BLA BLA. We have submitted A,B and C that was sent to you via Fed Ex, and was signed for by XX on such-n-such date. Please recheck your records, or further clarify what you are missing"
Them: "you failed to comply with the requirements outlined in BLA BLA BLA"
Me: "according to BLA BLA BLA, we are required to supply A,B and C. We have supplied A,B, and C. Please be more specific"
Them: "Ask your Home Study agency"
Me: "HS Agency has no idea what you are requesting, we have supplied everything that is required as per your documentation provided on your website. We need specific examples of what or why what I sent does not comply with your requirements.
Well, that was my morning...and now I am exhausted from it all...and I am STILL not sure what they want!
Over the past 4 years, I know people have thought I was crazy. I know people have said "yea, I'll believe it when I see it". I know people who don't follow Christ with everything in their being thought my 'prayer' was simply an exercise in wishful thinking.
To the naysayers, I say HA!
Last night, at about 3:30am EST, the N family was granted the adoption of a little boy! The N family are the ones we have met and have spent some time with. They are 'mid-westerners' too...their case is pretty similar to ours (for a lot of people and document reasons).
To those who have been standing with us in prayer for SO MANY years...THANK YOU! Our prayers are being heard and answered. This is TRULY a testament to the power of prayer, and evidence of things working in HIS time.
About an hour ago, our friends, the N family, walked into court in Irkutsk. They have met every document requirement that any of us know about. They have done everything the Judge has asked...and then some.
PLEASE PLEASE pray for them...pray for the atmosphere of the court room, and everyone that is involved. We pray that this is the LAST time they have to go to court - and that this is a successful hearing...
Here's hoping my next post is another 'allow me to introduce' post :)
As you probably have read, last Friday M and J were granted the adoption of H (S's bio brother) from the Irkutsk, Russia court. After 5 long mentally, physically and financially draining hearings, the Judge FINALLY approved this adoption
I can't remember when I first met J - I think it was back when they were adopting S (a million years ago). She (along with a select few other pre-adoptive moms) and I have become very close - very supportive of one another - and very protective of one another.
I first heard this news as I was getting ready to go to a work thing...I was at a conference all weekend, and really haven't had time to REALLY process what this means. IT IS HUGE!
I remember years ago brainstorming with J on ways to get our documents in front of the Judge, laughing about the chess game we play in this process, trying to figure out the right combination of puzzle pieces that will be known as document requirements.
Last fall I wondered how I would feel when this day came. When adoptions finally opened up again in Irkutsk. How I would react.
In the past, I've become friends with pre-adoptive Moms on other chat boards. They have all had adoption experiences in other parts of Russia...and when the day came that they could announce that the Judge said 'yes', I found myself fighting a tinge of jealousy. Although I was happy for them, a little part of me was jealous.
Ya know, I can honestly say that there isn't one ounce of me that is jealous of the H family. Every family that goes in front of the Judge will offer more information, more details to the mysterious puzzle pieces.
I've shed a lot of happy tears for this family over the past few days. I've also been given a list of documents that need to be altered to make the Judge happy.
I am so happy...this means we just took a HUGE LEAP forward in our fight to bring Anya home!
On Friday (in Irkutsk) all of our constant prayers were finally answered. The Judge granted the adoption to the H family! I still can't think or talk about it much - I get too emotional.
I am traveling for work - so have limited time to wrote - but I wanted to be sure to post this amazing news! I promise I will post photos (hopefully) and the complete scoop when I get home.
Please keep the N family lifted in prayer. They go back to court on the 30th (which technically, is the 29th EST).
We had an appointment this morning with our doctor - he is working diligently to help us comply with all the requirements on the Russian medical form. Silly thing is - this form and all this work will only help us get a court date. We will have to redo everything, and visit 8 doctors in Irkutsk. Oh well...
So far, everything has been relatively easy...[insert sound of knocking on wood here]. The medical licensing board has been wonderful to work with - they've done the kind of letter we need in the past, and are very willing to help us get whatever we need. I also found the contact phone number from the child placing licensing agency that will provide us a required letter. As soon as I am done typing this note - I will get on the phone to have a conversation with an agency we've been collaborating with on some other requirements.
If everything goes as planned (which means everything comes together, and I get the necessary documents mailed and back to Russia the first of February) - we might have a court date in May...NOW STOP...NO, this doesn't mean this is going to happen (and I really don't think it will), there are WAY TOO many things that could go wrong, and history and experience tells me that things will go wrong.
Things will prove to be very stressful between now and then - working on whatever requirements come up and planning on how to finance an undetermined amount of time without income in Russia (maybe 4-6 weeks?).
We know we are not in charge of any of this. God's plan is SO much better than ours. We know that He will meet our needs (emotionally, document wise and financially) in an amazing way - as He has so many times in the past.
I will continue to post weekly updates here on the progress (or lack thereof).
Thank you to so many of you for your kind notes via Twitter, FB, here and emails. Our prayers were felt in the courtroom!
Unfortunately, I don't have great news to report. The hearing was postponed pending the Russian medicals (which we knew was going to happen), and some updated documents that need to be done here. Our hope is that these documents can be done via the friends/family etc. this family has here...the new hearing is scheduled for the end of the month (30th I think).
They said that they felt an incredible peace in the court room - this is such good news. The hostility and lingering 'yuck' that our other friends felt in court a few months ago was lifted (the H. family) - YAY! Let's continue to pray for the court, the Judge and everyone involved. The H. family has another hearing on Thursday (i.e. our Wednesday night).
Thank you all for your posts and emails with concern for our friends who had a court date last week.
Well - apparently this hearing was a 'pre trial hearing' - WHO KNEW! Certainly not our friends or their lawyer!
The Judge continues to have issues with American medicals - so, they will have the medical exam redone in Russia before the REAL hearing (which is next Thursday).
Please continue to pray...we have another set of friends who are on a plane right now - heading to Irkutsk. They will go to court on Monday (technically Sunday night our time). PLEASE pray for this family - this will be their first time in court with this Judge.
If you've ever been to Irktusk, you will know what I am talking about in this post...if you just look at the people - look out the window of your apartment...it is depressing. The landscape is dirty and grey (even in the Spring, it isn't very green). Russian culture dictates a somber mood which means there are very few smiles. It is rare to see kids laughing, running around and playing.
A little of this climate can go a long way.
If you are one who are prone to become a product of your environment, you will surely come home from Irkutsk in a bad mood. You will also notice your temper is short, you seem to shove and push your way through doors in public places, you put a determined stare on your face when you are in public...and you don't make eye contact with anyone.
On my trips to Irkutsk - I've noticed this over and over again. The first time I went (in 2004), my husband and I couldn't understand why everyone was looking at us funny. We look Russian...we were dressed like everyone else...what was it? It was because we were smiling and having a good time walking through town.
When I was there by myself in 2005 - I fit in better. I didn't smile at anyone, walked with a very determined gate. On the rare occasion I would engage someone in a store, I noticed if I was able to catch thier eye and smile...they would smile back - and believe it or not, thier faces didn't crack!
This last trip was my 5th to Siberia. I think I've experienced a lot in that city (although there are still things I want to see and do). Because I was cooped up in an apartment the whole time - with nothing open because of the holiday...I tried to see the same 'ol thrugh different eyes.
Do you ever sit at an airport and people watch? I do. I make up these stories in my head about the people I see - who they are, where they came from, where they are going...and why. Well, I started to do this in Irkutsk one afternoon as I was walking around.
I put on my IPod (of course, carefully tucked up in my hat so no one would see it), plugged in some David Crowder and Hillsong and took off for a walk. Funny, the people and places didn't seem so depressing. The average day of these Russian citizens started looking like a music video. I started seeing everything through a filter.
As the song 'You Never Let Go' played on my IPod, I searched the crowd of people for someone who might look like the Judge. I wondered what she might have gone through in her life to cause her to be so cold hearted.
When "Freedom We Know" from Hillsong came on - I saw the kids...they were playing, having fun - skipping rocks, and setting off fireworks - throwing pop rocks at old ladies. Not a very nice way to play, but they were playing nonetheless.
I saw a group of girls that could have been my group of friends (10 years ago), the song "Glory Of It All" played. They were dressed for a night out, and were laughing and huddling around a cell phone - I assumed looking at a text message. I wondered what thier lives will look like when they are my age. When I was in my 20's, I certainly NEVER thought I would be walking around on New Year's Eve in the middle of Siberia...by myself.
Then "Oceans Will Part" came on (Hillsong)...Whew! I found myself fighting the tears...and you all know, I am NOT an emotional person (almost to a fault). This song just hits me. Maybe it is because I really believe that oceans will need to part for us to bring Anya home. I prayed through the song - maybe it will take a whisper to the Judge. Maybe it won't take some monumentous earth shattering event to get her heart to move.
Oceans will part; nations come At the whisper of Your call. Hope will rise; glory shown. In my life, Your will be done.
Hope will rise glory shown In my life your will be done
Finally, Doxology came on...I think this is from the Passion worship band (David Crowder) (it was an extra bonus track on ITunes, and for some reason, I got it like 5 times at the end of everything I purchased that day). Little known fact about me...this is my favorite "church" song. I remember when I was little being so excited to sing this after the offering was collected. This version is a little different - more modern, better in my book.
THE CHALLENGE Go to a part of your town that is depressed. A section of your community that needs God's love, compassion, understnading, rebirth. Pop the Doxology in - and I guarantee you will see things in a different light.
I think on this afternoon, God allowed me to see things through His eyes - even if it was just for a minute. Even tho many of the songs didn't have anything directly to do with whatever I happened to be watching or pryaing about at the time - the lyrics moved my mind and eyes.
I have always had a big heart for the people of Irkutsk. These are my daughter's people - how could I have any other feeling for them other than love? My feelings were all rekindled that afternoon.
You may remember the numerous posts here about our friends who have been to court several times in Irkutsk - the court back and forth started in October (ish). After 7 weeks in Russia, they came home to regroup.
This family goes back to court tomorrow, hopefully for the final time. Because of the time difference, they will actually be in court at 9pm EST.
PLEASE BEGIN PRAYING FOR THIS FAMILY AT 9PM TONIGHT - AND AS OFTEN AS YOU THINK ABOUT IT AS YOU GO TO BED TONIGHT.
They need prayers for a successful hearing and strength to get through this day.
IN the mornings in Irkutsk - the trees are so beautiful. Everything seems to be covered with a fresh coat of snow - leaving the city looking clean and new. The streets are quiet (unless, of course, it is around the first of January!) and peaceful.
The trees are what hit me every morning. Every branch was highlighted with a thin layer of snow - perfect subject for a Ansel Adams.
I took these pics from my apartment. True scenes of winter...
I thought I would post a pic of the apartment I stayed in last week. Honestly - it was the nicest apartment I've stayed at (and I think I've stayed at 5 different apartments in Irkutsk - not sure if that qualifies me as an expert, but it does give me a good foundation to base opinion).
This kitchen has stainless appliances! Seriously! Everything was BRAND new...and very up-town feeling.
If you ever stay at the apartment on Lermontova Street...know it is a nice pad!
I have 2 friends who are working on stuff for court hearing in Irkutsk (just the thought of it makes my heart start beating fast!)
Please pray for the family who is in Irkutsk now - that they have a safe trip, that the court hearing goes without a snag, and they are home with their little boy by the end of the month.
Also, please pray for my friend who is preparing to go to Irkutsk...pray for her Visa situation - that it is solved by the end of the day today, for safe travels and an easy successful court hearing.
So, I was sitting talking with Anya's caregivers. They were asking me where in the US we lived. Generally, I just say near Chicago - it is much easier than to explain where the booming metropolis of Bristol, IN is.
Here is how that conversation went:
me: "close to Chicago" them: "oh, do you know Barack Obama?" me: (laughing) "um, no..." them: "do you have a gardener?" me" "yes, the gardener is me" them: "do you have a house director?" me: (after long pause trying to figure out what a house director was) "I guess that would be me too" them: "how many employees do you have?" me: "none" them: "do you have a driver?" me: "nope!"
pause
them: "you don't know Barack Obama?" me: (laughing again) "sorry, no I don't"
I don't think I told you the story about the blind boy.
Well - on my flight from Moscow to Irkutsk, there was a little boy (I would say 3-4) who was blind. He was getting on the plane after I was already seated. He was feeling his way through the aisle, and came to my seat...and felt the seat, my arm, my face...next thing I know, his fingers were up my nose, he had a handful of my hair, and let's just say - he knows I am female! Oh my goodness!
I didn't know what to say (or do) about all this - didn't want to offend his mother or cause a scene...but I really wanted my hair back. He was content walking to his seat...with a handful of my hair. Thankfully the adorable pleasant girl sitting next to me (Tatianna) told his mother to please remove her son from my hair, and to keep his hands to himself.
A quick note to all of you who have sent me heart felt notes, and posted such nice replies here. Thank you...really, thanks! Your kinds words and prayers are amazing - they give me (ok, US) strength to press on.
I have so many ideas and things I want to blog about. I want to plant a seed about some of the children in Anya's group who are looking for a family. I want to talk about the book I am reading by Lysa TerKeurst. I have a list - seriously, I keep a list in my purse...this way, when I get an idea as I am driving down the road - I can just jot it down.
Right now, I am too tired. I can't form complete thoughts (stupid jet lag!). And, everything is making me cry (stupid lack of sleep).
So - until I can catch up on some sleep, I am signing off.
Thank you for praying for me (us) over the past few weeks...I have felt your prayers!
One of the parts of this holiday play Anya was in, included these boys doing this circus like thing with hoola hoops - it was HILARIOUS! But, I don't think it was supposed to be funny.
I am not supposed to video or photograph other kids - so I took this short video on the down-lo - you can see how serious these boys are! Check out the little guy front right (with the yellow top on).
In the holiday play, Anya had this speaking part. Not sure what it was all about, but in Russia, children reciting poetry is a big deal. She's got those arm movements DOWN!
THe movie starts with one of the little boys - sorry about the quality - hope you don't get sea sick!
My flight to Atlanta was about 45 minutes late, not a big deal. After I got through passport and immigration – I lost about 10 lbs sweating again. I am so tired of being hot! Ya know, when you think of Russia in January – you assume freezing cold. My experience has been the outdoor temp is comfortable because it is so stinking hot inside
Anyway – got on the flight – and we took off for our 9 ish hour flight.
As we were nearing the second ½ of the flight, a flight attendant came on and asked if there were any medical personnel on board. Hummmm, interesting.
Then, the pilot came on and said that we were going to be making an emergency landing in Canada.
Another announcement asked for more medical personnel and if anyone had one of those machines you use to test your blood if you are diabetic.
Then one of the flight attendants came back and asked a few men to follow her to the front of the plane.
Not knowing what was going on was killing me – so I decided to take a nap.
About an hour later, we landed in Grander, Canada. The pilot told us that several officials would be coming on board to remove the passenger, and we were give strict instructions not to get out of our seats.
I started hearing bits and pieces of what was going on. One of the ‘medical’ people was a medical student (not sure about that, he just looked young) who was sitting behind me. He was talking about the toxic effects of booze and drugs. Several were commenting on Ambien…heard someone saying something about this guy drinking what he purchased through the Duty Free stores (which is a big no-no).
Come to find out that this passenger was a Russian man. According to one of the guys who was helping ‘he wasn’t very nice, his wife did not de-plane with him’. The bad guy had taken some ecstasy and drank a bottle of vodka. He accosted one of the female flight attendants.- she told him to stop or he would be arrested, the guy became belligerent, punched the male flight attendant, was going crazy. They hog-tied him with those plastic on-board handcuff things, and he broke out of them like they were made of cotton candy.
It took 5 men to keep this one man contained. I guess he started to convulse – which is why they were looking for a way to check his blood levels. Then, he passed out.
He came to as he was being hauled off the plane and became very mad – apparently he kicked out the window of the ambulance.
Yikes! Glad I was sitting in the back of the plane!
This whole episode caused us to be 4 hours late to Atlanta. Of course, I missed my connecting flight into SB. And of course, it took 2-3 hours to get my luggage (this is AFTER I went through customs, immigration and security!).
Anyway – it’s 2am, and I am with pizza at a Days Inn. Going to catch the 10am flight home tomorrow morning.
I still don’t get the bloating thing and flying. We no sooner got in the air this morning – and I felt it coning on…the bloat!
I don’t get it.
So now I am sitting here at the TGI Friday’s at Sherm.2 (airport) in Moscow. The WiFi teased me – it looked like I could log on – but it was some kind of service for cell phone subscribers.
It looks like my flight is going to be delayed – the flight that comes in from Atlanta is about an hour late, so I am sure we will be delayed.
Wondering what I can have that will take this major bloat away – it’s just uncomfortable and pretty unattractive. Don’t want to eat or drink too much, then I run the risk of needing to use the bathroom. Have you ever used a public restroom in Russia? One word – EWWWW!
And for some reason, my laptop won’t charge. I can plug it in, and it is all ok – but it won’t charge. Odd – maybe it has something to do with the power (the 220v thing?). Who knows. All I know is that it is 11:07 A.M., and my flight is supposed to leave at 1:10 – and it isn’t even on the kiosk yet.
I know I asked you all to pray for my travel today - maybe I needed to be clearer...here is how my day started...
Well, my day got off to a rocky start. As expected, Alex called promptly at 5:30am to tell me that my taxi was waiting outside – and the car number was 129. So, I gather my things, put my coat on and head downstairs. The apartment I was staying at had a unique key lock system, so I could shut the door of the apartment –and lock it with out a key…so I left the key inside for Alex.
I head down to the security area of the apartment, luggage in tow – push my way through the maze of doors to actually get outside…and no car. My first thought was that the car was on the way, no big deal, I’ll just stand in the freezing cold and wait…and wait, and wait, and wait. Since I had left the keys in the apartment, I had no way to get back into the apartment building. My only choice was to wait – did I mention it was freezing cold? I would guess it was about -10 or -15.
I start to pray – God knows where that taxi is – so I was praying that He would somehow bring that taxi to me (it was pretty clear that where that taxi was waiting for me, wasn’t where I was).
10 minutes go by, 15 minutes go by…I thought maybe the taxi was at the side of the building. The apartment is kind of on a corner, so I hauled my junk through the snow and ice, around the corner – there was one taxi there, but it wasn’t my car – the number wasn’t 129.
This side of the building is a little creepy at night – so I decide to go back to the part of the building that is well lit. Of course, on my way there, I am asked by 2 taxi drivers if I need a ride – they were not the taxi I was waiting for – so I said no. I’ve learned that taxi drivers in Irkutsk can be a little unsafe and not so honest…it is best to stick to those drivers Alex knows.
Well, not we’re looking at 25 minutes from the time I THOUGHT the taxi was waiting for me. My prayers of “God protect me” turn to “Oh God, HELP!”.
My prayers turned to panic, and the panic turned to tears. Do you blame me? I have a history of bad experiences trying to get out of Russia – by the time I am packed, I am ready to go home – don’t want to stay, don’t want delays – I want to go home.
A man walking a dog passed me, looked at me strangely – so I said ‘please, help – telephone?” He pretended he didn’t hear me.
I summons all the courage I have, and walk back around the corner to the dark side of the building. There were several cars and that one taxi sitting there – certainly someone would have a phone I could use.
Then the thought occurred to me – who am I going to call? I need Alex’s phone number, and I wasn’t sure where I had put that. Generally – that is on a piece of paper that never leaves me when I am in Russia. I have all kinds of important information on that paper - Alex’s number, his assistant’s number, my apartment address, the phone numbers for the Jackson’s. But where is that paper?
I opened my bag, and as if God himself reached into my luggage – that darn piece of paper was sitting right there on top.
Number in hand, I head to the dark corner. Of course, by this time, no one is there – the only car is that one taxi whose driver was sleeping. I have no choice – I knock on the window. He jumps about 10 feet in the air, and blurts out something in Russian to me. He could probably tell I was a little distressed – I asked him for help, and if I could use his phone. He pulls out his phone, and hands it to me.
WHEW!
Now – let’s hope that Alex answers his phone…it is in the middle of the night. First ring, I hear ‘hello’ – PRAISE GOD!
Alex happened to be in a taxi, around the corner from where I was. He was putting my bag in the car within 2 minutes.
I still don’t know where the original taxi was. Neither does Alex. Generally if a car is called, and goes to pick up the people – and the people don’t show up – Alex gets a call. He never got a call.
I got to the airport, through passport control and security with no problems. On to Moscow!
I have some changes to make on our documents – only a few things, nothing major. Should only take me about a week to gather everything – funny thing, most of the changes are mistakes other people made…not stuff I did. People. Please – FOLLOW DIRECTIONS! One of the errors is from our HS agency, they put someone else’s passport number on a document (what the…..??????).
I am in Russia, therefore I do as the Russians do – I went to the market, and didn’t unbutton my coat and remove my hat. I did my shopping, came home – and yes, was sweating to death – as if I had been in a sauna wearing long underwear and a fur coat – oh wait, I was!
I finally got Anya out of those brown and blue polka dot pants today...and into a cute pink velour track suit thing. Of course, it was way too short on her, but who cares when you're wearing ruffle socks?
The last 15 minutes of my visits is always the hardest for me. That is when I have “the conversation” with Anya, and tell her that I am not coming back the next day. Each visit, she take this news differently. This time, she got very quiet, and said she didn’t understand. So – between me and the interpreter – we tried several ways to tell her I was going home on an airplane – and I would come back again…and when I came back, I would bring Papa with me.
I know this is harder on me than it is on her. Although she is older now, and does understand more and more about what is going on…she still really doesn’t understand. Her life remains the same – her world isn’t changed, when I leave, everything goes back to a norm that she is comfortable with – happy with. And, that is OK for now.
When I leave, it means that I fret everyday wondering how she is, if a Russian family is interested in her, what the status is of our documents and why everything is taking so long. I spend emotional, physical and financial energy into doing everything I can to have my ducks in a row, our documents perfect and our life ready. …and at the end of the day, I am exhausted, and I question if I can do it – all of it, any of it. And just when I think I’ve done everything I can, given all that we have…something else is required – and it starts all over again.
My heart breaks for Anya – I know what she has missed (and is missing). I know the plans we have for her. I know how scared she is going to be when everything falls into place. I know how much we love her, and how hard we have fought for her. …and it hurts.
Well, we pulled it off. The Jackson’s met me this afternoon to help me get the remaining things I needed for the party. THANK YOU TAMI AND STEVE! I could not have done it without you.
The children were so excited. The party started with a cookie on a stick (kind of looked like a popsicle, but it was a cookie dipped in icing) and a juice box. After the snack, we had an activity – we painted t-shirts. The caregivers were very confused about this paint and the tees. How did it work, can the paint be used for other things, how long does it take to dry, can it be washed. The kids had great fun. The painted everything from boats to houses to flowers and even a bunny.
Then Anya got to play Santa Clause…or Father Christmas. Each child got a coloring book, set of markers (crayons are not easily found in Irkutsk), a journal (they are all learning to write), a page of stickers and candy. The boys got a ball and a car (or a boat) that is like a llego thing, and the girls got Barbie dolls, and a little purse filled with hair bows. Anya then made a snap together rubber bracelet for each of the children. She chose a character (lion, tiger, monkey, butterfly) for each child to decorate the rubber bracelet.
The children all yelled “Spaseeba!” over and over again (that is Thank You).
Unfortunately, I was unable to get photos of all of the children at the party – something about taking pictures of other kids being illegal – so as to not upset Russian Law, the party photos are all of Anya.
Anya then presented each of the caregivers with a gift. They received a small perfume, cosmetic bag (small and large), and a shoe bag.
The head caregiver gave me a gift for the girls who sent the Barbie dolls (thanks Wegner girls). She is sending little Russian dolls and Russian candy. She was very touched by this – and by the fact my friends and family would care for all of the children, and give them a party and gifts. She was visibly moved, and asked over and over again ‘who are these gifts from?’ and I would say “from my friends, their children and my family”.
I always gift gifts to the orphanage’s doctor, director and social worker. This time, I decided to also include the 2 security guards (kind of a last minute thing). I couldn’t find either one of them as I was leaving…but ran into my favorite security man on my way to the car. He reminds me of Nick Ambrose (probably why I like him so much). We told him there was a gift for him in the doctor’s office, and you should have seen the look on his face. He said “a gift for me? But why?” I said, “no reason, I just wanted to give you a gift”. He got tears in his eyes, grabbed my hand and kissed my cheek. So sweet!
I also got our driver a gift. Nice kid…23 years old! Very good driver. At the last minute, I decided to add a $20 to his gift. As I was getting out of the car tonight, I gave him the gift, and said “this is a thank you gift”, he said “oh, thank you so much, my baby will be born in 3 weeks – this is very nice, thank you”. Who knew?
Sometimes God moves you to do things, and you don’t know why. I have felt prompted several times on this trip to do something or give something that is outside of what I would normally do. It seems that God knows the whole picture and what that small token from me would mean to someone else.
Wear fur – as long as you can stand it. It is really cold outside, I have a fake full length one you are welcome to borrow, I can ship it out next week if you need it. Don’t forget washcloths, for some reason they don’t use them here (and I’ve lft at least a dozen over the years, have no idea where they went)
Lotion – the most moisturizing you can find. It is VERY dry here, my hair feels like straw, and I am using the mega night cream all day, 2x a day PLUS at night.
Those little travel size things of deodorant, contact solution etc., they last about a week (this is more to remind me)
Anything you can’t replace here (i.e. glasses etc.) carry on. There are several things that are missing from my luggage (kids toys/games, and one thing of Peanut Butter – ODD)
Laptop – if you’re not bringing one, I HIGHLY suggest getting one, not only can you get online from wherever you are, but you will be able to off load the photos from your camera, watch DVDs etc. I took my laptop to see Anya one day – and it was a GREAT source of entertainment (looking at the movies and photos of herself).
Well, we've spoken to all the caregivers, gotten permission from the head caregiver, and the pans are in motion for the big party tomorrow. It kind-of (ok, it A LOT) stinks that everything is closed. I couldn't do any party supply shopping Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - which is when I had planned to get it done. I thought I would scope out a few places, get some ideas etc. Now, I am only going to have time to grab and go.
So far, I have the food and activities done. Got cakes (the are individual on a popsicle stick), juice boxes for everyone (huge hit from Anya), candy (hard candy and chocolate), and t-shirts.
I will need to get 12 coloring books, crayons, balls for the boys - any anything else I see that the kids would like.
My intreperter doesn't seem too excited to help me get this stuff, so I might need to call in back up. I will only have about 2 hours to get it done tomorrow...and if things are closed, I am going to have a problem.
There is a huge market here - I wonder if they have toys there. The markets seems to be open.
Also need to get a few gifts for men...3 men, and I am at a loss - any ideas? One is the security guard at the orphanage - he is so nice, always says "hello Katherine!". The other 2 are for younger men.
The afternoon visit was much different. I am starting to think she doesn’t like our interpreter – Anya acts much different when Julia is around. Much quieter. With me, I feel like she is being the ‘real’ Anya. Maybe it is a language thing – who knows.
Notice the pretty red bows in her hair. Thank you Mrs. Amy! Anya loves them. I got her a blue and white polka dot bow, and a pink one. Anya decided she wanted to wear ALL the bows in her hair...so that is why she is wearing quite the assortment. A little Punky Brewster - but cute none the less.
We colored the entire time this afternoon. I also brought an apple for her as a snack. We spent a little time talking about the big party tomorrow. I am asking Anya to help me plan it so she feels a part of the event. She said the boys would like balls…so I will try to find 9 balls tomorrow.
Everything is still closed here. Amazingly enough – at about 3pm, things started to open. No one can tell me when anything will be open again – seriously, does NO ONE know when the mall will be open again? If anyone is reading this, and if you know – can you please tell me? I think it would be best if I went to the yellow mall rather than going downtown…just for time’s sake and the ease of finding things. Although, I would REALLY like to go downtown and visit my 2 favorite shoe places. There is this one shoe mall I went to years ago. I’ve been looking for it now for 2 years…we drove by it the other day! It is on the same street as the big mall/market downtown, close to Mapata street (as if you know where that is!).
I am including a photo of me and Anya – both standing with no shoes on. Seriously, she is as tall as a 9 year old!
Today, I got to the orphanage an hour late. Andre, my driver, wasn’t able to pick me up until 9:30. When I finally got to the orphanage, Anya was in a class. The caregivers that were with her group weren’t the most helpful bunch (new ones, I don’t know them) – but we found her.
It seems every trip, there is one day that Anya is very clingy, very quiet, very close. This morning was that day. It took her an hour and 45 minutes to say a word. The whole time, she sat on my lap, curled up in a little ball – almost asleep.
Julia (interpreter) was trying to help me figure out what was wrong. She felt a little warm, so maybe she didn’t feel well. A few times, she opened her eyes, and looked at me with such a sad look in her eyes. Borderline tears.
I tried to put her down, let her lay on the sofa…she was like a rag doll, wouldn’t stand on her own, hold her arm up – nothing. She just wanted me to hold her. I really think she wasn’t feeling well.
I wonder what goes on in that pretty little head. What she must think about all of this, what does she wonder about. What does she understand, more importantly – what doesn’t she understand, and what has she filled in the gaps with.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Jackson family yesterday. They are from Illinois – and have been living here in Irkutsk for 8 years. They have 3 beautiful children (who I just wanted to scoop up!), and a great home near the airport. The kids are 12, 9 and 4 (I hope I have remembered that right).
I am horrible with remembering names (Tami, if this is was off base, let me know):
Ashley – the 12 year old, is a very grown up, smart little girl. Loves horses. Andrew – 9 year old – pretty sure he is going to be an engineer Melissa – 4 year old, loves Disney princesses, singing. Adorable! (Michelle - Belle and Melissa would have so much fun playing together!)
Steve and came to pick me up around 11 yesterday morning. They took me to their home, where Tami and the girls met me at the door. Ya know, I don’t know what it is about seeing a friendly smile and hearing English – but it was just what I needed!
The kids eagerly showed me their home and things they got for Christmas. We had lunch, then Tami and I talked for hours! She is so sweet! I wish all of you could meet her – to those in my Panera Bible Study – you’d LOVE her! It was great to ruminate about all the distinctively Russian things that we Americans don’t get. Things like:
Needing the exact change to purchase something
The notion of what ‘matches’ in outfits here
How Russian people eat
The things that is the norm for children
What we think are crazy medical cures
The Russian need for fresh air – especially for kids – regardless of the temperature (did you know that it isn’t uncommon for babies to be set out on porches to take naps? Bundled up in a million blankets – but outside nonetheless.)
I am glad to know that the things that have always made me raise an eyebrow and say ‘huh?’ are things all Americans question.
And I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of them! I had my camera, and just forgot.
To other PAPs – the Jackson family would love to meet all of you, and help you in any way they can when you are here. They have graciously offered to open their home if you need a place to stay – or offer any assistance you might need. They are truly the nicest most welcoming people ever! They helped me exchange some money (kind of traded Steve American dollars for rubles), and Steve gave me a longer phone cord (don’t know if I mentioned, but the phone cord is about 1ft. long – and the phone jack is by the front door in the boot room of the apartment. So, to be online I have been sitting on the floor- the longer cord is super helpful – now I can sit in a chair and be online – yahooey!).
Heading to see Anya this a.m., and then hopefully go downtown to get some shopping done for the party. I hope Julia will be able to go with me and help – if for no other reason, than to help me carry stuff – that would be awesome! I don’t think I am going to be able to do the party today – I will need a little time to prepare everything – so tomorrow. Going to have Julia get all the permissions today for that.
I'm working on about hour 5 of my 100 minute prepaid internet access card. Don't you love the small blessings in life?
It bothers me the things Anya is allowed to do – which is stupid. She is a smart, responsible little girl. It bothers me that she is allowed to run hither and yon throughout the orphanage. She is allowed to unlock doors at will, she is allowed to turn on and off, plug in and unplug TVs etc. Maybe this all b others me because I have not been the one to set those boundaries with her. I did tell her that she should never touch the plugs – it will hurt her hand (well, I think that is what I told her). I don’t know if she understood me. It also bothers me when she does something wrong, and I get stern and say ‘no, that is not OK’ – she laughs. But – through the giggles, she does stop whatever she was doing I didn’t think was OK.
I should be clear – Anya’s idea of not behaving is standing on the sofa with her shoes on…or jumping on a chair (ya I know, she is a real rebel!) – Basically, her ‘misbehaving’ is more my over-protective mother ways trying to save her from herself.
I know I am going to be overprotective. I know I am going to be one of those Moms who wants to do it all for her little girl. I know I can’t…but I want to. I was never able to rock her to sleep as a baby, put a band aid on her knee when she fell as a toddler, babied her when she had chicken pox, calmed her fears when she went to the eye doctor or got shots. Part of me thinks I am due to baby her a bit. And I know I shouldn’t…I don’t want to be one of those Moms who turns her child into a demanding brat. I want to be one of those Moms who shows her child the right things to do, who thinks of others, who is courteous, who is thoughtful, who loved God, who loves her friends…and of course who respects and loves her mama and papa.
If anyone sees a pair of buttery soft black leather gloves with rabbit fur lining…probably in the street on the ‘walking street’ just off Karl Marx Avenue (outside of the pizza / sandwich joint called Fiesta) – they are mine and I would like them back, please.
It just occurred to me (maybe not ‘just’ – but I was reminded) about God’s hand in this trip. I think back to a few weeks ago – and how God provided amazing resources, energy and help to pull this trip together without much headache. I know it wasn't me...I don't have it in me to do what all needed to get done.
Quick note to Kelley – thanks for the pictures! I took a copy of them to Anya to have, and the caregivers were having a wonderful time looking at them. Anya folded them up (ouch, folded photo paper! Oh well, she’s 6!), and put them with her “special stuff”.
So, what do you do when you are on a 10 hour flight to Moscow? First, you try to take a nap. After that, you look at the other passengers, and try to figure out what their stories are. Of course, there is the snacking, book reading, Sky Mall shopping…
And you’ve only got 8 hours to go.
Then you go through the podcasts and rebroadcasts you have on your IPod, listen to some tunes (trying not to sing TOO loud).
What is the deal with everyone sitting around me (ya, back to that one). The guy sitting nest to me, I would guess him to be about 25. Clearly Russian, looks like some kind of mod hit man (note to self: DO NOT make him mad or accidentally step on his foot while crawling over him to use the restroom).
Back to the IPod…and a little David Crowder – and air drumming with my ink pen and Vogue. Oh ya, did I mention that I might have accidentally been singing too – ya know how you can’t hear yourself singing when you have headphones on? Um, ya – I think I did – but I am looking at it this way – I was spreading the Word of God…I mean, it was David Crowder (and a little Hillsong).
The N FAMILY! 
Yes, this is Anya's new winter coat - sassy, huh?
