I don't know how this day got away from me without me posting an update on the box.
Well, it was delivered...on the 25th at 11:30am! Got a note from our coordinator, and he has the box in his possession - YAY!
This is just another story of how the power of prayer can overcome obstacles!
Friday, February 27, 2009
was just thinking
I have been thinking about my friends (the Holmes) who have had to spend 7 weeks in Irkutsk...and my other friends who are on the 6th week (the Ninmanns)...and wondering what it would take to do that (aside from the financial part).
What do I do every month that I couldn't do...things like my facial regimen between the various lotions and potions - it'd be one thing every night. I know this sounds really high maintenance, but I keep thinking there is some magic lotion or potion out there...so I try several in small doses.
Of course getting my nails done would be out of the question. I know there are nail salons over there now, but I doubt they do the basic pink and white fill that I like. I took off my fakes this week, trying to save money - and this is a good way to strengthen my nails for life in Irkutsk. I've had fake nails on for YEARS (literally, about 15 years), so we'll see how long this lasts. I had a few unexpected cash projects this week - and that cash is burning a hole in my pink wallet...and is screaming to me "get your nails put back on!". It's funny, I can't do anything without fingernails - hard to type, can't pick anything up, forget buttoning!
What about hair!? I get my hair cut / colored about every 5 weeks. I know, you are all in SHOCK, I am not a natural blond. I know I act like it (I tell ya, the bleach had just sunk into my head after all these years). What am I going to look like after 7 weeks? YIKES! 5 weeks is my limit. I wonder if I can take the ingredients with me and do it myself? That is one I am going to have to think about...
My electric toothbrush. Have you ever used one? If you do, then you will understand...going 7 weeks without that deep cleaning of my teeth? Blech.
7 weeks with out my Bible study girls, 7 weeks without church, 7 weeks without my Blackberry, 7 weeks without the variety of options in my closet (I know now that sounds...just remember I work in the fashion industry and am blessed with a lot of clothes and shoes - a perk of the job!), 7 weeks without going on a client appointment, 7 weeks without showing clothes. ODD!
And my house...we have serious dust issues in this house - especially that time of the year. You have to at least wipe everything off once a week.
What about the yard? We live on 3 acres of land. It is going to need mowing...my brother used to like to come over here when we were gone to play farmer brown on the tractor - but he moved. Hummmm....
The fur babies...our kitties. Jazz and Lola are used to us being here all the time. When we're gone for a week, that is one thing - but I think it is mean to leave them alone for that long. Someone will come in and feed them every day - but that isn't' the same as us being here. Cats are very social animals, and get depressed easily. Ugh - this makes me sad. Need to find someone to stay at the house.
Bills - who is going to go through the mountains of mail and pay bills? I have to pay junk about every other week. I don't really pay attention to what is due when, I just pay what comes in the mail. I guess I should start paying attention, huh?
Any tips? Anything I am not thinking about?
What do I do every month that I couldn't do...things like my facial regimen between the various lotions and potions - it'd be one thing every night. I know this sounds really high maintenance, but I keep thinking there is some magic lotion or potion out there...so I try several in small doses.
Of course getting my nails done would be out of the question. I know there are nail salons over there now, but I doubt they do the basic pink and white fill that I like. I took off my fakes this week, trying to save money - and this is a good way to strengthen my nails for life in Irkutsk. I've had fake nails on for YEARS (literally, about 15 years), so we'll see how long this lasts. I had a few unexpected cash projects this week - and that cash is burning a hole in my pink wallet...and is screaming to me "get your nails put back on!". It's funny, I can't do anything without fingernails - hard to type, can't pick anything up, forget buttoning!
What about hair!? I get my hair cut / colored about every 5 weeks. I know, you are all in SHOCK, I am not a natural blond. I know I act like it (I tell ya, the bleach had just sunk into my head after all these years). What am I going to look like after 7 weeks? YIKES! 5 weeks is my limit. I wonder if I can take the ingredients with me and do it myself? That is one I am going to have to think about...
My electric toothbrush. Have you ever used one? If you do, then you will understand...going 7 weeks without that deep cleaning of my teeth? Blech.
7 weeks with out my Bible study girls, 7 weeks without church, 7 weeks without my Blackberry, 7 weeks without the variety of options in my closet (I know now that sounds...just remember I work in the fashion industry and am blessed with a lot of clothes and shoes - a perk of the job!), 7 weeks without going on a client appointment, 7 weeks without showing clothes. ODD!
And my house...we have serious dust issues in this house - especially that time of the year. You have to at least wipe everything off once a week.
What about the yard? We live on 3 acres of land. It is going to need mowing...my brother used to like to come over here when we were gone to play farmer brown on the tractor - but he moved. Hummmm....
The fur babies...our kitties. Jazz and Lola are used to us being here all the time. When we're gone for a week, that is one thing - but I think it is mean to leave them alone for that long. Someone will come in and feed them every day - but that isn't' the same as us being here. Cats are very social animals, and get depressed easily. Ugh - this makes me sad. Need to find someone to stay at the house.
Bills - who is going to go through the mountains of mail and pay bills? I have to pay junk about every other week. I don't really pay attention to what is due when, I just pay what comes in the mail. I guess I should start paying attention, huh?
Any tips? Anything I am not thinking about?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
At FedEx Facility in.....
I am trying to clear my head so I can sleep tonight, so I go to FedEx.com (for the zillion-th time today) and this is what I see:
Feb 26, 2009 4:29 AM At local FedEx facility MOSCOW RU
YAY! No news on the customs end of things, the update mentioned something about International Shipment Release, but I don't think that's customs (seems like I remember it saying specifically 'CUSTOMS').
Now I can take one deep breath - and hope that the annoying twitch in my eye will stop now!
Thanks for all your prayers on this!
Feb 26, 2009 4:29 AM At local FedEx facility MOSCOW RU
YAY! No news on the customs end of things, the update mentioned something about International Shipment Release, but I don't think that's customs (seems like I remember it saying specifically 'CUSTOMS').
Now I can take one deep breath - and hope that the annoying twitch in my eye will stop now!
Thanks for all your prayers on this!
so much for the box getting to Moscow yesterday...
You know what they say about the best laid plans? Well, that is where my box of documents is...
Just checked FedEx, and the box (for whatever reason) is in Poyl, GB. Is GB even on the way to Moscow?
Keep praying for the box!
Just checked FedEx, and the box (for whatever reason) is in Poyl, GB. Is GB even on the way to Moscow?
Keep praying for the box!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
the saga of the box
So, I am patiently (and I use that term loosly) watching the progress (slow, but eventual) of the box containing the remainder of our documents.
It's kind of like watching paint dry. Or grass grow.
I think if I ever have to do something like this again where time is so critical, I am going to send the box to Moscow - to a person, then have that person turn around and send it to Irkutsk. Then I will be able to track it better...OK, ya, I am totally micromanaging this thing - aren't I? (so what's new?)
The box was to arrive today in Moscow. Well, right now - FedEx tracking says it left Indy...that's it, it left Indy.
On other exciting adoption things - want to be really depressed? Start keeping track of all your adoption expenses. I have been, but in different files. Tonight, I decided to combine all of those files and it gave me a (sorta close) grand total...YIKES! No wonder we're broke!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
I think I am going to pull my hair out
There is more drama going on in the world of Russian adoptions.
I’ve spent a lot of time over the past day researching, reading and trying to discern between what is fact, what is fiction and what is talk. To be in the Russian adoption game for very long, you will acquire this skill...every year about this time, several 'rumors' surface. We will hear that the MOE has called for a moratorium on adoptions. We will hear there is a new judge in the region. We will hear that the MOE is proposing that independent adoptions be outlawed in Russia.
The latest can best be described as a correspondence (or maybe a white paper). It was a letter from the MOE (ministry of education and science - they run adoptions in Russia) to the regions. This letter contains a 7 page list of US agencies who have been black listed for not filing post placement reports.
In adoption, at least in Rus
sia, you are required to file post placement reports. Some parents do not do this. Some agencies don't. This is the problem.
sia, you are required to file post placement reports. Some parents do not do this. Some agencies don't. This is the problem.From everything I can come up with, it looks like this is a way for the MOE to try to control independent adoptions. There is a movement about every year to ‘outlaw’ independent adoptions, I can even remember scuttle butt about this back in 2004. An independent adoption is one that is going about the process without an accredited agency. Back in the day - independent adoptions were the norm.
Today, the way it is done (generally) is that there is a home study agency and a placement agency. The placement agency holds the accreditation in Russia, and they accept the responsibility for the post placement reports.
This list is a home study agency list – and it looks like every agency I can think of is on it – even our Home study agency in Indianapolis and Bethany. The MOE has suggested not to accept dossiers that include any documents / homestudies from agencies on this list. The good news is that the agency we're working with who hold accreditation in Russia is not on this list...which leaves us not knowing what this means.
We still don’t know how this is going to be interpreted in Irkutsk. From my experience, I would say that whatever the most horrible outcome could be – plan on that. Which means, redoing homestudies etc.
I have made contact with our home study agency and asked:
1. What are they doing about this, what is the plan to rectify the situation
2. If we have to redo the homestudy and all documents on their letterhead, what plan of action do they have in place to make this a smooth and fast transition – I also asked them to get on this ASAP.
Bold – yes…but at this point, with our documents going to the Judge in weeks (maybe even days), I want to lay some foundation work NOW so if / when the time comes – we already have the foundation laid.
Given this information, we need prayer. We don't now what this means, and is just another 'thing' we need to deal with...another 'thing' to cause frustration...and all now, when we are SO CLOSE.
This list is a home study agency list – and it looks like every agency I can think of is on it – even our Home study agency in Indianapolis and Bethany. The MOE has suggested not to accept dossiers that include any documents / homestudies from agencies on this list. The good news is that the agency we're working with who hold accreditation in Russia is not on this list...which leaves us not knowing what this means.
We still don’t know how this is going to be interpreted in Irkutsk. From my experience, I would say that whatever the most horrible outcome could be – plan on that. Which means, redoing homestudies etc.
I have made contact with our home study agency and asked:
1. What are they doing about this, what is the plan to rectify the situation
2. If we have to redo the homestudy and all documents on their letterhead, what plan of action do they have in place to make this a smooth and fast transition – I also asked them to get on this ASAP.
Bold – yes…but at this point, with our documents going to the Judge in weeks (maybe even days), I want to lay some foundation work NOW so if / when the time comes – we already have the foundation laid.
Given this information, we need prayer. We don't now what this means, and is just another 'thing' we need to deal with...another 'thing' to cause frustration...and all now, when we are SO CLOSE.
Yea, I am mad, frustrated and about ready to pull my hair out!!
...off to drink a bottle of Mylanta
THE LIST
You can get to the list from some links that Karen Rhouse has posted. Here are some sources:
http://www.usynovite.ru/f/documents/federal/regulations/170209/prilogenie.doc
http://www.usynovite.ru/documents/federal/regulations/170209/
http://pear-now.blogspot.com/2009/02/home-study-agencies-with-missing-post.html
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
taking blog private
I thought I had better post an update so my friend Lisa B doesn't get upset :)
I FINALLY got everything I needed - I think the people at the South Bend Clinic think I am nuts, and I am sure I've made quite an impression on them (but I don't care)....the documents are done! I'll ship 'em off tomorrow.
The Holmes family have opened their blog - feel free to check out what is happening with them as they CONTINUE to wait to come home. I can't remember what week this is for them, but it is something like week 17? NUTS! http://waiting4harry.blogspot.com/
In a few weeks, we will be taking this blog private. This means that only invited guests will be able to see our posts. We'll do this until we go to court, and then open it back up again. So, if you would like to be on that invited list, and continue to read this blog, make sure you post a note here so I have your email address. You will get an email invitation in a few weeks.
I FINALLY got everything I needed - I think the people at the South Bend Clinic think I am nuts, and I am sure I've made quite an impression on them (but I don't care)....the documents are done! I'll ship 'em off tomorrow.
The Holmes family have opened their blog - feel free to check out what is happening with them as they CONTINUE to wait to come home. I can't remember what week this is for them, but it is something like week 17? NUTS! http://waiting4harry.blogspot.com/
In a few weeks, we will be taking this blog private. This means that only invited guests will be able to see our posts. We'll do this until we go to court, and then open it back up again. So, if you would like to be on that invited list, and continue to read this blog, make sure you post a note here so I have your email address. You will get an email invitation in a few weeks.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Hot Button Issues
I think it’s time to share a little somethin’ that’s going on …on my blog…for the world to see.
Every since I got back from Russia, I feel like I have been attacked. Attacked in my job, with our finances, in some of my friendships. Attack after attack…and I am tired of it.
I have hot buttons like everyone else. Personally, as I have gotten older, I have learned what those hot buttons are and have done everything I can to avoid them going off.
On one hand, things are going so well with the adoption. Prayers are being answered, mountains moved – families are being made…hope is being given to children. It’s all big. It’s all good, and it’s all of Him. I am feeling the presence of God in my life and in my family in a way I haven’t - maybe ever. Marty’s trip to India and my trip to Russia restored energy to seek Him…something we both really needed and wanted.
On the other hand, I have spent countless hours and pounds of emotional energy on (what feels like) Kindergarten crap. I have worked hard (professionally) to do what I do for a living. I know some people don’t like it…I also know that some don’t like me. Honestly – if they met me, I really think they WOULD like me…they don’t even know me.
I have had to prove to creditors that I have paid bills. I had to remind the city of South Bend that I paid a parking ticket by hunting down a cancelled check from 7 months ago. I have had communications to our former accountant taken COMPLETELY out of context, words put in my mouth (that I didn’t say or write), and I’ve had to prove myself over and over and over again.
The things that are my hot buttons keep going off. These altercations (or what feels like an altercation) are the kinds of things (in my world) that would take me down, make me want to just go to my room and cry it out. These things keep coming at me like torpedo fire. I don't even have time to recoup, or cry it out before I'm dodging another one.
I am not an emotional person, but I have cried more in the past few weeks than I have in recent memory.
The thing about all this junk that makes me SO MAD is that I have spent all this time proving myself, proving I am doing what I am supposed to be doing…when I SHOULD HAVE been spending time working on finalizing adoption paperwork!
So, yes – I feel like I am being beat up and attacked. I don’t tell you this for sympathy, for you to tell me how things are going to get better, I don't want advice on which scripture to run to (did that)…I only post this for anyone else who is in the midst of an adoption. This kind of thing will happen to you too…especially if you believe in Christ, and put all your hope, trust and faith in Him. Just when you think "ahhh, this is all coming together, FINALLY" - you will take a deep breath, you will feel the tension in your shoulders start to relax...the BAM.
All I can do (all any of us can do) is pray our way through it. So I will pray for my current frustration and tears. I will pray for those who are fighting me…and I will keep on keepin’ on!
Every since I got back from Russia, I feel like I have been attacked. Attacked in my job, with our finances, in some of my friendships. Attack after attack…and I am tired of it.
I have hot buttons like everyone else. Personally, as I have gotten older, I have learned what those hot buttons are and have done everything I can to avoid them going off.
On one hand, things are going so well with the adoption. Prayers are being answered, mountains moved – families are being made…hope is being given to children. It’s all big. It’s all good, and it’s all of Him. I am feeling the presence of God in my life and in my family in a way I haven’t - maybe ever. Marty’s trip to India and my trip to Russia restored energy to seek Him…something we both really needed and wanted.
On the other hand, I have spent countless hours and pounds of emotional energy on (what feels like) Kindergarten crap. I have worked hard (professionally) to do what I do for a living. I know some people don’t like it…I also know that some don’t like me. Honestly – if they met me, I really think they WOULD like me…they don’t even know me.
I have had to prove to creditors that I have paid bills. I had to remind the city of South Bend that I paid a parking ticket by hunting down a cancelled check from 7 months ago. I have had communications to our former accountant taken COMPLETELY out of context, words put in my mouth (that I didn’t say or write), and I’ve had to prove myself over and over and over again.
The things that are my hot buttons keep going off. These altercations (or what feels like an altercation) are the kinds of things (in my world) that would take me down, make me want to just go to my room and cry it out. These things keep coming at me like torpedo fire. I don't even have time to recoup, or cry it out before I'm dodging another one.
I am not an emotional person, but I have cried more in the past few weeks than I have in recent memory.
The thing about all this junk that makes me SO MAD is that I have spent all this time proving myself, proving I am doing what I am supposed to be doing…when I SHOULD HAVE been spending time working on finalizing adoption paperwork!
So, yes – I feel like I am being beat up and attacked. I don’t tell you this for sympathy, for you to tell me how things are going to get better, I don't want advice on which scripture to run to (did that)…I only post this for anyone else who is in the midst of an adoption. This kind of thing will happen to you too…especially if you believe in Christ, and put all your hope, trust and faith in Him. Just when you think "ahhh, this is all coming together, FINALLY" - you will take a deep breath, you will feel the tension in your shoulders start to relax...the BAM.
All I can do (all any of us can do) is pray our way through it. So I will pray for my current frustration and tears. I will pray for those who are fighting me…and I will keep on keepin’ on!
Ya know that song "I will praise you in this storm"...that's me, now.
Monday, February 09, 2009
more updates and such
I've been working on our documents, trying to be creative to meet the requirements set forth by Judge Stepanova. Today, it all came together. The last 2 pieces of the puzzle I needed were completed! YAY! I had a meeting tomorrow night get cancelled, which means that I will be spending that time working on organizing everything to send to the Secretary of State's office to be apostilled, then everything gets shipped off to Irkutsk! Looks like everything will be there on Friday!
We also heard today that the rumors that were going around when I was in Irkutsk in January have come to pass. Judge Stepanova will be replaced the end of March.
This new Judge will be hearing adoption cases - Stepanova will have nothing to do with adoption cases. This new guy is young, and has 2 kids.
I don't know what to think about this. Everyone else seems to be leaping for joy...I am cautious. I remember when Stepanova replaced the Judge before her (yes, I've been in this game THAT long!) - we were all so happy. We were just sure that was an answer to prayer - well, that isn't what happened...things got worse, a -thousand-fold worse (if that is even a legit term!).
We also heard today that the rumors that were going around when I was in Irkutsk in January have come to pass. Judge Stepanova will be replaced the end of March.
This new Judge will be hearing adoption cases - Stepanova will have nothing to do with adoption cases. This new guy is young, and has 2 kids.
I don't know what to think about this. Everyone else seems to be leaping for joy...I am cautious. I remember when Stepanova replaced the Judge before her (yes, I've been in this game THAT long!) - we were all so happy. We were just sure that was an answer to prayer - well, that isn't what happened...things got worse, a -thousand-fold worse (if that is even a legit term!).
Sunday, February 08, 2009
The Holmes family...it's official!
I know I have said it a million times, but international adoption is a funny thing. At least in Russia it is!
You go to court, the court grants the adoption...but it isn't official for 10 days. The 10 days is more of a title than a period of time for waiting - that 10 days might really be like 14 days.
Well, a few days ago, that 10 days finally ended for our friends, the H family. Now that everything is official official, I can tell you that this is the Holmes Family!
Judy has opened her blog for the world to read, and I encourage you to take a minute, and read about her journey (that she is STILL on!) in Irkutsk. Please leave comments for her...she is there alone with the 2 boys, and the comments are what gives her a lifeline to a normal world. THe blog can be found HERE.
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