Moscow - and then HOME!

After an almost 9 hour delay, we FINALLY lifted off, and the heck outta Irkutsk!

Good bye Irkutsk!

In Moscow, one of the first things we did was head to Mc Donald's. I don't know why. We don't eat there EVER at home...but it seemed familiar - so to McD's we went. Anya DID NOT like the hamburgers. But thought the nuggets were OK.
She was particularly fond of the orange drink (which was orange juice)
The inside of the McD's in Moscow doesn't exactly look like the McD's around our home.
And then, after a few days of running, exhaustion, tension and then relief...we're headed HOME!

I have more pics of our time in Moscow, but they are on another camera that I'm not allowed to mess with (haha!)...those are coming, I promise!

..and then

After we got home from the Jackson's home on our final day in Irkutsk, we continued to finish packing - and Alex stopped by to drop some things off, and wish us well.

Honestly, I cried when he left. Alex and I have talked at least every few weeks since 2005. We have had a lot of candid discussions about adoption, Irkutsk etc. I have the utmost respect for his heart and what he his work ethic. Time and time again, he did the right thing for us. We hope to see him again.

final hours in Irktusk

Of course, it was important during our final hours in Irkutsk to have pretty toes (Anya's purple, mine red)

And finish up the last bits of laundry...
And check the "closet" to make plans what we will be wearing in Moscow.

Me and Tami

The kids made Easter cookies (Anya had never decorated cookies before)
And colored and decorated Easter Eggs (again, Anya had never done this before)
The whole group coloring eggs.

the last supper

I'm trying to get caught up on posts here from our final days in Irkutsk - and first 2 weeks home.

Thought I would post a pic of our last meal at the apartment. Truth is, on our last LAST day - we ate at the Jackson's - which was a HUGE relief! But, here was the last thing that I cooked - and I'll call it Mexican Fiesta...Russian style!


My no-meat version

Anya gave it a "thumbs up"...which for this picky eater - that is a big deal!

And here is the meat version (with chicken).

I'm not dead

Not dead, just busy. Nothing like coming home from being in Russia for 2 months, and hitting the ground running! I will say, however, this is a great cure for jet lag. We haven't had to deal with ANY jet lag!

I have a huge project next week, once I get through that - I promise I will give you all some pics and updates!

With all the news coming out of Russia, we've been on the news (what seems like) every night since we got home.

Here is a news story from the station I do some work with:

...and WNDU followed up with us

WNDU was also at the airport Wednesday night, but they couldn't wait for our late flight. We agreed to let them stop by on Thursday afternoon and talk to us about being home.

WSBT was at the airport...

more questions answered part 7

What other vocab do you wish you'd learned?
Every now and again, I think it might have been helpful to learn more of the Russian alphabet – but really, it is very much like the Greek alphabet (so, all those years in a sorority HAVE paid off!). But really, that wouldn’t be that helpful. Most signs etc. here have Roman and Cyrillic lettering now days.


WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST ABOUT HOME?
Now that we’re on our way home, I will tell you that what I’ve missed most has changed. It seems every day, every week I missed something different.

Aside from the obvious (I miss my house, my cats, my stuff, my friends, my family bla bla bla) The things I missed most:
1. Convenience and ease of things. Everything in Russia is hard. It is the way of life, and is ingrained into the very being of who Russia is and what makes up the Russian people. Or rather, my perception of things in Russia is hard. It is hard to do a load of laundry. Hard to get anything done (you can’t just go to an office and have something done in one day). In Russia, we had to shop for our food every day. Nothing in the stores (generally) is prepackaged for convenience like at home – everything (again, generally) is made from scratch. We had to walk everywhere, therefore our “community” was as far-reaching as we could walk. If we needed something, we had to figure out a way to ask for it, using the limited vocabulary we know – or, use sign language.

2. Church. I miss out church and the people there. I miss the freedom to worship as we do at home. I miss the teaching at our church; understanding what is being said in church.

3. My attitude. Me in Russia isn’t really ‘me’. I am cynical. I walk down the street with a hard edge about me. I try to not smile. Smiling in Russia can be seen as a sign of ignorance. I felt like I always had to have my guard up…always had to be looking for people that were trying to take advantage of us. Lack of sleep (good sleep), lack of meals and food that we are used to, and a complete change of the way we go about our day takes a took on me.

4. Manners. I miss manners as we know them at home. Russian culture is very different than ours, therefore the things we might see as rude is as it is in Russia.

on Moscow

Overall, I will say that we enjoyed our time in Moscow. It felt so much easier than Irkutsk. When you've heard about how expensive that city is - you have NO IDEA! WOW!

GENERAL RECAP


TUESDAY
The next day, we went to the Embassy to get Anya's visa to come into the U.S. When we were checking in, the Embassy employee greeted us with ,"oh YOU are the famous Friend family! It is nice to finally meet you!" So funny...if we were ever to become famous, this is NOT how we would have wanted it to happen!

There were about 5-6 other families there on this day getting visas for their newly adopted children. In the past, I've heard stories from other people that there have been up to 30-40 at a time there!

Met several nice families. One from Michigan, another from Georgia, and another from somewhere else I can't remember right now (sorry!). One lady I met had heard about us. She was a FRUA regular. (Frua.org). It's funny what people say to you, and the look they have on their face when they know of you -but meet you for the first time.

It was nice to chat with our contact at the Embassy - she is such a nice person. Really...very helpful, has a big heart.

From the Embassy, we went sightseeing. Red Square etc. It was a beautiful day, nice to walk around!

Got back to the hotel at about 6pm. Our coordinator guy came into the hotel with us to settle the fees. And, of course, his final bill was several hundred dollars more than what he told me - and what we agreed to. I called him on it. At this point in our trip, I was so tired of "oh, another hundred dollars" being added in. Yes, I would pay it again ten-fold to bring Anya home...but this seems to be a blatant attempt to get more money out of emotional people who just want to go home.

I think his conscious got to him. After we paid him and went to dinner, he was waiting for us in the hotel lobby. He was concerned that we were upset about the fee thing (um, ya think?).

Bottom line? We are sleeping well at night. Not sure about him.

WEDNESDAY
So, on Wednesday morning - we gathered our things, and flew home. We had a few delays in New York, but it was HOME!

We had so many people waiting for us at the airport when we finally got home at 11:10pm, Wednesday night. I thought for sure no one would be there, so I didn't even think about brushing hair, or anything like that. Well, as we walked through the gate tunnel - I saw balloons and TV cameras (yikes!).

...more on that later

and will post some Moscow pics later.

wanna come to the airport?

So many of you have been so sweet in sending us messages to ask about coming to the airport.

The short answer is YES! We would LOVE to see you all at the airport!

I can't promise that Anya will be in the best mood, that any of us will be picture worthy - but it doesn't matter.

So - to that end, here is our flight information. You can check the status of our flights on Delta.com; and please check all the flights to be sure everything was on time and OK. If something happens and get get delayed, we will do our best to post it here and/or on Facebook.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 7
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0031
Depart:
Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport

Arrive:
New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport

Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 7293
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport

Arrive: Detroit Wayne County Airport Travel

Wednesday 7 April 2010
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 4113
Depart: Detroit Wayne County Airport Airline
7:40 PM
Arrive: South Bend St. Joseph Co Airport
8:36 PM

...then we got to Moscow

Do you ever wish you had a direct line to God? Like a cell phone that only calls Him. I do. All the time. I wish there was some kind of "heaven phone" available, so when it starts to feel like you are being attacked you can get a jolt to keep you going. Crazy, huh?

When we're in the heat of it, I know intellectually what is going on. But the attacks seem to come when I let my guard down. And I know I let my guard down once we booked our flights home. I was focused on packing, planning and didn't stop to just pause. Pause to pray, pray four our trip, for the last leg of the process. That is always when we get attacked, isn't it? When we least expect it, or when we get too busy with our 'to do' lists.

We get to Moscow. Our driver was great. Get to the hotel (at about 10pm) and our 'helper' meets us there. We weren't met with a welcoming greeting. We were all tired, grumpy and really weren't in any frame of mind to deal with anything.

The helper made us sit in the lobby before checking in. He began going over paperwork. I then suggested that Marty check in while we deal with paperwork (multi tasking!). So - Marty walks away. The helper then takes one look at our documents and exclaims "this will not do. you do not have what is required at the Embassy. I don't know what you will do, this will not work"

nice.

I say "ok, um, can you be a little more specific? If there is something wrong with those documents, can you please call Alex to discuss? He prepared those documents, he can help you"

He says, "where is the stamp for this document? It MUST have a stamp?"

I say, "again, I don't know anything about stamps and I do not read Russian, please call Alex and ask him"

He goes on..."you will never be able to leave the country with her with just this. i don't know what you are going to do"

I mention "Well, if we need something overnighted from Irkutsk, we can do that. Also - if we need help at the Embassy with timing, we can talk to Jessica"

He yelled "who is Jessica, what can she do? Does she had a blue stamp?"

By this time, I am done. Just done with him yelling at me, demanding me give him some kind of answer for something I don't know anything about.

But HE isn't done with me. He starts asking for documents for the Embassy that I KNOW we don't need.

About this time, Marty walks up and I ask him to please finish up with 'Mr-meany-yelling-man-helper-guy' so I could put Anya in bed.

Today when we went to the Embassy, he went into the office, came out and said "the officials said they wold turn a blind eye to all the problems with your documents, so everything is fine"

Well, isn't that something!

Got some advice from a friend that it seems these little "emergencies" pop up all the time. Perhaps these "problems" come up so that he can look like a hero - and you can tell all of your friends what a great job he did at saving you and getting you home. Who knows.

I have one thing to say about it all....GRRRRRR!

when an airplane blows an engine

I can't say it was easy getting out of Irkutsk. Why would it be?

I won't admit that I almost boo-hooed in a horrible nasty cafe next door to the Irkutsk airport.

Our flight was scheduled to leave at 12:30 (ish) on Easter Sunday. We got to the airport around 10:30. Flights out of Irkutsk have been known to leave early...or late, VERY late!

There always seems to be some drama with the luggage in Irkutsk. Who knows why - who cares.

We got on the plane, started the taxi down the runway - turned around, felt the "hunker down" for the big thrust to take off...and then it happened. POW! BOOM!

Marty looked at me and said, "oh no, that can't be good!"

It wasn't.

We then taxied back to the terminal, got off the plane and were told to wait. The terminal in Irkutsk is new - but with the new terminal also came the omission of English announcements.

We are smart enough to know what happened, so we knew we were to wait. OK, maybe not smart enough - but observant enough of everyone else who was on our flight.

So time passed; hours and hours and hours. Lunch time came and went. Then someone from the airline came up to where we were all sitting, said something, and a big group of people left.

Um, OK.

There was one English speaking guy on the flight. He was kind enough to let us know that the airline would pay for a meal at the hotel across the street. We were to go there, get something to eat (it was dinner time) and come back in an hour or so. The airline would have more information in about an hour and 1/2.

Not that we didn't believe him, but we went to the ticket desk to confirm.

So - we went to this "restaurant" at the hotel. The restaurant was full and they were not allowing anyone else to eat.

Well, OK then.

We decided to go to this "Coca Cola" cafe next to the airport. Not bad, not good. Very smokey - but they had an English menu (bonus). The food was ick, but it was food.

We were gone form the airport about 45 minutes - TOPS. Went back to the airport, went through the initial security station, and were told to 'hurry'.

Yep! They were boarding the flight. 45minutes after they told everyone to leave the airport and go get something to eat.

At the end of the day - we got to Moscow. It was all fine. Anya was such a little trooper! We were all grumpy, but she did so well on the flight!

We made a list of what she was going to do on the flight, so she methodically went through every item on her list (a few times!)...and then we got to Moscow.

We're Coming Home

As we stood in front of the passport lady today, we felt your prayers. We stood there for what seemed an eternity. There was some talk that we were waiting on a call from Moscow (for what, I don't know) - and then another discussion about how (according to Russian standards) Anya has no middle name, so they weren't sure what to do with 2 first names (as if we were the first American people to ever do this...whatever!)

Some other people were coming in and out of the office, and then all the sudden, out of nowhere, Andrew said "the passport is here, you can get it today". Guess he is psychic or something.

This little drama raised our suspicions about this whole passport thing, but the bottom line is that we have the passport and we're coming home!
We have been in touch with the Embassy and the coordinator in Moscow who will be helping us. We have the appointment(s) made for Monday, making it possible for us to get Anya's American passport on Tuesday afternoon and come home on Wednesday.

I've contacted our travel agent, and as soon as she wakes up today (it's 4:45am at home), she will get on booking the flights.
As soon as I have more specific information on our flights, I will be sure to let everyone know!

passports will be the death of me

That which does not kill you will make you stronger. So, either I am close to being the strongest person I know, or I am close to being killed.

Here is what we have learned about the passport situation. Apparently the passport office has changed their business hours. Without any notice, they decided to only be open a few hours a day. Not the same hours, different hours on different days; which is subject to change without notice.

Andrew (one of our coordinator guys) went to check on it again today. Thing is, if it IS in – he cannot get it. We have to pick it up in person. So if he gets to this office toward the end of the allotted time and calls us – we still might not get it that day.

We asked Alex (the guy in charge) if we can have the documents and check ourselves every day. We know Andrew doesn’t check every day (the line can be 100 people long; you stand in a line…and wait, and wait, and wait). We have nothing else to do BUT wait! Alex agreed that we are able bodied and sound minded enough to handle this task ourselves. We'll see where that goes.

As of 11:20pm on Wednesday, still no passport. This means no Easter Sunday at home. Now, the soonest we might be able to go to Moscow will be Sunday or Monday.

THE BANK ACCOUNTS - pt 2

Every orphan child in Russia has a bank account that is set up for them. Money is deposited for them throughout their life. The intention is that there will be a little money for them to start their lives when they leave the orphanage when they are 16 (or 17 or 18).

If a child is adopted, this money (typically) can be withdrawn for the child. Of course, in every region except Irkutsk. In Irkutsk, they do not allow this. I have no idea what happens to the money (it isn’t much, under $500). However, Anya was in Shelechov – therefore the “rules” of Irkutsk do not apply.

In order to get this money for Anya, we had to go to a lawyer today and sign something to force the bank to consider the withdrawn and closing of the account in an expedited manner.

Once that is done, it is UP TO THE BANK if they want to give her the money, and how much of it they want to give her. It might take up to 6 months for this to happen.

the Siberian Workout

the Siberian Workout - much has been said about it, few have seen it...

Not only do we do odd things when we get bored, like make silly videos, but if a crazy video idea is suggested to a certain someone in the family...chances are it will get made. Therein lies the story behind this ridiculous video showing my darling husband's daily workout routine.

4 weeks ago today...

I can’t believe it’s been 4 weeks. 4 weeks ago today, we walked into that horrible orphanage in Sholokhov for the last time, and opened a new door to the rest of our lives.

I can’t say it’s been exactly as I thought it would be – but then again, I didn’t know what it would be like. It’s hasn’t been easy; and it hasn’t been as hard as I thought it might be.

Today, Anya speaks almost entirely English. Even with her Russian teacher, she is using English words to communicate.

She knows the Alphabet, and can count to 100 (with help) in English.

She can be a picky eater. Might like beans the first time around, but not the second (this goes for any bean apparently; green, black – doesn’t matter).

She has gained a few pounds – we think about 5.

Anya has a lot of strength; both physically and with her Will.

She is learning how to be in a family, and what that means. For her, we think the hardest part has been what she knew of us before she came home. She knew us as people who would come and play with her, every ounce of attention was placed on her. We always came bearing gifts, candy, gum, water or juice. The reality of things is a little different, and it’s been an adjustment for her to understand that.

She is a good girl, well behaved and understands boundaries and rules. She doesn’t always remember the rules, but when reminded she exclaims “Oi!” and then complies.

Anya is a very loving little girl. Very affectionate. Definitely a Daddy’s girl.

We talk a lot about home in America. She watches movies showing pictures of home. We talk about the people at home, who her friends will be. We practice her name “ANYA FRIEND”.

She mimics the silliest things. Her latest word string is “okey dokey smokey”.

We certainly have been blessed with an amazing little one. Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball so I could see what the future holds for her – but then again, I want her to stay just the way she is…at least for a little bit longer.

Pulse Morning Nugget

Pulse FM (christian radio station at home) has this great thing every day called the Pulse Morning Nugget. I love hearing / reading these when I am at home...today, I got this in an email from a friend who works at Pulse.

Very appropriate for us, now.


GOD IS NEVER LATE, SO LEARN TO WAIT.

ACTS 7:30
"After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight.
34 I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.'


40 YEARS IS A LONG TIME TO WAIT ON THE SIDELINES FOR A GREAT MISSION. BUT GOD IS NOT INACTIVE WHEN GOD DELAYS. THIS IS WHEN HE IS FINE-TUNING HIS INSTRUMENTS AND GROWING US IN OUR STRENGTH. THEN AT THE RIGHT TIME, WE ARE GOOD TO GO AND EQUAL TO THE TASK.

JOHN HENRY JOWETT SAID, EVEN JESUS HAD 30 YEARS OF PRIVACY, GROWING IN WISDOM BEFORE HE LAUNCHED INTO HIS MINISTRY.

GOD IS NEVER IN A HURRY. HE SPENDS YEARS PREPARING THOSE HE PLANS TO GREATLY USE. TODAY, WE MAY BE UNABLE TO SEE THE FINAL OUTCOME OF THE BEAUTIFUL PLAN THAT GOD HAS HIDDEN, (AS ISAIAH 49 SAYS) IN THE SHADOW OF HIS HAND. IT MIGHT BE CONCEALED FOR A LONG TIME, BUT WE CALMY WAIT BECAUSE THATS WHERE OUR FAITH COMES IN

FOCUS MORE ON THE LESSONS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY THAN ANXIOUS EYES TOWARDS THE END RESULT. THERE IS A REASON BEHIND EVERY SINGLE LESSON, AND WHEN WE ARE READY, THE REVEAL WILL COME. DONT STEAL TOMORROW FROM GODS HANDS, GIVE HIM TIME TO SPEAK TO YOU AND REVEAL HIS WILL.

God said, not right now...

Today there was just a bombing, a terrorist attack in Moscow. The attack was around the Kremlin on the subways during rush hour. At least 37 were killed, dozens more injured. The suspects are women.

Last week we prayed, you prayed. We wanted to be in Moscow today, on Monday. We wanted to leave this morning and arrive into Moscow around 8am. Our plans were to immediately start the medicals and deal with the paperwork at the Embassy.

We figured out a way to stay at the chosen Marriott, the one close to Red Square and the Kremlin.

God said, not right now. Admittedly, I kicked and screamed a bit. Didn't HE know how badly we need to get home? Doesn't HE understand the cost of staying here a second longer?

We didn't understand, didn't see the whole picture. Much of the past 6 years I haven't completely understood. Much of the wait is becoming clearer as to WHY; I'll never know all of the reasons - and I don't need to know the reasons.

No more will I ask 'why'.

Photos of Irkutsk

Marty has been taking photos of things since we got here, and I thought I would share some of those photo with you:

Enjoy! mfriendphotos.shutterfly.com/