3-2-1- BLAST OFF!

It's happening again, another American family is heading to Irkutsk to go before the regional court to complete the adoption they've been waiting SO LONG for.

This time, it's Lisa and Darren.

It will happen in about 2 weeks. And we should pray. Pray really really REALLY hard.

Regardless of your opinion of adoption, international adoption or really...anything, I think we can all agree that every child deserves a home and a loving family...that is what I am asking you to pray for.

Walking through this with Lisa and Darren brings back so many memories and emotions. I can remember how on-edge I was 1-week to that flight taking off to Russia. The slightest thing would make me break out into tears. I had so much to do, so much to think about...and no time to do it.

I remember getting a speeding ticket about 3 days before we left...and being so mad at the cop who clearly had NO IDEA what I was going through, what I was getting ready to go through - I honestly thought he just wanted to make me miserable. After the cop pulled away, I drove down the block, parked the truck (yes, I was driving a big HUGE truck at the time) and cried. Really boo-hooed for a long time.

I also remember trying to think and re-think what we would need to live in a foreign country for 2 months. I am a person who takes comfort in having a routine in my world (when normally, there is nothing normal about my world). Normal for me is the kind of toothpaste I use, my eye drops, makeup, shampoo...you get the idea. It is a kind of security blanket for me.

I remember all too well that feeling I had in the pit of my stomach for weeks. I didn't think it would ever go away. That nervous almost sick feeling...when you have no time to get sick. I know I told myself more than one time "mind over matter, you can not get sick now!"

The one thing I thing I remember the most was that NO ONE knew what I was going through; the emotions, the random freak outs...except one person - my friend Debbie. She was the only one who had REALLY been in my shoes (a year earlier).

So I know what Lisa is going through; I feel her stress and anxiety. I understand her questions and relate to her fears.

As time goes on, I continue to wonder why, really WHY it took so long to bring Anya home. Maybe one of the reasons is to pass-it-on...to be more compassionate to those who come after us. That seems to be the legacy of the Irkutsk Moms. Generally...we've all bonded together in a unique way. No one can understand what we went through (or are going to go through) than each other. It's a strange sorority.

To those who have gone before, what is your one piece of advice to Lisa and Darren? Please leave it in the comments...and you don't have to be an Irk Mom to comment :)

Haiti

I think it would be wrong to not mention the heartbreak, pain and suffering in Haiti. Much has been said, and I am sure much more will be said.

We have 2 friends whose families have a special place in their hearts for Haiti. They have been instrumental in planting churches and missionaries in Haiti for many years. We're praying for them, and for all the groups who are trying to help in Haiti...we can't imagine the destruction of property and life.

Although the images we're seeing on TV are hard to see - we need to see what the truth is. My friend Michelle Wegner said "Don't turn away from their pain because it is too hard. Embrace it, and change the world w/your love."

Today I saw a story about families who are in the process of adoption in Haiti. I can't imagine - I am sure you've seen the Dad on TV with the precious little 4 year old who is trying desperately to get his little one home. My heart is more than heavy for these families.

There seems to be so much to pray for, I'm not sure where to start.

God's Plan is ALWAYS better than mine

So, where do I even start?!


I mean - nothing is ever easy. I know that - especially with adoptions, and this adoption in particular. I KNOW THIS, I embrace it - I have LIVED it for over 5 years.

But the past 24 hours might take the cake.

Yesterday night at about 8pm, I got online to complete the shipping label for the DHL package that was to be shipped to Irkutsk today. Today I planned to go to Indianapolis to the State House and get everything done that needed to be done - and get the documents in the mail. January 11th is the deadline the Judge in Russia has given us on these last few documents - which means I wanted to get everything there by the 5-6th.







Well, DHL.com wasn't playing nicely with others. Wouldn't let me log in. So I call the 800#, and when the lady answers, I decide to ask her about transit times with the holiday weekend instead of helping me with the log in issue. Why? It was God.

She proceeds to tell me that the delivery date for something mailed to Irkutsk today would be January 13th...JANUARY 13TH! (did I mention that everything was being presented to the count on the 11th?)


Hence starts freak out #1.




I quickly find out that my only option with DHL is to ship through a TSA Authorized business shipper, and even if I find one of those - there is no guarantee because of customs. TO get it through customs, I would have to hire a Broker...and no one could tell me how to hire a broker.


The nice DHL woman also suggested we hire a courier - that would ONLY cost about $3,000 - $4,000.







So I call FedEx. Basically, they told me the same story, but they were giving me a delivery date of January 18th (it's getting worse)




Thus begins freak out #2


I seriously went crazy at this point. I don't cry. I am not a very emotional person. The Fed Ex lady obviously could tell by the tone in my voice that I was desperate. She told me about a service called "Next Flight" - this is only open to authorized shippers who hold a Fed Ex account. After figuring out all of the requirements, and getting everyone involved all over Twitter and Facebook - we found a Plan A, B and C. This wasn't a cheap option, but it was workable.



Then God stepped in and took control.


I should have known that He would have a better plan. An easier plan. A perfect plan.






Our friends that live in Irkutsk told us that they knew of a man that lives in Maine who was flying to Irkutsk on Monday...this Monday! This means he would be arriving in Irkutsk the morning of the 6th. THE 6th! All I would have to do would be to overnight the documents to him in Maine!



I called him - he is VERY VERY nice, and will put the documents in his carry-on baggage to make sure nothing happens to them. Did I mention he is a VERY VERY nice man?



From where I sit, the Jackson's and Mr. Keef were little pieces of Heaven to me.


So - shipping situation handled. Off to Indianapolis.

I go to the State Police Department. I've done this criminal check thing about a million times in the past. I know the drill. You go to the office, you pay $10 and get what you need.

Well, they changed the drill...apparently sometime between when I called last week and when I walked in the doors this afternoon. The secretary told me the check would take 2 weeks, and would have to be mailed to me.

Insert freak out #3 here

It's a long story, but let's just say it got done - I cried in public, had a stranger offer me a Kleenex, and it cost me $30, but it's done...and there is an Indiana State Police Officer who got a nice lunch today.

FREAK OUTS OVER

Thank God.

I am ever so grateful for several things:

1. Good friends who read my random Tweets and Facebook updates, and are always so willing to jump in the middle of my drama to help
2. For Mr. Keef - praying safe travels for him
3. For one of my dearest friends, Stacy - who I always bomb in on when I am in Indianapolis. She is a little dose of reality for me...and tonight was no exception
4. Blessed with crazy random connections to get stuff done...thanks to Jackie Walorski for helping us this round (and yes, this is a political plug - VOTE FOR HER!)
5. For the goodness and perfect plan of God!

So the next time I freak out, will someone please remind me that God has it under control?

Sweet Brit

It's happened 3 times to friends in the recent past. I swear, each time - it gets harder, not easier. When it has happened before, I didn't know what to do. I remember one time, I made homemade fudge. I don't know why - it seemed like the right things to do. Another time, I made chips and salsa...I always send flowers...but it is impossible to find the right kind of arrangement. Nothing seems to fit, be right, be exactly what I am looking for.


One time I wasn't here - I was in Russia. That was hard - I wanted to DO something, wanted to be there...whatever that means. I remember feeling horribly guilty that I was in Russia.


It happened again...



I am without words, without witty repartee, can't come up with a grand idea to make things better. I wish I had some kind of Godly wisdom that I could spout that would be so profound, so life-giving it would somehow cover the pain.



I wish I had answers, could point a finger, blame someone...



I wish it was a dream, that I'll wake up and look at the clock and think to myself, "wow, that was a horrible dream!"

All I have is prayer, and my heart. I wonder if trying to lovingly pray someone through a wicked time is enough. I wish I could let my heart run a ticker tape - then those who are mourning could see what I am really feeling, what I wish I could say to their faces...I hate it that all I can do is offer a hug and 'that look'. That stupid look...the one that says "I am so sorry, I have no idea what to say to you".


I don't know why children are taken. I can't sit here and spout some kind nonsense like "it's part of God's plan" (although, we all know it is). Sometimes your head knows things that your heart doesn't 'get'. This is one of those things, I just don't get.


Why is a child given to parents. Why is that child stricken with a horrid disease. Why does this child impact so many people in such a profound way...why was her time on this earth so short?

I think times like this, we remember with heavy hearts, and we try to be strong for those left behind. That is what I've tried to do...tried to not cry, try to be a pillar of silent strength...then hang up the phone and sob.

I wish I knew her better. I'll never forget the love she had for her Dad; the bond they had was a beautiful obvious thing. I won't soon forget the strong will that I saw in her eyes.

Cancer is a horrible thing. It destroys. It took Brit at the age of 17...it was too soon.

I pray that Brit's Dad and her family can draw strength from our Savior. Brit is now in His all powerful, all Loving, healing care. I am sure that our Father in Heaven holds sweet Brit in the palm of his hand, while she listens to her loud scream-y music, and paints her fingernails another new shade of black.

I think I will paint my toenails black - I bet she'd get a kick out of that.

meet Spencer Gregory

Meet baby Spencer Gregory. He is the son of one of my long time BFFs. This is the closest I will ever be to being a newborns mommy. Let me say that holding this precious miracle, and knowing what it took to bring him into this world...took my breath away.

If the hospital room hadn't been filled with people I didn't know, I am sure I would have been a blubbering mess.

Little Spencer is about a week old today. Crazy how time flies. Next he will be saying Mommy and Daddy, then he will be standing, then walking...the next thing I know my friend will be calling me to tell me that Spencer is getting married.

He is a solid reminder. Tangible proof of God's unending Love. His Love is a "no matter what" kind of deal...and I think that is pretty cool. Not until you hold a baby do you understand that kind of love...I didn't get that until Anya walked into the room for the first time - that is when I looked into her precious eyes and thought to myself "no matter what".

I guess I will let my friend be a Mommy to sweet Spencer...stealing him under the cover of darkness is probably wrong :( - let me leave you with a photo of Spencer with his real Mommy:

on perspective

The other day, I posted a note on perspective. So many people are dealing with really big things, stuff (that if I allow myself) to think about...I am all red nosed, and boo-ey.

After posting that, I can't tell you HOW MANY of you emailed me privately to tell me that you are praying for all of these issues. Many of you sent me notes with help, advice - someoe to talk to who has "been there".

Sometimes I think all of my friends know each other...but that is so far from the truth (so forgive me if we're ever all out somewhere, and I don't introduce you).

You all have such big hearts, such capacity to love, to pray - to feel the pain in others. I have been blessed beyond words to have you all in my life...to call you friends.

Thank you. Thank you for your kind words, and for praying for one another. If for no other reason - this blog works...because you are all now praying for each other...praying for nameless, faceless friends.

Big HUGE Hugs to all of you!

Perspective

Things happen. Sometimes things come into our lives and shake us to our very core. There is a song that says "we're just a phone call away from our knees"...how true.



The past few weeks, I've been slapped in the face with some reality. Yes - things are bad, frustrating with the adoption. Yes, my heart hurts every day to be with my little girl...but things could be worse.

• One of my friends passed a milestone. 7 years without her son. He died at age 5 from brain cancer. His funeral was one of the most beautiful and hardest things I've ever experienced. Perhaps harder, because we all (many friends and family) really REALLY believed that this child was going to be a miracle.


• Another friend has found herself as the caregiver for her father. He has dementia. He had been in prison for the past 8 years, therefore - was estranged from his family. Then one day, out of the blue - she gets a call from a hospital "are you XXX" "yes" "will you accept guardianship for you father". Her life changed in the span on one sentence.


• One of my oldest and dearest friends and I recently reconnected (gotta love Facebook!). His is a single Dad, raising a teenage girl. That in and of itself is a big thing...but there is more. His daughter is a medical miracle, she has stumped doctors all over the globe. No one can tell her the story of HER. There are no answers. To top it off - she is fighting her second round of cancer...which will likely take her out of the entire first semester of her Junior year of high school. To look in this child's eyes, is to see hope. I see a determined will...one that doesn't give up easily, and one that knows how to work her Dad :)! I love to see the relationship between a Dad and his little girl...I also see the heartbreak in the Dad's eyes for his precious gift from God. I want to squeeze this child, and tell her that her life matters. That God's plans for her are huge. I want to take her to get a manicure and a pedicure. But today, she is facing more chemo and the possibility of a transfusion. I've been on my knees for this family.


• I have so many friends who find themselves in a quiet home...for the first time in many years, all of their kids are in school. On the surface, this seems like every Mommy's dream come true - but the reality is that silence is deafening. I continue to see photos, blog posts and Facebook updates from Moms who are lost - who are needing to redefine themselves, who need to step out of one chapter of life into another...a new chapter with a little more time in the day. Redefining ourselves as women, and mothers can be hard.


• I have a friend whose daughter leaves for college this week. Her husband was diagnosed with cancer this summer, and it is possible that her other adult daughter has Augsburg's Disease. I am exhausted just thinking about the magnitude of the emotional toll just ONE of these things can take on a family. She needs a break.


• Yet another friend has Rheumatoid Arthritis. She also has 3 very active little girls. This week, her knee has decided to stop working...which means she can't walk - literally. Had nothing to do with the arthritis, but is just another painful thing to deal with. Imagine the frustration, the feeling of helplessness...I would be in a really bad mood, and someone would need to be feeding me cakes and candy!


• A client's father has fallen gravely ill in the past few weeks. This has caused the family to make major decisions, quickly. Watching your parents health go down hill is painful. I remember seeing my Grandpa (who was like my Dad) go from the strongest man I knew into a frail old man...it seemed to happen overnight. Changing roles in your family, with your parents is inevitable. It's not easy.


• One of my fashioney-friends is struggling for answers about her health. Stabbing debilitating pains - doctors saying that it is all in her head...and we know it's not, in fact it is in her abdomen! She has been ill for weeks, and no one knows what is going on. To know this industry (fashion), August is a very busy month...added stress is not helping her medical condition. I so with I lived closer to her. I so wish I could give her a break. I wish I knew a doctor that would find out what is wrong and fix it!

• A friend from high school has stage 4 cancer. I had no idea. Went to dinner with her and several other high school friends the other night, and I didn't even recognize her. I feel horrible for not talking to her, not catching up, not knowing. I thought it was strange that no one at the table was introducing her to me...they knew I knew her, but I didn't. She has 2 daughters (I think), I can't even begin to imagine what she is going through - the preparations her heart must be making...I need to pray that she will win this battle.

• This friend is one of those people I have great memories with. We've done so many things together from the time we were 10 years old...I can't even begin to tell you all the trouble we dodged together. We recently found out that she was pregnant. That in and of itself was a miracle. Then she learned she was having twins. I had tried to think about what that would be like for me...excitement turned to panic? Yesterday, she went to the doctor, and was going to find out the sex of the twins. Instead, she learned that one of the babies was gone. She is praising God for the health and gift of the other baby...but can you imagine? I just want to hug her and tell her that her precious other twin is in heaven. I want to tell her that it is OK to grieve. But, I am not her, I can't relate - I can't take any of her pain away. I can't answer any of the questions I am sure she has. I wish I could.

• I ran into someone I've known for several years. I was going on and on about my Mom's recent hand surgery...come to find out her mother has passed away. She had been her mother's caregiver for 8 years, her mother was nearly 90. She lived a full life. Death can be more about the ones left behind, can't it? My friend is in a state of grief - feeling like an orphan. I should have been more compassionate - I wish I would have known about her mother's passing.

• There is a young girl in India, she is 15. She tried to commit suicide because of a lifetime of beatings, abuse and intolerable conditions. She is brilliant. If she was in the United States, her existence would be so different. She would probably be preparing to attend Harvard or Yale. She is not in school in India. Her job is to watch goats. She needs to know that God has a plan for her life - and that plan is huge.

So yes, things could be worse. But my heart is heavy with the issues of my friends. I want to make it better, I want to do something to brighten their day - to allow them to forget the junk for just one minute. I want them to know that God is in control! He has a plan, and BELIEVE ME HIS plan is the perfect plan.

When you get frustrated with your life, with the state of things in your world. Remember these very real stories. Things could be worse.

NEED HELP!

Hi Friends, we just got the legal statement from the Judge - UNBELIEVABLE! I don't know how to answer most of this, and to be honest, I am so mad and upset right now, I am sitting here crying and shaking.

Basically, I have less than a week to get this done...after everything is done, it needs to go to Indy to be apostilled (add about 3 days), then ship to Irkutsk (which can take anywhere from 1-week to 2-weeks), and at least 5-6 days for translation (that is a generous time for translation)...right there is 3 weeks - UGH!

Since the blog is private now - I can post the entire statement. I am doing this so that you all can help me. I can't think clearly on this...some of you are Real Estate experts (LORI!!) and might be able to help. Note my comments in blue.

Legal statement

petition for adoption

- you need to add information that Anna was offered to Russian citizens for adoption but she was not chosen. (no big deal)
- You need to add your employment, positions and income (salary) for each of you.


apostiles for the state of Indiana:

the judge wrote that the apostiles of state of Indiana looked like it was a copy (no real stamp, no real signature).
Then she writes that the sentence that starting with May 1, 2003 all apostiles from the Indiana Secretary of State will have an electronically printed seal does not substitute a real apostile.
The judge suggested that we provide a copy of the Hague Convention that says that electronic apostiles can also be used by counties. ( articles 13, 14, 16, 18, 23 and 24) – conclusions and recommendations adopted by the special commission – the practical operation of the Hague apostile, evidence and service convention (28 October to 4 November 2003). Also I guess in 2003 the state of Indiana adopted an act regulating the use of electronically printed seal on the states’ apostiles. I think we will need a copy of the act.

Please note that copies of the act or Hague convention should be certified by a notary only.

Apostiles of California

The judge writes that the size of California apostiles (all NL documents) is not correct. We will give her a copy of the Hague Convention (article 13). Also for the Ninmans we applied to the Russian Consulate ( or Embassy) and they put a sticker on California apostile which said that the apostile was correct and it was issued in accordance with the Hague Convention. (already asked our California agency to help with this)

Marty’s passport photo was not of good quality for the judge. Make a new copy, so that Marty’s face was very clear. (this was the clearest copy imaginable, actually Jeanna at church made the copy, it was clearer than mine!)

Marty’s and Katherine’s employment letters (MasterMediaProductions) should be signed by the head (president or director )of the company. The position of Barry Hall – partner – has not satisfied the judge. So get new letters and get it signed by a president. (thing is, Marty is the president...so he can sign his own employment letter. In the past, since we are self employed, we had to get a letter from the corporate CPA attesting to the fact we are self employed....hummm...Barry was the corporate CPA)

the letter from the real estate agency – Rockwell which speaks about sq.m and price does not say who the discussed house belongs to. Add your full names to that document.

a letter from Elkhart County Assessor, sighed by Doug Thornton – this letter does not state timing of the house’s purchase, the basic reason of owning (will, inheritance, purchase and etc) and how it is divided between you both (equally, if not – give details).

the judge does not accept the quit claim deed ( she probably does not understand this, frankly speaking I do not understand it either) – she asks for a legal document that shows your full ownership of the house. She says that this document ( quit claim deed) does not say what you own exactly, it does not say that it is a living house, it does not say how it is divided between you both (equally?), it does not say what your ownership right is based on. It does not say when Marty obtained this right for the 1st time. (not sure what to do about this - help!)

For example, the French and Isreali families provide a 30 page Purchase Agreement which states all facts and details of the deal, including price, descriptions of the parties, all conditions, descriptions of the house and etc. (no can do, Marty built this house, he didn't purchase it from anyone)

If it is not the case we may need some sort of clear explanation from Elkhart City Recorder concerning quit claim deeds. Please take into account that in Continental Law (most of Europe) all these documents are very precise and detailed. This is what the court is expecting. May be the Elkhart City Recorder can again confirm what you own, how you obtained that right, your parts in this house, your property should be called a living house.

new police letters with your full names

we need a new letter from the Elkhart Superior Court, composed in the same way it was done previously, in August 6, 2007 (signed by David Bonfiglio) (it was detailed and it addressed all aspects that the judge was asking). The new letter that you have just provided is not really good.
medical reports… the judge wrote that the medical reports do not have the official (heraldic) stamp of the hospital. There’s indeed one official stamp of the South Bend Clinic at the last page of each report, it was imprinted in the paper, I did not see it myself but later I did find it. (of course, there is no such thing as an official hospital stamp in the United States, and the medical lic board isn't going to call something an official stamp that isn't required by all clinics.)

Coordinator comments: make new medical reports, even with the same dates. Use just one apostile for each report as it is rather difficult to use the medical report with several apostiles attached. The organization of each report is brilliant, as you have enough space for each specialist and all stamps are clear to read. Now, leave more space again for the official stamp, as you will need to ask for this stamp to be put for each specialist (in the head doctor space). I think may be you can use one page for one specialist, so you will have 8 pages, 8 official stamps.

Then, I suggest ask the Indiana health board to write a separate letter saying that that particular stamp is an official (heraldic) stamp for that Hospital.

11. Children’s Bureau (no idea on this...need to send off to INdy)


The judge writes that the explanation letter concerning Children’s Bureau ( of January 20, 2009) is not signed by the head of Indiana Department of Child Services.

What I suggest is – try to get the similar letter with more focus on the function to do home studies for adoptive families. I guess it would be impossible to get it signed by the head of the department. In this case we will need a letter showing the delegation of authority (from the head of the department) to sign the documents to the people who signed that explanation letter.

The judge also asked for a copy of the law that would state that the Indiana Department of Child Services is entitled to issue licenses to child placing (adoption) agencies and that Indiana Department of Child Services may write some sort of explanation letters explaining the competence of the adoption agencies and type of work they can do. The license itself is very short and it does not really state what functions Children’s Bureau has, and the judge wants to make sure that Indiana Department of Child Services does not exceed its authority by explaining what Children’s Bureau can do. Try to get only relevant pages of the law, we won’t able to do translations on time if has many pages.

Concerning Nightlight Christian Adoptions …

The judge would like to see a confirmation that California based agency ( NL) may approve a family living in another State (state of Indiana, in your case).

or California based child placing agency may approve a home study done by an agency located in another state. In your case the judge would like to make sure that all commitments signed by NL in regard to you and Children’s Bureau were correct and legal.


we need a new commitment to provide post placement reports from you – the one you sent is good but you need to add a sentence to it – that you will give a possibility to Children’s Bureau to monitor the living conditions and upbringing of Anna (her full name).


we a need a new Embassy letter (with your full and correct names).


the judge requested to see Indiana Adoption Law. (we did prepare this, but apparently it was not presented to the Judge...no one else has had to do this, they only had to submit the relevant parts of the law)

I did not give the judge the copies of the law which were attached to the attorney’s explanation as I thought there were confusing with all details in it. So the judge asked for a “full” Indiana Adoption Law. I do not think we will have an ability to translate tens of pages of the law, so may be you can again provide these copies. The copies need to be certified by a notary. Also we may need copies of the law where the specific requirements for adoptive parents are outlined. For example, you need to be an Indiana resident, aged 18 or older, married for at least 1 year and etc… to be approved as prospective adoptive parent.

Also the judge asked for a US Federal Adoption Law. I am not sure that there’s one. May be we can give INS regulations? (there is no such thing, I did ask our California agency about this, if I need something else from the INS, I am going to lose my mind!)

Please note that if your names are mentioned in any new documents - they need to be full, as in the passports. (they say Katherine Friend or Katherine A Friend, not Katherine Ann Friend - are you freaking kidding me??? As if she doesn't know that is ME!)

Who says prayer doesn't move mountains?

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.

Quick note with good news

THE H FAMILY HAD A SUCCESSFUL COURT HEARING!

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).

Praying - Part 6

Yes, we continue to pray for our friend who are in the middle of the hardest court case in the HISTORY of court cases!

After (I think) 6 weeks, my friend has decided to come home. The court has indicated they will get a final hearing in December - so at that time, My friend, her husband and their son will again travel back to Irkutsk.

I can't imagine being there for 6 weeks. I would go crazy! I love visiting Anya, but honestly, after about 10 days - 2 weeks, I am SO READY to come home. Maybe it is a culture shock thing, or a homesick thing - I'm not sure. It is totally exhausting to be in a place where everything you say needs to be translated - where your every move with your child is watched, and you can't interact or discipline your child as you would at home...you're not eating like you should - or the things your body is used to.

So - pray for my friend. That she has a safe flight home, and that all of the pieces of the puzzle come together for her families return in December.

Thought of the day

Isn't it funny (and kind of great) how God will bring a song, or an email - or something to you - that says exactly what you need to hear at the perfect time?

Praying - Part 5

Unbelievable.




The Judge in Irkutsk postponed...AGAIN!





Here is what I know...


The Judge asked for the bio mother to show up - this isn't uncommon. The bio mother didn't show up - saying she had an emergency with another child.



The Judge also called for the Russian families who rejected Harry to show up. She called for 8, 2 showed up. Apparently one of the men was NOT HAPPY he was called. The 2 families were grilled about why they didn't choose this child (but, they did choose another child...I don't know if this is even legal! Russian adoptions are 'closed' and pretty hush hush...)



So, the Judge decided that she was going to postpone, because of the 6 families that didn't show up, and the bio mother.

The Judge is forcing the mother to make a statement as to her feelings on an American family adopting the child.



All of this could take 4-6 weeks.



As for our friends...they are spent. That is the only word I can come up with. They were to return to Moscow today for the last portion of this journey. Of course, they will need to change travel plans.



Being in Irkutsk is expensive. Traveling there is expensive. They are trying to make decisions on staying, going home, sending the Mr. home to work - and then come back...too many decisions to make on a weary and tired brain.



Of course, at this point, there is nothing to appeal - since no decision has been made.

I am furious to tears. I can not believe this...




I will be sending out an adoption newsletter to my 'big list' of contacts...begging for prayer in this situation. There is so much to pray about today, with the election coming up, the state of the economy, and other heartache in the world...I want to appeal to you - please pray for this family and this situation! I am praying that they are able to make a decision on what to do next, and that the decision is made with a total peace in their hearts. I am also continuing to pray for this Judge and everyone associated with this legal process. The stronghold that is strangling this process needs to be released!

Praying - part 4

Just got word from our friends who are continuing to try to get a court date in Irkutsk. The good news is that they've been given another date - this Friday. Please pray for them...for the Judge, for the prosecutor, for every person in that courtroom.

I am so tired of all the game playing over there, I can't imagine how it would be to be living through it!

My hope and prayer that the strength and determination of this couple is seen by the Judge and the prosecutor. That they find NO REASON to continue this case, and that they QUICKLY grant the adoption.

Train of Hope...or MISERY!

I got a note today from our friend who is in Irkutsk...the family who is there battling with the court.

Apparently, there is a 'Train of Hope' that will be coming to the region from the 9-11th. The "Train of Hope" - organized by the Russian government - will be in the Irkutsk Region from 9 through 11 October seeking children to adopt. There are 45 families that are coming. The Train has never been to the Irkutsk region before.

Do I think this is coincidence? Now that an American family is there fighting the court? Now that another American family has submitted documents and are waiting for a court date? Now that at least 3 other families are 90% done with the document prep?

From what I understand, the group will only visit the adoption center, and look through the database for children they want to meet in person.

I am praying that God keep all of our children safe during this time. I don't even know what else to pray about...I am at a loss.

Praying - part 3

Just got an update from our friends in Irkutsk. UNBELIEVABLE... after 8 hours of ruthless badgering by both a judge AND prosecutor, the court decided they STILL are not satisfied with the paperwork, and continued the case pending receipt of the new documents. No, I am NOT kidding. Why in the world this Judge would grant a court hearing, if she was unsatisfied with the paperwork in beyond me. Furthermore, all of her paperwork issues were taken to the Russian Supreme Court, and the SC agreed she was given sufficient evidence to proceed to court.

UGH! I am mad, frustrated, hurt - I can only begin to imagine what our friends are going through.

The up side is that she didn't says no. Please continue to pray with us for this situation. A miracle has to happen! I do not understand what God's plan is, and this has been such a long, hard, expensive, painful battle...something has to give!

So I guess...the story is to be continued.

Praying - part 2

I feel like I've been in this day-long conversation with God. I've prayed for everything from the outcome of our friends court hearing, to the Judge's mood, the weather in Irkutsk, traffic, other people who might be in court when our friends hearing begins.

I'm asking everyone I can think of to join with us in prayer. Right now, it is 9:15am in Irkutsk, Russia. The day is just beginning. THE day we've been waiting for!

Please ask anyone and everyone you know to pray with us tonight.

Praying - part 1

Just heard from our friends in Irkutsk. They are so nervous about court. I guess the hearing is later afternoon, rather than early morning (as I assumed). This means I am won't be staying up tonight to hear what happened...I hope we'll be able to know something by the time we get up tomorrow morning.

Sometimes that 13 hour time difference KILLS ME!

Right now, I am praying for a restful night sleep for our friends. I pray that their nerves are calm, that they not think about anything other than being themselves, and showing the Judge what wonderful loving parents they are.

I am also praying for the Judge. That she be thinking about this case as she drifts off to sleep. I pray that God take control of her dreams, and that she wakes with a renewed outlook. That her day tomorrow be marked by difference, and a broken heart for American families, and the children that have been waiting for them.

It's time for prayer

As I write this, it is 10:30 a.m. in Irkutsk - Saturday morning. My friends are there, frantically preparing for their court hearing on Monday. I can only imagine what they are going through, what kind of roll-playing Q&A they've got on the agenda, the knots in their stomach.

But this post isn't going to be about my friends. Although my heart, thoughts and prayers are with them in a way bigger than my words can convey...this post is about the Judge.

Judge Stepanova. She is the one who will be hearing their case. She is of Mongolian / Russian decent (or so I've been told). I hear she is a single mother (not sure if that is true). I doubt she knows Jesus, and doubt that anyone has ever shared with her the love of Jesus Christ.

It's sad. So many lives hang in HER balance. HER rule and decision is one that is governed by what? I don't know. THAT is what scares me the most.

I am feeling an overwhelming need to pray for Judge Stepanova's heart and mind. My prayer is that as she goes into court on Monday, that she is awestruck at this family. At the light that comes from this couple, the child they have from Irkutsk, and the one they want to bring home. I pray that she grant this adoption in such an expedient manner, that no one in the room will be able to understand what happened.

I am on my knees in the hopes that she see in this American family a grace, a love, a determination, and a heart that she has not ever seen in a family in her court. That what she sees in this family will BREAK HER HEART for other American families waiting to be granted a hearing in her court room.

My hope is that at the end of this process, she will meet all of us - all of the American families who have been determined to bring our kids home. She will see in us one common thing, and that thing she will see - she won't be able to understand, but it will make her curious. That "thing" is Jesus. The 'thing' is, that we love HIM enough to love and pray for her. As hard as that is, and as much as I've fought that over the years...THAT is what THIS TIME is for.

please join with me...

What does your heart break for?

Something struck me tonight at church. Dr. Bob made a comment about your heart breaking, he said, "When has your heart broken for the hurting?". I thought that was a powerful statement!

He was making a point about passion. Having passion for something - praying passionately for something.

My heart breaks for Anya, for the orphans in Russia, for the children who are stuck in the political tug of war - between a life in an orphanage, and a life with a family who will love them.

My heart breaks when I think about:

• the children who don't understand unconditional love
• they've never prayed, and don't understand what it means to be prayed for
• who don't cry when they are hurt, because they know it will do no good
• orphans who have never known what is it like to have something of their very own
• these children who have lived in orphanages their whole lives - they've never heard silence, they've never been alone, they don't know with it is like to make choices
• they think that all homes are made up of caregivers and many children
• these kids have never seen food cooked - in a kitchen
• Anya and the other children in her group wash their own clothes - she is 6! Every night, she washed out her socks, underwear and clothing. She's done this for years!
• Anya wondering why Mama and Papa aren't coming for her. What does she think when she is told she will go home with us one day?
• What about the other children who are starved for attention? The ones with a physical disability - that will never be adopted...who are becoming merely a shell of a person.

My heart also breaks for the families we are waiting with. Over the years, we've all become pretty close. When something happens to one of us - it feels like it is happening to all of us. In the past few weeks, we've experienced the loss of a child to a Russian family, the possibility of cancer, surgeries, financial loss, job loss, battle of hardening hearts, overwhelming anxiety, questioning our decisions.

We are all Christian women.

Do I think this is a spiritual battle? YES! Do I think that it is going to get worse? ABSOLUTELY!

The last 5% of anything is the hardest. For years I've been saying that I am OK with that...but is this the lat 5%? I still don't know - but I do know as for me and my friends - we're being attacked. I feel like each one of us - some in subtle ways, others are fighting bigger things - are all being attacked.

Is it a coincidence that this is happening at the same time that our friends are in Irkutsk preparing for court?

...I don't believe in coincidence

Now is the time to pray. Now is the time to allow our hearts to break for our precious children. Now is the time to stand up and not allow the enemy to get control! Our children are too important!