Share The Well

I have a friend who is, well, pretty amazing.  She and her husband are the kinds of people you don't believe really exist.  Honestly, before I got to know them well - I thought much of what I heard about them was hype.  Now, don't get me wrong...before I got to know them, I knew they were nice people.  I knew they deeply cared about the cause of Christ, but I really thought they were just nice people.

Truth is - they are the real deal.  They are the kind of Christ-followers most of us would like to be.  They walk the walk, and talk the talk.  But at the same time they are real. 

A few years ago when we were in the heat of the adoption process, I got the kindest post on this blog.  It was from Michelle.  The note came during one of those times when I really thought we were the only people in the world praying for Anya and the adoption.  Her kind words helped crush the reality I was convincing myself existed.  The reality that everyone thought we (I) were crazy for pressing on. The reality that no one supported us in the decision to adopt.  I needed Michelle's note.  It gave me strength.  It reminded me that God WAS on our side. That those naysayers were just that...naysayers. It helped me get used to the idea that not everyone was going to love our plans for being a family, but it didn't matter.

Anyway - I digress...from that one little note on my blog, Michelle and I became friends. What I love the most about her is that she knows me...and likes me anyway. She actually appreciates my overly-obsessed ways with fashion and shopping.

Michelle (and her husband, Rob) have a huge heart for reaching the darkest places on earth with the light of Jesus. She has gone places (alone!) that I wouldn't even consider going. She is showing her kids what the love of Jesus looks like...everyday.  It is pretty cool.

Rob and Michelle have been doing an incredible work in India. They are making a difference, but they want to make more than just a difference...they want to help make a change in the lives of the people of India.

Through several trips to India (and by several I mean a LOT OF TRIPS), Rob and Michelle have collected stories about the Indian people. Stories of hope.  Stories of how God can change a life, a family, a community. They have turned these stories into a book called Share the Well.

I would like to encourage you to get this book.  It will be the best $20 you've ever spent. Not only will your heart be touched by the pictures and words on the pages of this book, but the $20 you spend will help to continue to make a change.  These words are from the Share The Well website:

When you purchase this book you are a part of serving the poorest of the poor, you are stepping into a small role in the movement. This is not just another purchase, but a socially transformative contribution to a movement that is bringing health, life, and freedom to the oppressed. You are Sharing the Well with others as we Share the Well with you.

anoter happening...the Wokurka family!

About the same time we were in Chicago (a few days prior) our friends in SC (the Wokurka family) got home from Irkutsk with their son, SV.  We are so excited for them!  Thanks to all of you for remembering them during their time in Irkutsk, and lifting them in prayer. 

I wish we could have met them at the airport - but getting to the Carolinas just wasn't possible.  BUMMER! 

This photo I borrowed from Lisa's Facebook page.  It was taken at the airport as they entered the US and were reunited with their other 2 boys.  And may I just comment on one thing - do you remember how haggard and almost ogre like I looked when I got off the plane in South Bend when we returned from Russia?  Look at Lisa!  Seriously people, she looks like she has been on a 30 day spa retreat!  ...although I know she was NOT!  ...but she looks amazing! (a little jealous!)

Congratulations to the Wokurka family!  We love ya, and are so happy for your Christmas miracle!

Christmas - part 1, the Chicago edition

I have NOT been good about updating this blog.  I get all these great ideas for Blog posts, and then forget.

So I thought I would just sit down tonight and remember all that has been great about this holiday season - anyone want to take bets on how much of this "writing" I actually get done?

Our holiday celebration started the weekend before Christmas when we went to meet our friends, The Ninmann's.  They are from Wisconsin so it was nice to meet them kinda in the middle.  I can't tell you how much this family has come to mean to us.  Every time we get together I find myself wishing that we lived closer together.

Their son Nathan (seen in this pic...he is the one with the bunny ears) is also from Irkutsk.  Our kids all love each other, and play together so well.  Anya just adores these boys.

We had a great time in Chicago...ate WAY too much.  We walked Michigan Ave., went to the museum, of course hit the Shops at North Bridge and 900 N Michigan (because really, it wouldn't be a trip into the city without a stop at both of these places).  I will say, however, now my stops at these addresses is a bit different than in the past.  In my BA (before Anya) life, North Bridge meant that I would spend some time at Nordstrom visiting with the personal shoppers there.  Getting caught up on the latest in the shoe department, and maybe stopping in to see some familiar faces in the cosmetic department. This trip...I only went into Nodies to use the ladies room!


Debbie hurt her leg before they got on the train into the city...and Marty and I were fighting colds.  So it was an interesting trip for the adults!  ...but the kids had a great time, so that is what matters!

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 :)

Let me interrupt our regular programming...

Every now and again, I use this blog to talk about things other than Anya and what is going on with her. Now is one of those times.

I have several friends that I hold close. By several, I mean I can count them on one hand. These friends I would do anything for. They've prayed for me, and have been my strength in ways they don't even know about. Now, I get to payback that favor for one of my precious friends.


A few years ago, my beautiful sweet friend, Kim got married. Actually - she got married in our front room! Our staircase was her aisle, and our backyard and deck served as a reception hall.

Kim married Bart. Bart is a good man. A strong Christ-follower, loves his family; holds Kim on a pedestal - which in my opinion, is right where she should be! When Bart and Kim first got married, I was bummed because that meant that my friend was moving. Kim's moving has become a real blessing in disguise. We still see each other every few months. Kim lives fairly close to another one of my friends whom I hold close. It has been great to visit both of them and be able to spend time with both of my friends at the same time!



Kim and Bart's marriage blends 2 families to form one with a lot of kids! Correction, a family with a LOT of daughters! One of Bart's girls has cancer. I talked about it several times before (in 2008) here on this blog.

A few days ago, we found out that this precious little girl is fighting cancer again. She is 10 years old, and is facing another fight of her life. I don't know what to say, other than to ask you to please pray. Pray for her, unceasingly.

Thank you.

________________________
If this sounds familiar, and you are a regular reader of this blog...it is because a year ago (almost exactly) I was asking you to pray for another daughter of a friend. I don't want to make this an annual thing...I hope this is the last time I am on my knees with this kind of a prayer.

care package will make my day!

Before I launch into this post, NO, you can't have my friends! They're MINE!

Yesterday, Tami and Steve came to see us. Steve is headed out of town, and won't be back until after we're gone (well, we'd BETTER be gone when he returns to Irkutsk!). They brought a package with them that was delivered to their home for us. It was from Debbie, Brian, JJ and Nathan.

Oh my - did this gift come at the right time! I was right in the middle of getting a bad attitude abut still being here without any hope on the horizon of leaving. This care page was what I needed. It was filled with so many goodies - lots of books for Anya, candy, magazines for me - Marty, nail polish and remover, Jello, Air Heads and Starburst (2 of my all time favorite candies - sorry Anya, those are for Mommy!).

I think the best part of this was being able to go on Facebook, and show Anya JJ and Nathan's photos. I told her that the gift from from her friends JJ and Nathan. She asked "in America"? I said "of course!". We looked through all the photos Debbie has on her facebook page of the boys, and Anya's face went from quizzical to all smiles to a look of 'ya, those boys are MY friends'.

On top of that, knowing that someone back home is thinking about you, loves you enough to do something as thoughtful as this...well, it's a big deal and we are truly blessed (time and time again) by the Ninmanns.

LOVE YOU GUYS! Can't wait til we get home!

Here are some pics of the goods:

what is school like?

I was reading my friend's blog this morning. She is an ex-pat, living in Russia as a teacher at an American school.

She recently adopted a wee-one about Anya's same age. We've had a good time sharing stores about first-time motherhood at 40. She is one of those people I am sure I would shoe shop with if she lived closer.

Today, she posted an interesting note about the schools in Russia. Take a minute and read this - I would love to hear your thoughts.

http://from-russia.blogspot.com/2010/03/russian-school.html

old friends, common misery

I got an email this morning from someone I came to be friends with along this adoption road.

When the world blew up in 2005, following the tragic murder of Nina Hilt, there were several families caught in the cross hairs. We were all with the same agency - searching for answers (not getting any), and genuinely feeling completely helpless. I became friends with a group of Moms - we all were fighting together. Through the years, their families have grown through the miracle of adoption (from other parts of Russia).

Some day I will post about all that happened during that time - about the heartache, the lies, the deception - the true colors of the money side of adoption. The words "convicted of adoption crimes" surfaced a lot during those years.

But that is for another day.

These girls will always hold a special place in my heart. We had plans to meet in some city for a girls spa weekend - we also talking about getting together in Chicago and going to the American Girl store with our daughters (although, one of us has boys!).

This journey has been horrible. Don't get me wrong. But I am grateful for the friendships...old and new!

I think about the day we got the news that we would be getting a court date. Some of these friends I've made over the years are the people I wanted to call first. They get it - they understand the tangle of emotions that comes with that news.

Today - I just wanted to say to all of you gals, I am grateful for YOU.

prayers for friends

...and by friends, I don't mean family members.

There are other families who are on this roller coaster on trying to get a court date in Irkutsk. One of these families has run into a situation with 2 documents. The last documents they need to submit to the court in Russia. Of course, what the court has asked for, doesn't exist...so it requires the moving of mountains to get a (U.S.) government agency to help.

Please pray for this family and these last 2 documents. They need the grace and understanding (basically) of one person to get it done.

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:

the outcome of Perspective and an update

I thought I would update you on a few of the things mentioned in the Perspective post. So many of you have been praying...I want you to know that your prayers are working!

• My friend who found herself as the caregiver for her father. Well - a miracle has happened. Nursing homes that generally have a wait list of 10-12 months suddenly had an immediate opening. Her father had to qualify in several areas in order for her to be able to afford care like this - and he qualified in every category. PRAYERS ANSWERED!
• My friend with the teenage daughter with cancer. Yesterday, I was very worried about her. Her blood counts were not good...not good at all. I prayed over this all last night and today. For some reason, I was praying for her number to be 675 (which is funny, because I don't even understand anything about blood counts etc.). Well, today, her counts increased SEVERAL hundred, and were 675! Now, if they can get her fever down, and keep it down for 48 hours, she can go home! PRAYERS ANSWERED!
• My friend with the bum knee is back to her normal self...running and kind of jumping :) PRAYERS ANSWERED!
• My fashioney-friend who was having health issues has found the root of her problems. PRAYERS ANSWERED!

There are so many other prayers that have been answered recently. A friend who is adopting in Russia has a court date on September 10th. I am SO happy for her, and can't wait for the end of her journey.

We got some news about the adoption this week. Things are moving - not fast, but they are moving. The Judge has done enough wrong that is documented now that we have a strong case to be able to appeal and complain to the Russian Supreme Court. I don't know if we will have to do that - but am glad we have whatever we need to be able to do that.

We got a note today telling us that indeed, Anya has been moved to the new orphanage...the new place is in Shelechov (the same town). It was strongly suggested that we come for a visit to meet the new director.

The thing with Russian adoption is that there are basically 2 people who determine your fate. The director of the orphanage, and the prosecutor. Funny, huh? The director can make your life miserable, shop your child out to Russian families who are looking to foster a child (i.e. get government money)...or, the director can love you, and see that you and your child are a perfect family. Luckily - the later has been our experience. I don't know this new director, and it is freaking me out. If God knows that I need to go...then I am confident that He will make a way for me to go.

So that's all I know for now. I am trying to not be consumed by what is happening in Russia that I can not control or influence.

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.

Prayers Please

Hello All,

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.

Christmas shouldn't be like this...

Do you ever feel like you should DO something...but there is nothing to do.

Ever feel like you need to rally the troops, gather the prayer warriors, put people into action...but for what?

It is with a heavy heart that we welcome this Christmas morning. Last night, our dear friends, the Orts, lost their daughter in a horrible car accident. Gene Ort is one of Marty's closest friends. I am tellin' ya, Gene and Marty are twins (which, if you know Marty - that is a VERY scary thing...yes, there might be 2 of them out there!!).

We went to church last night, and Mary (Gene's wife) called to tell us just there was an accident, and Rachel was bad...they were at the hospital. She asked us to pray. We did...right there, in the middle of the atrium at church. We told everyone we saw, sent text messages, Twitter notes - I know there were literally dozens of people praying for Rachel.

We prayed and talked about Rachel all the way home. Hoping that the news would be something like a broken leg. At 10:30 last night, we got the news that Rachel had died. The news story is HERE.

Rachel Leazenby was 27. She was a beautiful, faith filled woman of God. When you were around her, you just felt happy...she had an infectious smile. I can remember scanning the room at church, looking for the Orts - and I would almost ALWAYS see Rachel first.

This Christmas day, we're praying for the Ort family, and for Rachel's husband and his family. We're searching for answers, for words of wisdom...for something we can DO to help them in this time of immeasurable pain. I can not imagine.

I can only cry with them and hold them in my prayers.

Barbie goes on a Mission Trip

One of my friends has 3 (as she says) very spirited girls. They are stinkin' adorable. I love the stories I've heard about the girls, about the funny things they do - the amazing things they do - and the things they do when they are just being kids. This is my friend who told me one of her girls was "playing Mrs. Kathy" one day. Hummmm, made me wonder how a little girl would 'play' me!

I stopped by this friends house yesterday, and her girls had prepared a gift for the girls in Anya's group. They picked out several very special Barbies to send with me. These chosen few have had their hair fixed (some even got a special hair cut), and have special outfits picked out for this mission.

These Barbie dolls will surely bring a lot of happiness to the girls in Anya's group. These Barbie dolls are being sent on a very special mission trip - they have a job to do - to let a few girls on the other side of the world know that 3 girls in Granger, Indiana were thinking about them this Christmas, and that these Barbies mean 3 very spirited little girls will pray for them.

Who knows what kind of an impact a seemingly small gift like this will make in the lives of the girls in Irkutsk.

I am glad to have friends with thoughtful children. I hope Anya will want to be like her 'very spirited' friends. I pray that she will think of others, and be surrounded by friends who love Jesus. I hope one day she will go through her Barbie collection, and package up some dolls to send to orphan girls on the other side of the world...just to let them know someone is thinking about them, and will pray for them.

carbon monoxide

I want to share an email I got a while back from my friend Sarah. You might have heard about the tragedy she describes here on the news...I think I heard it on the Today Show - little did I know that happened to my friend's family.

Then just a week or so ago, it almost happened to my family - to my brother. He had a carbon monoxide leak in his apartment. He hadn't been feeling well, and wanted to sleep all the time when he was home (and for those of you who know my brother - that isn't TOO abnormal!). The detector went off, the fire engines showed up, he was evacuated from his apartment, and relocated (with his cat!).

Our family story ended as just that...a story. Sarah's story doesn't end as well. Please read the following and protect your family - do it today! And remember this family in your prayers. This Christmas will be especially hard for them.

Dear Friends,

As some of you already know, our family suffered an immeasurable loss over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The reason I am sharing this with you is because it was preventable.

My dear friend Parker Lofgren who I've known since high school, (we skied together and went to each others Junior Proms), became part of my family when his dad married my cousin Mary. Parker, his wife Caroline and their two children Owen (10) and Sophie (8) died from massive Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at a vacation home that they were staying at in Aspen over Thanksgiving. The authorities believe the poisoning came from a malfunction of the gas water heater and snow melt system. There were not any carbon monoxide detectors in the home, so there was no warning.

Please, if you have any gas appliances (water heater, furnace, oven) or combustible (fireplace, oil furnace) units in your home, make sure you have a
carbon monoxide detector for each floor of your home. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas so a detector is the only way to alert yourself.

There are no words to describe our family's loss. Sharing with you the importance of carbon monoxide detectors and the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning seems like the only thing I can do. I have attached an article with more information on Parker and his family as well as the facts about carbon monoxide poisoning for you. If you can not "click" on the links below, copy and paste them into your browser.

http://www.momlogic.com/2008/12/family_dies_of_carbon_monoxide.php

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_11103516

Unbelievable Week

This week has been truly unreal. So much has gone on that my head is spinning. I just want to share one highlight.


I know I have mentioned it before - but I have amazing friends. Early in the week, I stopped by a friend's house to drop something off (and to get her honest opinion on my scarves - she is quite the crafty one). The plan was that I was going to borrow her Flip video camera for the trip to Russia. She was showing me how to use this little camera (which, by the way is BRAND new, and PERFECT for me!) when she says "you can just keep it". WHAT? Are you kidding me? What a blessing!!









Then tonight, I noticed a box in the corner of my office. I am sure it arrived sometime this week - not sure when. It was from one of those amazing people I've met on this adoption journey. I opened the box, and it was stuffed full of all kinds of things I can give as gifts in Irkutsk. For those of you who have traveled internationally to adopt, you probably can agree that the gifts are one of the BIG expenses...and every time we visit, it means another round of gifts - for everyone. Along with the gifts was an envelope with money. This is when I started crying. Her sons Sunday school class.


Unbelievable. God has blessed me in many many ways - and has truly blessed me with the love, generosity and friendship of these 2 ladies.

Forgot Camera...AGAIN!

Last weekend, we went to Wisconsin to visit our friends, Kim and Bart - and to meet Debbie and Brian. Who are Debbie and Brian you ask? They are one of the couples we've been on this adoption trek with.

Over the years, I've made a lot of 'virtual' friends. I've never been able to meet any of them, until now! It is SO NICE to meet someone you feel like you know so well! No one can really know what we're going through...no one other than the handful of families who are in our shoes.

Marty and Brian spent the afternoon looking at antique cars...a family collection! Marty was VERY impressed!

Debbie and I spent the afternoon going through her closet, trying on clothes - good old fashion 'girl stuff'.

So - thanks to Debbie and Brian for your hospitality! We had such a good time meeting you - and hope that was the first of many get-togethers!

...and on the way home, I realized that I forgot to take any pictures! UGH!