Saturday, January 03, 2009
IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING
I am in Russia, therefore I do as the Russians do – I went to the market, and didn’t unbutton my coat and remove my hat. I did my shopping, came home – and yes, was sweating to death – as if I had been in a sauna wearing long underwear and a fur coat – oh wait, I was!
today's fashion
I finally got Anya out of those brown and blue polka dot pants today...and into a cute pink velour track suit thing. Of course, it was way too short on her, but who cares when you're wearing ruffle socks?
Yes, this is Anya's new winter coat - sassy, huh?MY HEART IS BROKEN
The last 15 minutes of my visits is always the hardest for me. That is when I have “the conversation” with Anya, and tell her that I am not coming back the next day. Each visit, she take this news differently. This time, she got very quiet, and said she didn’t understand. So – between me and the interpreter – we tried several ways to tell her I was going home on an airplane – and I would come back again…and when I came back, I would bring Papa with me.
I know this is harder on me than it is on her. Although she is older now, and does understand more and more about what is going on…she still really doesn’t understand. Her life remains the same – her world isn’t changed, when I leave, everything goes back to a norm that she is comfortable with – happy with. And, that is OK for now.
When I leave, it means that I fret everyday wondering how she is, if a Russian family is interested in her, what the status is of our documents and why everything is taking so long. I spend emotional, physical and financial energy into doing everything I can to have my ducks in a row, our documents perfect and our life ready. …and at the end of the day, I am exha
usted, and I question if I can do it – all of it, any of it. And just when I think I’ve done everything I can, given all that we have…something else is required – and it starts all over again.
My heart breaks for Anya – I know what she has missed (and is missing). I know the plans we have for her. I know how scared she is going to be when everything falls into place. I know how much we love her, and how hard we have fought for her. …and it hurts.
I know this is harder on me than it is on her. Although she is older now, and does understand more and more about what is going on…she still really doesn’t understand. Her life remains the same – her world isn’t changed, when I leave, everything goes back to a norm that she is comfortable with – happy with. And, that is OK for now.
When I leave, it means that I fret everyday wondering how she is, if a Russian family is interested in her, what the status is of our documents and why everything is taking so long. I spend emotional, physical and financial energy into doing everything I can to have my ducks in a row, our documents perfect and our life ready. …and at the end of the day, I am exha
usted, and I question if I can do it – all of it, any of it. And just when I think I’ve done everything I can, given all that we have…something else is required – and it starts all over again.My heart breaks for Anya – I know what she has missed (and is missing). I know the plans we have for her. I know how scared she is going to be when everything falls into place. I know how much we love her, and how hard we have fought for her. …and it hurts.
The big party - it was a hit!
Well, we pulled it off. The Jackson’s met me this afternoon to help me get the remaining things I needed for the party. THANK YOU TAMI AND STEVE! I could not have done it without you.
The children were so excited. The party started with a cookie on a stick (kind of looked like a popsicle, but it was a cookie dipped in icing) and a juice box. After the snack, we had an activity – we painted t-shirts. The caregivers were very confused about this paint and the tees. How did it work, can the paint be used for other things, how long does it take to dry, can it be washed. The kids had great fun. The painted everything from boats to houses to flowers and
even a bunny.
Then Anya got to play Santa Clause…or Father Christmas. Each child got a coloring book, set of markers (crayons are not easily found in Irkutsk), a journal (they are all learning to write), a page of stickers and candy. The boys got a ball and a car (or a boat) that is like a llego thing, and the girls got Barbie dolls, and a little purse filled with hair bows. Anya then made a snap together rubber bracelet for each of the children. She chose a character (lion, tiger, monkey, butterfly) for each child to decorate the rubber bracelet.
The children all yelled “Spaseeba!” over and over again (that is Thank You).
Unfortunately, I was unable to get photos of all of the children at the party – something about taking pictures of other kids being illegal – so as to not upset Russian Law, the party photos are all of Anya.
Anya then presented each of the caregivers with a gift. They received a small perfume, cosmetic bag (small and large), and a shoe bag.
The head caregiver gave me a gift for the girls who sent the Barbie dolls (thanks Wegner girls). She is sending little Russian dolls and Russian candy.
She was very touched by this – and by the fact my friends and family would care for all of the children, and give them a party and gifts. She was visibly moved, and asked over and over again ‘who are these gifts from?’ and I would say “from my friends, their children and my family”.
I always gift gifts to the orphanage’s doctor, director and social worker. This time, I decided to also include the 2 security guards (kind of a last minute thing). I couldn’t find either one of them as I was leaving…but ran into my favorite security man on my way to the car. He reminds me of Nick Ambrose (probably why I like him so much). We told him there was a gift for him in the doctor’s office, and you should have seen the look on his face. He said “a gift for me? But why?” I said, “no reason, I just wanted to give you a gift”. He got tears in his eyes, grabbed my hand and kissed my cheek. So sweet!
I also got our driver a gift. Nice kid…23 years old! Very good driver. At the last minute, I decided to add a $20 to his gift. As I was getting out of the car tonight, I gave him the gift, and said “this is a thank you gift”, he said “oh, thank you so much, my baby will be born in 3 weeks – this is very nice, thank you”. Who knew?
Sometimes God moves you to do things, and you don’t know why. I have felt prompted several times on this trip to do something or give something that is outside of what I would normally do. It seems that God knows the whole picture and what that small token from me would mean to someone else.
The children were so excited. The party started with a cookie on a stick (kind of looked like a popsicle, but it was a cookie dipped in icing) and a juice box. After the snack, we had an activity – we painted t-shirts. The caregivers were very confused about this paint and the tees. How did it work, can the paint be used for other things, how long does it take to dry, can it be washed. The kids had great fun. The painted everything from boats to houses to flowers and
even a bunny.Then Anya got to play Santa Clause…or Father Christmas. Each child got a coloring book, set of markers (crayons are not easily found in Irkutsk), a journal (they are all learning to write), a page of stickers and candy. The boys got a ball and a car (or a boat) that is like a llego thing, and the girls got Barbie dolls, and a little purse filled with hair bows. Anya then made a snap together rubber bracelet for each of the children. She chose a character (lion, tiger, monkey, butterfly) for each child to decorate the rubber bracelet.
The children all yelled “Spaseeba!” over and over again (that is Thank You).
Unfortunately, I was unable to get photos of all of the children at the party – something about taking pictures of other kids being illegal – so as to not upset Russian Law, the party photos are all of Anya.
Anya then presented each of the caregivers with a gift. They received a small perfume, cosmetic bag (small and large), and a shoe bag.
The head caregiver gave me a gift for the girls who sent the Barbie dolls (thanks Wegner girls). She is sending little Russian dolls and Russian candy.
She was very touched by this – and by the fact my friends and family would care for all of the children, and give them a party and gifts. She was visibly moved, and asked over and over again ‘who are these gifts from?’ and I would say “from my friends, their children and my family”.
I always gift gifts to the orphanage’s doctor, director and social worker. This time, I decided to also include the 2 security guards (kind of a last minute thing). I couldn’t find either one of them as I was leaving…but ran into my favorite security man on my way to the car. He reminds me of Nick Ambrose (probably why I like him so much). We told him there was a gift for him in the doctor’s office, and you should have seen the look on his face. He said “a gift for me? But why?” I said, “no reason, I just wanted to give you a gift”. He got tears in his eyes, grabbed my hand and kissed my cheek. So sweet!
I also got our driver a gift. Nice kid…23 years old! Very good driver. At the last minute, I decided to add a $20 to his gift. As I was getting out of the car tonight, I gave him the gift, and said “this is a thank you gift”, he said “oh, thank you so much, my baby will be born in 3 weeks – this is very nice, thank you”. Who knew?
Sometimes God moves you to do things, and you don’t know why. I have felt prompted several times on this trip to do something or give something that is outside of what I would normally do. It seems that God knows the whole picture and what that small token from me would mean to someone else.
planning on visiting Irkutsk?
TO FRIENDS TRAVELING HERE
Helpful tips
- Wear fur – as long as you can stand it. It is really cold outside, I have a fake full length one you are welcome to borrow, I can ship it out next week if you need it.
Don’t forget washcloths, for some reason they don’t use them here (and I’ve lft at least a dozen over the years, have no idea where they went) - Lotion – the most moisturizing you can find. It is VERY dry here, my hair feels like straw, and I am using the mega night cream all day, 2x a day PLUS at night.
- Those little travel size things of deodorant, contact solution etc., they last about a week (this is more to remind me)
- Anything you can’t replace here (i.e. glasses etc.) carry on. There are several things that are missing from my luggage (kids toys/games, and one thing of Peanut Butter – ODD)
- Laptop – if you’re not bringing one, I HIGHLY suggest getting one, not only can you get online from wherever you are, but you will be able to off load the photos from your camera, watch DVDs etc. I took my laptop to see Anya one day – and it was a GREAT source of entertainment (looking at the movies and photos of herself).
Friday, January 02, 2009
The Big Party
Well, we've spoken to all the caregivers, gotten permission from the head caregiver, and the pans are in motion for the big party tomorrow. It kind-of (ok, it A LOT) stinks that everything is closed. I couldn't do any party supply shopping Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - which is when I had planned to get it done. I thought I would scope out a few places, get some ideas etc. Now, I am only going to have time to grab and go.
So far, I have the food and activities done. Got cakes (the are individual on a popsicle stick), juice boxes for everyone (huge hit from Anya), candy (hard candy and chocolate), and t-shirts.
I will need to get 12 coloring books, crayons, balls for the boys - any anything else I see that the kids would like.
My intreperter doesn't seem too excited to help me get this stuff, so I might need to call in back up. I will only have about 2 hours to get it done tomorrow...and if things are closed, I am going to have a problem.
There is a huge market here - I wonder if they have toys there. The markets seems to be open.
Also need to get a few gifts for men...3 men, and I am at a loss - any ideas? One is the security guard at the orphanage - he is so nice, always says "hello Katherine!". The other 2 are for younger men.
So far, I have the food and activities done. Got cakes (the are individual on a popsicle stick), juice boxes for everyone (huge hit from Anya), candy (hard candy and chocolate), and t-shirts.
I will need to get 12 coloring books, crayons, balls for the boys - any anything else I see that the kids would like.
My intreperter doesn't seem too excited to help me get this stuff, so I might need to call in back up. I will only have about 2 hours to get it done tomorrow...and if things are closed, I am going to have a problem.
There is a huge market here - I wonder if they have toys there. The markets seems to be open.
Also need to get a few gifts for men...3 men, and I am at a loss - any ideas? One is the security guard at the orphanage - he is so nice, always says "hello Katherine!". The other 2 are for younger men.
The afternoon visit was much different. I am starting to think she doesn’t like our interpreter – Anya acts much different when Julia is around. Much quieter. With me, I feel like she is being the ‘real’ Anya. Maybe it is a language thing – who knows.
Notice the pretty red bows in her hair. Thank you Mrs. Amy! Anya loves them. I got her a blue and white polka dot bow, and a pink one. Anya decided she wanted to wear ALL the bows in her hair...so that is why she is wearing quite the assortment. A little Punky Brewster - but cute none the less.
We colored the entire time this afternoon. I also brought an apple for her as a snack. We spent a little time talking about the big party tomorrow. I am asking Anya to help me plan it so she feels a part of the event. She said the boys would like balls…so I will try to find 9 balls tomorrow.
Everything is still closed here. Amazingly enough – at about 3pm, things started to open. No one can tell me when anything will be open again – seriously, does NO ONE know when the mall will be open again? If anyone is reading this, and if you know – can you please tell me? I think it would be best if I went to the yellow mall rather than going downtown…just for time’s sake and the ease of finding things. Although, I would REALLY like to go downtown and visit my 2 favorite shoe places. There is this one shoe mall I went to years ago. I’ve been looking for it now for 2 years…we drove by it the other day! It is on th
e same street as the big mall/market downtown, close to Mapata street (as if you know where that is!).
We colored the entire time this afternoon. I also brought an apple for her as a snack. We spent a little time talking about the big party tomorrow. I am asking Anya to help me plan it so she feels a part of the event. She said the boys would like balls…so I will try to find 9 balls tomorrow.
Everything is still closed here. Amazingly enough – at about 3pm, things started to open. No one can tell me when anything will be open again – seriously, does NO ONE know when the mall will be open again? If anyone is reading this, and if you know – can you please tell me? I think it would be best if I went to the yellow mall rather than going downtown…just for time’s sake and the ease of finding things. Although, I would REALLY like to go downtown and visit my 2 favorite shoe places. There is this one shoe mall I went to years ago. I’ve been looking for it now for 2 years…we drove by it the other day! It is on th
e same street as the big mall/market downtown, close to Mapata street (as if you know where that is!).I am including a photo of me and Anya – both standing with no shoes on. Seriously, she is as tall as a 9 year old!
Friday morning
Today, I got to the orphanage an hour late. Andre, my driver, wasn’t able to pick me up until 9:30. When I finally got to the orphanage, Anya was in a class. The caregivers that were with her group weren’t the most helpful bunch (new ones, I don’t know them) – but we found her.
It seems every trip, there is one day that Anya is very clingy, very quiet, very close. This morning was that day. It took her an hour and 45 minutes to say a word. The whole time, she sat on my lap, curled up in a little ball – almost asleep.
Julia (interpreter) was trying to help me figure out what was wrong. She felt a little warm, so maybe she didn’t feel well. A few times, she opened her eyes, and looked at me with such a sad look in her eyes. Borderline tears.
I tried to put her down, let her lay on the sofa…she was like a rag doll, wouldn’t stand on her own, hold her arm up – nothing. She just wanted me to hold her. I really think she wasn’t feeling well.
I wonder what goes on in that pretty little head. What she must think about all of this, what does she wonder about. What does she understand, more importantly – what doesn’t she understand, and what has she filled in the gaps with.
It seems every trip, there is one day that Anya is very clingy, very quiet, very close. This morning was that day. It took her an hour and 45 minutes to say a word. The whole time, she sat on my lap, curled up in a little ball – almost asleep.
Julia (interpreter) was trying to help me figure out what was wrong. She felt a little warm, so maybe she didn’t feel well. A few times, she opened her eyes, and looked at me with such a sad look in her eyes. Borderline tears.
I tried to put her down, let her lay on the sofa…she was like a rag doll, wouldn’t stand on her own, hold her arm up – nothing. She just wanted me to hold her. I really think she wasn’t feeling well.
I wonder what goes on in that pretty little head. What she must think about all of this, what does she wonder about. What does she understand, more importantly – what doesn’t she understand, and what has she filled in the gaps with.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Thursday with the Jackson family
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Jackson family yesterday. They are from Illinois – and have been living here in Irkutsk for 8 years. They have 3 beautiful children (who I just wanted to scoop up!), and a great home near the airport. The kids are 12, 9 and 4 (I hope I have remembered that right).
I am horrible with remembering names (Tami, if this is was off base, let me know):
Ashley – the 12 year old, is a very grown up, smart little girl. Loves horses.
Andrew – 9 year old – pretty sure he is going to be an engineer
Melissa – 4 year old, loves Disney princesses, singing. Adorable! (Michelle - Belle and Melissa would have so much fun playing together!)
Steve and came to pick me up around 11 yesterday morning. They took me to their home, where Tami and the girls met me at the door. Ya know, I don’t know what it is about seeing a friendly smile and hearing English – but it was just what I needed!
The kids eagerly showed me their home and things they got for Christmas. We had lunch, then Tami and I talked for hours! She is so sweet! I wish all of you could meet her – to those in my Panera Bible Study – you’d LOVE her! It was great to ruminate about all the distinctively Russian things that we Americans don’t get. Things like:
I am horrible with remembering names (Tami, if this is was off base, let me know):
Ashley – the 12 year old, is a very grown up, smart little girl. Loves horses.
Andrew – 9 year old – pretty sure he is going to be an engineer
Melissa – 4 year old, loves Disney princesses, singing. Adorable! (Michelle - Belle and Melissa would have so much fun playing together!)
Steve and came to pick me up around 11 yesterday morning. They took me to their home, where Tami and the girls met me at the door. Ya know, I don’t know what it is about seeing a friendly smile and hearing English – but it was just what I needed!
The kids eagerly showed me their home and things they got for Christmas. We had lunch, then Tami and I talked for hours! She is so sweet! I wish all of you could meet her – to those in my Panera Bible Study – you’d LOVE her! It was great to ruminate about all the distinctively Russian things that we Americans don’t get. Things like:
- Needing the exact change to purchase something
- The notion of what ‘matches’ in outfits here
- How Russian people eat
- The things that is the norm for children
- What we think are crazy medical cures
- The Russian need for fresh air – especially for kids – regardless of the temperature (did you know that it isn’t uncommon for babies to be set out on porches to take naps? Bundled up in a million blankets – but outside nonetheless.)
I am glad to know that the things that have always made me raise an eyebrow and say ‘huh?’ are things all Americans question.
And I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of them! I had my camera, and just forgot.
To other PAPs – the Jackson family would love to meet all of you, and help you in any way they can when you are here. They have graciously offered to open their home if you need a place to stay – or offer any assistance you might need. They are truly the nicest most welcoming people ever! They helped me exchange some money (kind of traded Steve American dollars for rubles), and Steve gave me a longer phone cord (don’t know if I mentioned, but the phone cord is about 1ft. long – and the phone jack is by the front door in the boot room of the apartment. So, to be online I have been sitting on the floor- the longer cord is super helpful – now I can sit in a chair and be online – yahooey!).
Heading to see Anya this a.m., and then hopefully go downtown to get some shopping done for the party. I hope Julia will be able to go with me and help – if for no other reason, than to help me carry stuff – that would be awesome! I don’t think I am going to be able to do the party today – I will need a little time to prepare everything – so tomorrow. Going to have Julia get all the permissions today for that.
To other PAPs – the Jackson family would love to meet all of you, and help you in any way they can when you are here. They have graciously offered to open their home if you need a place to stay – or offer any assistance you might need. They are truly the nicest most welcoming people ever! They helped me exchange some money (kind of traded Steve American dollars for rubles), and Steve gave me a longer phone cord (don’t know if I mentioned, but the phone cord is about 1ft. long – and the phone jack is by the front door in the boot room of the apartment. So, to be online I have been sitting on the floor- the longer cord is super helpful – now I can sit in a chair and be online – yahooey!).
Heading to see Anya this a.m., and then hopefully go downtown to get some shopping done for the party. I hope Julia will be able to go with me and help – if for no other reason, than to help me carry stuff – that would be awesome! I don’t think I am going to be able to do the party today – I will need a little time to prepare everything – so tomorrow. Going to have Julia get all the permissions today for that.
I'm working on about hour 5 of my 100 minute prepaid internet access card. Don't you love the small blessings in life?
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Anya
It bothers me the things Anya is allowed to do – which is stupid. She is a smart, responsible little girl. It bothers me that she is allowed to run hither and yon throughout the orphanage. She is allowed to unlock doors at will, she is allowed to turn on and off, plug in and unplug TVs etc. Maybe this all b others me because I have not been the one to set those boundaries with her. I did tell her that she should never touch the plugs – it will hurt her hand (well, I think that is what I told her). I don’t know if she understood me. It also bothers me when she does something wrong, and I get stern and say ‘no, that is not OK’ – she laughs. But – through the giggles, she does stop whatever she was doing I didn’t think was OK.
I should be clear – Anya’s idea of not behaving is standing on the sofa with her shoes on…or jumping on a chair (ya I know, she is a real rebel!) – Basically, her ‘misbehaving’ is more my over-protective mother ways trying to save her from herself.
I know I am going to be overprotective. I know I am going to be one of those Moms who wants to do it all for her little girl. I know I can’t…but I want to. I was never able to rock her to sleep as a baby, put a band aid on her knee when she fell as a toddler, babied her when she had chicken pox, calmed her fears when she went to the eye doctor or got shots. Part of me thinks I am due to baby her a bit. And I know I shouldn’t…I don’t want to be one of those Moms who turns her child into a demanding brat. I want to be one of those Moms who shows her child the right things to do, who thinks of others, who is courteous, who is thoughtful, who loved God, who loves her friends…and of course who respects and loves her mama and papa.
I should be clear – Anya’s idea of not behaving is standing on the sofa with her shoes on…or jumping on a chair (ya I know, she is a real rebel!) – Basically, her ‘misbehaving’ is more my over-protective mother ways trying to save her from herself.
I know I am going to be overprotective. I know I am going to be one of those Moms who wants to do it all for her little girl. I know I can’t…but I want to. I was never able to rock her to sleep as a baby, put a band aid on her knee when she fell as a toddler, babied her when she had chicken pox, calmed her fears when she went to the eye doctor or got shots. Part of me thinks I am due to baby her a bit. And I know I shouldn’t…I don’t want to be one of those Moms who turns her child into a demanding brat. I want to be one of those Moms who shows her child the right things to do, who thinks of others, who is courteous, who is thoughtful, who loved God, who loves her friends…and of course who respects and loves her mama and papa.
travel question
Why is it when you fly, you get bloated? Any scientific types out there have the answer?
seeing God's hand
It just occurred to me (maybe not ‘just’ – but I was reminded) about God’s hand in this trip. I think back to a few weeks ago – and how God provided amazing resources, energy and help to pull this trip together without much headache. I know it wasn't me...I don't have it in me to do what all needed to get done.
Quick note to Kelley – thanks for the pictures! I took a copy of them to Anya to have, and the caregivers were having a wonderful time looking at them. Anya folded them up (ouch, folded photo paper! Oh well, she’s 6!), and put them with her “special stuff”.
Quick note to Kelley – thanks for the pictures! I took a copy of them to Anya to have, and the caregivers were having a wonderful time looking at them. Anya folded them up (ouch, folded photo paper! Oh well, she’s 6!), and put them with her “special stuff”.
thoughts on my trip here...
So, what do you do when you are on a 10 hour flight to Moscow? First, you try to take a nap. After that, you look at the other passengers, and try to figure out what their stories are. Of course, there is the snacking, book reading, Sky Mall shopping…
And you’ve only got 8 hours to go.
Then you go through the podcasts and rebroadcasts you have on your IPod, listen to some tunes (trying not to sing TOO loud).
What is the deal with everyone sitting around me (ya, back to that one). The guy sitting nest to me, I would guess him to be about 25. Clearly Russian, looks like some kind of mod hit man (note to self: DO NOT make him mad or accidentally step on his foot while crawling over him to use the restroom).
Back to the IPod…and a little David Crowder – and air drumming with my ink pen and Vogue. Oh ya, did I mention that I might have accidentally been singing too – ya know how you can’t hear yourself singing when you have headphones on? Um, ya – I think I did – but I am looking at it this way – I was spreading the Word of God…I mean, it was David Crowder (and a little Hillsong).
And you’ve only got 8 hours to go.
Then you go through the podcasts and rebroadcasts you have on your IPod, listen to some tunes (trying not to sing TOO loud).
What is the deal with everyone sitting around me (ya, back to that one). The guy sitting nest to me, I would guess him to be about 25. Clearly Russian, looks like some kind of mod hit man (note to self: DO NOT make him mad or accidentally step on his foot while crawling over him to use the restroom).
Back to the IPod…and a little David Crowder – and air drumming with my ink pen and Vogue. Oh ya, did I mention that I might have accidentally been singing too – ya know how you can’t hear yourself singing when you have headphones on? Um, ya – I think I did – but I am looking at it this way – I was spreading the Word of God…I mean, it was David Crowder (and a little Hillsong).
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Party for the Kids
I think I am going to have the party for the kids at the orphanage on Friday afternoon. I try not to do anything grand for the kids at the beginning of my trip. I’ve learned if I do that, every day when I get there, I am mobbed – they think I am bringing them gifts or candy every day.
This will also give me some time tomorrow to purchase what I need for the party – and get “official” permission with my translator. I wanted to do this party thing yesterday (i.e. Wednesday) – but I was without interpreter – and I can’t imagine what it would take for me to try to get them to understand what I was asking. Ugh!
This will also give me some time tomorrow to purchase what I need for the party – and get “official” permission with my translator. I wanted to do this party thing yesterday (i.e. Wednesday) – but I was without interpreter – and I can’t imagine what it would take for me to try to get them to understand what I was asking. Ugh!
Good morning all...
Good Morning,
Since I can’t go see Anya today, I thought I might figure out how to get to downtown, and shoe shop – er, I mean check out the local retail offerings as fodder for an upcoming article (haha!). Well, nothing is open tomorrow.
The missionary family that lives here (Jackson’s), called me tonight and invited me to their home for lunch tomorrow. So excited! I love meeting people here that I have been corresponding with or following online. I am very excited to learn about their time here (have been living here for 8 years!). They are from Illinois originally. Can't wait to post the exciting story I am sure they will share!
Since I can’t go see Anya today, I thought I might figure out how to get to downtown, and shoe shop – er, I mean check out the local retail offerings as fodder for an upcoming article (haha!). Well, nothing is open tomorrow.
The missionary family that lives here (Jackson’s), called me tonight and invited me to their home for lunch tomorrow. So excited! I love meeting people here that I have been corresponding with or following online. I am very excited to learn about their time here (have been living here for 8 years!). They are from Illinois originally. Can't wait to post the exciting story I am sure they will share!
Where am I?
Thanks to the Jackson’s, I have figured out where I am! I am near the large university – by the new bridge. Well of course! That is exactly what I thought!
Wednesday
I was so nervous about today – the whole day without an interpreter.
Got to the orphanage at 9 – and Anya met me at the door. She asked where Julia was (interpreter), I told her she wasn’t coming – it was just me an Anya…she got a big grin on her face, and said “yay!”
We had such a good time today. We colored, folded all the doll clothes, read books, watched TV…pretty low key day. To avoid the sugar-crazies, I opted for an apple today, and some juice. Both – a big hit! One good thing, the apple lasted all morning – so Anya wasn’t asking me every 5 minutes ‘can I have another cookie’, or ‘is it time yet for candy?’.
Did I mention that Anya is reading? She sounds out the words like a pro! Even the big words (most Russian words look big to me!). She will sound out a word, and look at me and ask if that is right. I always say ‘Da’ – I have no idea! I figure ‘da’ is better than ‘I don’t understand’ over and over again.
Anya has been sick. The cough cold thing. I am getting her to blow her nose rather than sniff it (ewwww!). This afternoon, she blew, and got a bloody nose. One of those bad 4 tissue – tilt your head back ones. She looked at me and very sweetly said ‘mama, please help me’. So, I put her on my lap, laid her head back with Kleenex stuck up her nose. She curled right up into me, looked up at me and said ‘thank you’. That might be the first time I have really felt like her mama. She didn’t run to her care givers, deal with it herself – she said ‘mama, help me please’.
Some fireworks started while I was still at the orphanage. We crawled up on the window ledge (that is like 3ft wide) and watched. Anya was going on and on about it all – not sure what she was saying – it didn’t matter…it was a moment. Me and my little girl, watching the fire words. She would point out the sparkles in the sky, and made sure that I saw every single one.
To whoever donated the brown and blue polka dot pants to the Junior League Thrift Shop – THANKS! Anya told me tonight that she loves those pants, they are her favorite (which is pretty funny…I can’t tell you how many pants I’ve purchased for her at all price points…and her favs are used ones I got at a Thrift Shop for what, $3?)
Anya's English Phrase of the day
Anya’s English Phrase of the Day – "silly girl"
Yes, that is my hat!
Can someone tell me...
Can someone explain to me how I can be walking around outside, in sub-zero weather (literally) - my legs are frozen, my nostrils are frozen shut…but I am sweating like a pig!
THE PLIGHT OF THE INTERNET CARD
I came to Russia with 5 internet cards. To get online here, you go the old fashion route – plug in your telephone into your laptop, use the codes on the back of a little card you purchase from a magazine stand…and wonder how many minutes you are really going to get.
For some reason, 4 of the 5 aren’t working…most were new. I ventured out this afternoon to find more cards (need to make sure I have enough to get through the next few days). Walked for 15 minutes down one street, nothing. Decided to stop at the market (got some Nutella! Judy – I am going to try to smuggle it home). Noticed some shopping areas next to my apartment…and lo, there was a magazine stand RIGHT NEXT DOOR (the opposite direction I had been searching!). Walked up to the stand…practicing what I was going to say in my head (I can purchase things like nobody’s business here!)…and the grumpy-needed some coffee or chocolate-mad at the world woman at the counter decided to close at the exact moment I walked up to her window. I pleaded with her – and all she said was ‘neit!’…meany!
Thankfully, Andre (my driver) helped me. He doesn’t speak (much) English – but we figured it out. He even pulled over at one point, got out of the car – ran from stand to stand until he found one for me. What other driver would do this?
For some reason, 4 of the 5 aren’t working…most were new. I ventured out this afternoon to find more cards (need to make sure I have enough to get through the next few days). Walked for 15 minutes down one street, nothing. Decided to stop at the market (got some Nutella! Judy – I am going to try to smuggle it home). Noticed some shopping areas next to my apartment…and lo, there was a magazine stand RIGHT NEXT DOOR (the opposite direction I had been searching!). Walked up to the stand…practicing what I was going to say in my head (I can purchase things like nobody’s business here!)…and the grumpy-needed some coffee or chocolate-mad at the world woman at the counter decided to close at the exact moment I walked up to her window. I pleaded with her – and all she said was ‘neit!’…meany!
Thankfully, Andre (my driver) helped me. He doesn’t speak (much) English – but we figured it out. He even pulled over at one point, got out of the car – ran from stand to stand until he found one for me. What other driver would do this?
a word on documents.
DOCUMENTS
Our docs are in review. I already know of a few things that I need. I need to get reference letters from some kind of powerful gov’t. person – like a mayor. HUGE bummer that Mayor Dave Miller isn’t the mayor anymore! And – for the record, we had a reference letter from him for YEARS when he was still in office.
She also wants references from our employees – however, we don’t have employees. We do have a ref letter from business people in our stuff – so hopefully that will work.
If anyone has any suggestions for this – I am all ears!
When our coordinator learned of our approved association with the accredited agency – this came as very good news. The comment was “this is very good, you will not have any problems”.
Also – I learned that there is an alternate way to present our tax information. Another family who also owns a business did this in a different way – so I will be interested to know what that is all about (‘other’ family who is also in the mid-west – any ideas?)
Need to get ready to see Anya. I don’t think I am going to have any interpreter today either.
Our docs are in review. I already know of a few things that I need. I need to get reference letters from some kind of powerful gov’t. person – like a mayor. HUGE bummer that Mayor Dave Miller isn’t the mayor anymore! And – for the record, we had a reference letter from him for YEARS when he was still in office.
She also wants references from our employees – however, we don’t have employees. We do have a ref letter from business people in our stuff – so hopefully that will work.
If anyone has any suggestions for this – I am all ears!
When our coordinator learned of our approved association with the accredited agency – this came as very good news. The comment was “this is very good, you will not have any problems”.
Also – I learned that there is an alternate way to present our tax information. Another family who also owns a business did this in a different way – so I will be interested to know what that is all about (‘other’ family who is also in the mid-west – any ideas?)
Need to get ready to see Anya. I don’t think I am going to have any interpreter today either.
thoughts on Tuesday...
Tuesday
Today was a great visit with Anya. She sat and colored just about all morning. In the afternoon, Julia (our interpreter) was not able to work – so I went to see Anya by myself. I was concerned about the language thing, but it went OK.
One thing about our little princess…she can be a stinker when she has too much sugar. She had 2 cookies and 2 pieces of candy – then, watch out! Little miss over excited was bouncing off the walls! Today, I won’t bring any candy with me – maybe an apple
Today was a great visit with Anya. She sat and colored just about all morning. In the afternoon, Julia (our interpreter) was not able to work – so I went to see Anya by myself. I was concerned about the language thing, but it went OK.
One thing about our little princess…she can be a stinker when she has too much sugar. She had 2 cookies and 2 pieces of candy – then, watch out! Little miss over excited was bouncing off the walls! Today, I won’t bring any candy with me – maybe an apple
Had lunch with our coordinator today. He told me of a court date for one of my friends…SO EXCITED about this! I don’t want to spoil it for her, so that is all I am going to say about that
I found out that no one is going to be working on Jan. 1. This week is like the week of Christmas for us. Because no one is working, I won’t be able to see Anya. I am going to try to find a work around for that – make some calls etc.
One bad thing – this afternoon we went to exchange some cash, and couldn’t. The bank’s ONLY exchange window was closed – and won’t reopen until Jan. 11th. To my ‘other’ friend who will be coming here on the 6th – you might be wise to exchange some money before you get to Russia. Thankfully – I brought some with me…and more and more places take credit cards now - kind of nice.
Debbie - yes, I got a flat iron, and will give it to Alex for you. You can also have the pot, pan and knife I had to get :).
Anya
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcSayFcDvZk
I can't get this to post, I will keep trying! BUt I wanted to get it out so Marty could see it...
I can't get this to post, I will keep trying! BUt I wanted to get it out so Marty could see it...
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Anya
This is a photo of ANya's group - you can see me squating down by her. THis was taken after the holiday presentation. see how stinkin' tall she is?
sorry about the silence
We've had some problems getting internet connection and a phone line here in the new fancy-dancy apartment. It is almost 11pm here, and I FINALLY got it figured out.
I am exhausted, but will try to post some kind of movie or pic tonight.
I am exhausted, but will try to post some kind of movie or pic tonight.
More on Monday...continued
ANYA
I went to see Anya this afternoon. There was a very special Holiday performance. It was so good! I have no idea what it was all about, but the kids danced – and they were all SO GOOD! Marty – Nastia is still here – she was a ballerina, and very good…but didn’t smile once!
Anya is so tall…I still can’t get over it. She had on a top we brought to her last year. She is a solid 5T size, but the top (I think) is a 3T. She is wearing as 12 ½ shoe now, the brown and pink sparkle ones I brought for her are a 13…and too big – but she didn’t care – she’s wearing them. I also got her some 12 ½ white tennis shoes with rainbow soles and laced (ya, those one from Target…and EXACTLY like ones I had at her age that came from Dell’s…mom. Remember those? Tara and I had the same pair?)
Anyway – Anya has lost her front teeth, and her gums are REALLY swollen (probably from the new teeth coming in?) It still bothers me that dental hygiene isn’t a big deal here. I am considering seeing if I can buy some kid toothbrushes and paste for the kids in her group. Maybe if I make that part of the holiday party gifts – it will become fun, and they will look forward to doing it. I don’t want to offend them, but ick! Anya’s teeth really need it…her teeth are coming in crooked (whose didn’t?). I can’t wait to get her home and to the dentist!
When Anya came into the waiting room to see me, she ran right up to me and was yelling “mama, mama! You’re here!”. Of course, she misses Papa! I met with the social worker, director and caregivers already. They are all asking about the papers and process. I don’t know how to explain to them why the judge won’t hear our case. Julia (our interpreter, and the one who has translated our stuff) is very helpful with that. I love Julia – we’ve known here for 3 years now. She knows everything there is to know about us (since she translated our stuff a zillion times). I was thanking her for helping me this week – this is a big holiday week here – Julia made the comment that she is very interested in our case, and wanted to see me and Anya.
The director told me that several Russian families have been interested in Anya. She is by far the tallest (you will see that in the videos), smartest and most advanced in the orphanage. I say this not because I am a proud Mama – but because it is the truth! The director said that her education etc. are all on on-par for her age, and that in some things (art, music) she is far advanced for her age. So, yes, she is just like her Papa!
I am glad Russian people have seen her – this will help in court. I am not glad that she is a known favorite of those who come there to adopt. This orphanage wasn’t seeing a lot of adoptions –but now they are. This is great news! The director also told me that a French family was very interested in Anya. To the French people who I know read my blog – perhaps you know who this is? Tell them to back off! (said with a tinge of American sarcasm humor).
Anya was in a city-wide singing contest. The only child from the orphanage. I guess she did well in the contest! NUTTY!
The director said that Anya continues to be a very well behaved girl, definitely a leader in the orphanage…not just her group. She is very neat and tidy…and does like to get her way. When she doesn’t get her way, she will cry and pout (basically, sounds just like every other 6 year old I’ve ever known!).
I am going to take our docs to Julia today so she can get started with the translation. We are going to go through them together, so she knows what was changed - this will speed up the process tremendously.
I will be able to see Anya every morning from 9am – noon, and then in the afternoons from 4pm – 6pm. Each day from noon to 4, I will waste time. I will probably go downtown – this is the time of year when there is an amazing ice display by the Angara Hotel. These HUGE (seriously, big enough you can walk through) ice sculpture houses etc. I hope to get downtown today or tomorrow to check it out and take some photos.
Tatiana told me of some great places to shop for boots. I have decided I need some black patented leather boots. Everyone is wearing them here, and I saw a pair that I must try to find. Black, cute buckle…the remind me one ones my friend/client Susan H. has. Susan’s came from Italy (and it is a shame she and I don’t wear the same size…if we did, those boots she has might have accidentally found their way into one of my garment bags – haha!). Ya know, it wouldn’t be a trip to Russia, if I didn’t go home with some new boots!
Well, it’s about 6:30a.m., and I need to get showered and ready for my driver. Andre is my driver – he has been working with Alex for many years. Alex is going to pay him directly – he didn’t want me to worry about paying him each day. Very nice – and yet another great safety thing – love it that Alex is watching out for me. I wonder if my hubby emailed Alex and asked him to watch out for me?
Enjoy the photos and videos of Anya’s holiday program!
I went to see Anya this afternoon. There was a very special Holiday performance. It was so good! I have no idea what it was all about, but the kids danced – and they were all SO GOOD! Marty – Nastia is still here – she was a ballerina, and very good…but didn’t smile once!
Anya is so tall…I still can’t get over it. She had on a top we brought to her last year. She is a solid 5T size, but the top (I think) is a 3T. She is wearing as 12 ½ shoe now, the brown and pink sparkle ones I brought for her are a 13…and too big – but she didn’t care – she’s wearing them. I also got her some 12 ½ white tennis shoes with rainbow soles and laced (ya, those one from Target…and EXACTLY like ones I had at her age that came from Dell’s…mom. Remember those? Tara and I had the same pair?)
Anyway – Anya has lost her front teeth, and her gums are REALLY swollen (probably from the new teeth coming in?) It still bothers me that dental hygiene isn’t a big deal here. I am considering seeing if I can buy some kid toothbrushes and paste for the kids in her group. Maybe if I make that part of the holiday party gifts – it will become fun, and they will look forward to doing it. I don’t want to offend them, but ick! Anya’s teeth really need it…her teeth are coming in crooked (whose didn’t?). I can’t wait to get her home and to the dentist!
When Anya came into the waiting room to see me, she ran right up to me and was yelling “mama, mama! You’re here!”. Of course, she misses Papa! I met with the social worker, director and caregivers already. They are all asking about the papers and process. I don’t know how to explain to them why the judge won’t hear our case. Julia (our interpreter, and the one who has translated our stuff) is very helpful with that. I love Julia – we’ve known here for 3 years now. She knows everything there is to know about us (since she translated our stuff a zillion times). I was thanking her for helping me this week – this is a big holiday week here – Julia made the comment that she is very interested in our case, and wanted to see me and Anya.
The director told me that several Russian families have been interested in Anya. She is by far the tallest (you will see that in the videos), smartest and most advanced in the orphanage. I say this not because I am a proud Mama – but because it is the truth! The director said that her education etc. are all on on-par for her age, and that in some things (art, music) she is far advanced for her age. So, yes, she is just like her Papa!
I am glad Russian people have seen her – this will help in court. I am not glad that she is a known favorite of those who come there to adopt. This orphanage wasn’t seeing a lot of adoptions –but now they are. This is great news! The director also told me that a French family was very interested in Anya. To the French people who I know read my blog – perhaps you know who this is? Tell them to back off! (said with a tinge of American sarcasm humor).
Anya was in a city-wide singing contest. The only child from the orphanage. I guess she did well in the contest! NUTTY!
The director said that Anya continues to be a very well behaved girl, definitely a leader in the orphanage…not just her group. She is very neat and tidy…and does like to get her way. When she doesn’t get her way, she will cry and pout (basically, sounds just like every other 6 year old I’ve ever known!).
I am going to take our docs to Julia today so she can get started with the translation. We are going to go through them together, so she knows what was changed - this will speed up the process tremendously.
I will be able to see Anya every morning from 9am – noon, and then in the afternoons from 4pm – 6pm. Each day from noon to 4, I will waste time. I will probably go downtown – this is the time of year when there is an amazing ice display by the Angara Hotel. These HUGE (seriously, big enough you can walk through) ice sculpture houses etc. I hope to get downtown today or tomorrow to check it out and take some photos.
Tatiana told me of some great places to shop for boots. I have decided I need some black patented leather boots. Everyone is wearing them here, and I saw a pair that I must try to find. Black, cute buckle…the remind me one ones my friend/client Susan H. has. Susan’s came from Italy (and it is a shame she and I don’t wear the same size…if we did, those boots she has might have accidentally found their way into one of my garment bags – haha!). Ya know, it wouldn’t be a trip to Russia, if I didn’t go home with some new boots!
Well, it’s about 6:30a.m., and I need to get showered and ready for my driver. Andre is my driver – he has been working with Alex for many years. Alex is going to pay him directly – he didn’t want me to worry about paying him each day. Very nice – and yet another great safety thing – love it that Alex is watching out for me. I wonder if my hubby emailed Alex and asked him to watch out for me?
Enjoy the photos and videos of Anya’s holiday program!
I'm Here!
Monday
First – HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY!! (it is one of my friend’s BDays)
To the Orts – my heart is with you today. I am thinking about you, and praying for God’s Grace and Peace to come over you all this week. Sending you all a HUGE HUG from Russia!
TRAVEL AND THE APARTMENT
Got to Irkutsk at 6:20a.m…sat next to an adorable girl on the pant. I guess her to be in her mid-20’s. Her name is Tatiana. She is from Irkutsk – living in Moscow. She was an exchange student a year ago in the U.S. (Denver). What you might picture a beautiful Russian girl to look like – that is Tatiana…then add bubbly personality – she is my new Russian best friend!
Her Mom and sister picked her up at the airport –her mother (Svetlana) is just as adorable as she is (and probably my age!). They invited me to their home this week. Not sure I will do that, but I might call them and see if they want to meet for lunch one day. Really – the nicest people. Come to think of it – they remind me IN A BIG WAY of Vanessa Smith and her mom Jean Cooreman. Add in an older sister – and *poof* you have Tatiana and Svetlana!
Andrew picked me up from the airport – and took me to a new apartment. I thought I was staying at the apartment most adoptive parents have stayed at. When I got in touch with Alex to tell him I was coming to town, and would need somewhere to stay, I told him that I wanted somewhere safe – since I would be staying alone.
Here is the thing about Alex…you mention something to him, he never says anything about it…then the next thing you know – it’s done. This is the safest nicest apartment I have ever seen. Even by American standards – this is a NICE apartment. Security guard at the door, 2 gates, electronic key entry into the building. The apartment itself – WOW. Stainless appliances, cool deep sink, hot tub, big closet. Unbelievable! And, I in the same neighborhood as Alex (just in case!). The only thing is that there is no phone hooked up yet. There was some problem – but it will be resolved today.
The new pad is not near downtown (the proximity to DT is relative to safety). But that is OK. If I want to go DT (and of course I will want to!) – I can just take a cab.
Another thing – I mentioned to Alex that I would like to have a cell phone while I was here. I wondered if it was possible to rent one. Well, I get one today. NICE! I can be online anytime, go downtown – and call Alex for help! And – he can call me anytime – and I don’t have to worry about being online.
This one is for Marty – the super market across the street is a nice one. And – the young gal who took my money didn’t growl at me for not having the right change!
The only thing I know I forgot is the converter for the electric for my flat iron. In Moscow, I plugged it in, and 10 seconds later, it got really hot – so I quickly unplugged it - don’t want to ruin it! If I did – (Sonia – this is for you) – I want one of those fancy pink ones! I am going to try to pick one up this afternoon.
Oh – luggage. I was able to navigate the airport and luggage myself with NO problems at all. The gal who checked me in was very nice – I am learning that young Russian girls like me…it’s the ones who are older who I have a hard time with. Anyway, I estimated I would need to pay in the $250 range for the extra luggage. This is based on what I know the fees are, and how much my stuff weighed. 2 incredible things happened. First, my checked luggage seemed to lose 10 pounds en route to Moscow. Not sure how that happened, but it did! Also, you are only allowed so many pounds on your carry on luggage. They didn’t weigh mine! YAY! My documents were in my carry on, so it was pretty heavy! I only had to pay $135 for the overage, and the lady who took the money was nice to me, spoke English, and APOLOGIZED for having to take the money! YAY GOD! Paying for luggage overage is one of my hot buttons, so PRAISE GOD for making this go so smoothly!
Oh one more thing – the hotel in Moscow. To all adoptive parents out there who will be in Moscow – the hotel is called The Atlanta. It was only $65 for my stay over – this is VERY cheap! Generally we pay in the $200 - $300 range at the Novatel. Plus $50 for the 5 minute ride to the hotel from the airport! At The Atlanta, transportation is free – they pick you up right at your gate – with a sign with your name on it. They help with luggage and everything…FOR FREE! It is a little drive (probably 10 -15 minutes) from the airport – but well worth it. There is a restaurant there. VERY nice place. People are wonderful – a quaint, little B&B feel (but all rooms are new, clean and have private bathrooms). And the best part – FREE WIFI! If you want to stay there, book it through Peace Travel.
First – HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY!! (it is one of my friend’s BDays)
To the Orts – my heart is with you today. I am thinking about you, and praying for God’s Grace and Peace to come over you all this week. Sending you all a HUGE HUG from Russia!
TRAVEL AND THE APARTMENT
Got to Irkutsk at 6:20a.m…sat next to an adorable girl on the pant. I guess her to be in her mid-20’s. Her name is Tatiana. She is from Irkutsk – living in Moscow. She was an exchange student a year ago in the U.S. (Denver). What you might picture a beautiful Russian girl to look like – that is Tatiana…then add bubbly personality – she is my new Russian best friend!
Her Mom and sister picked her up at the airport –her mother (Svetlana) is just as adorable as she is (and probably my age!). They invited me to their home this week. Not sure I will do that, but I might call them and see if they want to meet for lunch one day. Really – the nicest people. Come to think of it – they remind me IN A BIG WAY of Vanessa Smith and her mom Jean Cooreman. Add in an older sister – and *poof* you have Tatiana and Svetlana!
Andrew picked me up from the airport – and took me to a new apartment. I thought I was staying at the apartment most adoptive parents have stayed at. When I got in touch with Alex to tell him I was coming to town, and would need somewhere to stay, I told him that I wanted somewhere safe – since I would be staying alone.
Here is the thing about Alex…you mention something to him, he never says anything about it…then the next thing you know – it’s done. This is the safest nicest apartment I have ever seen. Even by American standards – this is a NICE apartment. Security guard at the door, 2 gates, electronic key entry into the building. The apartment itself – WOW. Stainless appliances, cool deep sink, hot tub, big closet. Unbelievable! And, I in the same neighborhood as Alex (just in case!). The only thing is that there is no phone hooked up yet. There was some problem – but it will be resolved today.
The new pad is not near downtown (the proximity to DT is relative to safety). But that is OK. If I want to go DT (and of course I will want to!) – I can just take a cab.
Another thing – I mentioned to Alex that I would like to have a cell phone while I was here. I wondered if it was possible to rent one. Well, I get one today. NICE! I can be online anytime, go downtown – and call Alex for help! And – he can call me anytime – and I don’t have to worry about being online.
This one is for Marty – the super market across the street is a nice one. And – the young gal who took my money didn’t growl at me for not having the right change!
The only thing I know I forgot is the converter for the electric for my flat iron. In Moscow, I plugged it in, and 10 seconds later, it got really hot – so I quickly unplugged it - don’t want to ruin it! If I did – (Sonia – this is for you) – I want one of those fancy pink ones! I am going to try to pick one up this afternoon.
Oh – luggage. I was able to navigate the airport and luggage myself with NO problems at all. The gal who checked me in was very nice – I am learning that young Russian girls like me…it’s the ones who are older who I have a hard time with. Anyway, I estimated I would need to pay in the $250 range for the extra luggage. This is based on what I know the fees are, and how much my stuff weighed. 2 incredible things happened. First, my checked luggage seemed to lose 10 pounds en route to Moscow. Not sure how that happened, but it did! Also, you are only allowed so many pounds on your carry on luggage. They didn’t weigh mine! YAY! My documents were in my carry on, so it was pretty heavy! I only had to pay $135 for the overage, and the lady who took the money was nice to me, spoke English, and APOLOGIZED for having to take the money! YAY GOD! Paying for luggage overage is one of my hot buttons, so PRAISE GOD for making this go so smoothly!
Oh one more thing – the hotel in Moscow. To all adoptive parents out there who will be in Moscow – the hotel is called The Atlanta. It was only $65 for my stay over – this is VERY cheap! Generally we pay in the $200 - $300 range at the Novatel. Plus $50 for the 5 minute ride to the hotel from the airport! At The Atlanta, transportation is free – they pick you up right at your gate – with a sign with your name on it. They help with luggage and everything…FOR FREE! It is a little drive (probably 10 -15 minutes) from the airport – but well worth it. There is a restaurant there. VERY nice place. People are wonderful – a quaint, little B&B feel (but all rooms are new, clean and have private bathrooms). And the best part – FREE WIFI! If you want to stay there, book it through Peace Travel.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
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.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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.
T minus WHAT and counting!
OK I just freaked out. I just looked at the little counter on the right hand side column...and noticed how many days, hours, minutes I have until I leave for Russia. Then I realized that Marty isn't going with me.
I promise I won't sulk...
I promise I won't sulk...
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.
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
Saturday, December 13, 2008
a word on Christmas
Dear family and friends,
Don't buy us anything for Christmas. I am serious...no gifts, please.
Every year at this time - we carefully think about and plan on the gifts we give to those in our close circle. This year is no different...with one significant exception.
We've noticed the enormous need in our community. Basic needs are not being met. The number 1 problem in South Bend is hunger...not crime, not education - HUNGER. This problem is only going to get worse as more plants close and more people are without employment.
You might have seen the New York Times article calling Elkhart the "white-hot center of the meltdown of the American economy". Nice...
So this year, we won't be buying anyone any gifts, and will not be accepting any. Seriously - if you have purchased something for us already, please return it, and use the money to donate to a cause.
We all have plenty. None of us need anything - oh, of course, we have 'wants' - who doesn't? We all have a job, we have food to eat, a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs.
The gift we would like to give one another this year is the gift of knowing our gift-giving dollars will go to help those in REAL need.
...again, I am totally serious - don't anyone buy anything for us for Christmas; no clever gifts to the cats, nothing in the mailbox left anonymously...no gifts!
Friday, December 12, 2008
apologies
My apologies for not posting much lately. I have been overwhelmed with paperwork issues, scarf making and general day-to-day junk. Don't get me wrong, I love having a full schedule and being busy, I am just struggling through the paperwork nightmare that has to be done before Christmas Eve. Sometimes it feels like the weight of it all is going to break me. The enormity of what doing the paperwork right has hit me hard. If I screw it up...Anya doesn't come home. If I don't pull all-nighters and suck it up...Anya doesn't come home.
I saw a friend this week who asked me how things were going, and how I was getting along in the pre-Russia process...and I about busted into tears (I do that when I am tired).
So, I apologize for not posting updates as frequently as I normally do. I promise as soon as I see a glimmer of light through the storm clouds of paperwork, I will!
I saw a friend this week who asked me how things were going, and how I was getting along in the pre-Russia process...and I about busted into tears (I do that when I am tired).
So, I apologize for not posting updates as frequently as I normally do. I promise as soon as I see a glimmer of light through the storm clouds of paperwork, I will!
Monday, December 08, 2008
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 cra
fty 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.
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 cra
fty 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.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wanna Give some Orphans a Christmas?
I was at a friend's store a week ago, and saw these scarves that her daughter made. They were unique, simple, and a great idea.That gave me the idea to spin off her idea, and create my own...not as a business, but as a fund raiser!
I want to do something special for the kids in Anya's group for Christmas. Doing this is going to require not only a few more dollars for gifts and snacks - but extortion money to pay for an extra bag on Aeroflot - which I am sure they will decide is overweight. I estimate this exchange being in the $200 range. The good news is that if I sell enough, I won't have to bring anything with me. If I can raise enough money, I can hire a catering service to deliver cakes and snacks in Shelechov, and purchase gifts there. To do that, I would have to pay a translator and driver to be with me. Last year, there was a need in the home for new blankets for every child. Wouldn't it be amazing it I was able to raise enough money to purchase a new blanket for every child's bed? I think there are about 100 kids in this orphanage. And imagine if I raise enough to be able to do something for Anya's orphanage, and the groups that my friends children are in. That is a lot of scarves...lots-o-yarn.
I hope to be able to place these in stores throughout Michiana. I am going to start with the stores of some friends (if you are a friend with a store - is that ok?). I am calling them Krasivaya Couture. Krasicvaya means 'beautiful' in Russian. I can also take orders (I guess...) via this blog. They are $35 - and I can ship it to you via USPS. If you want to pay with PayPal - please pay $40 (PayPal fees - blech), please pay mars@mastermedia7.com.
Anyway - here are the first dozen scarves I've made. They are very girly - very frilly...I have 2 that I've worn for the past few weeks - and I get tons of compliments. They are not stitched or knitted in any way...since I don't stitch or knit :)
If you want more details - let me know!
dreams
I had a dream I was in a bus going to Chicago with Oprah...and she passed gas.
I don't know what that means.
I don't know what that means.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Redeemed for Thanksgiving...gratitude in all things
Today, on Thanksgiving - I feel that we need to look deep into ourselves and find what we are truly Thankful for. Oh sure - we all say we're thankful for friends, family, a house, job - bla bla bla. But what about the struggles? The disappointments? The frustrations?
Today, I am choosing to be grateful for everything. I will rejoice with gratitude in the 4 1/2 year wait to bring Anya home. I know this situation will be redeemed, I know God has a plan - and it is so much bigger and greater than mine (praise God for that!!).
I know many of you are struggling with so many things - the wait to bring your children home, random adoption highs and lows, illness of family members, loss of jobs, changes in life's circumstances...this is why I decided to post this.
If you've followed my blog for any length of time - you know one of my favorite blogs is Bring The Rain - I can't even tell you how many times I've been brought to tears over Angie's words. She is an amazing writer and woman of God. If you've got some time - I encourage you to read Angie's blog from the beginning. Get a box of Kleenex - and know that I am just a Twitter away...because I KNOW you will want to talk about it with someone!
With her permission, I am posting a little something from Angie's blog. I invite you to settle in - and read her words...please leave a reply at the end. Let me know if you are going to take Angie up on her challenge...
Saying thank you to God in the midst of our circumstances is definitely different than saying thank you for them. And yet, scripture tells us to do both.
I have had a bad week. I have cried until my eyes were bloodshot and the sheets were soaked with grief. I pretty much told God that we would have to talk about it later. I stared at my Bible on my nightstand and then reached for the book next to it instead. I take a lot of opportunities on this blog to show you my adoration for the Lord. Every word I have written has come from my heart, and I love Him more than I could ever begin to describe.
Really. Truly.
But I didn't want to talk to Him this week.
As a sidebar, I am sure that the God of creation is getting a kick out of me actually writing out the fact that I was acting like a 5 year old.
In a sense, I feel like these words may cause some of you lose a little respect for me, because you may have an image of me, kneeling by candlelight with my Bible while my children sew doilies and laugh about the preposterous things that society is presenting on prime time television.
Actually, I do love candles, and Kate did tell a stranger that she can't watch Dancing With the Stars because "my mom said it is trashy and those ladies don't wear panties."
For the record, that is not exactly what I said.
But I do think they need to do a little more "ballroom" and a little less "half-naked gyrating." Until then, we are sticking to Shirley Temple.
So, I try. I really do.
I look for Him everywhere, in everything. I talk to Him like He's right next to me, and I feel more safe in the presence of God than I could describe in words.
But.
Thank Him for the death of my child?
That's hard.
Monday was particularly bad for me. It was raining here, and the world just felt all wrong. Todd suggested I go to the gym and get away for a little while, so I did. I had my music full-blast, which, as I soon discovered, does not prevent God from speaking. I was staring outside at the wet road, running away from Him, content to keep up the pace.
I started thinking about what Greg had written, and I imagined how beautiful it would be for me to have the kind of faith that thanks God for death. I admire those
who can do it. I want to be a woman like that, who is so fixed on eternity that this world never shakes her. I told myself that if I could just get the words out, He would transform my heart to believe that I meant them.
Lord, thank you for...I couldn't finish the sentence. I started crying and running faster. I put on a song I love about what the crucified life looks like and I tried again.
Lord, thank you for...
Nope.
I closed my eyes and just listened to the words, and after a few minutes I felt myself start to long for Him the way I haven't in the last week.
***keepin' it real detail- at one point I was so lost in worship that I raised my hand up off the elliptical machine handle, lost my balance, and almost fell off...***I had a good talk with God (starting with, "Hey, God, that was awesome how You didn't let me wipe out in front of a room full of people."). At one point, I told Him I didn't understand how in the world I could thank Him for the death of my daughter. I told Him (I'm just being honest here) that I didn't think I could ever say those words.
How sweet and reverent of me.
Maybe I should post a doily pattern instead.
But as my Bible study leader Ms. Nancy says, "He loves you right where you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there." The beautiful thing about our Lord is
that He doesn't mind our questioning, as long as we do it with hearts that are sincere in longing for truth. I want to be right with God. I want desperately to bring Him glory. But sometimes, I just have to shake my head and say, "I don't get it, Lord. I don't know that I have it in me this time..."Later that night I took Ellie and Abby to run errands with me, and on the way home we stopped by this new Thai restaurant to get some take-out. While we were waiting, we found a little table in the corner and started talking about how the day had been. I told them I missed Audrey, and as soon as I said it, I remembered something that Ellie had said in prayer.
"Ellie, you know how sometimes I ask you to tell God something that you are thankful for?"
She nodded.
"And you know how sometimes you say that you are thankful that God took Audrey away?"
She nodded again.
"Why do you say that, honey?" My voice cracked. She looked at me like she didn't
understand why I was so confused."Because she's in heaven, momma. And she is so happy. So we say 'thank you. And we will see her again.'"
"So no matter what, Ellie, you can say thank you? Even if you don't like it?"
"Yeah."
"So would you say 'thank you' if someone stole your bike?" I studied her face.
"No."
"Well then, what would you say?"
"I would say 'would you please give my bike back?'"
I laughed out loud.
Because it made sense to me. I am just human, and you know what? It isn't going to be tied up in a neat bow. I can say all the fancy, pretty words that come to mind, and at the end of the day, sometimes I just want my bike back.
Maybe you do too.
We all want to feel like our hurts have been redeemed, don't we? If we could just see the big picture, and all of the things that God sees, maybe it would be easier to thank Him for the things we shake our fists at. The things that cannot be fully redeemed in this life.
For those of you who have read my blog for awhile, I won't have to explain this photo. A few weeks ago, I heard Abby yelling, "I figured it out, mommy!!!! Come see!!! Now it's going to be so great!!!" I started walking toward her room, and this is what I saw.
We want to fix it in this life, don't we?And it hurts so much that we can't.
It will be redeemed, friends.
Maybe not here, and maybe not soon, but it will be redeemed.
So, in the meantime and in the midst of great disappointment, may we keep our eyes on He Who knows what we do not.
I am going to give you a Thanksgiving challenge, and I want you to know that I will be taking part in it as well. Sometime today, I want you to find a quiet moment in your day to sit in the presence of the Lord. Write down one thing that you are thankful for.
And here's the catch.
It has to be something you don't feel thankful for. It may be something you are carrying with you everyday, and haven't found a way to let go of. A divorce, a death, a loss, a deep wound, a regret you can't shake.
I want you to write the words. "I am thankful that..."
You might not feel like you mean them yet.
That's okay.
Tuck the paper away in a book, put it on your nightstand, throw it in the trash if you must, but write the words. There is astounding beauty in obedience-the act of trusting the Lord with the parts of life you want to cling to the most. I am praying that the Lord will take this seed, this offering, this piece of crumpled paper, this giving of thanks, and He will begin to grow a tree of beauty in our souls.I am praying for you all. May we all remember this Thanksgiving as the one where we learned what it looks like to start thanking God for it all.
Happy Thanksgiving, Sundays.
Go make it a good one.
Angie
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
When one goes to Russia...
There is much to think about. Here is my to-do list:
- Get Visa - get picture and overnight paperwork with passport
- Get Invitation to get Visa - pay for it, send with Visa paperwork
- Confirm with people in Irk place of stay for Visa
- Book driver in Moscow - with Andrei
- Get Hotel in Moscow
- Confirm apartment in Irkutsk
- Confirm driver in Irkutsk
- Confirm interpreter in Irkutsk
- Confirm translator in Irktusk
- Send final itinerary to coordinator in Irktusk and Moscow
- Make sure director of orphanage has itinerary - make arrangements to see Anya the day we get there
- Make appointment with Lawyer - get appointment with Judge's office
- Tell missionary friends in Irkutsk that I will be there - schedule a dinner (?)
- Look into rental cell phone (pick up in Moscow?)
- Plan out money - order new bills from bank
- Book house/kitty sitter
- Take fur coat to tailor - get hook replaced
- Get warm boots
- Get warm mittens
- Get gifts for Anya's group (about 12-15 kiddos)
- Gifts for Anya's caregivers (4-6 women)
- Gift for coordinator
- Gift for interpreter
- Gift for orphanage director and social worker
- Confirm seats with Delta
- Confirm baggage requirements with Delta
- Confirm seats with Aeroflot
- Confirm baggage requirements with Aeroflot
- Determine what travel stuff Marty is taking to India - make list of things we need 2 of
- Dossier - get as much done as possible
- Get with Kelly for help with photos
- Get with Renee for printing
- Plan out clothing for trip (1-2 pants / tops - sweaters) - try everything on and make sure that it all fits
- Plan out DVDs for trip
- Load MP3 player for trip
- Pay bills of things that will be due while we are gone
- Plan out deadlines that should be met before we go - and those that I can meet there
- Converters for power
- Food - ramen, peanut butter, mac-n-cheese, silk milk in a box, fruit roll ups, cake in a box to make and take to Anya's group (?)
- Gifts for Anya - new outfit for every day, Christmas gifts
- Camera - mine or Marty's?
- Video camera - get with Amy, get lesson on how in the heck to do it
- Get You Tube log in etc. from Marty
- Make sure Marty gets outstanding money into bank account
- Get all outstanding invoices of my clients paid
- Ride to the airport - get what time Marty leaves - coordinate
- Wrinkle Release
- Get some warm socks (cashmere?)
- Back up laptop
I'm sure I'll add to the list - thanks for letting me post my list here - much easier to remember where it is if it is online :)
What are you thankful for
Being that this is the week of Thanksgiving, and all the Bloggers are doing it - I guess I'll jump on the 'what are you thankful' for bandwagon. I'll admit that some days I feel more grateful than others. Some days I am grateful to have a job that I love, doing something that I am passionate about...other days I really am tired, and just need a day off.
Some days I am grateful for a wonderful husband; one who is amazing in so many ways, and who loves me in a fairy-tale way...other days, I wish he would remember to get milk at the store.
Some days I am grateful for a home to live in, one that I've decorated with heart (and blood, sweat and tears!)...other days I don't understand what moron would put the switch for the light so far behind the door that you can't reach it.
Some days I am grateful for our family - that we get together on holidays....other days I don't want to do the Thanksgiving thing at all - I want to stay in my pjs and order a pizza.
Some days I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to fight to bring Anya into our home - our family...other days I am exhausted with the process, mad at the system that keeps her hostage, and angry at myself for not being able to find the energy to keep on top of the paperwork.
What about you?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
what I've learned
Note to self...people that know the rules and deliberately don't follow them annoy me.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
So, I think I am going to Russia
I know, I've been talking about it for a long time - but I really think I have all the details worked out to go to Russia in December.
Funny thing - rumor had it that traveling in winter is cheap in Russia. Which made good sense to me. Who wants to go to Siberia in December? Well - that isn't exactly the case. But - I'll work it out.
Funny thing - rumor had it that traveling in winter is cheap in Russia. Which made good sense to me. Who wants to go to Siberia in December? Well - that isn't exactly the case. But - I'll work it out.I am going alone - Marty will be in India at the same time I am going to be in Russia. I've been to Russia by myself before - so I am OK with that. Also, some of my friends might be in the region at the same time I am there - so that is a bonus.
I have nothing going on next week - so this is going to be the week I sit and go through ALL of our documents. I am definitely going to make sure that my Visa is good for a few days longer than my actual trip. You might remember the nightmare we had getting home last year from Russia.
I have thought of a few things I can pass off to someone (who is creative) to help with. We have to submit photographs of all our interaction with Anya - well, we have a lot of photos. It would be great if someone with some digital photo skill could help.
Please pray for all the details to work out...and for our finances to be able to withstand a trip to India - and a trip to Russia on top of the other pressures.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Unbelievable
I wasn't going to blog about this, but I can't help myself.
I was at a meeting this week - and let me start by saying that I've had 4 meetings this week (just in case you were with me at one of those meetings). This person came and sat at the table across from me and started talking about adoption. Of course, my ears perk up. She talked about how adoption is "cool", how she's met so many people who are adopting and they are "neat", how she wants to be a part of this local adoption group, and how she and her husband "wanna" check out the adoption "thing".
Yes, I was annoyed...but it gets better...
Then she says that she started some kind of paperwork, and her social worker called already (before her paperwork is done) to tell her that they have been matched with a child, and should have a baby before Christmas.
Yes - I can hear all of you out there yelling "NO WAY, SHE IS FULL OF IT" (I know....) . Anyone that knows anything about adoption knows you don't get matched with a child until all of your paperwork is done, redone, and done again. This isn't just with international adoption - this is ADOPTION period!
UPDATE (11/12) - obviously I wasn't thinking clearly - but yes, there are situations where families have a child before the paperwork starts. But - this isn't the norm.
It gets better...
So as she was talking loud enough to be sure I could hear her, she starts talking about domestic adoption versus international adoption. Keep in mind, this person knows we're adopting...knows where we're adopting from. She says, "why would you adopt from somewhere else - I don't want to travel to some third world country when there are kids here to get. I mean, I wouldn't want to spend that kind of money, I could take that money and go to Chicago for the weekend". I almost had a heart attack - right there, just about jumped OUT of my skin!
Oh but wait, there's more!
Before I made the mature decision to tune her out (this decision was weighed against either tuning her out, or making a scene), she says "ya, I just think it would be fun to have another baby"
Clearly this person has no concept of adoption, is completely insensitive - and any agency that would allow her to adopt without thoroughly discussing her motives should be out of business! Even if her comments were tongue-in-cheek (which I don't think they were), NOT funny! ESPECIALLY with adoptive parents in ear shot (I was not the only one).
OK, I feel sorta better now.
My night ended on a high note (haha). We decided to feed the kids (by kids, I mean cats) catnip. They've been bouncing off the walls all day. Jazz has the munchies so bad, she started sniffing out my PB&J. Now THAT'S entertainment!
I was at a meeting this week - and let me start by saying that I've had 4 meetings this week (just in case you were with me at one of those meetings). This person came and sat at the table across from me and started talking about adoption. Of course, my ears perk up. She talked about how adoption is "cool", how she's met so many people who are adopting and they are "neat", how she wants to be a part of this local adoption group, and how she and her husband "wanna" check out the adoption "thing".
Yes, I was annoyed...but it gets better...
Then she says that she started some kind of paperwork, and her social worker called already (before her paperwork is done) to tell her that they have been matched with a child, and should have a baby before Christmas.
Yes - I can hear all of you out there yelling "NO WAY, SHE IS FULL OF IT" (I know....) . Anyone that knows anything about adoption knows you don't get matched with a child until all of your paperwork is done, redone, and done again. This isn't just with international adoption - this is ADOPTION period!
UPDATE (11/12) - obviously I wasn't thinking clearly - but yes, there are situations where families have a child before the paperwork starts. But - this isn't the norm.
It gets better...
So as she was talking loud enough to be sure I could hear her, she starts talking about domestic adoption versus international adoption. Keep in mind, this person knows we're adopting...knows where we're adopting from. She says, "why would you adopt from somewhere else - I don't want to travel to some third world country when there are kids here to get. I mean, I wouldn't want to spend that kind of money, I could take that money and go to Chicago for the weekend". I almost had a heart attack - right there, just about jumped OUT of my skin!
Oh but wait, there's more!
Before I made the mature decision to tune her out (this decision was weighed against either tuning her out, or making a scene), she says "ya, I just think it would be fun to have another baby"
Clearly this person has no concept of adoption, is completely insensitive - and any agency that would allow her to adopt without thoroughly discussing her motives should be out of business! Even if her comments were tongue-in-cheek (which I don't think they were), NOT funny! ESPECIALLY with adoptive parents in ear shot (I was not the only one).
OK, I feel sorta better now.
My night ended on a high note (haha). We decided to feed the kids (by kids, I mean cats) catnip. They've been bouncing off the walls all day. Jazz has the munchies so bad, she started sniffing out my PB&J. Now THAT'S entertainment!
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Remember friends in your prayers
Funny how adoption brings people together. Regardless of where you are adopting from, your reasons for making the tortuous decision to adopt...adoption brings women together.
I have lots of friends who I call adopted moms - some are in process, some aren't...
One of my in process pals got some bad news last week. Please keep her and her husband in your prayers. J and D need for us to pray for their hearts, and for God's perfect plan to unfold for their family.
I have lots of friends who I call adopted moms - some are in process, some aren't...
One of my in process pals got some bad news last week. Please keep her and her husband in your prayers. J and D need for us to pray for their hearts, and for God's perfect plan to unfold for their family.
Praying - Part 7 new news and updates
I got word last week, that one of my other Irkutsk friends has had documents accepted by the court! YAY! I am so happy for them! In order to keep my Irk pals straight, I decided I need to come up with nick names for them.
So, henceforth - my friend who has been there forever (just got home for a 'break'), the one who has been to court more times than anyone really should go to a Russian court - let's call her Crafty Boater.
And my other friend who just got the good news, let's call her New Diva.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Well, (again) we start praying. The court in Irkutsk has called for the adoption center to get New Diva's child's documents prepared. I think they have a few weeks to do this and present them to the court...then the court has (I think) another few weeks to give a court date. We're expecting news around Thanksgiving.
In the meantime, Crafty Boater is waiting for her 3rd court date. She is home now with her husband and family, recouping from the exhausting 6 week stint in Siberia.
As for me, I am working on the document updates. You can pray for me on that - some of you know the serious struggles I had last time with this process - and the notion of doing it for the 8th time (yes, I've redone our dossier 8 times...the complete new 200+ document version, I've redone 4 times) is completely overwhelming. Which is odd for me, because I don't easily get overwhelmed. My goal would be to get everything done, presented to the court before I go to Irkutsk in December. I am trying to work out the details of the December trip...praying for profitable business to come so that I can afford to go.
So, henceforth - my friend who has been there forever (just got home for a 'break'), the one who has been to court more times than anyone really should go to a Russian court - let's call her Crafty Boater.
And my other friend who just got the good news, let's call her New Diva.
(see, I think these names are hilarious - and I guess you have to know them
to get the same chuckle as I am getting right now)
WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Well, (again) we start praying. The court in Irkutsk has called for the adoption center to get New Diva's child's documents prepared. I think they have a few weeks to do this and present them to the court...then the court has (I think) another few weeks to give a court date. We're expecting news around Thanksgiving.
In the meantime, Crafty Boater is waiting for her 3rd court date. She is home now with her husband and family, recouping from the exhausting 6 week stint in Siberia.
As for me, I am working on the document updates. You can pray for me on that - some of you know the serious struggles I had last time with this process - and the notion of doing it for the 8th time (yes, I've redone our dossier 8 times...the complete new 200+ document version, I've redone 4 times) is completely overwhelming. Which is odd for me, because I don't easily get overwhelmed. My goal would be to get everything done, presented to the court before I go to Irkutsk in December. I am trying to work out the details of the December trip...praying for profitable business to come so that I can afford to go.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Russia Moves to Liquidate Fifty-Six Religious Groups
We were coming home from Indianapolis today, listening to the radio - and something got our attention...the word RUSSIA. Funny - every time I hear that word, my ears perk up.
Here is news coming out of Russia...
Russia Moves to Liquidate Fifty-Six Religious Groups
On October 15 the Russian Ministry of Justice took steps to begin liquidating 56 non-Russian Orthodox religious organizations. The groups face dissolution, Russian news sources reported, because they failed to file required annual reports on their activities. Those targeted include a range of non-Russian Orthodox organizations and churches but hardest hit were various Christian groups, both Protestant and Catholic. Baptist groups were prominent on the list, but Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Seventh-day Adventist and Pentecostal groups were also included. Well known humanitarian groups such as World Vision and Youth with a Mission were also named, as was the Russian branch of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Non-Christian organizations were also named, including Muslim and Buddhist associations.
Read the rest of the story HERE
Here is news coming out of Russia...
Russia Moves to Liquidate Fifty-Six Religious Groups
On October 15 the Russian Ministry of Justice took steps to begin liquidating 56 non-Russian Orthodox religious organizations. The groups face dissolution, Russian news sources reported, because they failed to file required annual reports on their activities. Those targeted include a range of non-Russian Orthodox organizations and churches but hardest hit were various Christian groups, both Protestant and Catholic. Baptist groups were prominent on the list, but Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Seventh-day Adventist and Pentecostal groups were also included. Well known humanitarian groups such as World Vision and Youth with a Mission were also named, as was the Russian branch of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Non-Christian organizations were also named, including Muslim and Buddhist associations.
Read the rest of the story HERE
Friday, November 07, 2008
Featured Adoption Stories
I want to encourage all of you to visit http://straightfromtheheart.typepad.com/ - and leave comments for those who have shared very personal details of their lives and adoption process...for the world to read.
There is a story about Cindy - a woman who was adopted as a toddler. So encouraging to hear her thoughts on her birth mother, her feelings knowing she was adopted, her challenges growing up.
Then the Baker family, who have adopted from South Africa. So interesting to read about a family who have followed God's prompting - and go where He sent them!
The Chassion family who adopted from China. So interesting to see the similarities between our experiences, and of course - the major differences! Their adoption story was followed by the local news.
And us - most of you know our story, but I think Julie asked me some questions that I haven't talked about here - might be interesting for you to read through our plight. If not - that's OK! Read the stories of the other families.
There is a story about Cindy - a woman who was adopted as a toddler. So encouraging to hear her thoughts on her birth mother, her feelings knowing she was adopted, her challenges growing up.
Then the Baker family, who have adopted from South Africa. So interesting to read about a family who have followed God's prompting - and go where He sent them!
The Chassion family who adopted from China. So interesting to see the similarities between our experiences, and of course - the major differences! Their adoption story was followed by the local news.
And us - most of you know our story, but I think Julie asked me some questions that I haven't talked about here - might be interesting for you to read through our plight. If not - that's OK! Read the stories of the other families.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
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.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
stories of adoption - a must read!
Hello All,
I would like to share a link to a blog I frequent. The writer is a mom to an adopted child - and is writing stories of adoption...those who were adopted, those who are adopting, those who have adopted.
I found the stories that have been posted thus far to be uplifitng and very interesting. I encourage you to visit the site - and pass along the link to those in your individual adoption communities. http://straightfromtheheart.typepad.com/
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