Friday, February 26, 2010
Olymnpic Days
Today's sport event at Anya's orphanage reminded me of Olympic Day when I went to Stanley Clark. Lots of silly events. The whole school was divided into teams, and the winning group got a cake, box of chocolate and a vacuum sweeper (no, I'm not kidding).
Anya did very well. She jumped right in with all the boys to play when we first got the gym. She was the first in line when her team was ready to compete in a given event. And she did very very well at the crazy events!
The events were things like: hockey stick and tennis ball...move it around the cones and into a goal. Then there was the skis that had space for 4 people, and the 4 people had to work together to scoot from one side of the gym to the other (kinda like a fancy 3-legged race). The last event was an obstacle course. The kids had to do a somersault, then scoot through this tunnel, throw a dart at a target, run back to an 'a' frame wall, climb up the wall, jump down and tag the next guy in line. Many of the event would NEVER take place in the U.S.! One event for the older kids involved shooting something at balloons and popping them. As in, with a gun.
One little boy came up to me - I recognized him. He has been in Anya' group since she was at BH#2 in Irkutsk. His name is Alousha. He came up and said "you are Anya's mama! Hello!" I couldn't remember his name, so I said "your name is Sasha?" He got the funniest look on his face and said "oh no mama, I am Alousha!"
Photos coming soon - the internet speed I am connecting with right now won't allow me to upload anything.
Anya did very well. She jumped right in with all the boys to play when we first got the gym. She was the first in line when her team was ready to compete in a given event. And she did very very well at the crazy events!
The events were things like: hockey stick and tennis ball...move it around the cones and into a goal. Then there was the skis that had space for 4 people, and the 4 people had to work together to scoot from one side of the gym to the other (kinda like a fancy 3-legged race). The last event was an obstacle course. The kids had to do a somersault, then scoot through this tunnel, throw a dart at a target, run back to an 'a' frame wall, climb up the wall, jump down and tag the next guy in line. Many of the event would NEVER take place in the U.S.! One event for the older kids involved shooting something at balloons and popping them. As in, with a gun.
One little boy came up to me - I recognized him. He has been in Anya' group since she was at BH#2 in Irkutsk. His name is Alousha. He came up and said "you are Anya's mama! Hello!" I couldn't remember his name, so I said "your name is Sasha?" He got the funniest look on his face and said "oh no mama, I am Alousha!"
Photos coming soon - the internet speed I am connecting with right now won't allow me to upload anything.
inflation
If something was $40 a year ago, what would you think a reasonable price would be this year?
$45, maybe $50?
How about $72?
We hired a driver today to go see Anya in the Olympics that her orphanage put on. Last year, each trip to see her was $40 - so I assumed it would be about the same this year. Yes, I was WRONG! Today's fare was $72 (or about 2200 Rubles).
Although it was the most expensive cab ride I have ever had in my life, it was worth it. So neat to see Anya with all of the kids in the orphanage, and watch her compete in the various events.
$45, maybe $50?
How about $72?
We hired a driver today to go see Anya in the Olympics that her orphanage put on. Last year, each trip to see her was $40 - so I assumed it would be about the same this year. Yes, I was WRONG! Today's fare was $72 (or about 2200 Rubles).
Although it was the most expensive cab ride I have ever had in my life, it was worth it. So neat to see Anya with all of the kids in the orphanage, and watch her compete in the various events.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
wanna see our pad?
Thought we'd invite you all over to tour our apartment. Take a peek at our new digs...
Olympics – Orphanage style
At least, that is what I think is happening. Yesterday when we were visiting Anya, Tatiana (the social worker) was trying to tell me something. Al I really got was that something was happening tomorrow, and that we should be there by 2pm. Since I wasn’t understanding her, she got on the phone and then handed it to me. She called her sister who speaks English.
The way I understand it is that the kids are having a sports day today. The games will start at 3pm, and we will find it very interesting. I thought “interesting” was an odd word to use, because it was used over and over and over. Tatiana said “ochen interestina” (very interesting).
So stay tuned! Today should be…INTERESTING!
The way I understand it is that the kids are having a sports day today. The games will start at 3pm, and we will find it very interesting. I thought “interesting” was an odd word to use, because it was used over and over and over. Tatiana said “ochen interestina” (very interesting).
So stay tuned! Today should be…INTERESTING!
Added Bonus
A neat side story to the whole adoption this is the kids. Your kids. All of your kids who have been praying for years to bring Anya home. She will never know the magnitude of the power of the prayers of all of your kids. But, I do - and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
to top off today...
So after the blow that we weren’t going to be able to get Anya – we continued shopping and went to lunch with Tami and Steve. Went to Dominos (yes, the pizza place – for those familiar with Irkutsk, we went to the one on Lenin St. across from the stadium). While we were there, a little boy (maybe 10-12 years old) came in. He was begging. Kids beg here a lot. Steve and Tami told us that a study was done, and these kids bed for money not because they need it for food, but because their parents need the money for alcohol or drugs. Apparently, kids are more profitable beggars than adults are.
This boy came to our table, wanting money for food. Steve told him he would give him a piece of pizza, but no money. And he would only get the pizza if he sat at a table by us to eat us. The boy complied, and Steve gave him the pizza.
Then the owner (maybe the manager?) of the restaurant came over to the boy. Generally, the kid-beggars will get kicked out of places like this. The owner showed compassion and brought over some hot tea and a pastry to accompany the pizza from Steve.
About the time I was really feeling sorry for this poor kid, he got up and ran out of the restaurant. He didn’t drink the tea, finish the pizza or touch the pastry. He ran across the street, jumped over a fence and he was gone.
I don’t know why he decided to leave. Or why he didn’t at least take the food with him. What I do know is that kids shouldn’t beg for money for ANY reason. I don’t blame this boy – he is only doing what he has seen modeled or what he was told to do by an adult.
First Day as a Mom – that wasn’t (call it false labor)
What a Day!
I don’t know where to start.
Our day started out with us getting things ready to go and pick up Anya. I put all the gifts for people at the orphanage in a bag, got her outfit folded up and put in the bag; planned what we were going to have dinner. We knew that we wouldn’t be going to get her until later afternoon, so we decided to go out with Steve and Tami Jackson shopping. We had some things that we needed from the grocery store etc.
So out we went. We get though the first aisle at the grocery store, and the cell phone rings. It was Alex. Apparently the officials in the city will not let us get Anya until the 10 days are up. In other words, we can’t get Anya today, and won’t be able to get her until who knows when.
Disappointed doesn’t even begin to cover what I am feeling over all of this. Honestly, I don’t want to talk about it or think about it at all.
I should have known better. I am not new to this adoption thing, this RUSSIAN adoption thing and even more specifically – this IRKUTSK adoption thing. I know that there are no set rules, no set norms. When something is supposed to take 3 days it will take 7. I also know that there is nothing you can do about this, so stewing over it will only cause intestinal issues, and not solve anything.
My issue with all of this is mine. I am OK with waiting things out, with the unknown. For the last 5 years, I have been relatively OK with everything because I had no expectation and became cynical about every step of the process. If we would hear that the Judge would accept a meeting with our coordinator on a given day, and our coordinator was going to ask for a court date – I would assume the meeting wouldn’t take place. Which it didn’t – many many times.
I have been OK with going to visit Anya in the various orphanages she has been in. I was even kinda OK with leaving her there. There was nothing I could do to change the current situation, so I made a choice. Either I could be OK or stew.
After court, I was OK with going to see Anya at the horrible orphanage, but only because I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Things started bothering me more and more; like the smell of the room we have to play in, and the filth of everything you sit on, and the grime under Anya’s fingernails. All of this was ok, because the end was near.
It’s mental gymnastics really.
So I set myself up. I should have known that it was all too good to be true. Now I am mad, frustrated, have a bad attitude and want to march down to those so-called officials and give them a piece of my mind.
But I won’t. I’ll just sit here in this tiny apartment that we’re paying way too much money a day for. We’ll go back to see Anya tomorrow for the first time since LAST Friday. We will assume that weekends and holidays don’t count in the 10 day count down.
…and did you know that the 10 days is up to the Judge? Yep! It is up to her if she wants to count holidays or weekends, because she is the one who has to sign the official document on the 10 days following court!
I don’t know where to start.
Our day started out with us getting things ready to go and pick up Anya. I put all the gifts for people at the orphanage in a bag, got her outfit folded up and put in the bag; planned what we were going to have dinner. We knew that we wouldn’t be going to get her until later afternoon, so we decided to go out with Steve and Tami Jackson shopping. We had some things that we needed from the grocery store etc.
So out we went. We get though the first aisle at the grocery store, and the cell phone rings. It was Alex. Apparently the officials in the city will not let us get Anya until the 10 days are up. In other words, we can’t get Anya today, and won’t be able to get her until who knows when.
Disappointed doesn’t even begin to cover what I am feeling over all of this. Honestly, I don’t want to talk about it or think about it at all.
I should have known better. I am not new to this adoption thing, this RUSSIAN adoption thing and even more specifically – this IRKUTSK adoption thing. I know that there are no set rules, no set norms. When something is supposed to take 3 days it will take 7. I also know that there is nothing you can do about this, so stewing over it will only cause intestinal issues, and not solve anything.
My issue with all of this is mine. I am OK with waiting things out, with the unknown. For the last 5 years, I have been relatively OK with everything because I had no expectation and became cynical about every step of the process. If we would hear that the Judge would accept a meeting with our coordinator on a given day, and our coordinator was going to ask for a court date – I would assume the meeting wouldn’t take place. Which it didn’t – many many times.
I have been OK with going to visit Anya in the various orphanages she has been in. I was even kinda OK with leaving her there. There was nothing I could do to change the current situation, so I made a choice. Either I could be OK or stew.
After court, I was OK with going to see Anya at the horrible orphanage, but only because I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Things started bothering me more and more; like the smell of the room we have to play in, and the filth of everything you sit on, and the grime under Anya’s fingernails. All of this was ok, because the end was near.
It’s mental gymnastics really.
So I set myself up. I should have known that it was all too good to be true. Now I am mad, frustrated, have a bad attitude and want to march down to those so-called officials and give them a piece of my mind.
But I won’t. I’ll just sit here in this tiny apartment that we’re paying way too much money a day for. We’ll go back to see Anya tomorrow for the first time since LAST Friday. We will assume that weekends and holidays don’t count in the 10 day count down.
…and did you know that the 10 days is up to the Judge? Yep! It is up to her if she wants to count holidays or weekends, because she is the one who has to sign the official document on the 10 days following court!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
ONE WEEK AGO TODAY
10:30am
1 week ago today, the preliminary hearing to our case had been heard in the Irkutsk Regional Court. We were taking a 10 minute break, in order to start the civil hearing. I was a nervous mess. I couldn’t stand without shaking; I keep taking deep breaths to try to stop my heart from beating out of my chest.
Today, I am sitting at a Kitchen table in an apartment in Irkutsk, wondering when we’ll be able to get Anya. In some ways, so much has changed in the past week – but in other ways, everything is still exactly the same.
With court being last week, we weren’t able to see Anya much. There is a certain level of frustration that comes with being here and not being able to see Anya (for whatever the reason). Court, moving, logistics, transportation, holidays have all played a part in our inability to get to Shelechov to see her.
3:30pm update
Just talked to Alex, and we will be able to get Anya tomorrow!
1 week ago today, the preliminary hearing to our case had been heard in the Irkutsk Regional Court. We were taking a 10 minute break, in order to start the civil hearing. I was a nervous mess. I couldn’t stand without shaking; I keep taking deep breaths to try to stop my heart from beating out of my chest.
Today, I am sitting at a Kitchen table in an apartment in Irkutsk, wondering when we’ll be able to get Anya. In some ways, so much has changed in the past week – but in other ways, everything is still exactly the same.
With court being last week, we weren’t able to see Anya much. There is a certain level of frustration that comes with being here and not being able to see Anya (for whatever the reason). Court, moving, logistics, transportation, holidays have all played a part in our inability to get to Shelechov to see her.
3:30pm update
Just talked to Alex, and we will be able to get Anya tomorrow!
THINGS I LIKE ABOUT RUSSIA – little known surprises!
Walking – that is, when I don’t have blisters all over my feet. We walk everywhere. On Sunday, we walked for about 4 hours. This isn’t something we do at all at home.
Cheese, juice, ice Cream and sour cream (to name a few) is better here. Not sure what the difference is, it’s just better.
I can look like a shumpalump and no one cares.
Anya is here.
Every day is an adventure. At home, we get into a rut of the same ‘ol same ‘ol. We never do anything different; rarely do we have the opportunity to go exploring. Here, every day is an adventure. We’re always seeing something different, something new.
Food – generally, most of the food here (at least that we eat) doesn’t have preservatives in it, so much healthier than what we eat at home.
Cookies and deserts – really, all baked goods are yummy here.
We’ve been here so many times; we’ve made friends with some locals. It’s fun to be at a restaurant downtown, and actually see someone you know! Just like would happen at home!
How warm it is inside when you've been outside walking around for 2 hours in the -10 degree weather. The freakishly hot temperature inside makes so much sense now!
Staying in a building that is over 100 years old - and wondering what it was originally.
Finding the Irkutsk version of Verandah...and having it RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER from me!
Cheese, juice, ice Cream and sour cream (to name a few) is better here. Not sure what the difference is, it’s just better.
I can look like a shumpalump and no one cares.
Anya is here.
Every day is an adventure. At home, we get into a rut of the same ‘ol same ‘ol. We never do anything different; rarely do we have the opportunity to go exploring. Here, every day is an adventure. We’re always seeing something different, something new.
Food – generally, most of the food here (at least that we eat) doesn’t have preservatives in it, so much healthier than what we eat at home.
Cookies and deserts – really, all baked goods are yummy here.
We’ve been here so many times; we’ve made friends with some locals. It’s fun to be at a restaurant downtown, and actually see someone you know! Just like would happen at home!
How warm it is inside when you've been outside walking around for 2 hours in the -10 degree weather. The freakishly hot temperature inside makes so much sense now!
Staying in a building that is over 100 years old - and wondering what it was originally.
Finding the Irkutsk version of Verandah...and having it RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER from me!
Monday, February 22, 2010
more questions answered
Will Anya be able to bring some of her personal belongs with her or will you have to start from scratch?
Hard to say. I plan on bringing an outfit (from undies out) with us; but we sent her some clothes for Christmas that she seems to wear all the time. In the past, when she has moved orphanages – the director made sure that I got all of the clothes back. Of course, I didn’t want them, as nothing still fit Anya.
As far as belongings – the only things she has are the photo books, cards and letters that we have sent to her. And yes, we will get those things back.
You appear to be doing great with the culture there - how much Russian have you picked up?
Well, this is my 6th trip to Russia, so I am pretty comfortable here! Yes, we both know some Russian – I wouldn’t call it conversational Russian, more like survival Russian.
How much English does Anya know?
Quick answer, none. She will pick it up fast, and the more she is around us, the more she will learn. We have a plan on getting her some language help once we get home.
Does it all seem real yet?
No – probably because nothing has changed! Although the Judge has said she is our daughter, and the appropriate papers have been filed…we still don’t have Anya, and she is still living in the orphanage. We can’t parent her yet…and to her – we are all about playing and fun and games. It probably will seem real once we get her with us in this apartment.
Why is it taking so long?
I had to laugh at this – after almost 6 years, another 4 weeks seems like nothing! Having said that, it seems that all things in Russia drag out forever. If you are told and expect 1 week, I can almost promise it will be more like 2 weeks. It is the way of things here.
There is a mandatory 10 day waiting period that should be up around March 3. After that we get Anya’s new birth certificate with her new name and listing us as parents. That will take probably a week. Then, we apply for her passport. There is a lot of discussion on this passport thing, and I am working with the Embassy to get some clarity on what it is all about. A year ago, our friends had to get this biometric passport, and it took FOREVER! I hope that is an option, and we don’t have to get that kind. Will keep you updated on that.
Assuming everything goes as planned, we should be in Moscow the last part of March – that puts us home the end of March.
Is there anything you wish you would have brought with you that you didn’t?
Ask me in another week :)
Who's taking you food shopping?
We were staying with the Jackson family – they are American, living here. Steve Jackson took us to a big grocery store the day we moved into the apartment. Since we will need to walk to and from the markets from here on out, it was such a blessing to be able to really stock up!
Hard to say. I plan on bringing an outfit (from undies out) with us; but we sent her some clothes for Christmas that she seems to wear all the time. In the past, when she has moved orphanages – the director made sure that I got all of the clothes back. Of course, I didn’t want them, as nothing still fit Anya.
As far as belongings – the only things she has are the photo books, cards and letters that we have sent to her. And yes, we will get those things back.
You appear to be doing great with the culture there - how much Russian have you picked up?
Well, this is my 6th trip to Russia, so I am pretty comfortable here! Yes, we both know some Russian – I wouldn’t call it conversational Russian, more like survival Russian.
How much English does Anya know?
Quick answer, none. She will pick it up fast, and the more she is around us, the more she will learn. We have a plan on getting her some language help once we get home.
Does it all seem real yet?
No – probably because nothing has changed! Although the Judge has said she is our daughter, and the appropriate papers have been filed…we still don’t have Anya, and she is still living in the orphanage. We can’t parent her yet…and to her – we are all about playing and fun and games. It probably will seem real once we get her with us in this apartment.
Why is it taking so long?
I had to laugh at this – after almost 6 years, another 4 weeks seems like nothing! Having said that, it seems that all things in Russia drag out forever. If you are told and expect 1 week, I can almost promise it will be more like 2 weeks. It is the way of things here.
There is a mandatory 10 day waiting period that should be up around March 3. After that we get Anya’s new birth certificate with her new name and listing us as parents. That will take probably a week. Then, we apply for her passport. There is a lot of discussion on this passport thing, and I am working with the Embassy to get some clarity on what it is all about. A year ago, our friends had to get this biometric passport, and it took FOREVER! I hope that is an option, and we don’t have to get that kind. Will keep you updated on that.
Assuming everything goes as planned, we should be in Moscow the last part of March – that puts us home the end of March.
Is there anything you wish you would have brought with you that you didn’t?
Ask me in another week :)
Who's taking you food shopping?
We were staying with the Jackson family – they are American, living here. Steve Jackson took us to a big grocery store the day we moved into the apartment. Since we will need to walk to and from the markets from here on out, it was such a blessing to be able to really stock up!
observations about Russia
Strange things about Russia
There is no lettuce…you can’t just have a nice veggie salad with dinner. There might be lettuce available somewhere in Russia, but I’ve never seen it. Tami said that she saw it once at a market, and it was something like $40!
People work in their gardens in their underwear! Of course, in the Spring and Summer, not in the winter (hee hee!). This might be a regional thing, or a phenomenon only seen in the village where I heard about this strange happening.
Clothes are very expensive, but people make very little money. This might be why most people only have one or two outfits. Can you imagine? A month’s salary to buy an outfit!
I found crackers! Goldfish crackers and some that are kind of like Ritz. They don’t taste like the ones we have at home – much more bland. But they are crackers none the less!
I also found orange cheese (American / Cheddar). YAY!
You can buy canned horsemeat at the grocery store.
Russians love their dogs – just about everyone seems to have a dog!
I keep saying thank you instead of please…I just realized this yesterday, so now I know why people are looking at me funny when I talk. The oddest thing about this is that I know the difference!
The smallest bag of sugar at the grocery is about the size of a throw pillow.
Yesterday Marty and I decided we were going to be the Russian version of ourselves. He was Boris, and I was Olga.
I’ve coined a new term – Irkutsk Calluses. Seems every time I come here, the first day I am out and about walking, I always get nasty calluses on my feet. Doesn’t matter what time of the year or what shoes I wear. This time – they are gigantic on my heels.
There is no lettuce…you can’t just have a nice veggie salad with dinner. There might be lettuce available somewhere in Russia, but I’ve never seen it. Tami said that she saw it once at a market, and it was something like $40!
People work in their gardens in their underwear! Of course, in the Spring and Summer, not in the winter (hee hee!). This might be a regional thing, or a phenomenon only seen in the village where I heard about this strange happening.
Clothes are very expensive, but people make very little money. This might be why most people only have one or two outfits. Can you imagine? A month’s salary to buy an outfit!
I found crackers! Goldfish crackers and some that are kind of like Ritz. They don’t taste like the ones we have at home – much more bland. But they are crackers none the less!
I also found orange cheese (American / Cheddar). YAY!
You can buy canned horsemeat at the grocery store.
Russians love their dogs – just about everyone seems to have a dog!
I keep saying thank you instead of please…I just realized this yesterday, so now I know why people are looking at me funny when I talk. The oddest thing about this is that I know the difference!
The smallest bag of sugar at the grocery is about the size of a throw pillow.
Yesterday Marty and I decided we were going to be the Russian version of ourselves. He was Boris, and I was Olga.
I’ve coined a new term – Irkutsk Calluses. Seems every time I come here, the first day I am out and about walking, I always get nasty calluses on my feet. Doesn’t matter what time of the year or what shoes I wear. This time – they are gigantic on my heels.
more questions answered
Will Anya be able to bring some of her personal belongs with her or will you have to start from scratch?
Hard to say. I plan on bringing an outfit (from undies out) with us; but we sent her some clothes for Christmas that she seems to wear all the time. In the past, when she has moved orphanages – the director made sure that I got all of the clothes back. Of course, I didn’t want them, as nothing still fit Anya.
As far as belongings – the only things she has are the photo books, cards and letters that we have sent to her. And yes, we will get those things back.
You appear to be doing great with the culture there - how much Russian have you picked up?
Well, this is my 6th trip to Russia, so I am pretty comfortable here! Yes, we both know some Russian – I wouldn’t call it conversational Russian, more like survival Russian.
How much English does Anya know?
Quick answer, none. She will pick it up fast, and the more she is around us, the more she will learn. We have a plan on getting her some language help once we get home.
Does it all seem real yet?
No – probably because nothing has changed! Although the Judge has said she is our daughter, and the appropriate papers have been filed…we still don’t have Anya, and she is still living in the orphanage. We can’t parent her yet…and to her – we are all about playing and fun and games. It probably will seem real once we get her with us in this apartment.
Why is it taking so long?
I had to laugh at this – after almost 6 years, another 4 weeks seems like nothing! Having said that, it seems that all things in Russia drag out forever. If you are told and expect 1 week, I can almost promise it will be more like 2 weeks. It is the way of things here.
There is a mandatory 10 day waiting period that should be up around March 3. After that we get Anya’s new birth certificate with her new name and listing us as parents. That will take probably a week. Then, we apply for her passport. There is a lot of discussion on this passport thing, and I am working with the Embassy to get some clarity on what it is all about. A year ago, our friends had to get this biometric passport, and it took FOREVER! I hope that is an option, and we don’t have to get that kind. Will keep you updated on that.
Assuming everything goes as planned, we should be in Moscow the last part of March – that puts us home the end of March.
Is there anything you wish you would have brought with you that you didn’t?
Ask me in another week :)
Who's taking you food shopping?
We were staying with the Jackson family – they are American, living here. Steve Jackson took us to a big grocery store the day we moved into the apartment. Since we will need to walk to and from the markets from here on out, it was such a blessing to be able to really stock up!
Hard to say. I plan on bringing an outfit (from undies out) with us; but we sent her some clothes for Christmas that she seems to wear all the time. In the past, when she has moved orphanages – the director made sure that I got all of the clothes back. Of course, I didn’t want them, as nothing still fit Anya.
As far as belongings – the only things she has are the photo books, cards and letters that we have sent to her. And yes, we will get those things back.
You appear to be doing great with the culture there - how much Russian have you picked up?
Well, this is my 6th trip to Russia, so I am pretty comfortable here! Yes, we both know some Russian – I wouldn’t call it conversational Russian, more like survival Russian.
How much English does Anya know?
Quick answer, none. She will pick it up fast, and the more she is around us, the more she will learn. We have a plan on getting her some language help once we get home.
Does it all seem real yet?
No – probably because nothing has changed! Although the Judge has said she is our daughter, and the appropriate papers have been filed…we still don’t have Anya, and she is still living in the orphanage. We can’t parent her yet…and to her – we are all about playing and fun and games. It probably will seem real once we get her with us in this apartment.
Why is it taking so long?
I had to laugh at this – after almost 6 years, another 4 weeks seems like nothing! Having said that, it seems that all things in Russia drag out forever. If you are told and expect 1 week, I can almost promise it will be more like 2 weeks. It is the way of things here.
There is a mandatory 10 day waiting period that should be up around March 3. After that we get Anya’s new birth certificate with her new name and listing us as parents. That will take probably a week. Then, we apply for her passport. There is a lot of discussion on this passport thing, and I am working with the Embassy to get some clarity on what it is all about. A year ago, our friends had to get this biometric passport, and it took FOREVER! I hope that is an option, and we don’t have to get that kind. Will keep you updated on that.
Assuming everything goes as planned, we should be in Moscow the last part of March – that puts us home the end of March.
Is there anything you wish you would have brought with you that you didn’t?
Ask me in another week :)
Who's taking you food shopping?
We were staying with the Jackson family – they are American, living here. Steve Jackson took us to a big grocery store the day we moved into the apartment. Since we will need to walk to and from the markets from here on out, it was such a blessing to be able to really stock up!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Dinner
Our dinner, in pictures. For those of you who have never been to Russia - or never traveled and had to cook for yourself outside of the United States...let me explain why the food posts are significant.
It is hard to cook here. The oven doesn't have any directions on it. It doesn't work like anything we're used to. The temperature gauge isn't low-med-hi...it says 1-9 (and no indication if 1 if hot or 9 is hot...it is different depending on what kind of oven). Also, in the apartments, you never have the proper tools for cooking. This all on top of the grocery shopping experience - when you don't read Russian! We did have some help this time around.
For some reason, they loaded backwards...but here it goes
First - the famous Tami's pickles. And, if I do say so - this is an especially yummy batch of dill!
The finished dinner. Potato pancakes, chicken and peas. It was pretty good - all but the peas (and you would think that would be the easiest part!). At home, frozen peas are generally cooked. All you really need to do is warm them up. Well, in Russia, I don't think they are cooked yet. They were a little waxy.
Proof! I do cook!
The potato pancakes - they were good!
Marty - helping in the kitchen.
It is hard to cook here. The oven doesn't have any directions on it. It doesn't work like anything we're used to. The temperature gauge isn't low-med-hi...it says 1-9 (and no indication if 1 if hot or 9 is hot...it is different depending on what kind of oven). Also, in the apartments, you never have the proper tools for cooking. This all on top of the grocery shopping experience - when you don't read Russian! We did have some help this time around.
For some reason, they loaded backwards...but here it goes
First - the famous Tami's pickles. And, if I do say so - this is an especially yummy batch of dill!
The finished dinner. Potato pancakes, chicken and peas. It was pretty good - all but the peas (and you would think that would be the easiest part!). At home, frozen peas are generally cooked. All you really need to do is warm them up. Well, in Russia, I don't think they are cooked yet. They were a little waxy.
Proof! I do cook!
The potato pancakes - they were good!
Marty - helping in the kitchen.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sunday
First night in the new apartment was ok. We thought we would hear from Alex this morning with good news. He is waiting to hear from the director or the orphanage. The Guardianship lady has given consent for us to get Anya, now we are just waiting to hear from the director. With us not staying with the Jackson's any longer, transportation to and from Shelechov (about 30 minute dive) is a bit more of a challenge...so the sooner we're able to get Anya, the better for EVERYONE!
Last night, Steve took us to the grocery store. We stocked up on some necessities. The apartment bascially had nothing, so we had to get everything from milk, water, salt, sugar, to cereal and bread. THere are a few things we didn't get, we'll try go pick those up at a market today.
It is a sunny day outside, and we're a little stir crazy from being inside for almost 2 weeks. Our plan is to head out and walk along the Angara (river), head up Karl Marx street (the main road in downtown...our apartment is right off of that road) stop at a market and maybe go to that nice cafe for lunch. Debbie, it might be the Snowflake, not sure. It is near the Adidas store, next door to the Japanese place.
Here are some pics to tie you over until tomorrow.
Me with Anya on the day we went to the orphanage thinking we were going to have a party...we brought her a big pink Pooh balloon.
Anya in her party hat and USA shirt. The shirt has since disappeared...which is OK. As you can see from this pic, it is a little small for her.
The entrance of the orphanage where Anya is.
This is a photo of 1/2 of the building where Anya is. The other side is exactly like this side...and the 2 buildings are connected by a breezeway type thing.
Last night, Steve took us to the grocery store. We stocked up on some necessities. The apartment bascially had nothing, so we had to get everything from milk, water, salt, sugar, to cereal and bread. THere are a few things we didn't get, we'll try go pick those up at a market today.
It is a sunny day outside, and we're a little stir crazy from being inside for almost 2 weeks. Our plan is to head out and walk along the Angara (river), head up Karl Marx street (the main road in downtown...our apartment is right off of that road) stop at a market and maybe go to that nice cafe for lunch. Debbie, it might be the Snowflake, not sure. It is near the Adidas store, next door to the Japanese place.
Here are some pics to tie you over until tomorrow.
Me with Anya on the day we went to the orphanage thinking we were going to have a party...we brought her a big pink Pooh balloon.
Anya in her party hat and USA shirt. The shirt has since disappeared...which is OK. As you can see from this pic, it is a little small for her.
The entrance of the orphanage where Anya is.
This is a photo of 1/2 of the building where Anya is. The other side is exactly like this side...and the 2 buildings are connected by a breezeway type thing.
your questions answered
I thought I would post answers to some of the questions you've sent me.
Was it uncomfortable going to dinner with the people after court?
No, not at all. Everyone talked and laughed...we had 3 English speakers at the table in addition to us.
When will we be home?
Good question, we really don't know. I hope by the end of March. Today I feel like I have hit the wall - I don't feel 100%; I think the physical manifestation of the stress of the past 5 years hit me. Hives, rash, upset stomach, overly tired - so today, I am more than ready to just go home. I am sure this feeling will pass when we get Anya.
Where is the new mall?
It is outside town (sort of), on the way to Shelechov - kinda by the sports center that was never finished by the river. Since I know all of you know exactly where I am talking about, I'll make it simple - nowhere near downtown, and nowhere within walking distance of any apartments we all stay at.
Does Anya speak English?
Short and sweet...nope
There are more questions that I'll answer - but right now, I am tired and want to go to bed.
Wishing you all a fantastic Sunday!
Was it uncomfortable going to dinner with the people after court?
No, not at all. Everyone talked and laughed...we had 3 English speakers at the table in addition to us.
When will we be home?
Good question, we really don't know. I hope by the end of March. Today I feel like I have hit the wall - I don't feel 100%; I think the physical manifestation of the stress of the past 5 years hit me. Hives, rash, upset stomach, overly tired - so today, I am more than ready to just go home. I am sure this feeling will pass when we get Anya.
Where is the new mall?
It is outside town (sort of), on the way to Shelechov - kinda by the sports center that was never finished by the river. Since I know all of you know exactly where I am talking about, I'll make it simple - nowhere near downtown, and nowhere within walking distance of any apartments we all stay at.
Does Anya speak English?
Short and sweet...nope
There are more questions that I'll answer - but right now, I am tired and want to go to bed.
Wishing you all a fantastic Sunday!
more pics
This first photo is of the room where we get to spend time with Anya - the table isn't stable, so if you lean on one side of it, it will tip over. The TV doesn't work, the sofa smells like dirty feet and the stuffed animals have a case of the creeping crud. Other than that -nice place.
This is Luda and Steve. Luda is the one who has been hosting the Bible Study that Anya goes to. Of course - you all know Steve...the head of the Jackson household. This photo was taken inside Luda's church in Shelechov (about a mile from Anya's orphanage)
This photo was taken at the Jackson's church. We attended church with them last Sunday. The chior that sang was very good.
This is a pic of Steve Jackson, and the pastor of thier church. I wish I could remember the pastor's name...
This is Luda and Steve. Luda is the one who has been hosting the Bible Study that Anya goes to. Of course - you all know Steve...the head of the Jackson household. This photo was taken inside Luda's church in Shelechov (about a mile from Anya's orphanage)
This photo was taken at the Jackson's church. We attended church with them last Sunday. The chior that sang was very good.
This is a pic of Steve Jackson, and the pastor of thier church. I wish I could remember the pastor's name...
you want photos?
This is a note that Anya wrote to us the first day we saw her. It says (generally) Mama and Papa, I love you - I am glad you are healthy
Melissa (the youngest Jackson) gave Anya a Valentine - this little heart.
Can't remember if I've posted this yet...if I did - then you get to see it again :)
Us - the day we went to court.
For those of you who have been to Irkutsk before - you will appreciate this. It's a REAL mall! It's only been open for a few months. There aren't many stores open yet - the thing to the right is a giant grocery store. There is also the Russian version of Victoria's Secret, Sephorah and Things Remembered at this mall.
Melissa (the youngest Jackson) gave Anya a Valentine - this little heart.
Can't remember if I've posted this yet...if I did - then you get to see it again :)
Us - the day we went to court.
For those of you who have been to Irkutsk before - you will appreciate this. It's a REAL mall! It's only been open for a few months. There aren't many stores open yet - the thing to the right is a giant grocery store. There is also the Russian version of Victoria's Secret, Sephorah and Things Remembered at this mall.
Friday, February 19, 2010
after court
As I mentioned, after court we went to dinner at the Japanese restaurant on Karl Marks street. Actually, it wasn't as expensive as I thought it would be. For 7 people, dinner was about $180 (about $26 a person). The restaurant was very much like a Japanese restaurant we have at home.
Here is a photo of the night:
Pictured (l-r)
Me
Alex
Olga (or interpreter in court - she is great! I am sure we'd be friends if I lived here - hee hee! And, she had a great haircut -if I need a trim, I am going to call her!)
the guardianship lady (whose name is Olga too I think)
and at the end, the lady from the Adoption Center (whose name I can't remember - but she is super sassy and fun. We think she looks like Marty's sister, so she was introducing herself as Marty's Russian sister - hee hee!)
Here is a photo of the night:
Pictured (l-r)
Me
Alex
Olga (or interpreter in court - she is great! I am sure we'd be friends if I lived here - hee hee! And, she had a great haircut -if I need a trim, I am going to call her!)
the guardianship lady (whose name is Olga too I think)
and at the end, the lady from the Adoption Center (whose name I can't remember - but she is super sassy and fun. We think she looks like Marty's sister, so she was introducing herself as Marty's Russian sister - hee hee!)
the award for the nicest family goes to.....
When we got home from court on Wednesday, the Jackson family met us at the door with big smiles. They also made us a 'congratulations' banner, and Melissa (the youngest Jackson) made us a card.
We've been blessed beyond words by this family.
quick note
Just a quick note before my husband kills me for hogging the internet connection...
We will probably be here until at least the end of March. Our prayer is that things with the remaining paperwork (Anya's birth certificate and her passport) goes smoothly and is done fast.
We're leaving the comfort of the Jackson's home tomorrow, and moving into an apartment. Pray that we will not need to be there for a long time, as the cost is OUTRAGEOUS.
Will post more photos and details later...
We will probably be here until at least the end of March. Our prayer is that things with the remaining paperwork (Anya's birth certificate and her passport) goes smoothly and is done fast.
We're leaving the comfort of the Jackson's home tomorrow, and moving into an apartment. Pray that we will not need to be there for a long time, as the cost is OUTRAGEOUS.
Will post more photos and details later...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
forgot to mention - to all PAPs
I had a conversation with Alex about documents, requirements and the American families who continue to wait. He told me that TE MOST IMPORTANT THING is the apostille. After talking through everything, we agreed that for those who are waiting - time and energy should be spent on the apostille FIRST. Why? Because if that isn't the way the Judge wants it to be (and it is more a prosecutor issue than the Judge) - you will have to redo everything anyway. So why make double the work?
Alex is is court at least 3-4 times a week. He currently has 7 families in town. He has been working consistently in the adoption world in Irkutsk for (what?) 16 years. I will tell you that in out court hearing, there was little to no discussion about our documents. When it comes to trust - I completely trust Alex and his experience.
That is my tip for the day...straight from the horse's mouth (so to speak).
Alex is is court at least 3-4 times a week. He currently has 7 families in town. He has been working consistently in the adoption world in Irkutsk for (what?) 16 years. I will tell you that in out court hearing, there was little to no discussion about our documents. When it comes to trust - I completely trust Alex and his experience.
That is my tip for the day...straight from the horse's mouth (so to speak).
for Debbie
today we had hash brown casserole quiche for breakfast, skipped lunch and had lentil soup for dinner.
hee hee! I crack myself up!
hee hee! I crack myself up!
the after math
Today - we are completely wiped out. Couldn't quite get it together all day. I am pretty sure this is the definition of mental and physical exhaustion.
I remember talking to one of my friends about the time between court and when you physically get to GET your child. This friend described this period of waiting as torture. At the time, I thought that was a big of an exaggeration - but now that I am living it, I'll agree. TOTAL TORTURE.
Today, we went to see Anya, and as I've mentioned, we planned to bring some cake etc. for her group. We wanted to have a party celebration with what she has known as her family. We got to the orphanage, and were escorted to the room we always play in, and her group was there. I thought this was great - we would get to all play together and eat cake.
Well, almost instantly, all the kids were taken out of the room. We set out the juice, candy and cake and told the caregiver that we had brought those things for the group for a party. I specifically said 'Anya party'.
About an hour or so later, the caregiver came back and took all of the cake and candy. I assumed she was going to set things up, and come back for us.
This isn't my first ride around Mayberry. I've done this 'party for the kids' thing a few times before. I know the stick - I get how it works, and why it is important to make all the kids feel special. Generally, we're invited into the room. One child will sing a song, another will recite a poem. They will all introduce themselves to us...then we eat cake.
So - knowing this is how things go...I started picking up our things. And we waited -and waited.
Finally, I realized we weren't being invited to the party - maybe they were going to have this treat after dinner. OK - that is fine - seriously, that makes sense. Why spoil dinner time.
It was time to go, so we made our way back to the area where Anya lives. The kids were walking around with chocolate faces. Yep - they had the party without us AND Anya.
Mad? No, I wasn't mad. I was hurt. We took time to get things for ALL of the children to enjoy - and that included Anya. We wanted to spend time with her friends - see how she interacts with her friends. Make a memory for ANYA about this special occasion.
I know there will be a lot of opportunities for parties and celebrations. But not with this group of kids. My sincere hope is that after we left, all of the children were able to celebrate. That this little celebration in some way gave the other children hope, and showed them that people love them outside of those walls.
I remember talking to one of my friends about the time between court and when you physically get to GET your child. This friend described this period of waiting as torture. At the time, I thought that was a big of an exaggeration - but now that I am living it, I'll agree. TOTAL TORTURE.
Today, we went to see Anya, and as I've mentioned, we planned to bring some cake etc. for her group. We wanted to have a party celebration with what she has known as her family. We got to the orphanage, and were escorted to the room we always play in, and her group was there. I thought this was great - we would get to all play together and eat cake.
Well, almost instantly, all the kids were taken out of the room. We set out the juice, candy and cake and told the caregiver that we had brought those things for the group for a party. I specifically said 'Anya party'.
About an hour or so later, the caregiver came back and took all of the cake and candy. I assumed she was going to set things up, and come back for us.
This isn't my first ride around Mayberry. I've done this 'party for the kids' thing a few times before. I know the stick - I get how it works, and why it is important to make all the kids feel special. Generally, we're invited into the room. One child will sing a song, another will recite a poem. They will all introduce themselves to us...then we eat cake.
So - knowing this is how things go...I started picking up our things. And we waited -and waited.
Finally, I realized we weren't being invited to the party - maybe they were going to have this treat after dinner. OK - that is fine - seriously, that makes sense. Why spoil dinner time.
It was time to go, so we made our way back to the area where Anya lives. The kids were walking around with chocolate faces. Yep - they had the party without us AND Anya.
Mad? No, I wasn't mad. I was hurt. We took time to get things for ALL of the children to enjoy - and that included Anya. We wanted to spend time with her friends - see how she interacts with her friends. Make a memory for ANYA about this special occasion.
I know there will be a lot of opportunities for parties and celebrations. But not with this group of kids. My sincere hope is that after we left, all of the children were able to celebrate. That this little celebration in some way gave the other children hope, and showed them that people love them outside of those walls.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
the rest of the story
After yesterday, we walked into court today and were confident that this was the end. We met all of the people involved with the case (Alex, adoption center people, orphanage people etc) in the lobby of the court house. There was quite a bit of talking and review of documents going on. Alex told us that the Prosecutor was not in favor of our case. She spent the morning at the Adoption Center and at the Guardianship Department looking through files.
It looked like the Prosecutor took last night to come up with something to staff our case. She said that she didn’t have a copy of our Indiana State adoption law (which is part of our file), and then she decided that we didn’t meet requirements of the Immigration Law which would allow Anya back into the states.
We went into the court room and waited for the Judge to come…and we waited and waited and waited…and waited some more. We were told that the Judge and the Prosecutor were in a meeting. The fact that they had not made it to the court room yet was not a good sign.
So we continued to wait.
FINALLY the Judge and the Prosecutor came into the court room. The Judge looked, well, mad. The prosecutor had a smirk on her face, and wouldn’t look at us.
And so the questions began. First of the lady from the Adoption Center. More questions about Russian families who didn’t accept Anya. Then questions about the new medical exam that Anya had this morning. The Prosecutor asked for Marty to stand. She started asking him questions about post placement reports and documents he really didn’t know anything about. It was clear that she KNEW he didn’t have 100% knowledge on these things. At one point, the Judge looked at me and rolled her eyes.
Then the Judge called for a break.
At the end of this break, the Judge asked for closing remarks. Marty stood up and said a few words, and then I was asked to say a few words (I have no idea what I said). Then everyone from the Adoption Center, the Guardianship lady, the director from the orphanage all gave closing remarks. Then came the recommendation from the Prosecutor.
Deep Breath
We were prepared for her to find fault and not agree to the adoption. I glanced over at Alex, and he winked at me. Was this a good sign? Or simply to tell me to calm down?
The Prosecutor started reading – she rehashed Anya’s entire life…all of the details of her abandonment, her bio mother, her time in each orphanage. A recount of our visits with Anya, our homestudy…and on and on and on. The prosecutor turned to the last page of her hand written notes, and said “with everyone in agreement that Anya should be in the home with the Friend family, I agree and suggest that Marty Wayne and Katherine Ann Friend be granted this adoption petition, and be the legal parents of Anya”
Did I hear that right?
Marty took a deep breath.
The Judge then said that we would take a 15 minute break and she would return with her judgment.
I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cry…was this thing over?
The Judge returned and read her final Judgment. “The adoption is granted”!
My eyes must have been as big as saucers. Forcing back the ugly cry. Everyone in the court room was hugging and congratulating us.
As is customary, we went to dinner with everyone (except the judge and the prosecutor – guess it would be considered a bribe if we offered to take them to dinner). Of course, it was expected that we pick up the tab – which was fine!
Now, we will get the official document of the Judgment on Friday. We think that we will be able to get Anya on Sunday, and not have to wait out the 10 day waiting period before we take custody of her. The 10 days will start on Friday, and to my shock weekends count!
We’re going to the orphanage tomorrow afternoon to see Anya, and to bring a cake and celebrate with her group and those at the orphanage.
It looked like the Prosecutor took last night to come up with something to staff our case. She said that she didn’t have a copy of our Indiana State adoption law (which is part of our file), and then she decided that we didn’t meet requirements of the Immigration Law which would allow Anya back into the states.
We went into the court room and waited for the Judge to come…and we waited and waited and waited…and waited some more. We were told that the Judge and the Prosecutor were in a meeting. The fact that they had not made it to the court room yet was not a good sign.
So we continued to wait.
FINALLY the Judge and the Prosecutor came into the court room. The Judge looked, well, mad. The prosecutor had a smirk on her face, and wouldn’t look at us.
And so the questions began. First of the lady from the Adoption Center. More questions about Russian families who didn’t accept Anya. Then questions about the new medical exam that Anya had this morning. The Prosecutor asked for Marty to stand. She started asking him questions about post placement reports and documents he really didn’t know anything about. It was clear that she KNEW he didn’t have 100% knowledge on these things. At one point, the Judge looked at me and rolled her eyes.
Then the Judge called for a break.
At the end of this break, the Judge asked for closing remarks. Marty stood up and said a few words, and then I was asked to say a few words (I have no idea what I said). Then everyone from the Adoption Center, the Guardianship lady, the director from the orphanage all gave closing remarks. Then came the recommendation from the Prosecutor.
Deep Breath
We were prepared for her to find fault and not agree to the adoption. I glanced over at Alex, and he winked at me. Was this a good sign? Or simply to tell me to calm down?
The Prosecutor started reading – she rehashed Anya’s entire life…all of the details of her abandonment, her bio mother, her time in each orphanage. A recount of our visits with Anya, our homestudy…and on and on and on. The prosecutor turned to the last page of her hand written notes, and said “with everyone in agreement that Anya should be in the home with the Friend family, I agree and suggest that Marty Wayne and Katherine Ann Friend be granted this adoption petition, and be the legal parents of Anya”
Did I hear that right?
Marty took a deep breath.
The Judge then said that we would take a 15 minute break and she would return with her judgment.
I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cry…was this thing over?
The Judge returned and read her final Judgment. “The adoption is granted”!
My eyes must have been as big as saucers. Forcing back the ugly cry. Everyone in the court room was hugging and congratulating us.
As is customary, we went to dinner with everyone (except the judge and the prosecutor – guess it would be considered a bribe if we offered to take them to dinner). Of course, it was expected that we pick up the tab – which was fine!
Now, we will get the official document of the Judgment on Friday. We think that we will be able to get Anya on Sunday, and not have to wait out the 10 day waiting period before we take custody of her. The 10 days will start on Friday, and to my shock weekends count!
We’re going to the orphanage tomorrow afternoon to see Anya, and to bring a cake and celebrate with her group and those at the orphanage.
it's a girl
At 4:45 today, the Irkutsk Regional Court granted our petition to adopt Anya!
It's like a dream right now. We need to process all that has happened over the past 2 days.
The bottom line? God is good!
It's like a dream right now. We need to process all that has happened over the past 2 days.
The bottom line? God is good!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
for Debbie
I have to tease my friend Debbie. When she and her husband were here a year ago, she would keep us all updates on her blog with the happenings of the day, complete with the day's menu.
So, in keeping with Debbie's foodie posts...here is what we had today:
Home made chocolate chip cupcakes
home made mac-n-cheese
broccoli (that was grown in the backyard of the home where we are staying)
an orange (from Egypt, but not that much different than California naval oranges)
and some ice cream
No - don't get all excited. I didn't all the sudden become all domestic and learn to cook overnight. Tami, our gracious hostess, made all of this. She is amazing (and doesn't know it). I think she should open a restaurant for American families visiting Irkutsk.
So, in keeping with Debbie's foodie posts...here is what we had today:
Home made chocolate chip cupcakes
home made mac-n-cheese
broccoli (that was grown in the backyard of the home where we are staying)
an orange (from Egypt, but not that much different than California naval oranges)
and some ice cream
No - don't get all excited. I didn't all the sudden become all domestic and learn to cook overnight. Tami, our gracious hostess, made all of this. She is amazing (and doesn't know it). I think she should open a restaurant for American families visiting Irkutsk.
quick update
Just a quick update.
We were in court for 7 hours today. We had 2 breaks – no lunch break. The room was FREEZING, which was good because after 7 hours, we were tired!
Marty and I were in the hot seat for about 4 hours. Our fears of the prosecutor (so far) have been out-prayed (Is that even a word?). There were no hard questions, nothing difficult. A few minor miscommunications, but nothing huge at all.
Thank you all so much for praying – we felt your prayers in such a big way. God showed up – and that’s all I can say about that right now.
Everything went very well until the last 30-40 minutes of the hearing. A last minute document was added to Anya’s medical file. Apparently there were 2 different diagnoses on the same issue in October. One clinic said it was nothing – the other said it was something.
This caused a fairly big to-do in court. Bottom line – Anya will be seen by a court appointed doctor tomorrow morning to make a final determination on this issue. This document will clarify the others that were not clear and contradicted each other.
Until this document came up, everyone in court thought we would be able to get a judgment. In today’s court cases in Irkutsk, a 1-day adoption hearing in unheard of.
We will reconvene at 3pm tomorrow (which is 2am Tuesday night/morning EST). Again, this is unheard of. Alex said that generally the second day of court is at least 3-4 days later, generally 1 week later. To have the continuance the next day –at 3pm says that the judgment will be handed down tomorrow.
Of course this is all speculation at this point.
I just wanted to post some general info on today. We are exhausted, were hungry (thanks Tami for feeding us!!) and mentally done for the day.
more tomorrow.
We were in court for 7 hours today. We had 2 breaks – no lunch break. The room was FREEZING, which was good because after 7 hours, we were tired!
Marty and I were in the hot seat for about 4 hours. Our fears of the prosecutor (so far) have been out-prayed (Is that even a word?). There were no hard questions, nothing difficult. A few minor miscommunications, but nothing huge at all.
Thank you all so much for praying – we felt your prayers in such a big way. God showed up – and that’s all I can say about that right now.
Everything went very well until the last 30-40 minutes of the hearing. A last minute document was added to Anya’s medical file. Apparently there were 2 different diagnoses on the same issue in October. One clinic said it was nothing – the other said it was something.
This caused a fairly big to-do in court. Bottom line – Anya will be seen by a court appointed doctor tomorrow morning to make a final determination on this issue. This document will clarify the others that were not clear and contradicted each other.
Until this document came up, everyone in court thought we would be able to get a judgment. In today’s court cases in Irkutsk, a 1-day adoption hearing in unheard of.
We will reconvene at 3pm tomorrow (which is 2am Tuesday night/morning EST). Again, this is unheard of. Alex said that generally the second day of court is at least 3-4 days later, generally 1 week later. To have the continuance the next day –at 3pm says that the judgment will be handed down tomorrow.
Of course this is all speculation at this point.
I just wanted to post some general info on today. We are exhausted, were hungry (thanks Tami for feeding us!!) and mentally done for the day.
more tomorrow.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Monday meetings
We won't see Anya today. I wish we had a way of telling her that we couldn't be there because we are preparing for court. Unfortunatley, there aren't enough words in my limited vocabulary to get this point across.
We won't see Anya for 2 days (I think).
Monday will start with Marty and I working hard on refreshing our memories with every aspect of our documents. We've prepared our speeches for the court, and need to practice them.
After lunch we'll meet with Alex to review everything for court on Tuesday.
Then we'll spend the night...well, knowing me -I'll be sick to my stomach, unable to eat - pacing the floors until morning.
We covet your prayers, and are already feeling them. We know that we will walk into that court room with the armor of God, and will be confident in knowing that HE has gone before us to prepare everyone involved with our case.
I don't know when I will be able to post again. I hope to be able to give you all an update by Tuesday night. I am not going to promisw anything as I don't know how the day will go.
We won't see Anya for 2 days (I think).
Monday will start with Marty and I working hard on refreshing our memories with every aspect of our documents. We've prepared our speeches for the court, and need to practice them.
After lunch we'll meet with Alex to review everything for court on Tuesday.
Then we'll spend the night...well, knowing me -I'll be sick to my stomach, unable to eat - pacing the floors until morning.
We covet your prayers, and are already feeling them. We know that we will walk into that court room with the armor of God, and will be confident in knowing that HE has gone before us to prepare everyone involved with our case.
I don't know when I will be able to post again. I hope to be able to give you all an update by Tuesday night. I am not going to promisw anything as I don't know how the day will go.
Sunday
THis is my 6th time to Irkutsk. Not that I think I am an Irkutsk expert by any means, but I dio think that I have a pretty good understanding of most things about being here.
Today was different.
THe day started with church. What a blessing to be welcomed into a Russian Baptist church. Although we didn't understand what was going on - I caught some words in the message. Basically, this was the message of the morning: God, love, understand all. How's that for a good message?
After church, we went to see Anya for a little bit. This is where the day gets odd for me.
This is the 3rd orphanage she has lived in. Again, I don't think I am an orphanage expert, but I have a lot of direct experience with orphanages of different kinds here. I've met many caregivers, social workers, psychologists, security guards, directors and the like.
I've seen the kids cared for, some needing care others wanting care. I've seen the kids fed, bathed, in the toilet....playing, fighting, being scolded.
Today, as we were leaving the orphanage I saw something I will never forget. As we were getting into the car, there were 4-5 boys that followed us out. The boys were about 14-15 years old. The boys in this home where Anya lives are rough. We are told they are always looking for something to steal and sell to get money. They all have the same look in their eyes...and it's not a look I would want to cross.
The boys walked out into the winter air right behind us - and then headed toward the street. As I turned to get into the car, I noticed that one of the boys had a full (pint maybe? is that big?) bottle of vodka in his hand. I mentioned this to Steve and Marty in the car. As we pulled the car around to leave, several of the boys were huddled at the base of the drive. THey looked to be in a tussle. As we got closer, it was clear what was going on. They had tackled one of the boys. This boy looked to be 15-16 years old - redish blonde hair, red in the face from having it rubbed into the snow. He was drunk. So drunk he couldn't stand by himself. About this same time, we saw several of the workers from the orphanage run out of te doors.
This boy is a resident in the same home where my 7 year old lives.
Do their paths cross? Probably not - but that's not the point.
So much innocence is lost in these places. This home is particularly dirty and depressing. The children aren't clean - there are always kids wandering around. At least 5-6 times during every visit, a boy will stick his head into the door where we are to see what we are going. Again, looking for an open door, with an empty room to see if there is anything there to steal.
Anya's hair hasn't been washed since we got here. She has something that looks like food stuck in her hair. Her hands are filthy, and her clothes are in serious need of a good washing.
Every other time that I have been here, Anya has been squeaky clean. She has smelled like soap. Her clothes were free of odor and stains.
I can't bear to think about what would happen to her if she is left in this place.
Today was different.
THe day started with church. What a blessing to be welcomed into a Russian Baptist church. Although we didn't understand what was going on - I caught some words in the message. Basically, this was the message of the morning: God, love, understand all. How's that for a good message?
After church, we went to see Anya for a little bit. This is where the day gets odd for me.
This is the 3rd orphanage she has lived in. Again, I don't think I am an orphanage expert, but I have a lot of direct experience with orphanages of different kinds here. I've met many caregivers, social workers, psychologists, security guards, directors and the like.
I've seen the kids cared for, some needing care others wanting care. I've seen the kids fed, bathed, in the toilet....playing, fighting, being scolded.
Today, as we were leaving the orphanage I saw something I will never forget. As we were getting into the car, there were 4-5 boys that followed us out. The boys were about 14-15 years old. The boys in this home where Anya lives are rough. We are told they are always looking for something to steal and sell to get money. They all have the same look in their eyes...and it's not a look I would want to cross.
The boys walked out into the winter air right behind us - and then headed toward the street. As I turned to get into the car, I noticed that one of the boys had a full (pint maybe? is that big?) bottle of vodka in his hand. I mentioned this to Steve and Marty in the car. As we pulled the car around to leave, several of the boys were huddled at the base of the drive. THey looked to be in a tussle. As we got closer, it was clear what was going on. They had tackled one of the boys. This boy looked to be 15-16 years old - redish blonde hair, red in the face from having it rubbed into the snow. He was drunk. So drunk he couldn't stand by himself. About this same time, we saw several of the workers from the orphanage run out of te doors.
This boy is a resident in the same home where my 7 year old lives.
Do their paths cross? Probably not - but that's not the point.
So much innocence is lost in these places. This home is particularly dirty and depressing. The children aren't clean - there are always kids wandering around. At least 5-6 times during every visit, a boy will stick his head into the door where we are to see what we are going. Again, looking for an open door, with an empty room to see if there is anything there to steal.
Anya's hair hasn't been washed since we got here. She has something that looks like food stuck in her hair. Her hands are filthy, and her clothes are in serious need of a good washing.
Every other time that I have been here, Anya has been squeaky clean. She has smelled like soap. Her clothes were free of odor and stains.
I can't bear to think about what would happen to her if she is left in this place.
Friday, February 12, 2010
if you are expecting an email...
If you are expecting an meail from me and haven't rec'd it - check your junk / spam folder. Might have gone there (mom). I've been using my yahoo email acct.
prayers needed
Well, we’re down to it. We’re in the final days before heading to court on Tuesday. We found out something that we need your prayers on.There is a prosecutor at every court hearing. There is one prosecutor who is horrible – and has an ‘interesting’ nick-name among those she comes in contact with. Debbie – this might be the same prosecutor you had.
Anyway, she specifically requested to be a part of our hearing, since it is “famous”. (feel free to insert grunts, groans and expletives here).
This woman has the power to call for any additional information she sees fit in a hearing. In other words, she can call for more documents at the last minute. She also has a ‘say so’ in the final outcome of the case. Now, the Judge can over-rule her, however she does have that power.
In an adoption hearing a few weeks ago (with a German family) she denied their adoption because on the initial form – the couple stated they were looking for a child with blue eyes. The child they are seeking to adopt has brown eyes. The judge overruled the prosecutor’s opinion, and granted the adoption. Well – the prosecutor then appealed to the Supreme Court. No, I am not kidding!
Please pray about this for us. We’re praying that any and all hindrances that may come in our way to bring Anya home be removed! And if that means she isn’t a part of our hearing, then God has the power to completely remove her. If His plan is for her to be a part of our case, then we hope that she is able to see His love though us for Anya. AMEN!!!
For those who would like to pray for us as we are physically IN court - that will be around 8pm on the 15th - (Indiana EST)time.
we are being spoiled!
We are staying with the Jackson family, and let me tell you – we’re getting spoiled! They have really gone out of their way to make our stay in their home comfortable. Steve has been acting as our driver since we got here – and for that we are SO GRATEFUL! Tami has been making such good home-cooked food for us; I thought I was going to lose weight when we came here…ha! Not with blueberry pancakes for breakfast, homemade soup for lunch and tacos for dinner!
The kids (Ashley, Andrew and Melissa) have all been so helpful too. They’ve been helping us with ideas on what to play with Anya and so on. Melissa is 6, and is really looking forward to meeting Anya and playing together. I am too! I don’t think Anya has ever played girl-games before (dolls, dress up etc.), so I am really excited to see her with other girls playing together.
I don’t know if we’ll ever be able to repay the kindness the Jackson’s are showing us.
The kids (Ashley, Andrew and Melissa) have all been so helpful too. They’ve been helping us with ideas on what to play with Anya and so on. Melissa is 6, and is really looking forward to meeting Anya and playing together. I am too! I don’t think Anya has ever played girl-games before (dolls, dress up etc.), so I am really excited to see her with other girls playing together.
I don’t know if we’ll ever be able to repay the kindness the Jackson’s are showing us.
Friday
Today – Andrew was sick - and wouldn’t you know it, we needed an interpreter! The lady who will be in court with us from the Adoption Center stopped by – she is really nice. We’ve been blessed with those who will be a part of our case who are ladies we really like – and who seem to really like us. Anyway…she came to meet the doctor who will be in court with us to read us the official medical document for court. We figured it out, and were able to get what we needed from the meeting (thank goodness for cell phones!).
I think we have a game-er in the making! Marty let Anya play on his i-phone today…and that little stinker loved playing the games! She was entertained for a LONG time! (note to self: remember this for the flight home!)
Here are some pics from Friday
I think we have a game-er in the making! Marty let Anya play on his i-phone today…and that little stinker loved playing the games! She was entertained for a LONG time! (note to self: remember this for the flight home!)
Here are some pics from Friday
Nice Suprise
Thursday was a holiday here in Russia. I don’t know the name of it (insert wisdom from Kate here – haha!), but it is the end of winter. Which I think is pretty funny considering it is -30 outside. Anyway, with the holiday come some traditions. As in the U.S., that might mean sharing a meal with a neighbor. Which is exactly what happened!
We were fortunate enough to meet Tami and Steve’s neighbors. They are a wonderful Russian couple. We had a really good time sharing a meal with them, and laughing..and laughing….and laughing!
Thursday
THURSDAY
Kind of an uneventful day. Went to see Anya in the afternoon. Jet lag is a funny thing – you think you are over it, completely flipped to a new time zone, and then *POW* it hits you again. That is what happened mid afternoon. Marty got really tired – and so did Andrew. Andrew is our interpreter (that we really don’t need). So, Andrew decided he would go across the street to the grocery store and get some cookies. Well, after a little snack, Marty and Andrew fell asleep. It was pretty funny.
Here are some pics of our visit.
Kind of an uneventful day. Went to see Anya in the afternoon. Jet lag is a funny thing – you think you are over it, completely flipped to a new time zone, and then *POW* it hits you again. That is what happened mid afternoon. Marty got really tired – and so did Andrew. Andrew is our interpreter (that we really don’t need). So, Andrew decided he would go across the street to the grocery store and get some cookies. Well, after a little snack, Marty and Andrew fell asleep. It was pretty funny.
Here are some pics of our visit.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
somebody was happy to see Daddy
This is Marty and Andrew - Marty is showing him all the IPhone Apps...Andrew got a real kick out og the Riff thing that Marty made.
napping
Marty: we shouldn't nap during the day to be sure that we are totally flipped over to this time zone
Me: OK, but I would like to just lie down and watch a DVD
Marty: Not a good idea, you'll fall asleep
Currently, I am on the computer, and Marty is snoring. It's 4pm.
Me: OK, but I would like to just lie down and watch a DVD
Marty: Not a good idea, you'll fall asleep
Currently, I am on the computer, and Marty is snoring. It's 4pm.
today
So the meeting with the officials at the orphanage was basically like the one we have every trip. No big deal at all. At one point, the director asked us when we first met Anya and filed to adopt her - and of course, we said October 2004. She got the most surprised look on her face and grabbed her chest. I don't know exactly what she said, but it was translated as "very good for you to try to hard to adopt her, that is a very long time". Um ya, thanks!
We then went to Anya's room to get her - she ran (and I mean RAN) up to us yelling PAPA - MAMA! She was so excited, her little heart was beating so fast, I promise you could see the beating through her dress. She was shaking (literally) with excitement. The social worker said "well, I don't have to wonder if she knows you or if she is excited to see you!".
We then had a meeting with the social worker and lady from the adoption center to go over our paperwork for court. They asked a few questions about things they didn't understand in our dossier (like what Marty does for a living...). We also got the low-down on all the medical conditions Anya has been diagnosed with.
The lady from the adoption center is very nice. She seems to be good friends with Alex - who is our guy here(bonus!). She has met Anya's birth mother and has the whole story about her. Very interesting (will post that later).
We'll see Anya every day after school (at about 1-2pm) until dinnertime (6ish)...and then on the days when she has extra activities in the evenings, I think we will be able to see her then too.
One of the caregivers said that when it gets this cold outside (was -35f this morning) that they cancel school. So if it is this cold, we can go see her earlier in the day...but no one knew what the cut-off temp was when schools got canceled. Oh well!
We then went to Anya's room to get her - she ran (and I mean RAN) up to us yelling PAPA - MAMA! She was so excited, her little heart was beating so fast, I promise you could see the beating through her dress. She was shaking (literally) with excitement. The social worker said "well, I don't have to wonder if she knows you or if she is excited to see you!".
We then had a meeting with the social worker and lady from the adoption center to go over our paperwork for court. They asked a few questions about things they didn't understand in our dossier (like what Marty does for a living...). We also got the low-down on all the medical conditions Anya has been diagnosed with.
The lady from the adoption center is very nice. She seems to be good friends with Alex - who is our guy here(bonus!). She has met Anya's birth mother and has the whole story about her. Very interesting (will post that later).
We'll see Anya every day after school (at about 1-2pm) until dinnertime (6ish)...and then on the days when she has extra activities in the evenings, I think we will be able to see her then too.
One of the caregivers said that when it gets this cold outside (was -35f this morning) that they cancel school. So if it is this cold, we can go see her earlier in the day...but no one knew what the cut-off temp was when schools got canceled. Oh well!
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
We'll Bring You Home
Many of you asked to see the song called "Home" Marty wrote, performed and put behind some images of Anya. Here it is.
we're here
THE TRIP HERE
Amazingly – there were no obstacles, no problems, no issues with our trip here. We got our luggage just fine in Moscow, stayed for a few hours at The Atlanta hotel in Moscow, and then flew out of the new terminal (D) in Moscow. That terminal was SO much nicer and easy to navigate. We didn’t need help finding our way at all. The most amazing thing about this part of the trip was the luggage. If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you probably know that I do not like paying for overage in baggage. Yes, know there are “rules”, but I don’t like it.
We had to pay $50 in South Bend for an extra piece of luggage, and fully intended on having to pay in the $200 range in Moscow for overage in our baggage allowance. We have always had to pay this (even when our bags were well within the allowances). Well, we were not charged a dime in Moscow! Praise God!
We got to Irkutsk on time, and flew into the new terminal…which is like night and day to the old terminal. To put things into perspective, to claim your bags at the old terminal, you would claim them from a turn-style made of tin and wood…the new terminal has a REAL baggage carousel. It is very nice.
We’re staying with the Jackson family – so Steve picked us up from the airport. We came back to the house, and had a great breakfast with Tami and the kids. We called our guy here to make arrangements to go and see Anya this afternoon. Apparently since this is our first official meeting with the officials at the new orphanage, we were not allowed to go this afternoon. I guess ALL of the officials need to be present at that meeting (the director, social worker, care giver, bla bla bla) and someone couldn’t be there. This meeting is requires so that they can make a report for the court. BOO HISS!
Although I know this kind of thing happens, it doesn’t make it any easier when it does happen. Our guy will come to see us this afternoon (although it will most likely be WAY later, like 6-7pm) to talk about this meeting, and gather some documents from us. We have the meeting with the group of officials at the orphanage tomorrow at 10am. We will see Anya then.
Right now, all I really want to do is lay down and watch some mindless dribble on one of the DVDs I brought. I am forcing my eyeballs to stay open. One thing about traveling 13 time zones away is that it is REALLY important to force yourself to stay awake this first day her. I planned to go to bed at about 6-7pm, but with my luck, our guy won’t come to see us until later. Ugh! OH well, sleep is over rated, right?
Amazingly – there were no obstacles, no problems, no issues with our trip here. We got our luggage just fine in Moscow, stayed for a few hours at The Atlanta hotel in Moscow, and then flew out of the new terminal (D) in Moscow. That terminal was SO much nicer and easy to navigate. We didn’t need help finding our way at all. The most amazing thing about this part of the trip was the luggage. If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you probably know that I do not like paying for overage in baggage. Yes, know there are “rules”, but I don’t like it.
We had to pay $50 in South Bend for an extra piece of luggage, and fully intended on having to pay in the $200 range in Moscow for overage in our baggage allowance. We have always had to pay this (even when our bags were well within the allowances). Well, we were not charged a dime in Moscow! Praise God!
We got to Irkutsk on time, and flew into the new terminal…which is like night and day to the old terminal. To put things into perspective, to claim your bags at the old terminal, you would claim them from a turn-style made of tin and wood…the new terminal has a REAL baggage carousel. It is very nice.
We’re staying with the Jackson family – so Steve picked us up from the airport. We came back to the house, and had a great breakfast with Tami and the kids. We called our guy here to make arrangements to go and see Anya this afternoon. Apparently since this is our first official meeting with the officials at the new orphanage, we were not allowed to go this afternoon. I guess ALL of the officials need to be present at that meeting (the director, social worker, care giver, bla bla bla) and someone couldn’t be there. This meeting is requires so that they can make a report for the court. BOO HISS!
Although I know this kind of thing happens, it doesn’t make it any easier when it does happen. Our guy will come to see us this afternoon (although it will most likely be WAY later, like 6-7pm) to talk about this meeting, and gather some documents from us. We have the meeting with the group of officials at the orphanage tomorrow at 10am. We will see Anya then.
Right now, all I really want to do is lay down and watch some mindless dribble on one of the DVDs I brought. I am forcing my eyeballs to stay open. One thing about traveling 13 time zones away is that it is REALLY important to force yourself to stay awake this first day her. I planned to go to bed at about 6-7pm, but with my luck, our guy won’t come to see us until later. Ugh! OH well, sleep is over rated, right?
Saturday, February 06, 2010
you may have noticed
You may have noticed that I'm not posting much about our trip on Facebook and Twitter. That is on purpose. If you're one of the not-so-fortunate ones who see all my babble on Twitter/FB, please help me keep the trip details quiet.
Also, we should probably pray for Tara - she is staying at our house while we are gone. I am hoping that everything goes smoothly, that the cats don't drive her crazy, and that she doesn't get snowed in!
Also, we should probably pray for Tara - she is staying at our house while we are gone. I am hoping that everything goes smoothly, that the cats don't drive her crazy, and that she doesn't get snowed in!
and...we're off
Tomorrow is the day - we'll leave from South Bend, head to Detroit, then on to New York...and Moscow - and then Irkutsk. Honestly, I have been having little panic attacks over the reality of it all.
If you are the kind that likes to track flight numbers - here are the numbers:
3958 (northwest) to 4918 (Delta) to 30 (Delta) to 749 (Aeroflot).
Here is the Delta site where you can track flights:
http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/flight_status_updates/index.jsp
If you are the kind that likes to track flight numbers - here are the numbers:
3958 (northwest) to 4918 (Delta) to 30 (Delta) to 749 (Aeroflot).
Here is the Delta site where you can track flights:
http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/flight_status_updates/index.jsp
There are a lot of flight tracker deals out there...I am sure you have a better one.
I am spending my day packing. Marty seems to think it will only take me about 2 hours to pack. He is a funny man...oh goodness!
I really don't like paying overage on baggage weight - it's an issue really. I get mad. Even if I KNOW I am going to pay it, it still urks me. I know we're going to have to pay for an extra bag on the Delta flight (which does not make me happy) - the website is a little sketchy as to how much they are going to charge. I know it's $50 - but it dosen't say if that is per flight (which would be $150) or per trip. Oh well, all of the neat little surprises that play into the rich padgent they call adoption :)
I am spending my day packing. Marty seems to think it will only take me about 2 hours to pack. He is a funny man...oh goodness!
I really don't like paying overage on baggage weight - it's an issue really. I get mad. Even if I KNOW I am going to pay it, it still urks me. I know we're going to have to pay for an extra bag on the Delta flight (which does not make me happy) - the website is a little sketchy as to how much they are going to charge. I know it's $50 - but it dosen't say if that is per flight (which would be $150) or per trip. Oh well, all of the neat little surprises that play into the rich padgent they call adoption :)
Friday, February 05, 2010
random adoption tip of the day
Have no expectations. When things go as they should, be surprised...because, honestly, this is a VERY rare thing. This goes for:
- paperwork (including passports, visas, homestudies...)
- communication (or lack of)
- travel plans
- time frames
old friends, common misery
I got an email this morning from someone I came to be friends with along this adoption road.
When the world blew up in 2005, following the tragic murder of Nina Hilt, there were several families caught in the cross hairs. We were all with the same agency - searching for answers (not getting any), and genuinely feeling completely helpless. I became friends with a group of Moms - we all were fighting together. Through the years, their families have grown through the miracle of adoption (from other parts of Russia).
Some day I will post about all that happened during that time - about the heartache, the lies, the deception - the true colors of the money side of adoption. The words "convicted of adoption crimes" surfaced a lot during those years.
But that is for another day.
These girls will always hold a special place in my heart. We had plans to meet in some city for a girls spa weekend - we also talking about getting together in Chicago and going to the American Girl store with our daughters (although, one of us has boys!).
This journey has been horrible. Don't get me wrong. But I am grateful for the friendships...old and new!
I think about the day we got the news that we would be getting a court date. Some of these friends I've made over the years are the people I wanted to call first. They get it - they understand the tangle of emotions that comes with that news.
Today - I just wanted to say to all of you gals, I am grateful for YOU.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
weather
HI friends,
as you know, we're leaving on Sunday morning. If you have been watching the news - you've probably seen all the hub-bub about this nasty storm that is coming in the next day. If you've seen the path of the storm, that is pretty much out flight path out of the U.S. (South Bend to Detroit to New York).
I padded our travel to account for bad weather and delays - but I seriously didn't think we'd need it...silly me!
Praying for a media-inflated weather story that ends up being merely a dusting.
as you know, we're leaving on Sunday morning. If you have been watching the news - you've probably seen all the hub-bub about this nasty storm that is coming in the next day. If you've seen the path of the storm, that is pretty much out flight path out of the U.S. (South Bend to Detroit to New York).
I padded our travel to account for bad weather and delays - but I seriously didn't think we'd need it...silly me!
Praying for a media-inflated weather story that ends up being merely a dusting.
random adoption tip of the day
If you are adopting from a place where paperwork is a nightmare (read between the lines here...Irkutsk) - don't trust anyone to do the paperwork correct for you. You will eliminate a lot of stress, time and frustration if you show up at whatever office you need a signature from, with a typed letter in hand, and a copy of it on a jump (usb) drive.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
yes, but it is a dry cold
I can't believe we're getting down to the wire - down to the time when we leave for Russia...for about 2 months.
Everything that we have to think about is overwhelming...but right now - this is what is overwhelming me. This photo was taken TODAY at our friends home (who we're staying with).
Yes, that says about 50 BELOW ZERO! As I told Tami (the owner of this photo)...I - I - I can't even talk about this!
Everything that we have to think about is overwhelming...but right now - this is what is overwhelming me. This photo was taken TODAY at our friends home (who we're staying with).
Yes, that says about 50 BELOW ZERO! As I told Tami (the owner of this photo)...I - I - I can't even talk about this!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Lola and Jazzy
I'm posting this because I remember other friends with pets having issues with their little fur babies before they left to bring their children home.
Well - today I noticed that Lola (the little cat on the left) is missing hair on the back side of her legs. I tell you, this was not the way it was yesterday. I looked online, and saw everything from ringworm to stress.
The big cat (Jazzy - on the right) has been acting funny - needing attention, jumping on my desk (and not allowing me to type on my keyboard). Jazz has also been a bit more aggressive toward Lola - but I marked that up to boredom...when the cats get bored, they seem to chase each other around the house more.
The only thing I can think is that the day before yesterday, I opened up the guest room, put the suitcases out on the bed to start packing. Lola has been sleeping on that bed (and had pretty much claimed that room as her own) ever since. Jazz has been around enough to know what a suitcase means.
So yes, I am freaking out a little bit. My Mom has pet (vet) experience, so she is coming over tomorrow to take a look.
I just hope it isn't anything serious.
Thanks for indulging me...and my crazy lady cat drama.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
whatta day
Have you ever had one of those days when you pinch yourself because it was so great? When you think about all that has happened, and you KNOW you didn't deserve it all?
Well, yesterday and today were 2 of those days for me.
Blessed doesn't even begin to describe these 2 days. Blessed from old friends, new friends, people we don't know. Blessings coming from prayer, in the form of stuff for Anya, transportation and even with my business.
I am without words, and with a full heart of thanks.
To those I've been with over the past 2 days (and YOU know who YOU are...) - thank you.
Well, yesterday and today were 2 of those days for me.
Blessed doesn't even begin to describe these 2 days. Blessed from old friends, new friends, people we don't know. Blessings coming from prayer, in the form of stuff for Anya, transportation and even with my business.
I am without words, and with a full heart of thanks.
To those I've been with over the past 2 days (and YOU know who YOU are...) - thank you.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
short update
I just had a feeling we'd have some kind of issue with the Visa.
It's a long convoluted story, but it appears that what is required to get a business visa, with the purpose of the business listed as 'adoption' varies embassy to embassy. No, I am not kidding. The Embassy we are trying to get a visa with (Washington) said we need some invitation letter from Ovir (like the Russian immigration services). Well, this letter takes 30-45 days to get. In talking to our guy in Irkutsk, this letter isn't generally required by other Embassies in the world (well, of course not!). So I called the Houston Embassy, and they said they did not require that.
Now, I am not going to take what Houston said and get all excited. I am going to call back tomorrow and talk to someone in charge to be sure. In the meantime, our passports etc. are 'in hold' with this visa processing company in Virginia.
I will figure it out tomorrow - it's just paperwork.
It's a long convoluted story, but it appears that what is required to get a business visa, with the purpose of the business listed as 'adoption' varies embassy to embassy. No, I am not kidding. The Embassy we are trying to get a visa with (Washington) said we need some invitation letter from Ovir (like the Russian immigration services). Well, this letter takes 30-45 days to get. In talking to our guy in Irkutsk, this letter isn't generally required by other Embassies in the world (well, of course not!). So I called the Houston Embassy, and they said they did not require that.
Now, I am not going to take what Houston said and get all excited. I am going to call back tomorrow and talk to someone in charge to be sure. In the meantime, our passports etc. are 'in hold' with this visa processing company in Virginia.
I will figure it out tomorrow - it's just paperwork.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Peace or Panic?
I read the title of this blog post on Lysa TerKeurst blog this morning. Many times in the past, I swear Lysa and I are twins from different mothers. I have posted witty comments on her blog thinking she will undoubtedly see the comment, know that I am her soon-to-be best friend and thus we will begin a beautiful friendship.It's never happened.
Let me go back a few steps...
Several years ago, I made some goals. Now, even writing that is odd to me - since I am not the "goal setting" type. I have issues with perfectionism and failure, so setting goals seems to be like setting myself up for failure. So, I don't do it - except this one time. I won't even tell you what all those goals entailed, but I will share that it had everything to do with God's plan for my life, what I feel (and others have affirmed) are my God-given talents, and what to do with it all. Part of this well written piece of literature (ok, not really...just notes on a piece of paper titled "my big stupid goals") was becoming a part of Proverbs 31 Ministries. I never really defined what "a part of" would look like, I just knew that I loved the mission of this ministry.
Shortly after this time of goal-setting, I was in the car listening to Focus on The Family. The guest that day was Lysa TerKuerst. She immediately captured my attention because she is so darn funny! As her story unfolded, I felt like she was my new best friend; and to top it all off - her family story is one of adoption!
I got home, got on the computer to find out more about this Lysa TerKuerst person - come to find out she founded Proverbs 31 Ministries!
But I digress - wow, that was QUITE a digression!
Back to all things adoption...
OK, Peace or Panic.
This has been the theme of our last week. When things are all said and done, I will share more details about what has been going on . But today I will tell you that the 'peace' to 'panic' way of life is a stressful one. It seems that we wake up with Panic - wondering, worrying what the day will bring...and then peace at the end of the day once everything is taken care of.
Lysa's blog post reminded me that the Peace or Panic mentality is MY DECISION TO MAKE. For me, when I go into Panic mode I forget to stop, and pray. I am so concerned about DOING something to make the panic feeling go away, I am completely oblivious to the fact that no matter what I DO, I am not in control.
So consider this a public declaration - Hence forth, I shall try to stop panicking, and instead Stop. And Pray for peace.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Lots of stuff going on
We knew that once things seemed to be going smoothly, that something would happen. It's been this way for 5 1/2 years, why should now be any different?
I can't / won't go into details about what is going on - just know that we need prayers. Let me say that I don't like being in the middle of a spiritual warfare. It's not pretty. It hurts, it will make you sick. But we believe that our God is bigger than anything that comes against us. We've overcome big obstacles over the past 5 years, and we'll do it again. I am sure this current thing won't be the last thing we have to deal with before February 16th.
I can't / won't go into details about what is going on - just know that we need prayers. Let me say that I don't like being in the middle of a spiritual warfare. It's not pretty. It hurts, it will make you sick. But we believe that our God is bigger than anything that comes against us. We've overcome big obstacles over the past 5 years, and we'll do it again. I am sure this current thing won't be the last thing we have to deal with before February 16th.
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