We've had some problems getting internet connection and a phone line here in the new fancy-dancy apartment. It is almost 11pm here, and I FINALLY got it figured out.
I am exhausted, but will try to post some kind of movie or pic tonight.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
More on Monday...continued
ANYA
I went to see Anya this afternoon. There was a very special Holiday performance. It was so good! I have no idea what it was all about, but the kids danced – and they were all SO GOOD! Marty – Nastia is still here – she was a ballerina, and very good…but didn’t smile once!
Anya is so tall…I still can’t get over it. She had on a top we brought to her last year. She is a solid 5T size, but the top (I think) is a 3T. She is wearing as 12 ½ shoe now, the brown and pink sparkle ones I brought for her are a 13…and too big – but she didn’t care – she’s wearing them. I also got her some 12 ½ white tennis shoes with rainbow soles and laced (ya, those one from Target…and EXACTLY like ones I had at her age that came from Dell’s…mom. Remember those? Tara and I had the same pair?)
Anyway – Anya has lost her front teeth, and her gums are REALLY swollen (probably from the new teeth coming in?) It still bothers me that dental hygiene isn’t a big deal here. I am considering seeing if I can buy some kid toothbrushes and paste for the kids in her group. Maybe if I make that part of the holiday party gifts – it will become fun, and they will look forward to doing it. I don’t want to offend them, but ick! Anya’s teeth really need it…her teeth are coming in crooked (whose didn’t?). I can’t wait to get her home and to the dentist!
When Anya came into the waiting room to see me, she ran right up to me and was yelling “mama, mama! You’re here!”. Of course, she misses Papa! I met with the social worker, director and caregivers already. They are all asking about the papers and process. I don’t know how to explain to them why the judge won’t hear our case. Julia (our interpreter, and the one who has translated our stuff) is very helpful with that. I love Julia – we’ve known here for 3 years now. She knows everything there is to know about us (since she translated our stuff a zillion times). I was thanking her for helping me this week – this is a big holiday week here – Julia made the comment that she is very interested in our case, and wanted to see me and Anya.
The director told me that several Russian families have been interested in Anya. She is by far the tallest (you will see that in the videos), smartest and most advanced in the orphanage. I say this not because I am a proud Mama – but because it is the truth! The director said that her education etc. are all on on-par for her age, and that in some things (art, music) she is far advanced for her age. So, yes, she is just like her Papa!
I am glad Russian people have seen her – this will help in court. I am not glad that she is a known favorite of those who come there to adopt. This orphanage wasn’t seeing a lot of adoptions –but now they are. This is great news! The director also told me that a French family was very interested in Anya. To the French people who I know read my blog – perhaps you know who this is? Tell them to back off! (said with a tinge of American sarcasm humor).
Anya was in a city-wide singing contest. The only child from the orphanage. I guess she did well in the contest! NUTTY!
The director said that Anya continues to be a very well behaved girl, definitely a leader in the orphanage…not just her group. She is very neat and tidy…and does like to get her way. When she doesn’t get her way, she will cry and pout (basically, sounds just like every other 6 year old I’ve ever known!).
I am going to take our docs to Julia today so she can get started with the translation. We are going to go through them together, so she knows what was changed - this will speed up the process tremendously.
I will be able to see Anya every morning from 9am – noon, and then in the afternoons from 4pm – 6pm. Each day from noon to 4, I will waste time. I will probably go downtown – this is the time of year when there is an amazing ice display by the Angara Hotel. These HUGE (seriously, big enough you can walk through) ice sculpture houses etc. I hope to get downtown today or tomorrow to check it out and take some photos.
Tatiana told me of some great places to shop for boots. I have decided I need some black patented leather boots. Everyone is wearing them here, and I saw a pair that I must try to find. Black, cute buckle…the remind me one ones my friend/client Susan H. has. Susan’s came from Italy (and it is a shame she and I don’t wear the same size…if we did, those boots she has might have accidentally found their way into one of my garment bags – haha!). Ya know, it wouldn’t be a trip to Russia, if I didn’t go home with some new boots!
Well, it’s about 6:30a.m., and I need to get showered and ready for my driver. Andre is my driver – he has been working with Alex for many years. Alex is going to pay him directly – he didn’t want me to worry about paying him each day. Very nice – and yet another great safety thing – love it that Alex is watching out for me. I wonder if my hubby emailed Alex and asked him to watch out for me?
Enjoy the photos and videos of Anya’s holiday program!
I went to see Anya this afternoon. There was a very special Holiday performance. It was so good! I have no idea what it was all about, but the kids danced – and they were all SO GOOD! Marty – Nastia is still here – she was a ballerina, and very good…but didn’t smile once!
Anya is so tall…I still can’t get over it. She had on a top we brought to her last year. She is a solid 5T size, but the top (I think) is a 3T. She is wearing as 12 ½ shoe now, the brown and pink sparkle ones I brought for her are a 13…and too big – but she didn’t care – she’s wearing them. I also got her some 12 ½ white tennis shoes with rainbow soles and laced (ya, those one from Target…and EXACTLY like ones I had at her age that came from Dell’s…mom. Remember those? Tara and I had the same pair?)
Anyway – Anya has lost her front teeth, and her gums are REALLY swollen (probably from the new teeth coming in?) It still bothers me that dental hygiene isn’t a big deal here. I am considering seeing if I can buy some kid toothbrushes and paste for the kids in her group. Maybe if I make that part of the holiday party gifts – it will become fun, and they will look forward to doing it. I don’t want to offend them, but ick! Anya’s teeth really need it…her teeth are coming in crooked (whose didn’t?). I can’t wait to get her home and to the dentist!
When Anya came into the waiting room to see me, she ran right up to me and was yelling “mama, mama! You’re here!”. Of course, she misses Papa! I met with the social worker, director and caregivers already. They are all asking about the papers and process. I don’t know how to explain to them why the judge won’t hear our case. Julia (our interpreter, and the one who has translated our stuff) is very helpful with that. I love Julia – we’ve known here for 3 years now. She knows everything there is to know about us (since she translated our stuff a zillion times). I was thanking her for helping me this week – this is a big holiday week here – Julia made the comment that she is very interested in our case, and wanted to see me and Anya.
The director told me that several Russian families have been interested in Anya. She is by far the tallest (you will see that in the videos), smartest and most advanced in the orphanage. I say this not because I am a proud Mama – but because it is the truth! The director said that her education etc. are all on on-par for her age, and that in some things (art, music) she is far advanced for her age. So, yes, she is just like her Papa!
I am glad Russian people have seen her – this will help in court. I am not glad that she is a known favorite of those who come there to adopt. This orphanage wasn’t seeing a lot of adoptions –but now they are. This is great news! The director also told me that a French family was very interested in Anya. To the French people who I know read my blog – perhaps you know who this is? Tell them to back off! (said with a tinge of American sarcasm humor).
Anya was in a city-wide singing contest. The only child from the orphanage. I guess she did well in the contest! NUTTY!
The director said that Anya continues to be a very well behaved girl, definitely a leader in the orphanage…not just her group. She is very neat and tidy…and does like to get her way. When she doesn’t get her way, she will cry and pout (basically, sounds just like every other 6 year old I’ve ever known!).
I am going to take our docs to Julia today so she can get started with the translation. We are going to go through them together, so she knows what was changed - this will speed up the process tremendously.
I will be able to see Anya every morning from 9am – noon, and then in the afternoons from 4pm – 6pm. Each day from noon to 4, I will waste time. I will probably go downtown – this is the time of year when there is an amazing ice display by the Angara Hotel. These HUGE (seriously, big enough you can walk through) ice sculpture houses etc. I hope to get downtown today or tomorrow to check it out and take some photos.
Tatiana told me of some great places to shop for boots. I have decided I need some black patented leather boots. Everyone is wearing them here, and I saw a pair that I must try to find. Black, cute buckle…the remind me one ones my friend/client Susan H. has. Susan’s came from Italy (and it is a shame she and I don’t wear the same size…if we did, those boots she has might have accidentally found their way into one of my garment bags – haha!). Ya know, it wouldn’t be a trip to Russia, if I didn’t go home with some new boots!
Well, it’s about 6:30a.m., and I need to get showered and ready for my driver. Andre is my driver – he has been working with Alex for many years. Alex is going to pay him directly – he didn’t want me to worry about paying him each day. Very nice – and yet another great safety thing – love it that Alex is watching out for me. I wonder if my hubby emailed Alex and asked him to watch out for me?
Enjoy the photos and videos of Anya’s holiday program!
I'm Here!
Monday
First – HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY!! (it is one of my friend’s BDays)
To the Orts – my heart is with you today. I am thinking about you, and praying for God’s Grace and Peace to come over you all this week. Sending you all a HUGE HUG from Russia!
TRAVEL AND THE APARTMENT
Got to Irkutsk at 6:20a.m…sat next to an adorable girl on the pant. I guess her to be in her mid-20’s. Her name is Tatiana. She is from Irkutsk – living in Moscow. She was an exchange student a year ago in the U.S. (Denver). What you might picture a beautiful Russian girl to look like – that is Tatiana…then add bubbly personality – she is my new Russian best friend!
Her Mom and sister picked her up at the airport –her mother (Svetlana) is just as adorable as she is (and probably my age!). They invited me to their home this week. Not sure I will do that, but I might call them and see if they want to meet for lunch one day. Really – the nicest people. Come to think of it – they remind me IN A BIG WAY of Vanessa Smith and her mom Jean Cooreman. Add in an older sister – and *poof* you have Tatiana and Svetlana!
Andrew picked me up from the airport – and took me to a new apartment. I thought I was staying at the apartment most adoptive parents have stayed at. When I got in touch with Alex to tell him I was coming to town, and would need somewhere to stay, I told him that I wanted somewhere safe – since I would be staying alone.
Here is the thing about Alex…you mention something to him, he never says anything about it…then the next thing you know – it’s done. This is the safest nicest apartment I have ever seen. Even by American standards – this is a NICE apartment. Security guard at the door, 2 gates, electronic key entry into the building. The apartment itself – WOW. Stainless appliances, cool deep sink, hot tub, big closet. Unbelievable! And, I in the same neighborhood as Alex (just in case!). The only thing is that there is no phone hooked up yet. There was some problem – but it will be resolved today.
The new pad is not near downtown (the proximity to DT is relative to safety). But that is OK. If I want to go DT (and of course I will want to!) – I can just take a cab.
Another thing – I mentioned to Alex that I would like to have a cell phone while I was here. I wondered if it was possible to rent one. Well, I get one today. NICE! I can be online anytime, go downtown – and call Alex for help! And – he can call me anytime – and I don’t have to worry about being online.
This one is for Marty – the super market across the street is a nice one. And – the young gal who took my money didn’t growl at me for not having the right change!
The only thing I know I forgot is the converter for the electric for my flat iron. In Moscow, I plugged it in, and 10 seconds later, it got really hot – so I quickly unplugged it - don’t want to ruin it! If I did – (Sonia – this is for you) – I want one of those fancy pink ones! I am going to try to pick one up this afternoon.
Oh – luggage. I was able to navigate the airport and luggage myself with NO problems at all. The gal who checked me in was very nice – I am learning that young Russian girls like me…it’s the ones who are older who I have a hard time with. Anyway, I estimated I would need to pay in the $250 range for the extra luggage. This is based on what I know the fees are, and how much my stuff weighed. 2 incredible things happened. First, my checked luggage seemed to lose 10 pounds en route to Moscow. Not sure how that happened, but it did! Also, you are only allowed so many pounds on your carry on luggage. They didn’t weigh mine! YAY! My documents were in my carry on, so it was pretty heavy! I only had to pay $135 for the overage, and the lady who took the money was nice to me, spoke English, and APOLOGIZED for having to take the money! YAY GOD! Paying for luggage overage is one of my hot buttons, so PRAISE GOD for making this go so smoothly!
Oh one more thing – the hotel in Moscow. To all adoptive parents out there who will be in Moscow – the hotel is called The Atlanta. It was only $65 for my stay over – this is VERY cheap! Generally we pay in the $200 - $300 range at the Novatel. Plus $50 for the 5 minute ride to the hotel from the airport! At The Atlanta, transportation is free – they pick you up right at your gate – with a sign with your name on it. They help with luggage and everything…FOR FREE! It is a little drive (probably 10 -15 minutes) from the airport – but well worth it. There is a restaurant there. VERY nice place. People are wonderful – a quaint, little B&B feel (but all rooms are new, clean and have private bathrooms). And the best part – FREE WIFI! If you want to stay there, book it through Peace Travel.
First – HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY!! (it is one of my friend’s BDays)
To the Orts – my heart is with you today. I am thinking about you, and praying for God’s Grace and Peace to come over you all this week. Sending you all a HUGE HUG from Russia!
TRAVEL AND THE APARTMENT
Got to Irkutsk at 6:20a.m…sat next to an adorable girl on the pant. I guess her to be in her mid-20’s. Her name is Tatiana. She is from Irkutsk – living in Moscow. She was an exchange student a year ago in the U.S. (Denver). What you might picture a beautiful Russian girl to look like – that is Tatiana…then add bubbly personality – she is my new Russian best friend!
Her Mom and sister picked her up at the airport –her mother (Svetlana) is just as adorable as she is (and probably my age!). They invited me to their home this week. Not sure I will do that, but I might call them and see if they want to meet for lunch one day. Really – the nicest people. Come to think of it – they remind me IN A BIG WAY of Vanessa Smith and her mom Jean Cooreman. Add in an older sister – and *poof* you have Tatiana and Svetlana!
Andrew picked me up from the airport – and took me to a new apartment. I thought I was staying at the apartment most adoptive parents have stayed at. When I got in touch with Alex to tell him I was coming to town, and would need somewhere to stay, I told him that I wanted somewhere safe – since I would be staying alone.
Here is the thing about Alex…you mention something to him, he never says anything about it…then the next thing you know – it’s done. This is the safest nicest apartment I have ever seen. Even by American standards – this is a NICE apartment. Security guard at the door, 2 gates, electronic key entry into the building. The apartment itself – WOW. Stainless appliances, cool deep sink, hot tub, big closet. Unbelievable! And, I in the same neighborhood as Alex (just in case!). The only thing is that there is no phone hooked up yet. There was some problem – but it will be resolved today.
The new pad is not near downtown (the proximity to DT is relative to safety). But that is OK. If I want to go DT (and of course I will want to!) – I can just take a cab.
Another thing – I mentioned to Alex that I would like to have a cell phone while I was here. I wondered if it was possible to rent one. Well, I get one today. NICE! I can be online anytime, go downtown – and call Alex for help! And – he can call me anytime – and I don’t have to worry about being online.
This one is for Marty – the super market across the street is a nice one. And – the young gal who took my money didn’t growl at me for not having the right change!
The only thing I know I forgot is the converter for the electric for my flat iron. In Moscow, I plugged it in, and 10 seconds later, it got really hot – so I quickly unplugged it - don’t want to ruin it! If I did – (Sonia – this is for you) – I want one of those fancy pink ones! I am going to try to pick one up this afternoon.
Oh – luggage. I was able to navigate the airport and luggage myself with NO problems at all. The gal who checked me in was very nice – I am learning that young Russian girls like me…it’s the ones who are older who I have a hard time with. Anyway, I estimated I would need to pay in the $250 range for the extra luggage. This is based on what I know the fees are, and how much my stuff weighed. 2 incredible things happened. First, my checked luggage seemed to lose 10 pounds en route to Moscow. Not sure how that happened, but it did! Also, you are only allowed so many pounds on your carry on luggage. They didn’t weigh mine! YAY! My documents were in my carry on, so it was pretty heavy! I only had to pay $135 for the overage, and the lady who took the money was nice to me, spoke English, and APOLOGIZED for having to take the money! YAY GOD! Paying for luggage overage is one of my hot buttons, so PRAISE GOD for making this go so smoothly!
Oh one more thing – the hotel in Moscow. To all adoptive parents out there who will be in Moscow – the hotel is called The Atlanta. It was only $65 for my stay over – this is VERY cheap! Generally we pay in the $200 - $300 range at the Novatel. Plus $50 for the 5 minute ride to the hotel from the airport! At The Atlanta, transportation is free – they pick you up right at your gate – with a sign with your name on it. They help with luggage and everything…FOR FREE! It is a little drive (probably 10 -15 minutes) from the airport – but well worth it. There is a restaurant there. VERY nice place. People are wonderful – a quaint, little B&B feel (but all rooms are new, clean and have private bathrooms). And the best part – FREE WIFI! If you want to stay there, book it through Peace Travel.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas shouldn't be like this...
Do you ever feel like you should DO something...but there is nothing to do.
Ever feel like you need to rally the troops, gather the prayer warriors, put people into action...but for what?
It is with a heavy heart that we welcome this Christmas morning. Last night, our dear friends, the Orts, lost their daughter in a horrible car accident. Gene Ort is one of Marty's closest friends. I am tellin' ya, Gene and Marty are twins (which, if you know Marty - that is a VERY scary thing...yes, there might be 2 of them out there!!).
We went to church last night, and Mary (Gene's wife) called to tell us just there was an accident, and Rachel was bad...they were at the hospital. She asked us to pray. We did...right there, in the middle of the atrium at church. We told everyone we saw, sent text messages, Twitter notes - I know there were literally dozens of people praying for Rachel.
We prayed and talked about Rachel all the way home. Hoping that the news would be something like a broken leg. At 10:30 last night, we got the news that Rachel had died. The news story is HERE.
Rachel Leazenby was 27. She was a beautiful, faith filled woman of God. When you were around her, you just felt happy...she had an infectious smile. I can remember scanning the room at church, looking for the Orts - and I would almost ALWAYS see Rachel first.
This Christmas day, we're praying for the Ort family, and for Rachel's husband and his family. We're searching for answers, for words of wisdom...for something we can DO to help them in this time of immeasurable pain. I can not imagine.
I can only cry with them and hold them in my prayers.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Barbie goes on a Mission Trip
One of my friends has 3 (as she says) very spirited girls. They are stinkin' adorable. I love the stories I've heard about the girls, about the funny things they do - the amazing things they do - and the things they do when they are just being kids. This is my friend who told me one of her girls was "playing Mrs. Kathy" one day. Hummmm, made me wonder how a little girl would 'play' me!
I stopped by this friends house yesterday, and her girls had prepared a gift for the girls in Anya's group. They picked out several very special Barbies to send with me. These chosen few have had their hair fixed (some even got a special hair cut), and have special outfits picked out for this mission.
These Barbie dolls will surely bring a lot of happiness to the girls in Anya's group. These Barbie dolls are being sent on a very special mission trip - they have a job to do - to let a few girls on the other side of the world know that 3 girls in Granger, Indiana were thinking about them this Christmas, and that these Barbies mean 3 very spirited little girls will pray for them.
Who knows what kind of an impact a seemingly small gift like this will make in the lives of the girls in Irkutsk.
I am glad to have friends with thoughtful children. I hope Anya will want to be like her 'very spirited' friends. I pray that she will think of others, and be surrounded by friends who love Jesus. I hope one day she will go through her Barbie collection, and package up some dolls to send to orphan girls on the other side of the world...just to let them know someone is thinking about them, and will pray for them.
T minus WHAT and counting!
OK I just freaked out. I just looked at the little counter on the right hand side column...and noticed how many days, hours, minutes I have until I leave for Russia. Then I realized that Marty isn't going with me.
I promise I won't sulk...
I promise I won't sulk...
carbon monoxide
I want to share an email I got a while back from my friend Sarah. You might have heard about the tragedy she describes here on the news...I think I heard it on the Today Show - little did I know that happened to my friend's family.
Then just a week or so ago, it almost happened to my family - to my brother. He had a carbon monoxide leak in his apartment. He hadn't been feeling well, and wanted to sleep all the time when he was home (and for those of you who know my brother - that isn't TOO abnormal!). The detector went off, the fire engines showed up, he was evacuated from his apartment, and relocated (with his cat!).
Our family story ended as just that...a story. Sarah's story doesn't end as well. Please read the following and protect your family - do it today! And remember this family in your prayers. This Christmas will be especially hard for them.
Then just a week or so ago, it almost happened to my family - to my brother. He had a carbon monoxide leak in his apartment. He hadn't been feeling well, and wanted to sleep all the time when he was home (and for those of you who know my brother - that isn't TOO abnormal!). The detector went off, the fire engines showed up, he was evacuated from his apartment, and relocated (with his cat!).
Our family story ended as just that...a story. Sarah's story doesn't end as well. Please read the following and protect your family - do it today! And remember this family in your prayers. This Christmas will be especially hard for them.
Dear Friends,
As some of you already know, our family suffered an immeasurable loss over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The reason I am sharing this with you is because it was preventable.
My dear friend Parker Lofgren who I've known since high school, (we skied together and went to each others Junior Proms), became part of my family when his dad married my cousin Mary. Parker, his wife Caroline and their two children Owen (10) and Sophie (8) died from massive Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at a vacation home that they were staying at in Aspen over Thanksgiving. The authorities believe the poisoning came from a malfunction of the gas water heater and snow melt system. There were not any carbon monoxide detectors in the home, so there was no warning.
Please, if you have any gas appliances (water heater, furnace, oven) or combustible (fireplace, oil furnace) units in your home, make sure you have a
carbon monoxide detector for each floor of your home. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas so a detector is the only way to alert yourself.
There are no words to describe our family's loss. Sharing with you the importance of carbon monoxide detectors and the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning seems like the only thing I can do. I have attached an article with more information on Parker and his family as well as the facts about carbon monoxide poisoning for you. If you can not "click" on the links below, copy and paste them into your browser.
http://www.momlogic.com/2008/12/family_dies_of_carbon_monoxide.php
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_11103516
Saturday, December 13, 2008
a word on Christmas
Dear family and friends,
Don't buy us anything for Christmas. I am serious...no gifts, please.
Every year at this time - we carefully think about and plan on the gifts we give to those in our close circle. This year is no different...with one significant exception.
We've noticed the enormous need in our community. Basic needs are not being met. The number 1 problem in South Bend is hunger...not crime, not education - HUNGER. This problem is only going to get worse as more plants close and more people are without employment.
You might have seen the New York Times article calling Elkhart the "white-hot center of the meltdown of the American economy". Nice...
So this year, we won't be buying anyone any gifts, and will not be accepting any. Seriously - if you have purchased something for us already, please return it, and use the money to donate to a cause.
We all have plenty. None of us need anything - oh, of course, we have 'wants' - who doesn't? We all have a job, we have food to eat, a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs.
The gift we would like to give one another this year is the gift of knowing our gift-giving dollars will go to help those in REAL need.
...again, I am totally serious - don't anyone buy anything for us for Christmas; no clever gifts to the cats, nothing in the mailbox left anonymously...no gifts!
Friday, December 12, 2008
apologies
My apologies for not posting much lately. I have been overwhelmed with paperwork issues, scarf making and general day-to-day junk. Don't get me wrong, I love having a full schedule and being busy, I am just struggling through the paperwork nightmare that has to be done before Christmas Eve. Sometimes it feels like the weight of it all is going to break me. The enormity of what doing the paperwork right has hit me hard. If I screw it up...Anya doesn't come home. If I don't pull all-nighters and suck it up...Anya doesn't come home.
I saw a friend this week who asked me how things were going, and how I was getting along in the pre-Russia process...and I about busted into tears (I do that when I am tired).
So, I apologize for not posting updates as frequently as I normally do. I promise as soon as I see a glimmer of light through the storm clouds of paperwork, I will!
I saw a friend this week who asked me how things were going, and how I was getting along in the pre-Russia process...and I about busted into tears (I do that when I am tired).
So, I apologize for not posting updates as frequently as I normally do. I promise as soon as I see a glimmer of light through the storm clouds of paperwork, I will!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Unbelievable Week
This week has been truly unreal. So much has gone on that my head is spinning. I just want to share one highlight.
I know I have mentioned it before - but I have amazing friends. Early in the week, I stopped by a friend's house to drop something off (and to get her honest opinion on my scarves - she is quite the cra
fty one). The plan was that I was going to borrow her Flip video camera for the trip to Russia. She was showing me how to use this little camera (which, by the way is BRAND new, and PERFECT for me!) when she says "you can just keep it". WHAT? Are you kidding me? What a blessing!!
Then tonight, I noticed a box in the corner of my office. I am sure it arrived sometime this week - not sure when. It was from one of those amazing people I've met on this adoption journey. I opened the box, and it was stuffed full of all kinds of things I can give as gifts in Irkutsk. For those of you who have traveled internationally to adopt, you probably can agree that the gifts are one of the BIG expenses...and every time we visit, it means another round of gifts - for everyone. Along with the gifts was an envelope with money. This is when I started crying. Her sons Sunday school class.
Unbelievable. God has blessed me in many many ways - and has truly blessed me with the love, generosity and friendship of these 2 ladies.
I know I have mentioned it before - but I have amazing friends. Early in the week, I stopped by a friend's house to drop something off (and to get her honest opinion on my scarves - she is quite the cra
fty one). The plan was that I was going to borrow her Flip video camera for the trip to Russia. She was showing me how to use this little camera (which, by the way is BRAND new, and PERFECT for me!) when she says "you can just keep it". WHAT? Are you kidding me? What a blessing!!
Then tonight, I noticed a box in the corner of my office. I am sure it arrived sometime this week - not sure when. It was from one of those amazing people I've met on this adoption journey. I opened the box, and it was stuffed full of all kinds of things I can give as gifts in Irkutsk. For those of you who have traveled internationally to adopt, you probably can agree that the gifts are one of the BIG expenses...and every time we visit, it means another round of gifts - for everyone. Along with the gifts was an envelope with money. This is when I started crying. Her sons Sunday school class.
Unbelievable. God has blessed me in many many ways - and has truly blessed me with the love, generosity and friendship of these 2 ladies.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wanna Give some Orphans a Christmas?
I was at a friend's store a week ago, and saw these scarves that her daughter made. They were unique, simple, and a great idea.That gave me the idea to spin off her idea, and create my own...not as a business, but as a fund raiser!
I want to do something special for the kids in Anya's group for Christmas. Doing this is going to require not only a few more dollars for gifts and snacks - but extortion money to pay for an extra bag on Aeroflot - which I am sure they will decide is overweight. I estimate this exchange being in the $200 range. The good news is that if I sell enough, I won't have to bring anything with me. If I can raise enough money, I can hire a catering service to deliver cakes and snacks in Shelechov, and purchase gifts there. To do that, I would have to pay a translator and driver to be with me. Last year, there was a need in the home for new blankets for every child. Wouldn't it be amazing it I was able to raise enough money to purchase a new blanket for every child's bed? I think there are about 100 kids in this orphanage. And imagine if I raise enough to be able to do something for Anya's orphanage, and the groups that my friends children are in. That is a lot of scarves...lots-o-yarn.
I hope to be able to place these in stores throughout Michiana. I am going to start with the stores of some friends (if you are a friend with a store - is that ok?). I am calling them Krasivaya Couture. Krasicvaya means 'beautiful' in Russian. I can also take orders (I guess...) via this blog. They are $35 - and I can ship it to you via USPS. If you want to pay with PayPal - please pay $40 (PayPal fees - blech), please pay mars@mastermedia7.com.
Anyway - here are the first dozen scarves I've made. They are very girly - very frilly...I have 2 that I've worn for the past few weeks - and I get tons of compliments. They are not stitched or knitted in any way...since I don't stitch or knit :)
If you want more details - let me know!
dreams
I had a dream I was in a bus going to Chicago with Oprah...and she passed gas.
I don't know what that means.
I don't know what that means.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Redeemed for Thanksgiving...gratitude in all things
Today, on Thanksgiving - I feel that we need to look deep into ourselves and find what we are truly Thankful for. Oh sure - we all say we're thankful for friends, family, a house, job - bla bla bla. But what about the struggles? The disappointments? The frustrations?
Today, I am choosing to be grateful for everything. I will rejoice with gratitude in the 4 1/2 year wait to bring Anya home. I know this situation will be redeemed, I know God has a plan - and it is so much bigger and greater than mine (praise God for that!!).
I know many of you are struggling with so many things - the wait to bring your children home, random adoption highs and lows, illness of family members, loss of jobs, changes in life's circumstances...this is why I decided to post this.
If you've followed my blog for any length of time - you know one of my favorite blogs is Bring The Rain - I can't even tell you how many times I've been brought to tears over Angie's words. She is an amazing writer and woman of God. If you've got some time - I encourage you to read Angie's blog from the beginning. Get a box of Kleenex - and know that I am just a Twitter away...because I KNOW you will want to talk about it with someone!
With her permission, I am posting a little something from Angie's blog. I invite you to settle in - and read her words...please leave a reply at the end. Let me know if you are going to take Angie up on her challenge...
Saying thank you to God in the midst of our circumstances is definitely different than saying thank you for them. And yet, scripture tells us to do both.
I have had a bad week. I have cried until my eyes were bloodshot and the sheets were soaked with grief. I pretty much told God that we would have to talk about it later. I stared at my Bible on my nightstand and then reached for the book next to it instead. I take a lot of opportunities on this blog to show you my adoration for the Lord. Every word I have written has come from my heart, and I love Him more than I could ever begin to describe.
Really. Truly.
But I didn't want to talk to Him this week.
As a sidebar, I am sure that the God of creation is getting a kick out of me actually writing out the fact that I was acting like a 5 year old.
In a sense, I feel like these words may cause some of you lose a little respect for me, because you may have an image of me, kneeling by candlelight with my Bible while my children sew doilies and laugh about the preposterous things that society is presenting on prime time television.
Actually, I do love candles, and Kate did tell a stranger that she can't watch Dancing With the Stars because "my mom said it is trashy and those ladies don't wear panties."
For the record, that is not exactly what I said.
But I do think they need to do a little more "ballroom" and a little less "half-naked gyrating." Until then, we are sticking to Shirley Temple.
So, I try. I really do.
I look for Him everywhere, in everything. I talk to Him like He's right next to me, and I feel more safe in the presence of God than I could describe in words.
But.
Thank Him for the death of my child?
That's hard.
Monday was particularly bad for me. It was raining here, and the world just felt all wrong. Todd suggested I go to the gym and get away for a little while, so I did. I had my music full-blast, which, as I soon discovered, does not prevent God from speaking. I was staring outside at the wet road, running away from Him, content to keep up the pace.
I started thinking about what Greg had written, and I imagined how beautiful it would be for me to have the kind of faith that thanks God for death. I admire those
who can do it. I want to be a woman like that, who is so fixed on eternity that this world never shakes her. I told myself that if I could just get the words out, He would transform my heart to believe that I meant them.
Lord, thank you for...I couldn't finish the sentence. I started crying and running faster. I put on a song I love about what the crucified life looks like and I tried again.
Lord, thank you for...
Nope.
I closed my eyes and just listened to the words, and after a few minutes I felt myself start to long for Him the way I haven't in the last week.
***keepin' it real detail- at one point I was so lost in worship that I raised my hand up off the elliptical machine handle, lost my balance, and almost fell off...***I had a good talk with God (starting with, "Hey, God, that was awesome how You didn't let me wipe out in front of a room full of people."). At one point, I told Him I didn't understand how in the world I could thank Him for the death of my daughter. I told Him (I'm just being honest here) that I didn't think I could ever say those words.
How sweet and reverent of me.
Maybe I should post a doily pattern instead.
But as my Bible study leader Ms. Nancy says, "He loves you right where you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there." The beautiful thing about our Lord is
that He doesn't mind our questioning, as long as we do it with hearts that are sincere in longing for truth. I want to be right with God. I want desperately to bring Him glory. But sometimes, I just have to shake my head and say, "I don't get it, Lord. I don't know that I have it in me this time..."Later that night I took Ellie and Abby to run errands with me, and on the way home we stopped by this new Thai restaurant to get some take-out. While we were waiting, we found a little table in the corner and started talking about how the day had been. I told them I missed Audrey, and as soon as I said it, I remembered something that Ellie had said in prayer.
"Ellie, you know how sometimes I ask you to tell God something that you are thankful for?"
She nodded.
"And you know how sometimes you say that you are thankful that God took Audrey away?"
She nodded again.
"Why do you say that, honey?" My voice cracked. She looked at me like she didn't
understand why I was so confused."Because she's in heaven, momma. And she is so happy. So we say 'thank you. And we will see her again.'"
"So no matter what, Ellie, you can say thank you? Even if you don't like it?"
"Yeah."
"So would you say 'thank you' if someone stole your bike?" I studied her face.
"No."
"Well then, what would you say?"
"I would say 'would you please give my bike back?'"
I laughed out loud.
Because it made sense to me. I am just human, and you know what? It isn't going to be tied up in a neat bow. I can say all the fancy, pretty words that come to mind, and at the end of the day, sometimes I just want my bike back.
Maybe you do too.
We all want to feel like our hurts have been redeemed, don't we? If we could just see the big picture, and all of the things that God sees, maybe it would be easier to thank Him for the things we shake our fists at. The things that cannot be fully redeemed in this life.
For those of you who have read my blog for awhile, I won't have to explain this photo. A few weeks ago, I heard Abby yelling, "I figured it out, mommy!!!! Come see!!! Now it's going to be so great!!!" I started walking toward her room, and this is what I saw.
We want to fix it in this life, don't we?And it hurts so much that we can't.
It will be redeemed, friends.
Maybe not here, and maybe not soon, but it will be redeemed.
So, in the meantime and in the midst of great disappointment, may we keep our eyes on He Who knows what we do not.
I am going to give you a Thanksgiving challenge, and I want you to know that I will be taking part in it as well. Sometime today, I want you to find a quiet moment in your day to sit in the presence of the Lord. Write down one thing that you are thankful for.
And here's the catch.
It has to be something you don't feel thankful for. It may be something you are carrying with you everyday, and haven't found a way to let go of. A divorce, a death, a loss, a deep wound, a regret you can't shake.
I want you to write the words. "I am thankful that..."
You might not feel like you mean them yet.
That's okay.
Tuck the paper away in a book, put it on your nightstand, throw it in the trash if you must, but write the words. There is astounding beauty in obedience-the act of trusting the Lord with the parts of life you want to cling to the most. I am praying that the Lord will take this seed, this offering, this piece of crumpled paper, this giving of thanks, and He will begin to grow a tree of beauty in our souls.I am praying for you all. May we all remember this Thanksgiving as the one where we learned what it looks like to start thanking God for it all.
Happy Thanksgiving, Sundays.
Go make it a good one.
Angie
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
When one goes to Russia...
There is much to think about. Here is my to-do list:
- Get Visa - get picture and overnight paperwork with passport
- Get Invitation to get Visa - pay for it, send with Visa paperwork
- Confirm with people in Irk place of stay for Visa
- Book driver in Moscow - with Andrei
- Get Hotel in Moscow
- Confirm apartment in Irkutsk
- Confirm driver in Irkutsk
- Confirm interpreter in Irkutsk
- Confirm translator in Irktusk
- Send final itinerary to coordinator in Irktusk and Moscow
- Make sure director of orphanage has itinerary - make arrangements to see Anya the day we get there
- Make appointment with Lawyer - get appointment with Judge's office
- Tell missionary friends in Irkutsk that I will be there - schedule a dinner (?)
- Look into rental cell phone (pick up in Moscow?)
- Plan out money - order new bills from bank
- Book house/kitty sitter
- Take fur coat to tailor - get hook replaced
- Get warm boots
- Get warm mittens
- Get gifts for Anya's group (about 12-15 kiddos)
- Gifts for Anya's caregivers (4-6 women)
- Gift for coordinator
- Gift for interpreter
- Gift for orphanage director and social worker
- Confirm seats with Delta
- Confirm baggage requirements with Delta
- Confirm seats with Aeroflot
- Confirm baggage requirements with Aeroflot
- Determine what travel stuff Marty is taking to India - make list of things we need 2 of
- Dossier - get as much done as possible
- Get with Kelly for help with photos
- Get with Renee for printing
- Plan out clothing for trip (1-2 pants / tops - sweaters) - try everything on and make sure that it all fits
- Plan out DVDs for trip
- Load MP3 player for trip
- Pay bills of things that will be due while we are gone
- Plan out deadlines that should be met before we go - and those that I can meet there
- Converters for power
- Food - ramen, peanut butter, mac-n-cheese, silk milk in a box, fruit roll ups, cake in a box to make and take to Anya's group (?)
- Gifts for Anya - new outfit for every day, Christmas gifts
- Camera - mine or Marty's?
- Video camera - get with Amy, get lesson on how in the heck to do it
- Get You Tube log in etc. from Marty
- Make sure Marty gets outstanding money into bank account
- Get all outstanding invoices of my clients paid
- Ride to the airport - get what time Marty leaves - coordinate
- Wrinkle Release
- Get some warm socks (cashmere?)
- Back up laptop
I'm sure I'll add to the list - thanks for letting me post my list here - much easier to remember where it is if it is online :)
What are you thankful for
Being that this is the week of Thanksgiving, and all the Bloggers are doing it - I guess I'll jump on the 'what are you thankful' for bandwagon. I'll admit that some days I feel more grateful than others. Some days I am grateful to have a job that I love, doing something that I am passionate about...other days I really am tired, and just need a day off.
Some days I am grateful for a wonderful husband; one who is amazing in so many ways, and who loves me in a fairy-tale way...other days, I wish he would remember to get milk at the store.
Some days I am grateful for a home to live in, one that I've decorated with heart (and blood, sweat and tears!)...other days I don't understand what moron would put the switch for the light so far behind the door that you can't reach it.
Some days I am grateful for our family - that we get together on holidays....other days I don't want to do the Thanksgiving thing at all - I want to stay in my pjs and order a pizza.
Some days I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to fight to bring Anya into our home - our family...other days I am exhausted with the process, mad at the system that keeps her hostage, and angry at myself for not being able to find the energy to keep on top of the paperwork.
What about you?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
what I've learned
Note to self...people that know the rules and deliberately don't follow them annoy me.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
So, I think I am going to Russia
I know, I've been talking about it for a long time - but I really think I have all the details worked out to go to Russia in December.
Funny thing - rumor had it that traveling in winter is cheap in Russia. Which made good sense to me. Who wants to go to Siberia in December? Well - that isn't exactly the case. But - I'll work it out.
Funny thing - rumor had it that traveling in winter is cheap in Russia. Which made good sense to me. Who wants to go to Siberia in December? Well - that isn't exactly the case. But - I'll work it out.I am going alone - Marty will be in India at the same time I am going to be in Russia. I've been to Russia by myself before - so I am OK with that. Also, some of my friends might be in the region at the same time I am there - so that is a bonus.
I have nothing going on next week - so this is going to be the week I sit and go through ALL of our documents. I am definitely going to make sure that my Visa is good for a few days longer than my actual trip. You might remember the nightmare we had getting home last year from Russia.
I have thought of a few things I can pass off to someone (who is creative) to help with. We have to submit photographs of all our interaction with Anya - well, we have a lot of photos. It would be great if someone with some digital photo skill could help.
Please pray for all the details to work out...and for our finances to be able to withstand a trip to India - and a trip to Russia on top of the other pressures.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Unbelievable
I wasn't going to blog about this, but I can't help myself.
I was at a meeting this week - and let me start by saying that I've had 4 meetings this week (just in case you were with me at one of those meetings). This person came and sat at the table across from me and started talking about adoption. Of course, my ears perk up. She talked about how adoption is "cool", how she's met so many people who are adopting and they are "neat", how she wants to be a part of this local adoption group, and how she and her husband "wanna" check out the adoption "thing".
Yes, I was annoyed...but it gets better...
Then she says that she started some kind of paperwork, and her social worker called already (before her paperwork is done) to tell her that they have been matched with a child, and should have a baby before Christmas.
Yes - I can hear all of you out there yelling "NO WAY, SHE IS FULL OF IT" (I know....) . Anyone that knows anything about adoption knows you don't get matched with a child until all of your paperwork is done, redone, and done again. This isn't just with international adoption - this is ADOPTION period!
UPDATE (11/12) - obviously I wasn't thinking clearly - but yes, there are situations where families have a child before the paperwork starts. But - this isn't the norm.
It gets better...
So as she was talking loud enough to be sure I could hear her, she starts talking about domestic adoption versus international adoption. Keep in mind, this person knows we're adopting...knows where we're adopting from. She says, "why would you adopt from somewhere else - I don't want to travel to some third world country when there are kids here to get. I mean, I wouldn't want to spend that kind of money, I could take that money and go to Chicago for the weekend". I almost had a heart attack - right there, just about jumped OUT of my skin!
Oh but wait, there's more!
Before I made the mature decision to tune her out (this decision was weighed against either tuning her out, or making a scene), she says "ya, I just think it would be fun to have another baby"
Clearly this person has no concept of adoption, is completely insensitive - and any agency that would allow her to adopt without thoroughly discussing her motives should be out of business! Even if her comments were tongue-in-cheek (which I don't think they were), NOT funny! ESPECIALLY with adoptive parents in ear shot (I was not the only one).
OK, I feel sorta better now.
My night ended on a high note (haha). We decided to feed the kids (by kids, I mean cats) catnip. They've been bouncing off the walls all day. Jazz has the munchies so bad, she started sniffing out my PB&J. Now THAT'S entertainment!
I was at a meeting this week - and let me start by saying that I've had 4 meetings this week (just in case you were with me at one of those meetings). This person came and sat at the table across from me and started talking about adoption. Of course, my ears perk up. She talked about how adoption is "cool", how she's met so many people who are adopting and they are "neat", how she wants to be a part of this local adoption group, and how she and her husband "wanna" check out the adoption "thing".
Yes, I was annoyed...but it gets better...
Then she says that she started some kind of paperwork, and her social worker called already (before her paperwork is done) to tell her that they have been matched with a child, and should have a baby before Christmas.
Yes - I can hear all of you out there yelling "NO WAY, SHE IS FULL OF IT" (I know....) . Anyone that knows anything about adoption knows you don't get matched with a child until all of your paperwork is done, redone, and done again. This isn't just with international adoption - this is ADOPTION period!
UPDATE (11/12) - obviously I wasn't thinking clearly - but yes, there are situations where families have a child before the paperwork starts. But - this isn't the norm.
It gets better...
So as she was talking loud enough to be sure I could hear her, she starts talking about domestic adoption versus international adoption. Keep in mind, this person knows we're adopting...knows where we're adopting from. She says, "why would you adopt from somewhere else - I don't want to travel to some third world country when there are kids here to get. I mean, I wouldn't want to spend that kind of money, I could take that money and go to Chicago for the weekend". I almost had a heart attack - right there, just about jumped OUT of my skin!
Oh but wait, there's more!
Before I made the mature decision to tune her out (this decision was weighed against either tuning her out, or making a scene), she says "ya, I just think it would be fun to have another baby"
Clearly this person has no concept of adoption, is completely insensitive - and any agency that would allow her to adopt without thoroughly discussing her motives should be out of business! Even if her comments were tongue-in-cheek (which I don't think they were), NOT funny! ESPECIALLY with adoptive parents in ear shot (I was not the only one).
OK, I feel sorta better now.
My night ended on a high note (haha). We decided to feed the kids (by kids, I mean cats) catnip. They've been bouncing off the walls all day. Jazz has the munchies so bad, she started sniffing out my PB&J. Now THAT'S entertainment!
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