Wednesday

I was so nervous about today – the whole day without an interpreter.

Got to the orphanage at 9 – and Anya met me at the door. She asked where Julia was (interpreter), I told her she wasn’t coming – it was just me an Anya…she got a big grin on her face, and said “yay!”

We had such a good time today. We colored, folded all the doll clothes, read books, watched TV…pretty low key day. To avoid the sugar-crazies, I opted for an apple today, and some juice. Both – a big hit! One good thing, the apple lasted all morning – so Anya wasn’t asking me every 5 minutes ‘can I have another cookie’, or ‘is it time yet for candy?’.

Did I mention that Anya is reading? She sounds out the words like a pro! Even the big words (most Russian words look big to me!). She will sound out a word, and look at me and ask if that is right. I always say ‘Da’ – I have no idea! I figure ‘da’ is better than ‘I don’t understand’ over and over again.

Anya has been sick. The cough cold thing. I am getting her to blow her nose rather than sniff it (ewwww!). This afternoon, she blew, and got a bloody nose. One of those bad 4 tissue – tilt your head back ones. She looked at me and very sweetly said ‘mama, please help me’. So, I put her on my lap, laid her head back with Kleenex stuck up her nose. She curled right up into me, looked up at me and said ‘thank you’. That might be the first time I have really felt like her mama. She didn’t run to her care givers, deal with it herself – she said ‘mama, help me please’.

Some fireworks started while I was still at the orphanage. We crawled up on the window ledge (that is like 3ft wide) and watched. Anya was going on and on about it all – not sure what she was saying – it didn’t matter…it was a moment. Me and my little girl, watching the fire words. She would point out the sparkles in the sky, and made sure that I saw every single one.

To whoever donated the brown and blue polka dot pants to the Junior League Thrift Shop – THANKS! Anya told me tonight that she loves those pants, they are her favorite (which is pretty funny…I can’t tell you how many pants I’ve purchased for her at all price points…and her favs are used ones I got at a Thrift Shop for what, $3?)

Anya's English Phrase of the day

Anya’s English Phrase of the Day – "silly girl"

Yes, that is my hat!

Can someone tell me...

Can someone explain to me how I can be walking around outside, in sub-zero weather (literally) - my legs are frozen, my nostrils are frozen shut…but I am sweating like a pig!

THE PLIGHT OF THE INTERNET CARD

I came to Russia with 5 internet cards. To get online here, you go the old fashion route – plug in your telephone into your laptop, use the codes on the back of a little card you purchase from a magazine stand…and wonder how many minutes you are really going to get.

For some reason, 4 of the 5 aren’t working…most were new. I ventured out this afternoon to find more cards (need to make sure I have enough to get through the next few days). Walked for 15 minutes down one street, nothing. Decided to stop at the market (got some Nutella! Judy – I am going to try to smuggle it home). Noticed some shopping areas next to my apartment…and lo, there was a magazine stand RIGHT NEXT DOOR (the opposite direction I had been searching!). Walked up to the stand…practicing what I was going to say in my head (I can purchase things like nobody’s business here!)…and the grumpy-needed some coffee or chocolate-mad at the world woman at the counter decided to close at the exact moment I walked up to her window. I pleaded with her – and all she said was ‘neit!’…meany!

Thankfully, Andre (my driver) helped me. He doesn’t speak (much) English – but we figured it out. He even pulled over at one point, got out of the car – ran from stand to stand until he found one for me. What other driver would do this?

Random thoughts...

HUGE day! I found chips and queso at the market! WOO HOO!

a word on documents.

DOCUMENTS
Our docs are in review. I already know of a few things that I need. I need to get reference letters from some kind of powerful gov’t. person – like a mayor. HUGE bummer that Mayor Dave Miller isn’t the mayor anymore! And – for the record, we had a reference letter from him for YEARS when he was still in office.

She also wants references from our employees – however, we don’t have employees. We do have a ref letter from business people in our stuff – so hopefully that will work.

If anyone has any suggestions for this – I am all ears!

When our coordinator learned of our approved association with the accredited agency – this came as very good news. The comment was “this is very good, you will not have any problems”.

Also – I learned that there is an alternate way to present our tax information. Another family who also owns a business did this in a different way – so I will be interested to know what that is all about (‘other’ family who is also in the mid-west – any ideas?)

Need to get ready to see Anya. I don’t think I am going to have any interpreter today either.

thoughts on Tuesday...

Tuesday

Today was a great visit with Anya. She sat and colored just about all morning. In the afternoon, Julia (our interpreter) was not able to work – so I went to see Anya by myself. I was concerned about the language thing, but it went OK.

One thing about our little princess…she can be a stinker when she has too much sugar. She had 2 cookies and 2 pieces of candy – then, watch out! Little miss over excited was bouncing off the walls! Today, I won’t bring any candy with me – maybe an apple

Had lunch with our coordinator today. He told me of a court date for one of my friends…SO EXCITED about this! I don’t want to spoil it for her, so that is all I am going to say about that

I found out that no one is going to be working on Jan. 1. This week is like the week of Christmas for us. Because no one is working, I won’t be able to see Anya. I am going to try to find a work around for that – make some calls etc.

One bad thing – this afternoon we went to exchange some cash, and couldn’t. The bank’s ONLY exchange window was closed – and won’t reopen until Jan. 11th. To my ‘other’ friend who will be coming here on the 6th – you might be wise to exchange some money before you get to Russia. Thankfully – I brought some with me…and more and more places take credit cards now - kind of nice.

Debbie - yes, I got a flat iron, and will give it to Alex for you. You can also have the pot, pan and knife I had to get :).

Anya

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcSayFcDvZk

I can't get this to post, I will keep trying! BUt I wanted to get it out so Marty could see it...

Anya

This is a photo of ANya's group - you can see me squating down by her. THis was taken after the holiday presentation. see how stinkin' tall she is?

sorry about the silence

We've had some problems getting internet connection and a phone line here in the new fancy-dancy apartment. It is almost 11pm here, and I FINALLY got it figured out.

I am exhausted, but will try to post some kind of movie or pic tonight.

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'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.

Christmas shouldn't be like this...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barbie goes on a Mission Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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...

carbon monoxide

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

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

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

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

Unbelievable Week

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


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









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


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

Scarf Sales now online!

Click HERE to purchase a scarf today!