Hello everyone!
I haven't posted in a long time - the main reason being that some of the information I shared here ended up on a chat-site. I just want to reiterate that the information we share here is not for public knowledge. This blog is NOT a public blog, and the information contained within should be considered confidential. We have not, and will not give anyone permission to share the information here on any other blog or chat board.
It is sad that I even have to post the above...the good news is that what was posted (without our permission) wasn't entirely accurate.
Since our trip in May - we've seen significant steps forward with our case - including several meetings with the Judge. I can't share the details of those meetings (for obvious reasons).
I have most of you on this list in a newsletter email list. I can and will share greater details through that. If you would like to receive those email updates, please send me a note and let me know to add your name to the list.
-Kathy and Marty
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Hello Everyone.
The past few days several things have happened I want to update you on. First, Peggy Sue Hilt (the women who killed her Russian adopted child) had her sentence reduced. Why - I have no idea. I am too mad about it to even think about it.
Second, I was told tonight by one of the families who adopted from Irkutsk, using the agency we were using, that the FBI is now involved in some investigation. All I know is that this has something to do with the coordinator the agency used in Russia. I don't know who is at the root of this, but I do know that this is part of our problem. Several weeks ago, we were told by our lawyer that there is an ongoing investigation in Irkutsk - if I knew the American family involved, to ask them to please stop this investigation...it is hurting those of us who are still waiting. Apparently the Judge made some comment that she will not hear any cases that have anything to do with an agency while this investigation is ongoing. We are now considered independent (not with an agency) - and I don't know where that puts us.
The past few days several things have happened I want to update you on. First, Peggy Sue Hilt (the women who killed her Russian adopted child) had her sentence reduced. Why - I have no idea. I am too mad about it to even think about it.
Second, I was told tonight by one of the families who adopted from Irkutsk, using the agency we were using, that the FBI is now involved in some investigation. All I know is that this has something to do with the coordinator the agency used in Russia. I don't know who is at the root of this, but I do know that this is part of our problem. Several weeks ago, we were told by our lawyer that there is an ongoing investigation in Irkutsk - if I knew the American family involved, to ask them to please stop this investigation...it is hurting those of us who are still waiting. Apparently the Judge made some comment that she will not hear any cases that have anything to do with an agency while this investigation is ongoing. We are now considered independent (not with an agency) - and I don't know where that puts us.
Monday, September 18, 2006
story in the Elkhart Truth
Long road homeWait of nearly two years to adopt Russian girl nearing an end for Bristol couple
Published: Monday, September 18, 2006 -- The Truth,
Last updated: 9/17/2006 9:57:56 PMBy Jennifer OchsteinTruth Correspondent
BRISTOL -- Their Anya could be home by Thanksgiving, ceasing Marty and Kathy Friend's two-year eternity.
They've imagined what it will be like.
And why not? When you've waited for nearly two years to bring home the child you hope will one day call you "Mom" and "Dad," you fantasize about finally being parents.
Marty and Kathy Friend have been trying to adopt 4-year-old Anya, now living in a children's home in Irkutsk, Siberia, in Russia, since the girl was 2.
This summer, monetary constraints and a host of other complications nearly derailed the adoption. But close friends threw together a fundraiser, yielding enough to finish the adoption process.
Envisioning
Mostly, Kathy said, when she imagines times together with Anya, she thinks about what the mornings will be like. Since she's not a morning person, Kathy envisions Anya crawling out of her own bed in her pink bedroom and toddling into her parents' room. Kathy sees Anya climbing up the steps leading to her parents' tall bed and snuggling in.
Marty sees "Daddy and Anya getting up at the crack of dawn, making fun of Mommy, who's trying to pry her eyes open."
Either way, the couple is praying they won't have to imagine much longer.
"I really feel like God chose her to be our child," said Kathy, who's unable to have children. While she wasn't devastated at the thought of not being able to give birth to a child, she's always wanted to be a mom. "God set us up to adopt," she said.
Once Anya gets home and the Friends' fantasy becomes reality, Kathy has one wish -- to be a good enough parent to break through whatever difficulties Anya has dealt with during her short life.
"I want to give her enough love to help her become whatever she wants to be," Kathy said.
Processing
Normally, the adoption process takes much less time -- about nine months -- but adoptions of Russian children to Americans have become more difficult in recent years, the Friends said.
A North Carolina woman recently was convicted of killing the child she adopted from Russia. In response, the Russian Ministry of Education enforced more stringent guidelines for foreign adoptions.
At about the same time, the Friends and hundreds of other American couples were in the midst of trying to adopt from Russia. All of them were stalled.
What made chances even more difficult for the Friends was they were using the same U.S.-based adoption agency as the North Carolina woman who killed her child.
The adoption agency, according to Kathy, had been recommended to them by friends who had adopted two Russian girls before the North Carolina incident. After the Russian Ministry of Education stiffened guidelines, the adoption agency the Friends were using was no longer accredited in Russia.
At that point, the couple had spent more than $24,000 during the adoption proceedings. They felt as if they were running out of time, money and options to bring Anya home.
"We decided to take matters into our own hands," Kathy said.
Navigating
In May, the Friends took their third trip to Irkutsk, taking the unusual step to go it alone, without an adoption agency. They didn't want the stigma, but did want to stay in touch with Anya's caregivers at the children's home so they would continue to feel comfortable with the couple, hoping to make the adoption process easier.
Speaking little Russian, the couple found an interpreter who has taken on the unlikely role of partner in helping them adopt Anya. Their interpreter not only helped them through their last trip in Russia to visit Anya and her caregivers, he also has helped them navigate the country's legal system to get the adoption paperwork into motion.
Despite difficulties, the Friends hope their most recent round of paperwork to a Russian judge, known to be tough and thorough when reviewing legalities surrounding adoption of Russian children in his jurisdiction, will be successful.
But for that paperwork to get through to the judge, the Friends had to pay for the services of an attorney, and at the time, they say, they were tapped out.
They had liquidated and sold nearly everything they didn't need when they first began the adoption process. The sense of urgency to get the last remaining $6,000 was palpable.
That's when Kathy's friends, Kathy Strukel and Pam Homan, stepped up.
Supporting
Within four days, Strukel and Homan set up a dinner, silent auction and raffle. Kelly Miller, Flytraps restaurant owner, donated food and drink for 200 attendees who came to Lucy's Rhythm Room in Elkhart. Thus far from the Aug. 30 event, $6,400 has been raised.
"I was blown away," Strukel said of guests' generosity.
She thinks people were so willing to give because the Friends "have hearts as big as all outdoors and they wanted to give back. And I think people know what wonderful parents they're going to be."
Strukel many have agonized over the situation along with the Friends.
"I think it will mean the world to them," to have Anya come live with them, Strukel said. "They've loved her for two years now -- ever since they first saw her."
Jennifer OchsteinSend a messageCheck out my Bio
Published: Monday, September 18, 2006 -- The Truth,
Last updated: 9/17/2006 9:57:56 PMBy Jennifer OchsteinTruth Correspondent
BRISTOL -- Their Anya could be home by Thanksgiving, ceasing Marty and Kathy Friend's two-year eternity.
They've imagined what it will be like.
And why not? When you've waited for nearly two years to bring home the child you hope will one day call you "Mom" and "Dad," you fantasize about finally being parents.
Marty and Kathy Friend have been trying to adopt 4-year-old Anya, now living in a children's home in Irkutsk, Siberia, in Russia, since the girl was 2.
This summer, monetary constraints and a host of other complications nearly derailed the adoption. But close friends threw together a fundraiser, yielding enough to finish the adoption process.
Envisioning
Mostly, Kathy said, when she imagines times together with Anya, she thinks about what the mornings will be like. Since she's not a morning person, Kathy envisions Anya crawling out of her own bed in her pink bedroom and toddling into her parents' room. Kathy sees Anya climbing up the steps leading to her parents' tall bed and snuggling in.
Marty sees "Daddy and Anya getting up at the crack of dawn, making fun of Mommy, who's trying to pry her eyes open."
Either way, the couple is praying they won't have to imagine much longer.
"I really feel like God chose her to be our child," said Kathy, who's unable to have children. While she wasn't devastated at the thought of not being able to give birth to a child, she's always wanted to be a mom. "God set us up to adopt," she said.
Once Anya gets home and the Friends' fantasy becomes reality, Kathy has one wish -- to be a good enough parent to break through whatever difficulties Anya has dealt with during her short life.
"I want to give her enough love to help her become whatever she wants to be," Kathy said.
Processing
Normally, the adoption process takes much less time -- about nine months -- but adoptions of Russian children to Americans have become more difficult in recent years, the Friends said.
A North Carolina woman recently was convicted of killing the child she adopted from Russia. In response, the Russian Ministry of Education enforced more stringent guidelines for foreign adoptions.
At about the same time, the Friends and hundreds of other American couples were in the midst of trying to adopt from Russia. All of them were stalled.
What made chances even more difficult for the Friends was they were using the same U.S.-based adoption agency as the North Carolina woman who killed her child.
The adoption agency, according to Kathy, had been recommended to them by friends who had adopted two Russian girls before the North Carolina incident. After the Russian Ministry of Education stiffened guidelines, the adoption agency the Friends were using was no longer accredited in Russia.
At that point, the couple had spent more than $24,000 during the adoption proceedings. They felt as if they were running out of time, money and options to bring Anya home.
"We decided to take matters into our own hands," Kathy said.
Navigating
In May, the Friends took their third trip to Irkutsk, taking the unusual step to go it alone, without an adoption agency. They didn't want the stigma, but did want to stay in touch with Anya's caregivers at the children's home so they would continue to feel comfortable with the couple, hoping to make the adoption process easier.
Speaking little Russian, the couple found an interpreter who has taken on the unlikely role of partner in helping them adopt Anya. Their interpreter not only helped them through their last trip in Russia to visit Anya and her caregivers, he also has helped them navigate the country's legal system to get the adoption paperwork into motion.
Despite difficulties, the Friends hope their most recent round of paperwork to a Russian judge, known to be tough and thorough when reviewing legalities surrounding adoption of Russian children in his jurisdiction, will be successful.
But for that paperwork to get through to the judge, the Friends had to pay for the services of an attorney, and at the time, they say, they were tapped out.
They had liquidated and sold nearly everything they didn't need when they first began the adoption process. The sense of urgency to get the last remaining $6,000 was palpable.
That's when Kathy's friends, Kathy Strukel and Pam Homan, stepped up.
Supporting
Within four days, Strukel and Homan set up a dinner, silent auction and raffle. Kelly Miller, Flytraps restaurant owner, donated food and drink for 200 attendees who came to Lucy's Rhythm Room in Elkhart. Thus far from the Aug. 30 event, $6,400 has been raised.
"I was blown away," Strukel said of guests' generosity.
She thinks people were so willing to give because the Friends "have hearts as big as all outdoors and they wanted to give back. And I think people know what wonderful parents they're going to be."
Strukel many have agonized over the situation along with the Friends.
"I think it will mean the world to them," to have Anya come live with them, Strukel said. "They've loved her for two years now -- ever since they first saw her."
Jennifer OchsteinSend a messageCheck out my Bio
Friday, September 01, 2006
in the next week...
The Judge in Russia will come back from vacation next week. The next few weeks will be tense for us as we wait to hear word on what is going on with our documents and the Judge. Please keep us, the Judge, our attorney, and Anya in your prayers.
Thank you!
And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.
-Galatians 6:9 -
Thank you!
And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.
-Galatians 6:9 -
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Can't Believe it!
Our friends had a fundraiser tonight and we were in shock and awe at the generosity of SO many people! I just got a call from one of the organizers, and she told me that the unofficial total is almost TO THE PENNY what we need to send to Russia this round!
- Prayer works
- Don’t doubt prayer, because prayer works
- Sometimes humbling yourself to ask for help isn’t such a bad thing
- did I mention prayer works?
Sunday, August 27, 2006
friends helping Friends BRING ANYA HOME
friends helping Friends BRING ANYA HOME
Dear friends,
As you probably know, for the last two years, Kathy & Marty Friend have been on a rollercoaster adventure to adopt this precious little girl, Anya, from an orphanage in Irkutsk, Russian. The good news is that they are getting closer and closer to their dream of bringing little Anya home.
The bad news is that the Friends just learned that they need to send a fairly large amount of money to Russia the first week of September to keep the momentum going and not delay the proceedings any further.
To help our friends, the Friends, bring their little girl home, Kelly Miller has graciously offered the use of Lucy's Rhythm Room for a fundraiser this Wednesday night, August 30, from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Kelly's vendors have donated wine and appetizers and we'll have all kinds of opportunities for you to make contributions to help our friends, Kathy & Marty Friend Bring Anya Home
Cash donations of any size will be gratefully accepted. In addition, we will have silent auctions, raffles and other ways for you to have fun while contributing to this very worthwhile cause.
We look forward to seeing you on the 30th!
Kathy Strukel Pam Homan & Kelly Miller
___________________________________
Please join us for an evening of wine, appetizers and fun as "friends helping Friends" help Kathy & Marty Friend realize their goal of bringing Anya home.
There are lots of ways to participateWe're asking everyone to make a cash donation in any amount they wish. Whatever you can contribute will bring the Friends one step closer to bringing Anya home In addition to a donation, you will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a variety of cool stuff, bid on some great silent auction items or buy tickets for a 50/50 drawing.
There will be something for everyone in our Silent Auction and raffle items including a Julie Manfredi painting, a Flytrap's gift certificate, lots of fun items like jewelry, purses, tickets and bottles of alcohol and wine.
In addition, we'll have other surprises and opportunities for you to have fun while helping the Friends bring Anya home
friends helping Friends...BRING ANYA HOME
Lucy's Rhythm Room
505 South Main
(Next to Flytraps)
Elkhart
Wednesday, August 30
5:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Come for a few minutes or the whole evening!
Please let us know if you can join us by emailing Kathy S. (see link below) or calling 574-575-0079
Can you donate something for a raffle or silent auction?
Please let us know!
Help us help the FriendsBring Anya Home
kathy@theperfectsolutions.com
If you aren't able to attend, but would like to help, please call Kathy S. at 574-575-0079 or email us and we'll make arrangements to get your contribution to Kathy & Marty.
Dear friends,
As you probably know, for the last two years, Kathy & Marty Friend have been on a rollercoaster adventure to adopt this precious little girl, Anya, from an orphanage in Irkutsk, Russian. The good news is that they are getting closer and closer to their dream of bringing little Anya home.
The bad news is that the Friends just learned that they need to send a fairly large amount of money to Russia the first week of September to keep the momentum going and not delay the proceedings any further.
To help our friends, the Friends, bring their little girl home, Kelly Miller has graciously offered the use of Lucy's Rhythm Room for a fundraiser this Wednesday night, August 30, from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Kelly's vendors have donated wine and appetizers and we'll have all kinds of opportunities for you to make contributions to help our friends, Kathy & Marty Friend Bring Anya Home
Cash donations of any size will be gratefully accepted. In addition, we will have silent auctions, raffles and other ways for you to have fun while contributing to this very worthwhile cause.
We look forward to seeing you on the 30th!
Kathy Strukel Pam Homan & Kelly Miller
___________________________________
Please join us for an evening of wine, appetizers and fun as "friends helping Friends" help Kathy & Marty Friend realize their goal of bringing Anya home.
There are lots of ways to participateWe're asking everyone to make a cash donation in any amount they wish. Whatever you can contribute will bring the Friends one step closer to bringing Anya home In addition to a donation, you will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a variety of cool stuff, bid on some great silent auction items or buy tickets for a 50/50 drawing.
There will be something for everyone in our Silent Auction and raffle items including a Julie Manfredi painting, a Flytrap's gift certificate, lots of fun items like jewelry, purses, tickets and bottles of alcohol and wine.
In addition, we'll have other surprises and opportunities for you to have fun while helping the Friends bring Anya home
friends helping Friends...BRING ANYA HOME
Lucy's Rhythm Room
505 South Main
(Next to Flytraps)
Elkhart
Wednesday, August 30
5:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Come for a few minutes or the whole evening!
Please let us know if you can join us by emailing Kathy S. (see link below) or calling 574-575-0079
Can you donate something for a raffle or silent auction?
Please let us know!
Help us help the FriendsBring Anya Home
kathy@theperfectsolutions.com
If you aren't able to attend, but would like to help, please call Kathy S. at 574-575-0079 or email us and we'll make arrangements to get your contribution to Kathy & Marty.
Humbled and with much gratitude...
Last Friday, I was at one of my Trunk Shows for CAbi. As I was setting up, one of the guests (who is also a great pal) walks in...1/2 hour early! She proceeds to ask me "hey, what are you doing Wednesday night?" I really didn't think much of it, since she is always telling me about network opportunities and business gatherings. My friend, Kathy Strukel, goes on to tell me that she and 2 other friends (Pam and Kelly) have decided to have a fund raiser for us! Can you even believe it?
We are awestruck at their generosity.
We are awestruck at their generosity.
Friday, August 25, 2006
update...
Hello All,
So many of you have been so wonderful in praying for us through the past 2 years, and I am sure you’ve been wondering what is going on with the adoption. So, I thought I would send a quick update.
We received some pictures today from the director of the orphanage in Shelechov (Irkutsk, Russia). Anya is holding some photos that we sent to her a few weeks ago. OK, I don’t understand the boy clothing, that is why we send girl clothes to her! Ugh! For those of you who know me, you know this is a HUGE UGH!
In the past 2 days, we’ve gotten several email notes from the director (actually, from her daughter). I can’t tell you how much this has meant to us! To those of you who’ve written recommendation letters for us – THIS IS WHY (see photos below)!! If you haven’t written a recommendation letter for us, and you want to – there is still time! We’re going to Indy on Tuesday to have everything apostilled and mail to Russia.
Things have been stressful this week in trying to get all the recommendations redone, our medical information redone from our doctors, and the Indiana Law with regard to child placing agencies figured out. Thankfully, most of this has been relatively painless. We need to send a pretty big chunk of change over to Russia here soon, and that is a chunk we simply don’t have. So please pray that God will work it all out for us – He always does! We’re considering a fund raiser, but not sure 1-week is enough time to get something together!
We hope to hear something official the first part of September. Our lawyer will be presenting our documents to the Judge (we hope) sometime the first week of September. Please keep us and Anya in your thoughts and prayers – it’s going to be one heck-of-a next few weeks!
Love,
Kathy and Marty
So many of you have been so wonderful in praying for us through the past 2 years, and I am sure you’ve been wondering what is going on with the adoption. So, I thought I would send a quick update.
We received some pictures today from the director of the orphanage in Shelechov (Irkutsk, Russia). Anya is holding some photos that we sent to her a few weeks ago. OK, I don’t understand the boy clothing, that is why we send girl clothes to her! Ugh! For those of you who know me, you know this is a HUGE UGH!
In the past 2 days, we’ve gotten several email notes from the director (actually, from her daughter). I can’t tell you how much this has meant to us! To those of you who’ve written recommendation letters for us – THIS IS WHY (see photos below)!! If you haven’t written a recommendation letter for us, and you want to – there is still time! We’re going to Indy on Tuesday to have everything apostilled and mail to Russia.
Things have been stressful this week in trying to get all the recommendations redone, our medical information redone from our doctors, and the Indiana Law with regard to child placing agencies figured out. Thankfully, most of this has been relatively painless. We need to send a pretty big chunk of change over to Russia here soon, and that is a chunk we simply don’t have. So please pray that God will work it all out for us – He always does! We’re considering a fund raiser, but not sure 1-week is enough time to get something together!
We hope to hear something official the first part of September. Our lawyer will be presenting our documents to the Judge (we hope) sometime the first week of September. Please keep us and Anya in your thoughts and prayers – it’s going to be one heck-of-a next few weeks!
Love,
Kathy and Marty
Sunday, August 20, 2006
laws
Hello All,
We got several notes from Russia today. Nothing huge to report other than things are still moving along. My challenge is trying to figure out the Indiana law train on how our home study agency got a license, and what they had to do to get the license. We have the law stating that Agency X has the power to give a license, but nothing on what in required by law to get the license. Ugh! I will figure it out!
We got several notes from Russia today. Nothing huge to report other than things are still moving along. My challenge is trying to figure out the Indiana law train on how our home study agency got a license, and what they had to do to get the license. We have the law stating that Agency X has the power to give a license, but nothing on what in required by law to get the license. Ugh! I will figure it out!
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Update on paperwork
I got a note from Russia today, and unfortunately, we missed getting our documents to the Judge before her August vacation. The Judge returns from vacation on Sep. the 4th. The attorney will meet with her right after the judge is back at her office.
-Kathy
-Kathy
Friday, July 28, 2006
...update
Several of you have sent me notes looking for an update. As par for us, I've been working on document after document after document. I screwed up the POA (power of attorney), so had to redo that...and we needed to get a letter from the Judge here in our town. Although we were able to get that with no real problems, it was a test for my patience! Here is what I have learned:
1. When working with any legal system, here or in Russia, NOTHING happens fast
2. If you want something done right, you HAVE GOT to do it yourself!
3. There is a lot to be said for retail therapy!
I have been notably tired...tired of everything, the paperwork, the waiting. For the past 2 years, we've been pouring everything we have into this - all of our energy, time, mental focus, money, EVERYTHING...and we have nothing to show for it. As odd as that sounds - those of you who are adoptive moms and dads understand. The process is sucking the life out of me! I am grateful to have been able to take on a second job not only for the income, but also for the redirection it has allowed my brain. I am a sales rep for a designer who has a private label line of women's clothing. Ya, I know, right up my alley! This has been such a God-send into my life, I can't even tell you. It forces me to NOT sit on the computer, NOT stay home, get out, dress up and be my usual somewhat charming/funny self.
Anyway, than you all for your continued prayers – I know that the process wears on you all too. Blessings to you all!
-Kathy
1. When working with any legal system, here or in Russia, NOTHING happens fast
2. If you want something done right, you HAVE GOT to do it yourself!
3. There is a lot to be said for retail therapy!
I have been notably tired...tired of everything, the paperwork, the waiting. For the past 2 years, we've been pouring everything we have into this - all of our energy, time, mental focus, money, EVERYTHING...and we have nothing to show for it. As odd as that sounds - those of you who are adoptive moms and dads understand. The process is sucking the life out of me! I am grateful to have been able to take on a second job not only for the income, but also for the redirection it has allowed my brain. I am a sales rep for a designer who has a private label line of women's clothing. Ya, I know, right up my alley! This has been such a God-send into my life, I can't even tell you. It forces me to NOT sit on the computer, NOT stay home, get out, dress up and be my usual somewhat charming/funny self.
Anyway, than you all for your continued prayers – I know that the process wears on you all too. Blessings to you all!
-Kathy
...on adoption
Hello All,
I got an email today from one of my friends, Tammie, who is an adoptive-mom - her little one is from Irkutsk (one of the reasons we went down this path). She forwarded this to me – it is something that was posted on an adoptive-mom’s blog. I know those of you on this list who are adoptive-moms can relate! Some of this hit a little too close to home for me today, but I thought it was good enough to pass along to all of you.
-Kathy
…on adoption – the process
> I started to think about what I am missing in life.
> Well my family, my friends, my reliability, my money and most of all my sanity. Of course that isn't to say I actually had money or sanity to begin with. To my family and friends... well sorry about that. I will try to pull my Head out of my butt soon enough.
> With all the obvious answers surrounding what I am missing I also started to think about what types of things you miss out on when you choose to adopt instead of get pregnant. Not that I had a choice between the two. Needless to say there are quite a few things that women who become mothers through adoption miss out on.
> We miss out on the glow. That sickening beautiful glow that pregnant women seem to emanate. We miss out on the "oohs" and "ahhs." The "oh look how cute you are" comments. But of course I have mentioned this all before. We also miss out on the pampering.
> It seems to me that pregnant women often get pampered. They get the parking spaces close to the door at the supermarket. People offer their seats on the subway or bus. I have watched husbands rub swollen feet.
> For pre-adoptive moms we lack the physical signs of impending motherhood. Our bellies don't grow, or if they do it isn't something growing in them. It is caused by a serious case of stress eating. Our glows don't come naturally. They are induced by rage at hearing yet another girlfriend is pregnant. Or more likely by an alcoholic libation or two. Three buck chuck has become one of my best friends.
>
> So to help rectify the situation I thought I would offer a few suggestions on how you as a friend, sister, brother, spouse, parent or anyone else suffering with dealing with supporting a pre-adoptive mom.
>
> 1. We like attention. For the outsider the allure of adoption wears off after the first few months. The mom deals with it every day. Don't ask, "any news yet?" Rather ask, "have you given any thought on what you are going to name the baby/ child" or "have you started working on your child's room yet? What color are you going to paint it?" Ask questions about her or her child, not the process of getting the child. If you must ask about the adoption process ask specific questions like, "tell me what the next step in the process is." And be genuine about it. Don't ask just to be nice.
>
> 2. Compliment us. Adoption does things to your mind, body and spirit. Some are stress eaters, some are stress not-eaters (me). We suffer from premature "mommy brain" or our brain cells have slowly died off
> due to excessive paperwork. We can look pale and tired. Please don't point out our faults. Please don't tell us it looks like we've put on a little weight or that we look obviously pale. Come up with something nice to say. Tell her you like her shoes or handbag. Compliment her writing style (thanks!) Tell her that seeing her makes you feel better.
>
> 3. Pamper us. Most of the pre-adoptive moms I know suffer from Email Checking Disorder (ECD) or Compulsive Message Board Reading Syndrome(CMBRS.) These are isolating and debilitating illnesses.
> These women are in serious need of some time away from their computers. They can think-type faster than they can re-type a letter. They are in dire need of some human contact. The best way to aid this is by taking her out of the house. Offer to take the pre-adoptive mom out to lunch. Offer coffee or out for drinks. Somehow force her to pry herself away from the computer for just an hour. You may have to endure a lunch date full of adoption related conversation, but the live human contact will make her feel good.
>
> 4. Make us feel special. Throw her an adoption shower. I hesitate to say baby shower since some people don't adopt babies. Make it a women's event. Not one of those crappy couple's shower where the men don't want to be there anyway. This activity is especially important for the woman becoming a mom for the first time, and especially one that has gone through the rigors of infertility testing and treatment. We want to be the center of attention. We want to feel special and want to know that you care. And who cares if someone else has already thrown a shower...what's more fun that 2 or 3 parties? We want you to ooh and ahh over our cute stuff. We want it to be all about us for a moment and not about the adoption.
>
> 5. Surprise us. Personally I like surprises. Part of my ECD is the fact that, to me, emails are little surprises. It makes me feel good to know that someone is actually thinking of me. This is to say that I especially appreciate personal emails. Just a note to say "Hi, I was thinking about you today." E-cards work too. Even better than emails are notes or cards in the mailbox. That is that thing out on the curb or attached to your house. A mysterious person puts little pieces of paper in there (usually bills, occasionally a very important federal document) and for some reason this makes me giddy like a school girl. I love holidays and especially my birthday (which is in 2 days.) Important events mean greeting cards. Treasures that people have picked out to show you they were thinking of you. And if you want to go above and beyond the call of duty have something shipped. Care packages, a box of flowers, or anything that comes in something larger than an envelope. These are true little gems of happiness.
>
> So the bottom line is for those of you on the sidelines: go out of your way to make these moms feel important. We have been through too much. This isn't to say that you should do this on a daily basis (although that will win you serious brownie points) but every so often. Think about us. We'd appreciate that.
> Written at 7:24 PM by Elle.
I got an email today from one of my friends, Tammie, who is an adoptive-mom - her little one is from Irkutsk (one of the reasons we went down this path). She forwarded this to me – it is something that was posted on an adoptive-mom’s blog. I know those of you on this list who are adoptive-moms can relate! Some of this hit a little too close to home for me today, but I thought it was good enough to pass along to all of you.
-Kathy
p.s. I love the part about $3 buck Chuck!
…on adoption – the process
> I started to think about what I am missing in life.
> Well my family, my friends, my reliability, my money and most of all my sanity. Of course that isn't to say I actually had money or sanity to begin with. To my family and friends... well sorry about that. I will try to pull my Head out of my butt soon enough.
> With all the obvious answers surrounding what I am missing I also started to think about what types of things you miss out on when you choose to adopt instead of get pregnant. Not that I had a choice between the two. Needless to say there are quite a few things that women who become mothers through adoption miss out on.
> We miss out on the glow. That sickening beautiful glow that pregnant women seem to emanate. We miss out on the "oohs" and "ahhs." The "oh look how cute you are" comments. But of course I have mentioned this all before. We also miss out on the pampering.
> It seems to me that pregnant women often get pampered. They get the parking spaces close to the door at the supermarket. People offer their seats on the subway or bus. I have watched husbands rub swollen feet.
> For pre-adoptive moms we lack the physical signs of impending motherhood. Our bellies don't grow, or if they do it isn't something growing in them. It is caused by a serious case of stress eating. Our glows don't come naturally. They are induced by rage at hearing yet another girlfriend is pregnant. Or more likely by an alcoholic libation or two. Three buck chuck has become one of my best friends.
>
> So to help rectify the situation I thought I would offer a few suggestions on how you as a friend, sister, brother, spouse, parent or anyone else suffering with dealing with supporting a pre-adoptive mom.
>
> 1. We like attention. For the outsider the allure of adoption wears off after the first few months. The mom deals with it every day. Don't ask, "any news yet?" Rather ask, "have you given any thought on what you are going to name the baby/ child" or "have you started working on your child's room yet? What color are you going to paint it?" Ask questions about her or her child, not the process of getting the child. If you must ask about the adoption process ask specific questions like, "tell me what the next step in the process is." And be genuine about it. Don't ask just to be nice.
>
> 2. Compliment us. Adoption does things to your mind, body and spirit. Some are stress eaters, some are stress not-eaters (me). We suffer from premature "mommy brain" or our brain cells have slowly died off
> due to excessive paperwork. We can look pale and tired. Please don't point out our faults. Please don't tell us it looks like we've put on a little weight or that we look obviously pale. Come up with something nice to say. Tell her you like her shoes or handbag. Compliment her writing style (thanks!) Tell her that seeing her makes you feel better.
>
> 3. Pamper us. Most of the pre-adoptive moms I know suffer from Email Checking Disorder (ECD) or Compulsive Message Board Reading Syndrome(CMBRS.) These are isolating and debilitating illnesses.
> These women are in serious need of some time away from their computers. They can think-type faster than they can re-type a letter. They are in dire need of some human contact. The best way to aid this is by taking her out of the house. Offer to take the pre-adoptive mom out to lunch. Offer coffee or out for drinks. Somehow force her to pry herself away from the computer for just an hour. You may have to endure a lunch date full of adoption related conversation, but the live human contact will make her feel good.
>
> 4. Make us feel special. Throw her an adoption shower. I hesitate to say baby shower since some people don't adopt babies. Make it a women's event. Not one of those crappy couple's shower where the men don't want to be there anyway. This activity is especially important for the woman becoming a mom for the first time, and especially one that has gone through the rigors of infertility testing and treatment. We want to be the center of attention. We want to feel special and want to know that you care. And who cares if someone else has already thrown a shower...what's more fun that 2 or 3 parties? We want you to ooh and ahh over our cute stuff. We want it to be all about us for a moment and not about the adoption.
>
> 5. Surprise us. Personally I like surprises. Part of my ECD is the fact that, to me, emails are little surprises. It makes me feel good to know that someone is actually thinking of me. This is to say that I especially appreciate personal emails. Just a note to say "Hi, I was thinking about you today." E-cards work too. Even better than emails are notes or cards in the mailbox. That is that thing out on the curb or attached to your house. A mysterious person puts little pieces of paper in there (usually bills, occasionally a very important federal document) and for some reason this makes me giddy like a school girl. I love holidays and especially my birthday (which is in 2 days.) Important events mean greeting cards. Treasures that people have picked out to show you they were thinking of you. And if you want to go above and beyond the call of duty have something shipped. Care packages, a box of flowers, or anything that comes in something larger than an envelope. These are true little gems of happiness.
>
> So the bottom line is for those of you on the sidelines: go out of your way to make these moms feel important. We have been through too much. This isn't to say that you should do this on a daily basis (although that will win you serious brownie points) but every so often. Think about us. We'd appreciate that.
> Written at 7:24 PM by Elle.
Friday, July 07, 2006
The Today Show
Matt Lauer is going to meet with Putin on Wednesday July 12. He is asking for questions from the general public. Here is the link to submit a question http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13731253/
What a great opportunity to flood the media with demands for answers about the hold up with adoptions!
-Kathy
What a great opportunity to flood the media with demands for answers about the hold up with adoptions!
-Kathy
Saturday, July 01, 2006
UPDATE
Just got word that our documents made it to Irkutsk. We sent them Fed Ex on the 19th of June. We were told that they would arrive by the 22nd. Well, after checking the tracking on the 21st, we learned that they were held up in Great Britton because of a storm - and the new expected delivery date would be the 30th. I wasn't at all pleased about this since we paid $250 for delivery by the 22nd!
I kept checking the tracking information - and saw the package leave GB, go the St Peters burgh - get held in customs, go to Moscow and then...arrive in Irkutsk on the 28th (2 days early...or 5 days late, depending on how you look at it).
It will take about 2 weeks for everything to be translated and get all of our documents to the lawyer. We were told that we will have a final price on the translation in about a week - I am more than a little nervous to see that figure!
Will post when we have more information!
Have a happy and safe 4th!
I kept checking the tracking information - and saw the package leave GB, go the St Peters burgh - get held in customs, go to Moscow and then...arrive in Irkutsk on the 28th (2 days early...or 5 days late, depending on how you look at it).
It will take about 2 weeks for everything to be translated and get all of our documents to the lawyer. We were told that we will have a final price on the translation in about a week - I am more than a little nervous to see that figure!
Will post when we have more information!
Have a happy and safe 4th!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Dateline NBC
Read this on the FRUA site, thought you all would think it is interesting...
We are excited to finally share with you our story of the adoption of our 3 sets of twins from Russia, which will be airing on Dateline NBC on Sunday, June 25th at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) for the full hour. The Dateline website at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/ will soon have video clips of all of our children that were just filmed days ago describing their life in the last two years, and their thoughts on their life before in Russia. You will see the story scheduled for this coming Sunday in upcoming stories on their site It is our prayer as a family that the large platform our children will hold on Dateline NBC will be a window to their healing for many others to witness and perhaps be moved to make a difference in other children’s lives. It is also our prayer that countries, like Russia, who have made it so difficult for adopting parents to give children without hope better lives, will be moved by our children’s miraculous progress and understand how many other children can be helped. Please let as many people know about this story as possible. We would like to ask you to please rate this story after it airs on the Dateline web page. You simply click on the line from 1-5 (hopefully near the 5). We’re hoping that your input will cause Dateline and other media sources to continue to air positive adoption stories that benefit children and change lives for the better. Also, feel free to email or write Dateline to further add positive input. Help us show NBC and other networks that we applaud positive stories that really change lives. Lisa Salem Mom to 3 Sets of twin miracles
Thursday, June 15, 2006
News Piece
I learned today that I was quoted in a news piece that seems to be making it's way around. Well, funny thing about this is that I didn't talk to a reporter, and have never heard of this reporter. The quote isn't bad, and might have been what I would have said if I were contacted...it says that I said this 'in an email message'...not true!
I contacted a reported from the News Observer to ask when the sentencing hearing was going to be. She then forwarded my email to this reporter guy to say that he might want to contact me for a quote. It appears he took my name, made up a quote and never thought I would find out. Nice ethics...
Here are some links to the news pieces...
http://www.newsobserver.com/member_center/help/contact/
http://www.russiablog.org/2006/05/child_murderer_punished_americ.html
I contacted a reported from the News Observer to ask when the sentencing hearing was going to be. She then forwarded my email to this reporter guy to say that he might want to contact me for a quote. It appears he took my name, made up a quote and never thought I would find out. Nice ethics...
Here are some links to the news pieces...
http://www.newsobserver.com/member_center/help/contact/
http://www.russiablog.org/2006/05/child_murderer_punished_americ.html
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Hilt Case - judge's response
We heard the other day that the Judge in Irktusk was on local TV there commenting on the outcome of the Hilt trial. Here is what we heard:
"She made a comment on Hilt's case, her comment was rather neutral. She did not eleborate"
We think that since she isn't saying anything negative that is a good thing. Russian people don't typically come right out with an opinion that is positive - but they are very quick to say that something is bad or shed a negative opinion on something. So, to us, a neutral comment is a positive one.
"She made a comment on Hilt's case, her comment was rather neutral. She did not eleborate"
We think that since she isn't saying anything negative that is a good thing. Russian people don't typically come right out with an opinion that is positive - but they are very quick to say that something is bad or shed a negative opinion on something. So, to us, a neutral comment is a positive one.
UPDATE ON THE PROCESS
The documents that we had left in Irkutsk are being translated – YAY! We have most of everything else ready to go this week. There are 2 documents (both we need to get from lawyers, go figure) that we will have by the 20th. One is some silly letter from our local court, that has to be certified by a Judge (thank goodness our friend Kathy is in Rotary with a Judge!) – and the other is a copy of a law license from a lawyer.
Things are moving!!!
Things are moving!!!
Here are some very cool stories about divine intervention and adoption... I love stories like this- for us, those who believe in God and divine intervention, it is what keeps our Faith that God is in the middle of our process. It is also things like this that make our family and friends who aren’t so in-tune with divine intervention, think we are crazy!
On our trip to Russia about a month ago – we were to be met at the airport upon our arrival. The person who was meeting us was not someone we had ever met before. Of course when we got into the tiny airport, got our luggage – several taxi drivers were all over us wanting to give us a ride. We “Ya nee pa-nee-mai-ooo”ed our way out of that for over an hour. An hour and ½ into our wait, there was still no sign of anyone coming to pick us up. We would have taken one of the taxis, but we didn’t know where we were going. We realize that we have contact information for one of the coordinators in Russia who is helping us with the adoption – we get the number and look for a phone. Well, there are no pay phones at this airport. So we stand and wait some more… One particularly nice taxi driver seemed to be following us around. He spoke a little English, which was of some comfort when we were looking for the invisible pay phone. He brought over to us some people who worked at the airport to help us. They did not speak English either. After a brief conversation, they walked away. No help at all.
Over 2 hours, and several panic attacks later - this nice taxi driver offered to allow us to use his cell phone. We were able to get a hold of someone to come and pick us up! I hung up the phone, handed it back to the taxi driver and turned to tell my husband that I was able to get a hold of someone. As I turned back around to thank the taxi driver – he was gone. My DH (dear husband) went outside to look for him, to offer some money for allowing us to make a call on his phone, and he was gone and his car was gone. How a human could disappear THAT fast is beyond me.
Our coordinator did arrive – about 45minutes later. He had called back the number we called him from (the taxi driver’s cell) and the number was not in service. This is just one story in a long line of things that have happened to us on this adoption journey. It is amazing to us how God is taking a life-event like adoption, and continually testing our Faith and growing our Faith at the same time.
FROM AN ADOPTIVE MOM – ALLISON (taken from the FRUA chat board)
Hey everyone- I think some of you have heard the story by now about how difficult it was to get our VISAs & passports so we could get to Russia for trip one on the adoption of our little girl. For anyone that hasn't heard it, our trip was cancelled twice all in the same weekend due to Russian Consulate errors & FedEx errors right down to the wire. Our trip was scheduled for Sunday April 23 (7am) to fly out to Moscow, via Georgia. When the trip was finally back on, we went to bed Saturday night with FedEx telling us the VISA & passport package would be on our doorstep at 1am Sunday morning. A special package delivery with a "special" tracking number. Package never came. Flight was delayed. Then the flight came in & our package wasn't on it. We were up at 3am, so we could leave our house at 4am to leave for SeaTac, but with no package. I was calling FedEx trying to figure out what to do. They said nothing could be done because our package wasn't on the plane, even though it was "on" the plane when it left Chicago. No one would be looking for our package until 1-1:30pm Sunday afternoon in the SeaTac office when they reopened for the next FedEx flight. With much pleading in my nicest tone & explaining the situation over & over to FedEx dispatch, FedEx said a lady named Lydia in Seattle FedEx volunteered to go look for our package if we wanted to head for the airport. So we did. Lydia called us at 4:45am to say she was looking. At 5am she called to say she found it. She told us she was wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, & she's 5' tall. Where would she like us to meet? We told her & she met us at 5:25am at the Delta check-in. She brought us a yellow package with our necessary documents. I thought it odd it wasn't a FedEx package. She said they must have packaged it differently so it would stand out & they wouldn't lose it (something like that). We were chuckling over this because our package was of course, lost. She would forever be our angel for rolling out of bed & doing this on her own time! Well, now that things have settled down, I wanted to call FedEx & have her work & efforts noticed. I've spent portions of the last two days hunting her down. I told corporate FedEx that because of Lydia, we were able to get in & out of Russia, sign our adoption paperwork and have it all in within one day of Russia suspending international adoption. Because of Lydia, our adoption is possible. FedEx has no record of her!!!! SeaTac airport has no record of her!!! There is no FedEx employee named Lydia. Everyone is astonished at hearing this story. Multiple employees I've called at corporate FedEx said they of course want to hear such wonderful stories about their employees and they are so grateful I'm calling. They want to hear all about this type of thing, especially for an adoption. But they've had me on hold several times and called me back multiple times by multiple people telling me they have no record of such an employee. They are dumbfounded as to how such person could have gotten into FedEx to get us our package. I asked a FedEx lady today on the phone "do you believe in angels?" She said she got goosebumps all over. So now the management for Sunday April 23 FedEx at SeaTac airport is on this, as well as SeaTac airport management & security. They want to know how this could have happened. I'm wondering if the next thing they tell me is that my yellow package "didn't exist". I'm quite organized & still have my tracking number. They'll probably tell me my tracking number doesn't exist. I was told on April 23 four times that her name is Lydia. FedEx dispatch said her name is Lydia, then I talked to her twice.... each time she said her name is Lydia, and when she came with the documents she told Francis her name is Lydia. There's no mistake there. The only other employee with a name close to that is a "Lillian" and she wasn't there that day. Believe in angels? -Alison (Here's an update) I've still been looking for Lydia today. I talked to FedEx twice. They called me back the second time to tell me that a "Lori" logged into the FedEx system April 23 and said Francis was the recipient of our package. "Lori" signed in as an employee of United Air. Now, at United Air we're trying to figure out who Lori is. Is Lori "Lydia"? Is Lori someone who just recorded the info? Still unanswered questions. United Air asked around today and their 2 Lori's don't fit the description of our story. We still can't seem to find the actual person who gave us our package!!!!! United Air is looking and will call me back. I told them I just want to thank whoever gave me the package. I want to send them a picture of us & our little girl. FedEx has has no record of a Lydia still and neither does SeaTac airport. FedEx does however want to know how Lori logged into their system & (how someone) got our package out of FedEx cargo. -Alison (Another update) And my first call from FedEx today was to inform me that my tracking number is NOT a tracking number. I'm not surprised. They said the number I claim to be a tracking number is a "workorder/joborder". The wonders never cease. An adopting acquaintance of mine sent me the bible verse today: Exodus 23:20 "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." Wow. What a blessing!!! For certain, FedEx, SeaTac airport, my family, and now many many friends, family members, and acquaintances, want to know who or what are Lori and Lydia? FedEx thinks this is just FABULOUS!! They do find it disconcerning though that someone got in their cargo area to get my package. They want to know how that happened. Angels. Have a great night. -Alison
On our trip to Russia about a month ago – we were to be met at the airport upon our arrival. The person who was meeting us was not someone we had ever met before. Of course when we got into the tiny airport, got our luggage – several taxi drivers were all over us wanting to give us a ride. We “Ya nee pa-nee-mai-ooo”ed our way out of that for over an hour. An hour and ½ into our wait, there was still no sign of anyone coming to pick us up. We would have taken one of the taxis, but we didn’t know where we were going. We realize that we have contact information for one of the coordinators in Russia who is helping us with the adoption – we get the number and look for a phone. Well, there are no pay phones at this airport. So we stand and wait some more… One particularly nice taxi driver seemed to be following us around. He spoke a little English, which was of some comfort when we were looking for the invisible pay phone. He brought over to us some people who worked at the airport to help us. They did not speak English either. After a brief conversation, they walked away. No help at all.
Over 2 hours, and several panic attacks later - this nice taxi driver offered to allow us to use his cell phone. We were able to get a hold of someone to come and pick us up! I hung up the phone, handed it back to the taxi driver and turned to tell my husband that I was able to get a hold of someone. As I turned back around to thank the taxi driver – he was gone. My DH (dear husband) went outside to look for him, to offer some money for allowing us to make a call on his phone, and he was gone and his car was gone. How a human could disappear THAT fast is beyond me.
Our coordinator did arrive – about 45minutes later. He had called back the number we called him from (the taxi driver’s cell) and the number was not in service. This is just one story in a long line of things that have happened to us on this adoption journey. It is amazing to us how God is taking a life-event like adoption, and continually testing our Faith and growing our Faith at the same time.
FROM AN ADOPTIVE MOM – ALLISON (taken from the FRUA chat board)
Hey everyone- I think some of you have heard the story by now about how difficult it was to get our VISAs & passports so we could get to Russia for trip one on the adoption of our little girl. For anyone that hasn't heard it, our trip was cancelled twice all in the same weekend due to Russian Consulate errors & FedEx errors right down to the wire. Our trip was scheduled for Sunday April 23 (7am) to fly out to Moscow, via Georgia. When the trip was finally back on, we went to bed Saturday night with FedEx telling us the VISA & passport package would be on our doorstep at 1am Sunday morning. A special package delivery with a "special" tracking number. Package never came. Flight was delayed. Then the flight came in & our package wasn't on it. We were up at 3am, so we could leave our house at 4am to leave for SeaTac, but with no package. I was calling FedEx trying to figure out what to do. They said nothing could be done because our package wasn't on the plane, even though it was "on" the plane when it left Chicago. No one would be looking for our package until 1-1:30pm Sunday afternoon in the SeaTac office when they reopened for the next FedEx flight. With much pleading in my nicest tone & explaining the situation over & over to FedEx dispatch, FedEx said a lady named Lydia in Seattle FedEx volunteered to go look for our package if we wanted to head for the airport. So we did. Lydia called us at 4:45am to say she was looking. At 5am she called to say she found it. She told us she was wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, & she's 5' tall. Where would she like us to meet? We told her & she met us at 5:25am at the Delta check-in. She brought us a yellow package with our necessary documents. I thought it odd it wasn't a FedEx package. She said they must have packaged it differently so it would stand out & they wouldn't lose it (something like that). We were chuckling over this because our package was of course, lost. She would forever be our angel for rolling out of bed & doing this on her own time! Well, now that things have settled down, I wanted to call FedEx & have her work & efforts noticed. I've spent portions of the last two days hunting her down. I told corporate FedEx that because of Lydia, we were able to get in & out of Russia, sign our adoption paperwork and have it all in within one day of Russia suspending international adoption. Because of Lydia, our adoption is possible. FedEx has no record of her!!!! SeaTac airport has no record of her!!! There is no FedEx employee named Lydia. Everyone is astonished at hearing this story. Multiple employees I've called at corporate FedEx said they of course want to hear such wonderful stories about their employees and they are so grateful I'm calling. They want to hear all about this type of thing, especially for an adoption. But they've had me on hold several times and called me back multiple times by multiple people telling me they have no record of such an employee. They are dumbfounded as to how such person could have gotten into FedEx to get us our package. I asked a FedEx lady today on the phone "do you believe in angels?" She said she got goosebumps all over. So now the management for Sunday April 23 FedEx at SeaTac airport is on this, as well as SeaTac airport management & security. They want to know how this could have happened. I'm wondering if the next thing they tell me is that my yellow package "didn't exist". I'm quite organized & still have my tracking number. They'll probably tell me my tracking number doesn't exist. I was told on April 23 four times that her name is Lydia. FedEx dispatch said her name is Lydia, then I talked to her twice.... each time she said her name is Lydia, and when she came with the documents she told Francis her name is Lydia. There's no mistake there. The only other employee with a name close to that is a "Lillian" and she wasn't there that day. Believe in angels? -Alison (Here's an update) I've still been looking for Lydia today. I talked to FedEx twice. They called me back the second time to tell me that a "Lori" logged into the FedEx system April 23 and said Francis was the recipient of our package. "Lori" signed in as an employee of United Air. Now, at United Air we're trying to figure out who Lori is. Is Lori "Lydia"? Is Lori someone who just recorded the info? Still unanswered questions. United Air asked around today and their 2 Lori's don't fit the description of our story. We still can't seem to find the actual person who gave us our package!!!!! United Air is looking and will call me back. I told them I just want to thank whoever gave me the package. I want to send them a picture of us & our little girl. FedEx has has no record of a Lydia still and neither does SeaTac airport. FedEx does however want to know how Lori logged into their system & (how someone) got our package out of FedEx cargo. -Alison (Another update) And my first call from FedEx today was to inform me that my tracking number is NOT a tracking number. I'm not surprised. They said the number I claim to be a tracking number is a "workorder/joborder". The wonders never cease. An adopting acquaintance of mine sent me the bible verse today: Exodus 23:20 "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." Wow. What a blessing!!! For certain, FedEx, SeaTac airport, my family, and now many many friends, family members, and acquaintances, want to know who or what are Lori and Lydia? FedEx thinks this is just FABULOUS!! They do find it disconcerning though that someone got in their cargo area to get my package. They want to know how that happened. Angels. Have a great night. -Alison
Saturday, June 03, 2006
LIFE LESSONS…
On the way home, Marty got a little frustrated with one of the inspectors at the airport. Your luggage has to go through at least 5 different screenings before you get a boarding pass. We were on one of the last screenings, and the woman was trying to tell us something in Russian we didn’t understand. We said (in Russia) we don’t understand do you speak English? Well, of course her reply was ‘Niet!” and continued on with badgering us to do whatever it was she was wanted us to do. This went on for several minutes, and then the woman grabbed Marty’s arm and drug him to the end of the conveyor belt at the end of the luggage screening machine to get him to take off the luggage that had passed through the x-ray. This was odd because there was more luggage to be put on the conveyor belt…anyway, Marty was very frustrated with this woman and his mouth got the best of him. I think he said something like ‘I don’t know what you are saying you stupid, fat, Russian wench”…or something like that.
I grabbed him and told him to PLEASE watch what he says, that there were reports of Americans being detained for no reason in Passport Control as they tried to leave Russia.
We finally got to the counter, got our boarding passes, and were pretty happy to be going home. We proceeded to passport control, and were stopped by 2 women who looked like they worked for the INS/TSA/Homeland Security equivalent in Russia. They wanted our passports. They asked for a voucher – we had no voucher. The next thing we knew, we were being escorted to some office at the far end of this hall. Another women was again asking us for a voucher – something we didn’t have and had never heard of. I asked to see what it looked like – and it looked like a college diploma with the heading ‘Voucher’ on it. The guard woman took my passport and was pointing to some words on the passport asking whom that was. The document in my passport was in Cyrillic (Russian) so I didn’t know what it said. I tried to tell her that I couldn’t read Russian, and she huffed and puffed…went back to her office and typed something in her computer. She came back and asked who we got our invitation from (in Russia, when you get a Visa, you also need an invitation from Russia to enter the country). I replied ‘Red Star’ – this is a travel agency in Washington that I think also has an office in Russia. The guard questioned me about Red Star (none of the questions I could answer) – she huffed and puffed again, went back to her office and reappeared asking why we were visiting Russia. Well, Marty piped up ‘We’re adopting a little girl in Irkutsk”. I almost threw my hand over his mouth! That is THE LAST thing you should sat to these people! We were traveling on a tourist visa, not an adoption visa. So, this woman said, “What business do you have in Irkutsk”…well, I’ve been reading online enough to know how to answer these questions. These are the typical questions that American’s were being asked…I told her we were there visiting the girl we hoped to adopt, we conducted no business while in Russia, we got our visa and invitation from Red Star in the United States, and we do not have the voucher she had been asking for. Apparently this is the answer she was looking for – she went back to her office, did something on her computer – handed us our passports and said good-bye. The end.
What is the moral of the story? Keep in control of your mouth when going through security immigration, and always let your wife do the talking!!!
I grabbed him and told him to PLEASE watch what he says, that there were reports of Americans being detained for no reason in Passport Control as they tried to leave Russia.
We finally got to the counter, got our boarding passes, and were pretty happy to be going home. We proceeded to passport control, and were stopped by 2 women who looked like they worked for the INS/TSA/Homeland Security equivalent in Russia. They wanted our passports. They asked for a voucher – we had no voucher. The next thing we knew, we were being escorted to some office at the far end of this hall. Another women was again asking us for a voucher – something we didn’t have and had never heard of. I asked to see what it looked like – and it looked like a college diploma with the heading ‘Voucher’ on it. The guard woman took my passport and was pointing to some words on the passport asking whom that was. The document in my passport was in Cyrillic (Russian) so I didn’t know what it said. I tried to tell her that I couldn’t read Russian, and she huffed and puffed…went back to her office and typed something in her computer. She came back and asked who we got our invitation from (in Russia, when you get a Visa, you also need an invitation from Russia to enter the country). I replied ‘Red Star’ – this is a travel agency in Washington that I think also has an office in Russia. The guard questioned me about Red Star (none of the questions I could answer) – she huffed and puffed again, went back to her office and reappeared asking why we were visiting Russia. Well, Marty piped up ‘We’re adopting a little girl in Irkutsk”. I almost threw my hand over his mouth! That is THE LAST thing you should sat to these people! We were traveling on a tourist visa, not an adoption visa. So, this woman said, “What business do you have in Irkutsk”…well, I’ve been reading online enough to know how to answer these questions. These are the typical questions that American’s were being asked…I told her we were there visiting the girl we hoped to adopt, we conducted no business while in Russia, we got our visa and invitation from Red Star in the United States, and we do not have the voucher she had been asking for. Apparently this is the answer she was looking for – she went back to her office, did something on her computer – handed us our passports and said good-bye. The end.
What is the moral of the story? Keep in control of your mouth when going through security immigration, and always let your wife do the talking!!!
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