I don't know how this day got away from me without me posting an update on the box.
Well, it was delivered...on the 25th at 11:30am! Got a note from our coordinator, and he has the box in his possession - YAY!
This is just another story of how the power of prayer can overcome obstacles!
Friday, February 27, 2009
was just thinking
I have been thinking about my friends (the Holmes) who have had to spend 7 weeks in Irkutsk...and my other friends who are on the 6th week (the Ninmanns)...and wondering what it would take to do that (aside from the financial part).
What do I do every month that I couldn't do...things like my facial regimen between the various lotions and potions - it'd be one thing every night. I know this sounds really high maintenance, but I keep thinking there is some magic lotion or potion out there...so I try several in small doses.
Of course getting my nails done would be out of the question. I know there are nail salons over there now, but I doubt they do the basic pink and white fill that I like. I took off my fakes this week, trying to save money - and this is a good way to strengthen my nails for life in Irkutsk. I've had fake nails on for YEARS (literally, about 15 years), so we'll see how long this lasts. I had a few unexpected cash projects this week - and that cash is burning a hole in my pink wallet...and is screaming to me "get your nails put back on!". It's funny, I can't do anything without fingernails - hard to type, can't pick anything up, forget buttoning!
What about hair!? I get my hair cut / colored about every 5 weeks. I know, you are all in SHOCK, I am not a natural blond. I know I act like it (I tell ya, the bleach had just sunk into my head after all these years). What am I going to look like after 7 weeks? YIKES! 5 weeks is my limit. I wonder if I can take the ingredients with me and do it myself? That is one I am going to have to think about...
My electric toothbrush. Have you ever used one? If you do, then you will understand...going 7 weeks without that deep cleaning of my teeth? Blech.
7 weeks with out my Bible study girls, 7 weeks without church, 7 weeks without my Blackberry, 7 weeks without the variety of options in my closet (I know now that sounds...just remember I work in the fashion industry and am blessed with a lot of clothes and shoes - a perk of the job!), 7 weeks without going on a client appointment, 7 weeks without showing clothes. ODD!
And my house...we have serious dust issues in this house - especially that time of the year. You have to at least wipe everything off once a week.
What about the yard? We live on 3 acres of land. It is going to need mowing...my brother used to like to come over here when we were gone to play farmer brown on the tractor - but he moved. Hummmm....
The fur babies...our kitties. Jazz and Lola are used to us being here all the time. When we're gone for a week, that is one thing - but I think it is mean to leave them alone for that long. Someone will come in and feed them every day - but that isn't' the same as us being here. Cats are very social animals, and get depressed easily. Ugh - this makes me sad. Need to find someone to stay at the house.
Bills - who is going to go through the mountains of mail and pay bills? I have to pay junk about every other week. I don't really pay attention to what is due when, I just pay what comes in the mail. I guess I should start paying attention, huh?
Any tips? Anything I am not thinking about?
What do I do every month that I couldn't do...things like my facial regimen between the various lotions and potions - it'd be one thing every night. I know this sounds really high maintenance, but I keep thinking there is some magic lotion or potion out there...so I try several in small doses.
Of course getting my nails done would be out of the question. I know there are nail salons over there now, but I doubt they do the basic pink and white fill that I like. I took off my fakes this week, trying to save money - and this is a good way to strengthen my nails for life in Irkutsk. I've had fake nails on for YEARS (literally, about 15 years), so we'll see how long this lasts. I had a few unexpected cash projects this week - and that cash is burning a hole in my pink wallet...and is screaming to me "get your nails put back on!". It's funny, I can't do anything without fingernails - hard to type, can't pick anything up, forget buttoning!
What about hair!? I get my hair cut / colored about every 5 weeks. I know, you are all in SHOCK, I am not a natural blond. I know I act like it (I tell ya, the bleach had just sunk into my head after all these years). What am I going to look like after 7 weeks? YIKES! 5 weeks is my limit. I wonder if I can take the ingredients with me and do it myself? That is one I am going to have to think about...
My electric toothbrush. Have you ever used one? If you do, then you will understand...going 7 weeks without that deep cleaning of my teeth? Blech.
7 weeks with out my Bible study girls, 7 weeks without church, 7 weeks without my Blackberry, 7 weeks without the variety of options in my closet (I know now that sounds...just remember I work in the fashion industry and am blessed with a lot of clothes and shoes - a perk of the job!), 7 weeks without going on a client appointment, 7 weeks without showing clothes. ODD!
And my house...we have serious dust issues in this house - especially that time of the year. You have to at least wipe everything off once a week.
What about the yard? We live on 3 acres of land. It is going to need mowing...my brother used to like to come over here when we were gone to play farmer brown on the tractor - but he moved. Hummmm....
The fur babies...our kitties. Jazz and Lola are used to us being here all the time. When we're gone for a week, that is one thing - but I think it is mean to leave them alone for that long. Someone will come in and feed them every day - but that isn't' the same as us being here. Cats are very social animals, and get depressed easily. Ugh - this makes me sad. Need to find someone to stay at the house.
Bills - who is going to go through the mountains of mail and pay bills? I have to pay junk about every other week. I don't really pay attention to what is due when, I just pay what comes in the mail. I guess I should start paying attention, huh?
Any tips? Anything I am not thinking about?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
At FedEx Facility in.....
I am trying to clear my head so I can sleep tonight, so I go to FedEx.com (for the zillion-th time today) and this is what I see:
Feb 26, 2009 4:29 AM At local FedEx facility MOSCOW RU
YAY! No news on the customs end of things, the update mentioned something about International Shipment Release, but I don't think that's customs (seems like I remember it saying specifically 'CUSTOMS').
Now I can take one deep breath - and hope that the annoying twitch in my eye will stop now!
Thanks for all your prayers on this!
Feb 26, 2009 4:29 AM At local FedEx facility MOSCOW RU
YAY! No news on the customs end of things, the update mentioned something about International Shipment Release, but I don't think that's customs (seems like I remember it saying specifically 'CUSTOMS').
Now I can take one deep breath - and hope that the annoying twitch in my eye will stop now!
Thanks for all your prayers on this!
so much for the box getting to Moscow yesterday...
You know what they say about the best laid plans? Well, that is where my box of documents is...
Just checked FedEx, and the box (for whatever reason) is in Poyl, GB. Is GB even on the way to Moscow?
Keep praying for the box!
Just checked FedEx, and the box (for whatever reason) is in Poyl, GB. Is GB even on the way to Moscow?
Keep praying for the box!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
the saga of the box
So, I am patiently (and I use that term loosly) watching the progress (slow, but eventual) of the box containing the remainder of our documents.
It's kind of like watching paint dry. Or grass grow.
I think if I ever have to do something like this again where time is so critical, I am going to send the box to Moscow - to a person, then have that person turn around and send it to Irkutsk. Then I will be able to track it better...OK, ya, I am totally micromanaging this thing - aren't I? (so what's new?)
The box was to arrive today in Moscow. Well, right now - FedEx tracking says it left Indy...that's it, it left Indy.
On other exciting adoption things - want to be really depressed? Start keeping track of all your adoption expenses. I have been, but in different files. Tonight, I decided to combine all of those files and it gave me a (sorta close) grand total...YIKES! No wonder we're broke!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
I think I am going to pull my hair out
There is more drama going on in the world of Russian adoptions.
I’ve spent a lot of time over the past day researching, reading and trying to discern between what is fact, what is fiction and what is talk. To be in the Russian adoption game for very long, you will acquire this skill...every year about this time, several 'rumors' surface. We will hear that the MOE has called for a moratorium on adoptions. We will hear there is a new judge in the region. We will hear that the MOE is proposing that independent adoptions be outlawed in Russia.
The latest can best be described as a correspondence (or maybe a white paper). It was a letter from the MOE (ministry of education and science - they run adoptions in Russia) to the regions. This letter contains a 7 page list of US agencies who have been black listed for not filing post placement reports.
In adoption, at least in Rus
sia, you are required to file post placement reports. Some parents do not do this. Some agencies don't. This is the problem.
sia, you are required to file post placement reports. Some parents do not do this. Some agencies don't. This is the problem.From everything I can come up with, it looks like this is a way for the MOE to try to control independent adoptions. There is a movement about every year to ‘outlaw’ independent adoptions, I can even remember scuttle butt about this back in 2004. An independent adoption is one that is going about the process without an accredited agency. Back in the day - independent adoptions were the norm.
Today, the way it is done (generally) is that there is a home study agency and a placement agency. The placement agency holds the accreditation in Russia, and they accept the responsibility for the post placement reports.
This list is a home study agency list – and it looks like every agency I can think of is on it – even our Home study agency in Indianapolis and Bethany. The MOE has suggested not to accept dossiers that include any documents / homestudies from agencies on this list. The good news is that the agency we're working with who hold accreditation in Russia is not on this list...which leaves us not knowing what this means.
We still don’t know how this is going to be interpreted in Irkutsk. From my experience, I would say that whatever the most horrible outcome could be – plan on that. Which means, redoing homestudies etc.
I have made contact with our home study agency and asked:
1. What are they doing about this, what is the plan to rectify the situation
2. If we have to redo the homestudy and all documents on their letterhead, what plan of action do they have in place to make this a smooth and fast transition – I also asked them to get on this ASAP.
Bold – yes…but at this point, with our documents going to the Judge in weeks (maybe even days), I want to lay some foundation work NOW so if / when the time comes – we already have the foundation laid.
Given this information, we need prayer. We don't now what this means, and is just another 'thing' we need to deal with...another 'thing' to cause frustration...and all now, when we are SO CLOSE.
This list is a home study agency list – and it looks like every agency I can think of is on it – even our Home study agency in Indianapolis and Bethany. The MOE has suggested not to accept dossiers that include any documents / homestudies from agencies on this list. The good news is that the agency we're working with who hold accreditation in Russia is not on this list...which leaves us not knowing what this means.
We still don’t know how this is going to be interpreted in Irkutsk. From my experience, I would say that whatever the most horrible outcome could be – plan on that. Which means, redoing homestudies etc.
I have made contact with our home study agency and asked:
1. What are they doing about this, what is the plan to rectify the situation
2. If we have to redo the homestudy and all documents on their letterhead, what plan of action do they have in place to make this a smooth and fast transition – I also asked them to get on this ASAP.
Bold – yes…but at this point, with our documents going to the Judge in weeks (maybe even days), I want to lay some foundation work NOW so if / when the time comes – we already have the foundation laid.
Given this information, we need prayer. We don't now what this means, and is just another 'thing' we need to deal with...another 'thing' to cause frustration...and all now, when we are SO CLOSE.
Yea, I am mad, frustrated and about ready to pull my hair out!!
...off to drink a bottle of Mylanta
THE LIST
You can get to the list from some links that Karen Rhouse has posted. Here are some sources:
http://www.usynovite.ru/f/documents/federal/regulations/170209/prilogenie.doc
http://www.usynovite.ru/documents/federal/regulations/170209/
http://pear-now.blogspot.com/2009/02/home-study-agencies-with-missing-post.html
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
taking blog private
I thought I had better post an update so my friend Lisa B doesn't get upset :)
I FINALLY got everything I needed - I think the people at the South Bend Clinic think I am nuts, and I am sure I've made quite an impression on them (but I don't care)....the documents are done! I'll ship 'em off tomorrow.
The Holmes family have opened their blog - feel free to check out what is happening with them as they CONTINUE to wait to come home. I can't remember what week this is for them, but it is something like week 17? NUTS! http://waiting4harry.blogspot.com/
In a few weeks, we will be taking this blog private. This means that only invited guests will be able to see our posts. We'll do this until we go to court, and then open it back up again. So, if you would like to be on that invited list, and continue to read this blog, make sure you post a note here so I have your email address. You will get an email invitation in a few weeks.
I FINALLY got everything I needed - I think the people at the South Bend Clinic think I am nuts, and I am sure I've made quite an impression on them (but I don't care)....the documents are done! I'll ship 'em off tomorrow.
The Holmes family have opened their blog - feel free to check out what is happening with them as they CONTINUE to wait to come home. I can't remember what week this is for them, but it is something like week 17? NUTS! http://waiting4harry.blogspot.com/
In a few weeks, we will be taking this blog private. This means that only invited guests will be able to see our posts. We'll do this until we go to court, and then open it back up again. So, if you would like to be on that invited list, and continue to read this blog, make sure you post a note here so I have your email address. You will get an email invitation in a few weeks.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Hot Button Issues
I think it’s time to share a little somethin’ that’s going on …on my blog…for the world to see.
Every since I got back from Russia, I feel like I have been attacked. Attacked in my job, with our finances, in some of my friendships. Attack after attack…and I am tired of it.
I have hot buttons like everyone else. Personally, as I have gotten older, I have learned what those hot buttons are and have done everything I can to avoid them going off.
On one hand, things are going so well with the adoption. Prayers are being answered, mountains moved – families are being made…hope is being given to children. It’s all big. It’s all good, and it’s all of Him. I am feeling the presence of God in my life and in my family in a way I haven’t - maybe ever. Marty’s trip to India and my trip to Russia restored energy to seek Him…something we both really needed and wanted.
On the other hand, I have spent countless hours and pounds of emotional energy on (what feels like) Kindergarten crap. I have worked hard (professionally) to do what I do for a living. I know some people don’t like it…I also know that some don’t like me. Honestly – if they met me, I really think they WOULD like me…they don’t even know me.
I have had to prove to creditors that I have paid bills. I had to remind the city of South Bend that I paid a parking ticket by hunting down a cancelled check from 7 months ago. I have had communications to our former accountant taken COMPLETELY out of context, words put in my mouth (that I didn’t say or write), and I’ve had to prove myself over and over and over again.
The things that are my hot buttons keep going off. These altercations (or what feels like an altercation) are the kinds of things (in my world) that would take me down, make me want to just go to my room and cry it out. These things keep coming at me like torpedo fire. I don't even have time to recoup, or cry it out before I'm dodging another one.
I am not an emotional person, but I have cried more in the past few weeks than I have in recent memory.
The thing about all this junk that makes me SO MAD is that I have spent all this time proving myself, proving I am doing what I am supposed to be doing…when I SHOULD HAVE been spending time working on finalizing adoption paperwork!
So, yes – I feel like I am being beat up and attacked. I don’t tell you this for sympathy, for you to tell me how things are going to get better, I don't want advice on which scripture to run to (did that)…I only post this for anyone else who is in the midst of an adoption. This kind of thing will happen to you too…especially if you believe in Christ, and put all your hope, trust and faith in Him. Just when you think "ahhh, this is all coming together, FINALLY" - you will take a deep breath, you will feel the tension in your shoulders start to relax...the BAM.
All I can do (all any of us can do) is pray our way through it. So I will pray for my current frustration and tears. I will pray for those who are fighting me…and I will keep on keepin’ on!
Every since I got back from Russia, I feel like I have been attacked. Attacked in my job, with our finances, in some of my friendships. Attack after attack…and I am tired of it.
I have hot buttons like everyone else. Personally, as I have gotten older, I have learned what those hot buttons are and have done everything I can to avoid them going off.
On one hand, things are going so well with the adoption. Prayers are being answered, mountains moved – families are being made…hope is being given to children. It’s all big. It’s all good, and it’s all of Him. I am feeling the presence of God in my life and in my family in a way I haven’t - maybe ever. Marty’s trip to India and my trip to Russia restored energy to seek Him…something we both really needed and wanted.
On the other hand, I have spent countless hours and pounds of emotional energy on (what feels like) Kindergarten crap. I have worked hard (professionally) to do what I do for a living. I know some people don’t like it…I also know that some don’t like me. Honestly – if they met me, I really think they WOULD like me…they don’t even know me.
I have had to prove to creditors that I have paid bills. I had to remind the city of South Bend that I paid a parking ticket by hunting down a cancelled check from 7 months ago. I have had communications to our former accountant taken COMPLETELY out of context, words put in my mouth (that I didn’t say or write), and I’ve had to prove myself over and over and over again.
The things that are my hot buttons keep going off. These altercations (or what feels like an altercation) are the kinds of things (in my world) that would take me down, make me want to just go to my room and cry it out. These things keep coming at me like torpedo fire. I don't even have time to recoup, or cry it out before I'm dodging another one.
I am not an emotional person, but I have cried more in the past few weeks than I have in recent memory.
The thing about all this junk that makes me SO MAD is that I have spent all this time proving myself, proving I am doing what I am supposed to be doing…when I SHOULD HAVE been spending time working on finalizing adoption paperwork!
So, yes – I feel like I am being beat up and attacked. I don’t tell you this for sympathy, for you to tell me how things are going to get better, I don't want advice on which scripture to run to (did that)…I only post this for anyone else who is in the midst of an adoption. This kind of thing will happen to you too…especially if you believe in Christ, and put all your hope, trust and faith in Him. Just when you think "ahhh, this is all coming together, FINALLY" - you will take a deep breath, you will feel the tension in your shoulders start to relax...the BAM.
All I can do (all any of us can do) is pray our way through it. So I will pray for my current frustration and tears. I will pray for those who are fighting me…and I will keep on keepin’ on!
Ya know that song "I will praise you in this storm"...that's me, now.
Monday, February 09, 2009
more updates and such
I've been working on our documents, trying to be creative to meet the requirements set forth by Judge Stepanova. Today, it all came together. The last 2 pieces of the puzzle I needed were completed! YAY! I had a meeting tomorrow night get cancelled, which means that I will be spending that time working on organizing everything to send to the Secretary of State's office to be apostilled, then everything gets shipped off to Irkutsk! Looks like everything will be there on Friday!
We also heard today that the rumors that were going around when I was in Irkutsk in January have come to pass. Judge Stepanova will be replaced the end of March.
This new Judge will be hearing adoption cases - Stepanova will have nothing to do with adoption cases. This new guy is young, and has 2 kids.
I don't know what to think about this. Everyone else seems to be leaping for joy...I am cautious. I remember when Stepanova replaced the Judge before her (yes, I've been in this game THAT long!) - we were all so happy. We were just sure that was an answer to prayer - well, that isn't what happened...things got worse, a -thousand-fold worse (if that is even a legit term!).
We also heard today that the rumors that were going around when I was in Irkutsk in January have come to pass. Judge Stepanova will be replaced the end of March.
This new Judge will be hearing adoption cases - Stepanova will have nothing to do with adoption cases. This new guy is young, and has 2 kids.
I don't know what to think about this. Everyone else seems to be leaping for joy...I am cautious. I remember when Stepanova replaced the Judge before her (yes, I've been in this game THAT long!) - we were all so happy. We were just sure that was an answer to prayer - well, that isn't what happened...things got worse, a -thousand-fold worse (if that is even a legit term!).
Sunday, February 08, 2009
The Holmes family...it's official!
I know I have said it a million times, but international adoption is a funny thing. At least in Russia it is!
You go to court, the court grants the adoption...but it isn't official for 10 days. The 10 days is more of a title than a period of time for waiting - that 10 days might really be like 14 days.
Well, a few days ago, that 10 days finally ended for our friends, the H family. Now that everything is official official, I can tell you that this is the Holmes Family!
Judy has opened her blog for the world to read, and I encourage you to take a minute, and read about her journey (that she is STILL on!) in Irkutsk. Please leave comments for her...she is there alone with the 2 boys, and the comments are what gives her a lifeline to a normal world. THe blog can be found HERE.
Friday, January 30, 2009
allow me to introduce...
The N FAMILY! Mom (D), Dad (B) and little guy (N)
I am SO EXCITED for this family. Between them and the H family, they have paved the way for us (and other families) - we now know what combination of documents the Judge requires. We know what kind of 'stuff' the Judge is looking for in court.
IT'S ALL HUGE PEOPLE...THIS IS JUST HUGE!
I have been trying to process this all day, I can't imagine how the N family are processing this! The tears of joy just keep coming! The slightest little thing will bring tears to my eyes over all this (fair warning to all my friends...).
UGH! I just can not believe that the mountain has moved! PRAISE GOD!
Updates on our stuff
Thought I could update you on where we are on all of our stuff.
As expected, everything is taking longer than I thought - but such is life in the world of adoption.
We're still working on getting this 8 doctor medical thing back from Granger Family Medicine. Our doc has been WONDERFUL about helping us...but it is taking a little longer than I anticipated. They called me today and said that it will be ready on Tuesday next week.
We're fighting with USCIS on our I600A approval. For those not in the wonderful wacky world of international adoption - this is the approval process you get from Immigration to adopt a foreign child (in a nutshell). We have submitted everything according to the requirements - but they are saying we didn't - that our original home study isn't valid. This makes me crazy! Why was it valid before - why was it OK for the past 4 years? Nothing has changed for the requirements. Our Home Study Agency is at a loss as well. Asking questions of the USCIS is fun, kind of went like this:
*note, you can't call them, everything has to be done via email
Me: "we received a form letter saying we did not supply the requirements of
BLA BLA BLA. We have submitted A,B and C that was sent to you via Fed Ex,
and was signed for by XX on such-n-such date. Please recheck your records,
or further clarify what you are missing"Them: "you failed to comply with the requirements outlined in BLA BLA
BLA"Me: "according to BLA BLA BLA, we are required to supply A,B and C. We
have supplied A,B, and C. Please be more specific"Them: "Ask your Home Study agency"
Me: "HS Agency has no idea what you are requesting, we have supplied
everything that is required as per your documentation provided on your
website. We need specific examples of what or why what I sent does not
comply with your requirements.
Well, that was my morning...and now I am exhausted from it all...and I am STILL not sure what they want!
Who says prayer doesn't move mountains?
Over the past 4 years, I know people have thought I was crazy. I know people have said "yea, I'll believe it when I see it". I know people who don't follow Christ with everything in their being thought my 'prayer' was simply an exercise in wishful thinking.
To the naysayers, I say HA!
Last night, at about 3:30am EST, the N family was granted the adoption of a little boy! The N family are the ones we have met and have spent some time with. They are 'mid-westerners' too...their case is pretty similar to ours (for a lot of people and document reasons).
To those who have been standing with us in prayer for SO MANY years...THANK YOU! Our prayers are being heard and answered. This is TRULY a testament to the power of prayer, and evidence of things working in HIS time.
To the naysayers, I say HA!
Last night, at about 3:30am EST, the N family was granted the adoption of a little boy! The N family are the ones we have met and have spent some time with. They are 'mid-westerners' too...their case is pretty similar to ours (for a lot of people and document reasons).
To those who have been standing with us in prayer for SO MANY years...THANK YOU! Our prayers are being heard and answered. This is TRULY a testament to the power of prayer, and evidence of things working in HIS time.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
more friends, walking into court
About an hour ago, our friends, the N family, walked into court in Irkutsk. They have met every document requirement that any of us know about. They have done everything the Judge has asked...and then some.
PLEASE PLEASE pray for them...pray for the atmosphere of the court room, and everyone that is involved. We pray that this is the LAST time they have to go to court - and that this is a successful hearing...
Here's hoping my next post is another 'allow me to introduce' post :)
PLEASE PLEASE pray for them...pray for the atmosphere of the court room, and everyone that is involved. We pray that this is the LAST time they have to go to court - and that this is a successful hearing...
Here's hoping my next post is another 'allow me to introduce' post :)
Monday, January 26, 2009
allow me to introduce...
THE H FAMILYWHEN PRAISE GOD DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ENOUGH...
As you probably have read, last Friday M and J were granted the adoption of H (S's bio brother) from the Irkutsk, Russia court. After 5 long mentally, physically and financially draining hearings, the Judge FINALLY approved this adoption
I can't remember when I first met J - I think it was back when they were adopting S (a million years ago). She (along with a select few other pre-adoptive moms) and I have become very close - very supportive of one another - and very protective of one another.
I first heard this news as I was getting ready to go to a work thing...I was at a conference all weekend, and really haven't had time to REALLY process what this means. IT IS HUGE!
I remember years ago brainstorming with J on ways to get our documents in front of the Judge, laughing about the chess game we play in this process, trying to figure out the right combination of puzzle pieces that will be known as document requirements.
Last fall I wondered how I would feel when this day came. When adoptions finally opened up again in Irkutsk. How I would react.
In the past, I've become friends with pre-adoptive Moms on other chat boards. They have all had adoption experiences in other parts of Russia...and when the day came that they could announce that the Judge said 'yes', I found myself fighting a tinge of jealousy. Although I was happy for them, a little part of me was jealous.
Ya know, I can honestly say that there isn't one ounce of me that is jealous of the H family. Every family that goes in front of the Judge will offer more information, more details to the mysterious puzzle pieces.
I've shed a lot of happy tears for this family over the past few days. I've also been given a list of documents that need to be altered to make the Judge happy.
I am so happy...this means we just took a HUGE LEAP forward in our fight to bring Anya home!
Last fall I wondered how I would feel when this day came. When adoptions finally opened up again in Irkutsk. How I would react.
In the past, I've become friends with pre-adoptive Moms on other chat boards. They have all had adoption experiences in other parts of Russia...and when the day came that they could announce that the Judge said 'yes', I found myself fighting a tinge of jealousy. Although I was happy for them, a little part of me was jealous.
Ya know, I can honestly say that there isn't one ounce of me that is jealous of the H family. Every family that goes in front of the Judge will offer more information, more details to the mysterious puzzle pieces.
I've shed a lot of happy tears for this family over the past few days. I've also been given a list of documents that need to be altered to make the Judge happy.
I am so happy...this means we just took a HUGE LEAP forward in our fight to bring Anya home!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Quick note with good news
THE H FAMILY HAD A SUCCESSFUL COURT HEARING!
On Friday (in Irkutsk) all of our constant prayers were finally answered. The Judge granted the adoption to the H family! I still can't think or talk about it much - I get too emotional.
I am traveling for work - so have limited time to wrote - but I wanted to be sure to post this amazing news! I promise I will post photos (hopefully) and the complete scoop when I get home.
Please keep the N family lifted in prayer. They go back to court on the 30th (which technically, is the 29th EST).
On Friday (in Irkutsk) all of our constant prayers were finally answered. The Judge granted the adoption to the H family! I still can't think or talk about it much - I get too emotional.
I am traveling for work - so have limited time to wrote - but I wanted to be sure to post this amazing news! I promise I will post photos (hopefully) and the complete scoop when I get home.
Please keep the N family lifted in prayer. They go back to court on the 30th (which technically, is the 29th EST).
Monday, January 19, 2009
Update on our documents and case
We had an appointment this morning with our doctor - he is working diligently to help us comply with all the requirements on the Russian medical form. Silly thing is - this form and all this work will only help us get a court date. We will have to redo everything, and visit 8 doctors in Irkutsk. Oh well...
So far, everything has been relatively easy...[insert sound of knocking on wood here]. The medical licensing board has been wonderful to work with - they've done the kind of letter we need in the past, and are very willing to help us get whatever we need. I also found the contact phone number from the child placing licensing agency that will provide us a required letter. As soon as I am done typing this note - I will get on the phone to have a conversation with an agency we've been collaborating with on some other requirements.
If everything goes as planned (which means everything comes together, and I get the necessary documents mailed and back to Russia the first of February) - we might have a court date in May...NOW STOP...NO, this doesn't mean this is going to happen (and I really don't think it will), there are WAY TOO many things that could go wrong, and history and experience tells me that things will go wrong.
Things will prove to be very stressful between now and then - working on whatever requirements come up and planning on how to finance an undetermined amount of time without income in Russia (maybe 4-6 weeks?).
We know we are not in charge of any of this. God's plan is SO much better than ours. We know that He will meet our needs (emotionally, document wise and financially) in an amazing way - as He has so many times in the past.
I will continue to post weekly updates here on the progress (or lack thereof).
and that's all I know for now :)
So far, everything has been relatively easy...[insert sound of knocking on wood here]. The medical licensing board has been wonderful to work with - they've done the kind of letter we need in the past, and are very willing to help us get whatever we need. I also found the contact phone number from the child placing licensing agency that will provide us a required letter. As soon as I am done typing this note - I will get on the phone to have a conversation with an agency we've been collaborating with on some other requirements.
If everything goes as planned (which means everything comes together, and I get the necessary documents mailed and back to Russia the first of February) - we might have a court date in May...NOW STOP...NO, this doesn't mean this is going to happen (and I really don't think it will), there are WAY TOO many things that could go wrong, and history and experience tells me that things will go wrong.
Things will prove to be very stressful between now and then - working on whatever requirements come up and planning on how to finance an undetermined amount of time without income in Russia (maybe 4-6 weeks?).
We know we are not in charge of any of this. God's plan is SO much better than ours. We know that He will meet our needs (emotionally, document wise and financially) in an amazing way - as He has so many times in the past.
I will continue to post weekly updates here on the progress (or lack thereof).
and that's all I know for now :)
update on court
Thank you to so many of you for your kind notes via Twitter, FB, here and emails. Our prayers were felt in the courtroom!
Unfortunately, I don't have great news to report. The hearing was postponed pending the Russian medicals (which we knew was going to happen), and some updated documents that need to be done here. Our hope is that these documents can be done via the friends/family etc. this family has here...the new hearing is scheduled for the end of the month (30th I think).
They said that they felt an incredible peace in the court room - this is such good news. The hostility and lingering 'yuck' that our other friends felt in court a few months ago was lifted (the H. family) - YAY! Let's continue to pray for the court, the Judge and everyone involved. The H. family has another hearing on Thursday (i.e. our Wednesday night).
Unfortunately, I don't have great news to report. The hearing was postponed pending the Russian medicals (which we knew was going to happen), and some updated documents that need to be done here. Our hope is that these documents can be done via the friends/family etc. this family has here...the new hearing is scheduled for the end of the month (30th I think).
They said that they felt an incredible peace in the court room - this is such good news. The hostility and lingering 'yuck' that our other friends felt in court a few months ago was lifted (the H. family) - YAY! Let's continue to pray for the court, the Judge and everyone involved. The H. family has another hearing on Thursday (i.e. our Wednesday night).
Sunday, January 18, 2009
and they're walking into court
RIght now, at 9pm EST, my friends from Wisconsin are taking thier last deep breath before thier adoption hearing starts in Irkutsk.
I have a knot in the pit of my stomach.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
UPDATE ON FRIENDS IN IRKUTSK
Thank you all for your posts and emails with concern for our friends who had a court date last week.
Well - apparently this hearing was a 'pre trial hearing' - WHO KNEW! Certainly not our friends or their lawyer!
The Judge continues to have issues with American medicals - so, they will have the medical exam redone in Russia before the REAL hearing (which is next Thursday).
Please continue to pray...we have another set of friends who are on a plane right now - heading to Irkutsk. They will go to court on Monday (technically Sunday night our time). PLEASE pray for this family - this will be their first time in court with this Judge.
Well - apparently this hearing was a 'pre trial hearing' - WHO KNEW! Certainly not our friends or their lawyer!
The Judge continues to have issues with American medicals - so, they will have the medical exam redone in Russia before the REAL hearing (which is next Thursday).
Please continue to pray...we have another set of friends who are on a plane right now - heading to Irkutsk. They will go to court on Monday (technically Sunday night our time). PLEASE pray for this family - this will be their first time in court with this Judge.
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