Visas

Today was the day we collected the final paperwork needed to travel to America with the kids. The children's visas were given to us at the US Embassy along with all the paperwork needed at the border to enter the USA. Hoorah!!!!! I CANNOT WAIT TO GET HOME!!!!!

Tina and Dusty just walked over, but Russ walked to the market and Lena, Eric and I cannot get the doors unlocked. If there was ever a fire here we would burn up, because we can't get out. They are going to walk toward the market to see if they can find Russ.

When we were getting our medical exams for the kids and applying for the visas we met some very special people. I wish I would have gotten their blog information. First we met a couple who the is in the US Army and currently stationed in Italy. They have a six year old son and have not been able to have any more children. They shared with us that they came to the realization that the way God had planned for them to grow their family was through adoption. They had been waiting for a year and a half for a child younger than 5 to adopt from the Ukraine when God spoke to them about children with special needs, specifically down syndrome. They contacted Rainbow Adoption Agency who deals with special needs children and within 5 months were now in the Ukraine adopting two babies with down syndrome (an 11 month old baby girl and 14 month old baby boy) and they are planning to come back for more. They shared that they had met six other American couples while here who also were adopting special needs children. Another lady we met was adopting a three year old boy with down syndrome. She has 5 biological children ranging in age 14 months to 12 years. When I ask her what made her decide to adopt she said, "Adoption was never even a thought of mine until my husband and 12 year old daughter did a missions trip in some of the orphanages in Ukraine." She said that as soon as she saw the picture of the little boy they just adopted, God spoke to her telling her, "This child is to be your son." She said she fought against it at first , but God reaffirmed it for her and here she is. What amazing testimonies these people are remarkable. God calls us to care for the fatherless and here they are not only caring for the fatherless, but the castaways of this society. Russ and I were so humbled by these people and their faithful hearts. They are truly an example of unconditional love for God's children. There were surely be a special place in heaven for them.
Since we did not take any pictures today I will post some of the children from the orphanage that we have not yet had opportunity to post. Enjoy.

Getting Anxious

Today we went to get the kids their physical exams and applied for their visas. Lena is such a sweetheart always and with such a tender heart. Erik can be a challenge, much harder than any of our other children. He likes to pout, can be stubborn, and wants to do what he wants to do only. Doesn't like to get up, brush his teeth, shower etc when ask and today he gave the doctor a hard time at the physical which upset Lena and she started to cry. he wouldn't cooperate with the doctor at all. The doctor had to have Erik leave the room and she talked to Lena and then spoke to me in English. She ask how many children I had, when I told her this made 8 she said, "I am very glad that he has experienced parents who will know to give him strict guidelines. Lena is polite, and very nice girl. Erik is good when he wants to be but has given mama, grandma, sister Marinna and others a hard time often." Just what I didn't want to hear. Big brothers I may need lots of help with this little guy, he is going to need some strong role-models and I can't think of a better bunch than you guys.
Tina's passport for Dema came today so hopefully she can get everything finished up tomorrow. We are praying our flight will be on schedule on Saturday there have been over 1400 flight cancellations into New York over the past few days. Erik sent us an email saying that if they don't get on a flight to Dulles today it will be at least 3 days before they can get a flight to NYC. maybe he will be getting a flight straight back to Kiev since he is scheduled to come back Jan. 9. I haven't heard from the McCrackens yet today so hopefully they are on their way home. Lena told me today that she will put wings on her back and fly to America if our plane can't take us. LOL She is determined to get there.
Ryan and Heath she is expecting huge hugs from you when she sees you, she was showing me today how big the hugs were from you before she left America and she is waiting to get more when she sees you. She is very loving, sweet and eager to please. Erik can be sweet to when he wants we just need to work on helping him work through some issues.
I have posted some pictures the kids took while still at the orphanage these are compliments of Erik, Lena and Nostya. Since it is easy to download with the Internet here in Kiev I will post extra pictures.Doug and Lindy the little dancer is Andre at the Children's Home Anniversary Celebration. The video clip is for Russ & Cheri from Nostya, it was taken when Vika was in the hospital, but we could not download it before because of the slow Internet speed.

Counting The Days

GREAT NEWS OUR PASS PORTS ARE HERE!!!! That means tomorrow we go at 7:00 AM to get the kids physicals and then to the US Embassy to apply for a Visa. If all goes well we fly home Saturday as Scheduled.Mick and Janel McCracken are still in London, they took a flight from Kiev Christmas Day with a layover in London that has turned into a vacation- they are hoping to get a flight out tomorrow to the States. Eric And Cindy are stuck in Switzerland, what a bummer they will have to vacation in Switzerland. LOL Both couples should be able to turn the misfortune of flight cancelations into a site seeing tour of the cities they are staying in. Neither have children so they are free to travel. However IF the adoptive children would be along they would be living in the airport, because the children have a visa for America only and cannot leave the airport. I still remember the 12 hour overnight layover in Amsterdam with Ana when we were not permitted to go to our hotel which was attached to the airport and had to spen the night sleeping in airport chairs. Our flight due to that is a non stop from Kiev to NYC. So as long as the plane takes off Saturday we should get to NYC. We ask Russ yesterday what we would do if our passports didn't come and we had to reschedule our flight. His response, "Before or after I throw up for 45 minutes and curl into a fetal position?" I guess I am not the only one who is homesick.

Today we took the children to a Chinese Circus it was very interesting. The acrobatics they did were amazing. They can bend in more ways than I can even imagine.

We spend each day with Dema and Tina. We have meals together at our apartment, watch movies, play games etc. to pass the time. Something as simple as a walk to the market is welcomed to pass time.

We woke up today to snow. I love it it, everything is blanketed in a bright, clean covering of snow.

Kiev Waiting

Now begins the wait. We are praying that our passports arrive by Wednesday so we can be processed and leave on Jan. 1 as planned. So we will spend the next several days waiting and trying to fill the time as we get to know our children. We get together with Tina and Dema each day to spend time together. We have meals together when we can and try to do things with the children together. Today dinner at our apartment, Russ playing chess with the boys, playing Mario Cart on Game boy and playing with distorted pictures, and the kids watching Russian movies we bought for them yesterday are the days highlights. It is already dark outside it gets dark around 4:00 PM Russ says he is now officially nocturnal. He goes to sleep typically at 5:00 AM right before daylight.

We were going to go to a museum today, but decided to stay home instead I was not feeling real well and everyone was very tired.

Yesterday we got to Skype with everyone except Heather. It was so good to see everyone. I need to be able to look into their eyes not just talk by phone to really connect. It was the first I have seen Isaac and I really needed that, I love the ornery sparkle in his eyes and it was so refreshing to see him. Skype has been a lifeline to home!

We are hoping to Skype with Heather after church today. She got engaged yesterday, so we are anxious to see her ring and talk to her. We are already planning wedding dress shopping for January 2.

The wait seems much longer this trip than it was with Ana. We were only here 10 days total with her this is day 9 this trip Russ said he thinks it is day 65. Syvette has been awesome though and the Stork Agency has been great to work with in every respect. They have worked overtime to acommmodate so many families in the country at one time. We daily pray for strength and good health for them and that God will go before them.
I am including a few pictures from Nostya's camera for her family to enjoy.

Leaving

Thought my heart was as heavy as it could get until saying good-bye tonight. Children clinging to us with tears dripping from their cheeks pleading for us to find a family for them, a mama and papa in America.

I would get myself into alot of trouble if I shared my heart publically, so I will stop now and say. If you have a place in your heart and home for an orphaned teen please let us know. I will never forget the sweet girl on her knees on the floor in front of me with her hands clasp and tears dripping from her cheeks begging for help in finding a family who would want her and her younger sister as I left the girls dorm. Her big brown eyes glistened with tears as she looked up into my eyes and pleaded. As we progressed to the car we were to take a flock of children followed surrounding us, everyone wanting the last hug and begging for help. We literally had to peal ourselves away from children and shut ourselves in the car or Syvette said we would miss the train.

This Christmas Eve I learned so much and gained yet again even more appreciation for all that we have been blessed with in America. I deeply miss my children and grandchildren and wish I could bring the whole orphanage of children home.

We hurried to the apartment, grabbed our bags and a lunch Cindy had packed for us and it was off to the train station to catch the train to Kiev. Tina, Dema, Mick, Janel and Syvette all joined Russ, Lena, Erik and I on the train ride. We all met in our car and shared bologna sandwiches, chicken, cucumber slices and fresh bell peppers for our Christmas Eve dinner. Followed by a sweet time of prayer, surrounded by God's presence in a packed train car. Erik was very broken and sobbing when we finished, I pray his heart is always open and tender to God. Lena is so sweet and glows with radiance, she is precious and very special. We feel so blessed this Christmas with the gift God has given us and our family... Lena and Erik.

Christmas Day, like no other. This is the first time we have ever spent Christmas Day away from our family. Ukraine does not have Christmas until Jan 7. The holiday they are gearing up for his New Years that is their biggest holiday, Christmas is secondary. The tree in the center of Independance Square in downtown Kiev is decorated with lights that Milka which is Chocolate because they want the new year to be sweet. The tree and lights and all the festivities are for New Years not Christmas.

So we began our day with a home cooked breakfast since Lena had told Syvette she could not wait to go to America and have me cook for her. Sasha came over after breakfast with paperwork. Then Syvette and the driver picked us up to take us on a walking tour of downtown Kiev.

This evening we are attempting to Skype everyone at home since we miss them so much.

Rollar Coasters

I finally got my Internet working after my 3rd trip to the Internet store in the past two days. It seems no one here has ever seen a Mac. Only one man knew how to download what was needed to get it running. I have been using Cindy & Eric's computer.
Another rollar coaster ride this time to Dnopitropolous (spelling incorrect I'm sure) to apply for passports. Potholes, major swerving and bouncing everywhere makes for it to be necessary for car sick medicine for the kids. Our driver got another flat tire today while on the trip.
The car rides are not the only rollar coasters, daily it is a rollar coaster here. Some people at the orphanage are nice, most make it evident that they resent us being there and we are not welcome. We try to be nice to everyone and stay low key. Sometimes it is hard. Children find us and beg to have us find them a mama and papa in America.
Yesterday a very sweet 16 year old girl with dark hair and big dimples grabbed me by my hand and took me over to a translator and looked at me with pleading eyes as she ask, "Could you please help me find a mama and papa in America? I am 16 and I have no one." I instantly teared up. She is to old for a hosting program and her time is up she is 16 ready to "graduate" from the orphanage next round. Lena told me this girl is a very very nice girl and Nostya D. said that the girl prays everyday for a family. Please pray that God provides a family for her soon!
We also got heartbreaking news today, Nostya and Denis agreed to be adopted by the Italian family visiting them and paperwork is being started. My heart aches for the Kings in America who are in the process of adopting these sweet children. I pray the family that is taking them are Christians that will raise them to Know and love the Lord. Please pray for the children and the King family.
Tonight is Lena and Erik's last night at the orphanage they are so happy. Tomorrow night we will be traveling by overnight train to Kiev for the remainder of our trip.
I am so homesick and miss my kids and grandkids so much I can't wait to get home! While you all celebrate Christmas Eve we will be fighting sleep on the train to Kiev. We are bringing two precious gifts along with us Lena and Erik. We will also be leaving with some wonderful deeper friendships with some great people: Eric and Cindy, Mick and Janel, Tina and Dusty have all become even dearer to our hearts as we have shared portions of this journey together.
It is after 4:00 AM I have not slept well the past three nights and I never sleep on the train. I am going to crash at some point. last three nights maybe 4 hours sleep total. I am going to post some pics then try to fall asleep.

Lots Of Laughs

Don't even know how to describe today I guess a picture is worth a thousand words. David and Father George I ask your forgieveness ahead of time. All I have to say is these men have spent to much time away from home!!!

Mixed Emotions

It is 2:00 AM in Ukraine, Russ, Cindy and Eric have been asleep for awhile. Me, I am wide awake feeling really homesick and missing my kids and grandkids so bad! Tonight Isaac has his first wrestling match of the season and we can't be there for him. I am so thankful for the rest of the family who will be there to support him and help fill in the gap for us. I am hoping Cheri is able to put the match on utube so we can at least see it. I am trying not to think about what the date is, because I don't want to realize when it is Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and I am half way around the world away from home. I am really struggling with not being the mom or grammy I need to be- life needs to slow down at some point. When doing my devotions today there was a quote from Mother Teresa that said, "A day lived without showing love for others, is a day not worth living." It is love that has brought me here to Ukraine and love that tears me in two as I long for my family at home. I thank God everyday for the wonderful blessings he has brought into my life my kids: Russie, Ryan, Heath, Heather, Isaac, Ana, Lena, Erik. My daughter-in- laws: Cheri, AShley and Jess. My grandkids: Gracie, Bubba, Haiden, Laynie, Riley, Madie, Uriah and Harper. The greatest blessings God could ever give, my kids. Tonight I cry for you because I miss you and long to hug you and look into your eyes. I pray for each of you and I want so much to be the mother and grammy God has called me to be. My greatest responsibility and first call in life above all else is to do all I can to help you to know and love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to return you all to him one day. You are mine on loan, my earthly family, but God claims you as His eternally. I pray I will never be a stumbling block to you along your journey, but always an encourager and genuine role model as a lover of Christ. If I helped every one else in the world and one of you would perish I would have failed.
This is trip 4 to Ukraine, kids mama is coming home soon and our family will have grown by two more.
The children here are hungry for love and as Chuck Swindoll once said, "What does the Lord do to help broaden my horizons and assist me in seeing how selfish I am? Very simple: He gives me a home full of busy kids who step on toes, wrinkle clothes, spill milk, lick car windows, and drop sticky candy on the carpet...being unselfish in attitude strikes at the very core of our being. It means we are willing to forego our own comfort, our own preferences, our own schedule, our own desires for another's benefit. And that brings us back to Christ." So this is what brings us to Ukraine along with the desire to exercise the "fruits of the spirit".
When I see the pictured girls above smiling broadly as they sit on the new "duvan" many of you helped to purchase to replace their wooden bench or the warm area rug under their feet to cover the cold cement floor. I rememeber how much we as Americans have. Tonight we had the privilege to meet Lena nad Erik's older half sister and her husband, wonderful people pictured above with Lena and Erik. They shared with us that Lena and Erik never wanted to be adopted until they came to America and spent time with our family. She said they always refused adoption even though she could not care for them herself, but when they came back from the hosting program Lena called her with a long excited explanation of her time in America and how she for the first time in her life undrestood what a family truly was and she wanted us to adopt her. Thank you kids for being the wonderful, warm, welcoming, loving family you all are you have changed the life of two precious kids.
When Lena and Erik's sister and husband ask what we liked about Ukraine we said, "The People here appreciate all they have and in America we often do not, it is easy to expect much and appreciate little." The girls in the picture above are one example of this genuine spirit of appreciation, they ask for nothing and expect nothing and are so very graetful with so very little.
With the money donated for coats we were able to stretch it much farther than just coats thank you to all who have helped we have purchased to date for the children: coats, gloves, children's sleepers, 2 duvans, 2 area rugs, two chairs, underwear, and socks. The orphanage director has given us a list of the greatest needs and we are working to supply them one by one with your help.
Christmas gifts were also brought from host families for the children and they were so excited.
Above two girls model their new coats a gift from America and Mick and Janel pose with their greatest Christmas gift.
This week we hope to get gifts for the younger children for under the Christmas trees that Eric and Cindy Noel provided. Ana has shared that Christmas here means everyone sleeps on the floor with a pillow and candy is placed under there pillow.
I can't wait to see the glitter in their eyes when this Christmas there are actually gifts under the tree. (I can only imagine, I saw the look of awe in little Andre's eyes when we pulled gifts from the Santa gift bag from host families.) Lindy and Doug he is so sweet I just want to squeeze him everytime I see him. He ran right up to me when he saw I was back and stopped right beside me waiting for me to scoop him up in a big hug. He is precious!
This Christmas will be a very different Christmas for our family. I encourage all of you to love on your kids even more than usual this Christmas. Look at them not with your eyes, but through God's eyes and you will stand in awe at the miracle Christmas truly is.