Walk Family Adoptions

A Busy Life

2011-03-23T22:25:00.000-07:00

Wow there surely is never a dull moment! With 8 children and 10 grandchildren there is always something going on. Artur is home as most of you all know, all the children and us adults all enjoyed getting together to welcome him to America. This past Sunday everyone came to our farm and we had a fishing rodeo for the kids. We stocked our pond with trout and the kids fished most of the afternoon.
Lena and Erik have started school and seem to be adjusting well. Tyrone Area School District has been great in meeting the kids needs. They have gone above and beyond to assist the kids in having a positive experience at school, I am very pleased so far. Lena got accepted into the Art Studio program and she loves it.The school has paired both Erik and Lena with some great kids to help assist them during times like lunch.
Saturday we are heading to Disney World for a week and then a stop in Georgia on the way home to visit some friends and to do some turkey hunting and fishing. I am looking forward to some warm sunny weather!

Fun In America

2011-03-10T11:52:00.001-08:00

It has been awhile since we have blogged and am not real sure if anyone will even read this blog. We wanted to give an update as to life after adoption.
Lena and Erik are adjusting to American life. This past week we have been visiting the beaches of Florida in Panama City. Ana, Lena and Erik all love the water and have never seen the ocean so they are really enjoying themselves. We are here as a family for Heather's spring break. All of the family except Russ and Cheri's family are here (they just arrived back from Ukraine with Vika and Anslee and were not up to another trip just yet). So 15 of us set out for Florida.
Swimming, enjoying the beach, Seafood (Erik and Lena LOVE crab legs), scooters, bungee bouncing, painting pottery, lots of good food, visiting friends in Alabama (great meal at Hunt's with Mike Goodson & Tim Reeves), and much more. The weather is not real warm for Florida, but great compared to PA and the kids are all tanned and enjoying swimming every chance they get in the condo's heated pool.

New Strategies

2011-01-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

No pictures today I am going to attempt to post a blog from my phone. We are on our way to Pittsburgh to catch a plane to Reno for the SCI trade show. This convention is vital to our family business but it was hard to leave with all that has been going on in our lives. I was going to stay home with the kids but Russ said that wasn't possible since Russie is in the Ukraine we will already short handed. It wasn't possible yo bring the kids as the days would belong and boring for them. Ashley was kind to offer to come to our home and stay with them. We tried a new strategy last night. We spent an hour at Lillians house having her translate as Russ and I shared our hearts with the three kids and explained our expectations. I didn't feel well as I had the flu but it worth sticking through as our talk went very well. I went to bed early once we got home since I was ill. Russ ask me this morning what happened they seemed like new kids they cleaned up the house since I was sick in bed, were very polite, went to bed without a hassle, got up when they were ask, brushed teeth, showered no hassles. They promised to help Ashley while we were gone. We felt bad leaving and the girls were all teared up when we said out good byes. Please pray for Ashley and the kids as we are gone this week.

Am I Home?

2011-01-21T04:18:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I am taking time to blog, maybe I just need to write my thoughts down to help me deal with my day.
I was so anxious to get home from Ukraine, but feel I am not really home in a sense. My old life is gone and I am scrambling to keep my footing daily. I know blogs are suppose to always cover only the positive side of everything and to be an encouragement to all those who follow, but I feel it would be an injustice to not be honest.
I realize now how very easy Ana adjusted to life in our family. I always said we didn't really have any big issues with her. She has been great through this whole new phase, thank you Jesus. When Erik and Lena first arrived she had a few days of a big attitude and showing off for Erik, but all it took was a talk to explain I was disappointed in her behavior and I explained what needed to change. She has always been very respectful to me, and when we talked she said, "I try Mama." And she has, she has been great. I am not sure what I would do if she were giving me problems also.
Erik has been a major challenge. He has frequent shut downs, he lies, he is disrespectful 90% of the time. The other 10% he is sweet and helpful. I need to figure out how to increase that 10%. Lena is just the opposite she is sweet, helpful, loving and kind 90% and only 10% of the time in shut down or uncooperative. Neither are excited about learning English. Lillian has struggles getting them to cooperate at times and yesterday I spent 3 hours getting about 20 minutes worth of English homework done. When I taught school I never had students so unmotivated, it is a challenge. Ana learned English quickly because she was submersed in the language with no one to speak to. The difference now: Erik, Lena and Ana speak together in Russian (new rule as of yesterday, Ana is no longer going to speak to them in Russian, she will speak to them in English also) Second they are on the computer 3/4 of their waking day talking on Ukrainian facebook and Skyping people in Ukraine (I STRONGLY suggest not allowing this in your home) it is a problem that is now a struggle to correct. Everyone is mad that time is being limited on the computer. If they had their choice they would stay up all night on the computer and sleep until late afternoon everyday. We have allowed a problem to be created, we thought keeping in touch would help the transition, it has not. Instaed they are more submersed in Ukraine than America. DON'T MAKE THE MISTAKE I MADE... DON'T ALLOW IT TO START IN THE BEGINNING. Ana NEVER once contacted anyone from Ukraine or had any contact with anyone until the hosting program and her adjustment was much smoother.
I am not going to continue to complain instead I will sum up by saying days are challenging and I feel ten years older. I have not cried so much since I was a teen ager and melt downs for me are to frequent. (Thus far they have been hidden from the kids). Right now I am avoiding any additional responsibility or issues my plate is overfull.
On a more positive note.... I have been blessed to be reunited with my children and grandchildren. We are all spending much time together and they get me through the days without me falling into depression (not kidding on that one). Russie and Cheri's kids are staying with us while they are in the Ukraine- (they are 3 to 8 and easier to take care of than Erik, sorry I slipped again). The pictures I posted are for Russ and Cheri, your kids are doing great and even though it is hectic here they seem to be having a good time and haven't talked about missing you. Last night Laynie and Madie and I did posters for parent week at school, "All About Me". Madie was so cute when she was selecting her pictures. When she would see pictures of her mama and papa she would giggle and touch your faces and say cute things. She said her daddy was precious and her mommy was Cheri Walk and beautiful. then she would tell me how much she loves them. Bubbs and I are doing his Habitat this morning for parent week since we have a two hour delay, he wants to create a 3D forest. He has lots of good ideas for it and is anxious to get started.
So with that thought in mind my time to blog is at an end.

Update

2011-01-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

Today my son, Russ, and his wife Cheri left for their adoption journey to Ukraine. I must admit I worry more about their journey than I did my own. It is much harder to send your child than to go yourself. We will be watching their 4 children until we leave for the SCI Convention next week. I cherish the time with the grandkids they are so excited for their big sisters to come home. Russ said to night, "We will be busy with 9 kids" LOL should be fun.
All is well with Lena and Ana, but we still have not figured out Erik. He seems to be a Little Jeckle and Hyde. I really need to pray about what to do, it is hard dealing with his shut downs since their is a language barrier. He zones out and ignores us for long periods of time over simple requests like waking up, getting dressed, bathing etc. It has been trying. There seem to be some emotional issues that we need to understand to be able to help him. He can be nice at times (about 10% of the time) and inconsiderate at other times (about 90%). It causes a strain on our family, especially Russ and I as I feel he needs more structure and clearer expectations. Russ feels time will win him over.
Tomorrow Heather is taking Lena skiing after church, she is so excited she has never had an opportunity to learn how to ski. Erik is going to Lillian's house for a fun day with Dema. Ana is excited to have Grace here for the week and is happy spending time with her.

Transitions

2011-01-09T18:53:00.001-08:00

many people have requested that we blog to let everyone know how things are going now that we are home.
First of all we arrived home New Years Day. It has been so great to be home we missed everyone so very much and it is so GREAT to be back in America. You don't realize how much you appreciate America until you spend alot of time somewhere else. There are so very many things we take for grantide.
As far as how things are going????? Well it has been a huge transition especially for me. It has been emotional, frustrating, time consuming and discouraging at times. Other times fulfilling, heartwarming and full of love. An emotional roller coaster. I often feel inadequate for the task.
Ana has had some set backs with introducing new children into the family. She has piped her attitude up by a large margin. She seems to think it is appealing to "show off" for Erik. Her English skills are regressing, since she is now speaking Russian more with Lena and Erik she is forgetting some of the English she has learned. We have had some problems with her being rude and nasty to family members. We have had some good heart to heart talks and she is trying to do better. She has always been very respectfull of me, but struggles to show respect to many other people. We are working on this. Yesterday she thought she was going to beat up her big brother Isaac (who is 6 ft 3 Inches) she can be fisty. She was giving it all she had. Tonight she was snuggled up beside him loving him up.
Erik has a sweet side that we need to work on bringing out more. He goes into shut down mode over the smallest things such as being asked to brush his teeth, shower, wake up ect. It is frustrating the amount of time that needs to be exerted to get a simple task accomplished. He doesn't understand the concept of respect yet. We are trying to take things one step at a time. One moment I think I will never break through, the next he is trying to help me with something or tonight I got a big hug and an "I love you Mom". Wow! I thought where did that come from.
He is excited to go squirrel hunting with Russ (Pop as he calls him) in the morning. He shot his first squirrel a few days ago and boy was he excited. He shows the tail to everyone and the skinned body he has displayed in a glass jar of salt water on the top shelf of the refrigerator. He says tomorrow he is getting an even bigger one.
Lena is a gem. she is super and we couldn't ask for a sweeter more loving girl. She is a big help and doesn't appreciate Erik and Ana's attitudes and disrespect. I am trying hard to not allow the other children's need for so much attention take the time away from her that she deserves. She enjoys doing her art work, helping, using the computer. skyping friends from the Ukraine etc. She has maintained contact with her art teacher, older sister, and friends at the orphanage. She is kind and loving to everyone in the family and is especially good with all the grandchildren.
There is never a dull moment at our home with 8 children, 3 daughter in laws, 8 grandchildren and a fiancee. In the midst of all the transitioning we are planning our daughters wedding. She got engaged at Christmas and is plnning to get married end of May.
At this point we are not sure when Lena and Erik will start school. We are taking one day at a time and working on transitions at home before pushing school. They will both start English tutoring lessons on Skype with Lillian tomorrow and will have them every week day. It will be harder for them to learn English since they can communicate in Russian with each other the need isn't as great to learn.

Visas

2010-12-30T06:12:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-29T04:59:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-26T06:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-23T17:42:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

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.

Arrival

2010-12-21T01:08:00.001-08:00

Arrival
We are here. Our Internet is not working and we have not had time to get to an Internet store yet. I am borrowing Eric & Cindy's computer to blog. Can't post any pictures though they are in our computer. Everything has been very busy and Syvette is swamped with unexpected issues to work through. She has been working around the clock to try to serve all the families and to assure everyone's adoptions go through smoothly. We pray for her daily that God gives her strength and good health to help her make it through. We pray for Him to surround her and go before her. She is doing an amazing job.
The kids were all excited to see us. Lena cried when we left yesterday, I am not exactly sure what the tears are for, Syvette said their are many people still pressuring Lena about her decision to go to America. She ask to leave the orphanage as soon as possible and have us take her and Erik to Kiev to wait the remaining days here in the Ukraine. Not sure when that will be.c
Today we are to travel 5 hours round trip to apply for the kids passports. We have to travel to their city where they were born. Then when we return we will be meeting the kids older sister today. She is traveling from the city where she lives to meet us and say good-bye to the kids. We look forward to meeting her and appreciate the sacrifice she is making to come. Lena has shared with us how much they love their sister, but she is unable financially to come visit them so they have not seen her for a very long time. They do speak by phone and are still very close. She says leaving her sister will be the hardest for her but that she wants to go and her sister is happy for her and Erik. Today will be emotional I am sure.

Heading Home & Back Again

2010-12-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

This blog was written by Russ the last day of our first trip, but I just now had a a chance to post it.
We started out this morning at 5 AM on the 6 hour trip to Kiev by van. Not sure what was worse the pot holes that will swallow your tire or the driver's quick erratic swerving to miss them (you may want to seriously consider Dramamine or Bonine to ease the car sickness) sleep is impossible trust me.
My thoughts go back to our final good-byes on our last night at the orphanage, much different than when we were here in the spring. The air was filled with much happiness, love and expectant hope! When Lena gave me her last hug good-bye it was as if she didn't want to let go and when she did there were huge tears on her cheeks. I gently brushed them away and said 9 days and kissed the top of her head as I said, "I love you sweetie."Without a word those beautiful piercing eyes of hers said, "Thank you pappa, I love you, I'll miss you, thank you pappa." After many hugs from Lena's friends and just before leaving her group I took one last lookat two special girls, Nastya and Anna P., two very sweet, loving, shy, precoous, ask for nothing, give everything type girls who want a pappa and mamma so very much ( wish our home was bigger)
Then it was up the sidewalk toward the car escorted by Artur, Dema and Erik for another round of embraces. Artur after 3 huge hugs looked me in the eye and said. "Good-bye, Ruzzell, see you." Dema with that happy ornery up to something smile said, "Russ see you, 9 days" then gave me a monster hug. Erik wanting to be last gave his usual affectionate, warm hug, looked up with that smile he normally has and said, " I love you pappa." I smiled and said I love you too, buddy. Then one more round of hugs and we were off.

Lori-
It hardly seems possible that we are back again. We arrived home last Sunday and treid to soak up as much time as posible with all our kids and grand kids. We managed to finish Christmas shopping and celebrated Christmas before heading back out on Saturday to return to Ukraine. In case you hadn't noticed that is less than a week home. It was hard to leave so quickly. This time Russ is accompanying me on the second trip.
We left Saturday morning at 9:00 AM for the drive to JFK Airport in NYC. It is a non stop 10 hour flight so we felt this would work best for bringing the kids home. Tina accompanied us, we missed Dusty but he has to work this round. When we arrived in Kiev we immediately left by van to go back to Krivoy Rig. This is the worst leg of the trip and took about six hours. Mick and Janel wish we could have stayed in Kiev and visisted with you then brought the train with you here. But we are here now. Not sure where we are staying yet. Tonght we are with Tina at her apartment we were told we were going back to the apartment we had with Noels but we did not want Tina to stay alone. Syvette called and said she will be here in the morning her and McCrackens are coming by train, still not sure why we didn't do that. Then I gusee we will move over with Eric and Cindy (if they can let the disco lights off and slow down the dancing long enough for us to get some much needed sleep). LOL

BIG Day

2010-12-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Today was a BIG day. Rus & I and Dusty and Tina had our court hearing today to adopt the kids. Tina and Dusty are officially the Papa and Mama of Dema. Russ and I now officially have 8 children!
There was alot of emotions, tons of joy and happiness and blessing abounding. Eric and Cindy met Dema today also. So it was a day to celebrate.
Dusty and Tina shared that they held their emotions together fairly well until the orphanage director at court shared the story that when Dema cam to their orphanage fro the baby orphanage at 2 the first thing he ask the director upon arriving was, "Do you have a mama and papa for me?" Dema has been waiting for 14 years, all his life for this day to arrive. God couldn't have chosen a more perfect family for him.
Our court was a bit longer this trip than with Ana as we were ask questions about her also. And of course we alwasy get the question how many children do you have and why do you want more when you already have such a big family? Syvette told us most peopel have 1 or 2 children and 3 is a large family. When ask if we had grandchildren and how many and our response was 8, they chuckled 8 children, 8 grandchildren, would you like to adopt the whole orphanage to which I replied, "I wish we could."
It was great to share in such a special day with Dusty and Tina, Eric and Cindy. Seeing them with their boys warms my heart. Nostya D. was beaming as she got to be with Cindy, he other Babushca. I told her Haiden said she is going to have to learn to call me Grammy, tha Babushca will not work. She thought that was funny.
Andre once again popped in. He is such a little sweetheart. He looked in the room then took off running. I went after him and we shared a hug. I picked him up and he told me something. Nostya said he said, "I do not have a family. Where is my family." Bless his heart, he has been finding us everyday and seeing people come that he knows from America, but he hasn't been able to find his family. He wants to know where you are Doug and Lindy, he is looking for you. Nostya D. and I explained that he does have a family coming and he wanted to know when. We told him after Nostya's family probably February. He seems to accept that. Nostya D. said she will keep reassuring him. Maybe you better send a Christmas gift with family pictures over when we come back (which will be Saturday, Dec. 18, we get home Sunday the 12th). A quick trip home to celebrate an early Christmas with family.
Lena and Erik are very happy. I was very proud of them in court. They were very brave. Erik went first since he is the man the judge said. He answered yes to his questions: do you want to be adopted by Russell and Lori, do you want to live in America, do you agree to have your sir name changed to Walk? Next Lena stepped forward to answer the same questions and in addition she was told, "Are you sure you want to go to America? Here in the Ukraine you are a famous painter, in America you will be zero." She didn't give a typical simple yes, not Lena (she is so much like her sister Heather, knows what she wants and is self assured and independent) she answered, "I feel I will have even more opportunities in America than here in the Ukraine."
For dinner we went out for a celebration. (Cindy, Eric, Dusty, Tina, Syvette, Andre, Russ and I) We had a great time full of lots of laughs. I laughed until I cried, Cindy said she had never seen me laugh so hard.
Tomorrow we go to the notary to start the passport process. Then shopping to buy coats and other items the orphanage director gave us as much needed things for the children.
Tomorrow will be our last day on this trip. We fly home Sunday. Eric and Cindy are staying with us at the apartment we have and will remain here after we leave. It was so great to see them and have them stay with us.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:

December 16th the courts are scheduled to take the final vote for closing international adoptions. The preliminary vote passed. If it is brought up for vote and passes then all adoptions will stop Dec. 31 for an indefinate amount of time until formal agreements can be reached between the Ukraine and countries desiring to adopt from them. This needs our prayer attention!

Tomorrow Is Court

2010-12-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

This was the last day at the orphanage before court, we played cards, skyped Russie and Cheri with Nostya D., she loved seeing her and Vika's bedroom. She was in awe. Vika D. didn't get to see her room she was at the hospital, the kids said that at Age 13 everyone has to spend a week in the hospital getting tests. Must be pretty extensive from how they were describing it. We also Skyped Ana at school so her friends and previous art teacher could speak to her. Everyone was excited to talk to her. Of course they reverted back to calling her Nostya, I am not sure how the new America names will be applied or if they will all call each other by their Ukrainain names. I can hardly imagine Artur being called anything other than Salt. The kids looked at pictures from when they were at camp at the lodge and laughed at pictures of family in costume at the Halloween Party. Isaac and Russie's costumes were the big hits for laughs with them. Lena is nervous for court tomorrow she is afraid they will not let her be adopted. We tried to put her mind at ease and explained what questions she would be asked and assured her everything would be ok. Pray for us tomorrow we have a 10:00 Am and noon court date one for Tina and Dusty and one for us. We do not know which time is which yet, we will go together to court. Cindy and Eric will be arriving by train with Syvette in the morning. They will be staying with us in our apartment. Can't wait to see them. They will get to go to the orphanage tomorrow to meet with the director about Dema and will get to see him. I wish I could watch their joy when they are reunited for the first time. At the top are the pictures of Andre when we saw him yesterday.

Almost There

2010-12-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

Only 2 days until court. I cannot wait! I am homesick! I miss my family at home and I am ready to go home!
Last night we recieved a phone call that our granddaughter was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. She has her tonsils ands adnoids removed the day before Thanksgiving and an artery attached to one burst and started hemorraging. She was throwing up blood and having a hard time staying conscience enroute to the hospital and her bp was 80 over 40 when she arrived. It is so hard to be so far away when your family needs you. Ryan called as they were pulling into the hospital to ask us to pray. As we were praying I felt a point where God was saying everything is ok she is in my hands I will take care of her the bleeding has stopped. We later found out God did indeed intervene and stop the bleeding. The surgery was still done to carterize the artery to prevent future problems. Emails are a hard way to be in contact through out the night when your little grandbaby is in trouble. So needless to say there was little sleep.
Lena had an art exhibition featuring 10 of her paintings open yesterday. She and the srt teacher went to view the paintings and to have Lena interviewed, the day before we arrived in Krivoy Rig they had interviewed Lena on television about her art work. Unfortunately the orphanage director would not permit us to attend the exhibit since we have not officially adopted Lena, even though it was open to the public. Also, Lena was not granted permission to go to the viewing until after her scheduled interview since she will be going to America instead of staying here. It was hard for Lena and her art teacher, they both cried when they were not permitted to attend the interview. Many people here do not want Lena to go to America she has ben told various times to not go that she is their shining star. Lena is committed to going. We were told Lena is already in America, that is all she thinks about, dreams about and longs for and hat she loves her family very much and cannot wait to go with us.
Lena and Erik are both very special children, intelligent and talented. Eddick is a quiet observer who takes everything in and forgets little. He is initially quiet and observant. Lena is bubbly, outgoing and hides nothing. She is very open and honest. They are both wonderful children and we feel blessed to have them as a part of our family.
Olya is back with the girls which was exciting. The girls were all in high spirits from her return. The girl's group is very warm and welcoming and loves to have us visit. They were full of giggles tonight as Lena tried to video Vika S and Nostya D speaking to their host families in America. Vika D. was not there this evening she was getting a check up at the doctors, just routine nothing wrong.
I also had a pleasant surprise when Andre showed up at the girl's dorm with one of the older boys. When he saw me his eyes got big and when I reached out to him he came running into my arms with a big hug. He had a coat on that made him look 3 times his size. He is so sweet and precious Doug and Lindy.
I also visited Ana's group to give her teacher a letter from Ana I was almost bowled over with hugs as the girls swarmed around me. They were so proud to show me the new things they received from the money Ana left for them from her deceased mother's account. They are a happy group.

A PIcture Is Worth A Thousand Words

2010-12-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

Lena kept the camera over night here are some of her pictures. Erik will keep it today so tomorrow we will post some of his pictures of the guys.

Eric and Cindy arrived safely in Kiev their SDA appointment is tomorrow. Their blog will have more information about the little kids than we have ben able to provide, since Dema is in the younger group.

Counting The Days

2010-12-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

We are trying to stay busy to help the time pass more quickly. Everyday we learn more how much we do not understand. My advice is DO NOT ask questions, do what you are told without hesitation, do not try to make sense of anything, DO NOT do anything you are not directly told to do even if it seems like a kind thing to do. I am not joking. Gifts are seen as bribes and are unacceptable unless the adoption is complete and you are on your second trip. Small gifts for your child are ok but nothing else.

Next have an international phone with you. Today we received a phone call from Sasha who was at the airport in Kiev waiting for Eric and Cindy who were just boarding a plane in State College to leave due to a plane delay. We were pretty wrried when we couldn't reach them and no family memebers knew their expected arrival time in Kiev. Picture this: arriving in KIev, you can't speak the language, there is no one waiting for you because no one knows when you are coming and you have no way to get ahold of anyone, not good. Thankfully David was able to get the correct arrival times to Sasha. Lesson; let David know your flight itinerary and any delays, let someone at home know, have an international phone so you can call someone, have Sasha's number in your phone, (our very first trip we called David in the states and he found Sasha for us.) Eric and Cindy will arrive tomorrow at 1:10 pray for safe travel for them please.

Today we spent time with Lena's art teacher and Dusty and Tina had opportunity to watch Dema box and to meet his instructor. It seems we have a prize winning boxer and a great artist coming home with us. Tomorrow wew have the privilege of going to an art exhibit with Inna, the art teacher, the orphanage director and Lena because Lena's art will be displayed there. People have been buying her work when it is on display, I hope we have the opportunity to buy one of Lena's pieces. She told us when in America that the thing that would mean the most to her from the Ukraine would be to bring her art work to America with her.

Learning

2010-12-06T05:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks Terri, this is exactly what we needed today half way around the world. Please pray for us and all the other families coming after us that we all get our children safely home. We daily learn the differences in our culture and theres.

Paul writes: “I go…not knowing the things that will happen to me…except that the Holy Spirit testifies…saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me” (Ac 20:22-24 NKJV). It’s only human to want to know where you’re going and what you’re getting into. But God informs us on a “need to know” basis. Like Abraham, when you follow Him, you do it “not knowing” where the Lord leads, but believing what He promised, confident that no matter how He does it or how long it takes, He will keep His word to you (See Heb 11:8). Being in God’s will doesn’t exempt you from problems. God doesn’t promise a carpet on the race track or a bed of roses on the battlefield. But you can be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Php 1:6 NIV). Jon Walker says, “God knows every step of the journey…the blessings and dangers…where you’ve been…where you’re going, and…the best path to take…He never intended you to figure out the steps without Him. How you get on mission and succeed…are God’s responsibilities. Your responsibility is to seek His guidance and obey His instructions. He said, ‘I will instruct you…in the way you should go…and watch over you’ (Ps 32:8 NIV). Your job is to trust Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. His job is to set your path straight (See Pr 3:5-6). There’s no requirement for you to figure it all out.”

Excursion

2010-12-05T11:01:00.001-08:00

Above is a picture of Russ recieving a painting Lena did for him of a deer. She was so proud to give it to him, it was her first attempt at painting a deer.

Today we had permission to take our children on an excursion. We traveled to a really nice recreational center called ICE AGE. There was an ice hockey rink that the kids had a great time skating at. There was also a cafe there with good food at a great price. Russie your dad says the sushi there was better than at home. There was also a bowling alley and 3D Movie theater at the same place. We didn't have time to bowl or see a movie, but it is a great place that we would recommend taking your kids. It was newly built just a year and a half ago.

After the recreation center we went to the outdoor market to shop for rugs. Lena had ask that we get her group a rug as a gift from her rather than individual gifts for the girls as we did when we adopted Ana. So we went shopping for a rug so she could pick it out. The girls were so excited when they saw it, they rolled on it, giggled and took their pictures with our camera while on it. They kept saying over and over thank you thank you thank you very much. Lena was so excited to see their appreciation, she enjoyed so much being able to do something kind for them. She kept hugging me and thanking me for making the girls happy. Even the teachers were excited they sat on it and ask for a group picture with them on it.

The boys were a different story. The orphanage director had told Syvette that they really needed carpet for the boys room, so we had Eddick and Dema pick out a rug for the boys room. They selected a really great rug, but didn't seem real excited about it, we weren't sure why but we found out once we got back to the orphanage. First they were locked out of their area and no one would let them in even though the teacher was inside also. We had to get another teacher to get the boys to let them in. When they saw the carpet they thanked us, but there was no enthusiasm like the girls displayed. This group of boys has alot of really tough little guys, emotionally tough. It is actually very sad, it is as if they are preparing for life on the streets outside the orphanage, they are getting hardened, getting prepared for what lies ahead. It was hard for me, their response, but I have to understand they are preparing to survive outside the orphanage and being soft will not work. Lena was upset by their response, she walked away into the hall and had tears in her eyes she said, "It's ok mama, girls very happy, go see girls." and she took my ahnd and led me back to the girl's dorm room. There the entusiasm was still building. Dema, Eddick and Artur stick together like glue, it will be hard for Artur to seperate from them when we leave. I am so thankful Joe that your family is coming for him soon. There are boys here who are so innocent and sweet who need rescued there are others who are preparing to make it on there own.

The rugs were put in a seperate area until our court date. The children have to wait until after then to accept any gifts. We were told it would not be appropriate to give them the gift before then. Thr rugs were a good choice as the cement floors are cold for the children to sit on.

We also made a trip to McDonalds today after the market. McDonalds is always a favorite for the kids.

We still have not been able to get the kids their coats. We were told we have to wait until Saturday and the orphanage director will meet with us and Syvette.

Celebrations

2010-12-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

First picture- Vika D.(my future grand daughter), Lena, Mama Laura, Nostya D., Kartya
Picture #2 - Full of life & giggles - Dema and the girls, he is so shy around Dusty and Tina when it comes to the girls, but I remember on our first trip he was always visiting the girls dorm LOL
Picture #3 - Friends- Lena, Kartya, Nostya P., Nostya D. (my future grandadughter)
Picture #4 - Artur teaching Papa Russ how to dance
Picture $5 - Skyping
Picture #6 - Denis proudly wearing his new hat from Mama in America

Today was Nostya D's birthday we had a party with all the gilrs in her group and Eddick, Dema and Artur. Syvette told us last night that birthdays are a huge celebration in the Ukraine. We ordered 10 pizzas, juice and 2 cakes for the celebration. We sang Happy birthday in English and Nostya cried. Lena said, "Thank you mom Nostya is so very happy." These kids are so precious and so little blesses their hearts. All the kids went around the table and took turns sharing something nice about Nostya, she was so touched by their words of kindness. The children have such servants hearts: they set up the tables and chairs, they helped serve the pizza, cake, and drinks, they cleaned up everything afterwards and not one would think about eating even a bite of their pizza before everyone was seated, we prayed and then gave permission to begin. They are all so appreciative of the smallest things. It melts my heart to know birthdays are such a huge celebration in the Ukraine, but this was this little girl's first party ever at the age of 14. She will never have to worry about missing a birthday again, because she has a family coming for her in January who just happens to be my son and his wife. I will then officially be Nostya and Vika's Babushca.Lol Vika says I'm her Babushca (which is grandmother in Russian) but Nostya says I will always be Laura.

After the party we called Russ and Cheri (Nostya and Vika's mama and papa in America)we called them on Skype and did a 3 way conference call with Lillian so she could translate. Nostya said it was the best birthday of her life, she had never had a birthday party before and she said talking to her family was the greatest gift she could have recieved.

When we adopted Ana we bought gifts for Ana to give the girls before she left. Today Lena ask, "Mom, please girls want to know if they can have no gifts for them, but rug for the groupa room." The concrete floors are very cold in their rooms, so tomorrow we are going shopping for rugs. We have permission to do an off site excursion, so we are taking Lena, Eddick, and Dema to the ice hockey ring skating, then we will shop for rugs, then visit McDonalds for dinner. When I told Lena she kept saying over and over, "Thank you mom, thank you girls very happy mom, thank you." The genuine appreciation and thankfulness is so sweet. It means so much to her to be able to do something to help her friends. These kids have big hearts and are willing to give anything they have, so since they have so little materialistically they give their hearts and they serve each other anyway they can. To be able to finally be able to give something tangible to help her friends means so much to Lena.

After the orphanage visit we had dinner and visited with Curtis and Adam and their missionary team. It was wonderful to share about the children with them and fellowship with them and hear about all they are doing. They love the kids and want also to see them find families. They do all they can to try to help make life at the orphanage a little better.

I look at these kids and I always am drawn to their eyes, the eyes are the window to our soul, there is so much that can be seen in someone's eyes. I look at their eyes and I see so much: the longing, the lonliness, the desire to belong and be loved, to be rescued, to be given hope. I wish I could bring them all home. Thank you to all of you who have opened your heart to these kids. God calls us to care for the fatherless. The only hope for these children lies in finding a family willing to share their hearts and family with them.

One of the missionaries shared a story with us about a 5 year old little boy that she loves deeply. She goes to the orphanage to visit him and she holds him on her lap. The orphanage worker gruffly told the little boy, " what are you doing sitting on her lap, you are not a baby you are five, get down, you are not a one year old anymore." Sadly their is no one and there has not been anyone to hold alot of these kids and they long for that physical touch. Their hugs are so full of meaning, emotion and depth. Even the teens hug with this starving desire to be filled. There is no embarassment about snuggling up beside you even by a 14 year old girl, or hugging with a deep embrace even from a 15 year old boy.

I remember so well the joy filled faces of the children who visited America. When we arrived here, some of the children had a vacant look in their eyes, as if hope had been lost, but the joy is being rekindled as the days go by. Smiles are getting broader and eyes are lighting up again.

When we leave I will miss these kids so much. There really isn't enough time to do all we would like to do while we are here. I can't imagine not coming back to the Ukraine orphanages, so I will. LOL David you need to come along, it has been a long time since you have visited the Ukraine.

Love you guys.

Busy Day

2010-12-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

It was another busy day in Krivoy Rig, Syvette is amazing, she has worked so very hard to get all of our paperwork completed and we have a court date along with Dusty and Tina on Friday Dec. 10. That is way ahead of schedule. We changed our flights to come home early and booked our flight to return. We will be home Dec. 12th and we leave again on Dec. 18 to bring the children home. We will be flying home Jan. 1 with the children!!!!

Today we visited all the children at the orphanage and gave the gifts that parents sent. We took pictures of everyone for you to see, they were all excited to recieve their gifts it was an early Christmas. Andre was so sweet he loved the hugs and made up quickly with us when he saw us. He looks so cute holding his gift from mama and papa it looks alomost as big as him. He grinned and his eyes sparkled when we handed him the gift and said it was from mama and papa in America. Dema was excited to know his papa and mama would be arriving in the Ukkraine in 5 days, he had a huge smile on his face and started speaking excitedly in Russian. He seems like he has really grown Eric and Cindy are going to have a true farm boy. Andre and Denis are as tiny as ever. LOL Nostya was napping when we went to see her so she was not real excited, we will go back tomorrow to see her again.

Today the children spoke on Skype to Inna,Lillian and the Roses. Tomorrow we are having a birthday party for Nostya with pizza, cake, ice crewm and coaca cola. We are also planning to skype her family, so be by the computer at 10:00 AM Russ and Cheri.

We had to select the children's names today. Eddick desires to be called Erik when he comes to America amd Lena will keep her name. For middle names we chose Lael for Lena and Josiah for Erik.

Sunday we have made plans to take Dema, Eddick and Lena to the ice hockey rink skating then out for dinner.

Monday we have a trip planned to go to the art store with the art teacher from the orphanage to buy supplies for the art program.

We will also be visiting an art exhibit sometime this week with Lena's work on display. It will be a very busy week.

I am posting some pictures and will write again tomorrow. The two girls are the sisters I spoke about in yesterday's blog that need a family. Lindy and Doug this blog is for you I couldn't resist putting multiply pictures of Andre he is such a cutie. Sandi and James Denis is in the yellow shirt. Eric and Cindy Dema has grown and his eyes are sparkling about you coming.

See you all soon. Kids we will be having an early Christmas at the Walk house.

Laughter & Joy

2010-12-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

On our last trip to the Ukraine I realized for the first time in life what the American dream truly was, I realized how forunate we are as Americans to have the opportunities we do to be able to dream and have the ability to obtain those dreams if we are willing to work hard enough. Here as in many places hope is often lacking and dreaming is set aside, hard work is not always rewarded and when it is it can be hard to hold onto.

As I am here on my third trip, I yet again learn life lessons that will forever change me and help me to grow more fully into the person God desires for me to be. Yesterday I was tired from the train ride and only three hours sleep as we traveled and the busy day full of high emotions and even though I was up until 4:00 AM I did not sleep soundly when I went to bed. I kept reflecting on the events of the day and God showed me so many things in the faces and eyes of the children and the simple yet profound moments we spent with them. He gave me a glimpse of what true joy is and I realize in the busyness of daily life in America I do not understand the basic simplistic nature of joy and laughter.

When we went to the orphanage yesterday words are not adequate to express the overwelming sense of joy that radiated from the kids, let me make a meager attempt at trying to catch a smidgen of what I am trying to say. Nostya and Vika D. were like two innocent beautiful butterflies freshly set free from the cocoon as they ran ran into our arms. Their faces were shining and their eyes were sparkling and they radiated a joy deeper than I have ever seen in a person. They giggled to their core as I kissed them on the cheek and told them Babushka was here (grandma in Russian, perhaps misspelled). They held onto me like they never wanted to let go, trying to soak in all they could to fill the empty spaces inside of them.

As we sat in a circle in the back of the room with: Eddick, Lena, Artur, Dusty, Tina, Nostya D., Vika S., Vika D., Dema, Russ and I we mostly laughed and giggled at nothing much at all at times. The dark glasses Artur sported seemed funnier than they normally should, the picture books they shared were full of happy reminiscent moments that made us relive them from our time together at camp and laugh and feel good. The girls showed pictures we had given them when we were here adopting Ana and we were amazed how much everyone had grown up in six months time. Moments gone to never be recaptured. Here we were unable to speak each others language fluently communicating on a level deeper than language can penetrate.

The children were given letters from Ana that she had written them and we all giggled and laughed at the innocence of the small items she placed inside each one: her favorite pair of earings for Vika D., a dollar for Lena, A picture of her with Ryan and Haiden for Nostya D. (not sure why she chose that one instead of one with Nostya's future Papa). Then there was the precious letter from Madie, Russ and Cheri's 3 year old daughter who is just learning to draw people, it was a drawing in purple crayon of a person. Nostya D. laughed so hard she was rocking back and forth on her knees as she looked at the picture her future little sister sent her and then at the bottom of the envelope she pulled out two pennies Madie had placed there for her and we all laughed even harder. Nostya wanted to know if the picture was suppose to be her, I can't wait to tell her today that Cheri told me last night that she thinks it is. The picture on this blog is for Madie, your future big sister holding the drawing you made for her.

Two hours flew by as we soaked in the laughter and the joy radiating from the kids in that circle. For a brief time it was like everything else outside that circle was locked far away seperated and unable to touch what was happening. When I spoke to Lillian on Skype last night she shared some insites with me that helped me to realize that our coming here does not just represent the reality that the children are really going to get adopted, it is so much more than that. When they came to America they experienced hope for a future and they committed their lives to Christ and found a Savior. When we came here and they saw us it was so much more than we realized initially- it was a renewal of hope and a reminder of where they found a Savior.

For all of you who are going to have the privilege of sharing your lives with these children and inviting them to be a part of your family, you will be so blessed by them. You are giving them life and in return they will give you life as you may have never known it before.

There are some children here who have innocence and longing in their eyes and others whose light seems to have faded or gone out all together who are hardened in many ways by their circumstances. It is the children who still have that deep longing in their eyes and that innocence that cries save me that melts your heart and you realize.... I need to help rescue this child. Nostya P. the little girl whose picture I posted yesterday with Lena is one of those children. She had her opportunity taken away of coming on the hosting program when not all children were granted paperwork. So, I am asking for all of you who read my blog to do as we did with Ana whom we never met before coming to the Ukraine and ask God to search your heart to see if your family is the family God is calling for Notya P. and her sister Anna. Today I will attempt to get some pictures of the two girls when we go to the orphanage and some further info about them. So if you want to guard your heart.... don't read my next blog posting. Lol

Orphanage Visit

2010-12-02T12:11:00.001-08:00

Here are some of our kids!!!! We have not visited the younger children yet or distributed gifts that is tomorrow.
Today was an amazingly busy day full of much excitement.
First the train ride I slept 3 hours, Russ on the other hand finally discovered my Book Nook and after reading for a while he discovered by accident that there was a computerized chess game on it, soooo he stayed up all night on the train playing chess not a wink of sleep. He looked a bit blood shot in the eyes all day as if he had been drinking. LOL
Andre faithfully picked us up at the train station, in fact as we opened the door to our train compartment guess who was standing outside the door waiting to help with our luggage, Andre. He drove us to the apartment where we were greeted by Syvette (Heather we are in the apartment that we used last time). After going over some things with Syvette we got ready to head to the regional SDA. It was not your usaul visit, the directer decided to ask me about a dozen questions about foster care in the US prior to doing our paperwork for Lena and Eddick, but all went well and then we were off to the orphanage to speak with the orphanage director and meet the kids. Again not the usual meeting, we looked at picture books of Ana and discussed how everything was going with Ana. Before Eddick and Lena's name were even mentioned they came bounding through the door and were embracing us in huge hugs. (Now remember officially this is the first we are suppose to meet them, but everyone pretended not to notice.) Lena could hardly sit still she was grinning and winking at me everytime we made eye contact(which was often) and she was sitting on the edge of her seat the whole time with her hands on the edge of her seat ready to jump up when allowed. Eddick just sat there with a huge grin on his face. They reviewed some medical history and then told us how much they did not want Lena to leave that she was their shining star and she had even been on TV doing an interview about orphanage life the evening before, they spoke of her art and the exhibits that were opening in 3 locations in Dec. Lena seemed unmoved by any of this she looked straight ahead and never responded. (Later she shared with me that she had been pulled aside several times by various people and told not to go to America. She told me there were many talks to persuade her to not go. She said, "People tell me no America, (Then she pointed up and said) when I pray, God tell me go to America. I go, I listen to God, not people, no no no and she put her hands over her ears and shook her head no and motioned with her hands as if wiping everything away around her and again pointed up and said, "I listen to God, go to America. I love mama and papa." How absolutely precious!!!
Well back to the interview with the director. There was no sharing of info or background, we were ask if we wanted to adopt the children and they were ask if they wanted to be adopted by us, after all agreed we were dismissed. As soon as we got outside the director's office Lena jumped in my arms and gave me the biggest hug, after that hug I realized she was trying to contain herself in the director's office. She didn't want to let go.
Next we visited their group areas, all the other children were at school and there were no supervisors anywhere so Lena and Eddick gave us the grand tour and explained everything. We sat down then and shared pictures and shared about all that was going on at the orphanage.Lena's English is still limited, but between what she had learned and all her gestures we were able to communicate fairly well. She said Luba has been a good teacher for her.
After about 90 minutes the children were wisk away to write their letters saying they wanted us to adopt them.(Side-note we saw Olya coming back from the hospital and were able to share hugs and talk to her) We left to visit the notary to do paperwork. Syvette worked non stop to get more paperwork done than we had before in several days. She worked straight through traveling from place to place doing all that needed done without a break. (Even though today was the first snow in Krivoy Rig, the roads were snow covered and minus 15 degress celsius outside) By the way there aren't any shovels just brooms and make shift shovels made out of a piece of board.
Syvette told us this evening that she is working to try to get a court date for both of us for Dec. 10th that will be amazing if she can.
In the midst of paperwork Syvette had us dropped off at the Pizza Shop for a late lunch and she kept transporting paperwork and completing whatever was necessary (the limited power of attorney you sign makes this all possible.) She never even stopped to eat. Without her and Sasha we would be lost and getting no where quick, they have been amazing and gone above and beyond their care for us. Father George even called last night while we were on the train to let us know he is following our journey and praying for us and if there is anything at all we need to not hesitate to call him.
We were then picked back up and off to the orphanage. This time we were greeted by a herd of smiling faces and a mounatin of hugs. Russie and Cheri if I were to give a prize for the happiest child.. it would hands down go to Nostya and Vika, they were beside themselves with joy!!!! They loved the cards and Nostya was on her knees laughing as she opened up Madie's card saw the picture and the two pennies. She wants to know if the picture is suppose to be her? All the children were beaming. Joe and Ginger in case you haven't recognized him, Artur is the movie star wearing Kartya's glasses. He would not take them off or his hood. He had a black eye, said he fell. He is as sweet as ever.
Vika S. is her smiling self Mick and Janel and is sooo excited to see you.
We had a great time just sitting in a circle giggling, laughing and sharing. The kids are amazing!!! All the children got out their picture books and we looked at pictures and laughed together. BRING PICTURES OF HOME AND FAMILY WITH YOU THAT IS WHAT THEY WANT MOST BESIDES YOU COMING!!!! (Staurt and Ann the kids value the scrap books you made with them more than you could ever imagine.) Also, bring pictures of your family to share with the orphanage director (be sure no children from the orphanage are in your pictures that you will share with her).
Ana, the orphanage director wants to know what you would like to tell her and she wants me to bring her some pictures of you when we come back for Lena and Eddick.
I wish we could bring all the kids home!!!!
There is one very special girl Nostya Pouplar (not sure of last name spelling) who is exceptinally sweet, she is 12, she has a sister 14 Anna, she very much wants a family. She ask Russ and I to help find her a mama and papa, it broke our hearts. We especially liked her when we were here adopting Ana, but did not get to know her sister then. They are two of the children who could not travel on the hosting program because they would not process all the paperwork for everyone. I posted a picture of her at the top with Lena. She is a real sweetheart if anyone is interested in adopting her and her sister. She lit up like a light bulb and jumped up and down and hugged Lena when Russ told her we would try to help find a family for her, Russ said it was the most excited he has seen any of the children. It gives me a glimpse of how disappointing it must have been for the children they cut from the original hosting list. I still cannot call home hopefully tomorrow the problem with the Internet will be fixed and I will have strong enough service. I love you all!!!!

SDA Referal

2010-12-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

Just returned a little while ago from picking up our written referral from the SDA. We are all set to leave in a few hours for the train station and our trip to Krivoy Rig where the orphanage is located. Dusty and Tina were at the orphanage today seeing Dema. Syvette called us and said the kids are so excited they can't wait for us to get there. She said Dema is happy and is attempting do his paperwork saying he wants to be adopted by the Kunsbecks she said it has been an hour and he is still working on it, she said it is difficult for him and he has had to redo somethings. Syvette is not wasting anytime she is planning to get our paperwork done as quickly as possible so she can try to get earlier court dates. Tomorrow we will have pictures to post of the kids!! Van ride today was a little rough without Syvette along the driver was more speedy, whipping back and forth and in and out on bumpy cobblestone roads, if you are prone to motion sickness you may consider bringing Bonine or Dramaamine LOL.I have to pack so I will blog more tomorrow.

Missing Everyone

2010-12-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

This post may be short, we are having difficluty with our Internet. The connection is not good, the stick has loose wires so sometimes we get service but slow and other times no service. We are unable to use Skype with it to call home we have only gotten throufgh two phone calls on Skype, one to David and one to Denise> We have been unable to call our children everytime they are available there is no service. So kids Mama and Papa love you, we have not forgotten about you, we just can't get in touch with you right now by phone. When we call we can hear you sometimes, but you cannot hear us. I did get ahold of the verizon company however and they got my international phone working so we can receive emails on it. So email is the best way to communicate right now. We have ask to be permitted to buy a new Internet stick so we have Internet access and we can leave it for the next family coming, we were told once we get to Krivoy Rig which will be tomorrow. Anyone traveling after us I suggest calling your cell phone server and asking what International plans and options they have. We have Verizon and it was easy to have a phone sent to us overnight and it only cost $9.99. Then we added an International package to our plan which was inexpensive and we get unlimited emails for free on the phone, you can text but it is 25 cents per text to send and 5 cents to reciev. If we call anyone with it the cost is $2.89 per minute so that is why Skype is so valuable to have. I highly recommend having Skype set up on your computer before coming and checking with your cell phone provider for options.
Today is a day of Waiting and waiting and waiting some more. Russ will probably sleep most of the day as he was again up all night. I did fall asleep last night, but woke up at 3:30 AM for the day. So far I have read 4 books since leaving home so Book Nook has been a huge blessing for me (be sure you download the books at home before leaving because you can't do that here) Also, don't worry I haven't been reading while Russ is awake unless he is watching a DVD on the computer or reading himself. I have also been working on some homeschool projects for Isaac and some SCI work for our family business, I find it easier to fill the days than Rus he is not doing well being couped up knowing his boys are in the first week of buck season back home. He longs to be there with them and can't belive he is 50 years old and missing the first week of buck season in his life while he is in an apartment in the Ukraine, then he looks at a picture of Lena and Eddick and it is all worth it. Once we get to go to the orphanage that will make things easier. We have had an extra day of waiting this first trip since we traveled a day early with Dusty and Tina, that to was a good choice as we really enjoyed the time together with them. They should be visiting the orphanage in about an hour so check their blog for details about their time there today. I must admit there is a small part of me that is slightly anxious about the fact that we are dependant today on a driver we did not have when we were here before to pick us up and go to the SDA to get our paperwork, we have no way of contacting him if he does not come and then we rely on him again to take us to the train station. Syvette is already in Krivoy Rig and I do not have her phone number to call her and Sasha is in another region assisting another couple with an adoption I do have his number I will call him if the driver does not come. We can do this though on our own we have done it before, as long as he picks us up which I am sure he will. Becky I am not sure if you are following our blog but if you are read the new Karen Kingsbury book Unlocked I thought of us when I read it.
Cindy and Eric we anxiously await your arrival and hope to see you here, probably on Dec. 7 in Krivoy Rig since your SDA Appt is the 5th. Remember the list we went over of suggestions for what to bring, but don't fret like we discussed as long as you have passports and money you can make it without anything else if you have to everything else is a want not a need.
To my children: First know how much Love you all and miss you greatly! Wish we could all be here together. I can feel your prayers and that keeps us connected together through this journey of adding two more precious souls to our family circle.
Russie and Cheri please tell Gracie, Bubba, Laney and Madie that we love them and miss them and give them a big hug and kiss from Grammy and Pappy. We are so very proud of you for being next in the family to follow in this adoption journey and can't wait to see your kids- Nostya and Vika at the orphanage I will tell them their babushca is here and mama and papa will be soon.
Ryan and Ashley please tell Haiden, Riley and Harper we love them and miss them and give them a big hug and kiss from Grammy and Pappy, tell them we will have Christmas when we get home from the Ukraine Grammy got everything ready before I came to the Ukraine: gifts are wrapped, house is decorated all we need is to bake the cookies and cook dinner and Jesus will be waiting for us to celebrate his Birthday with him together.
Heath and Jess thank you from the bottom of our heart for taking care of Ana and loving on her while we are away I know you are taking good care of her and I am not worried at all. Her and Uriah need a big hug and kiis from you for us. Remind them how much we love them and miss them. Tell Ana we saw her basketball game on a video Cheri sent us on the computer and we wish we could have been ther. I have her letters for her friends and teachers ask her if there is anything she wants me to tell them and ask her to pray about a special gift we can get for them and to let me know what she would have wanted when she was here. Please tell Ana I am so very proud of the person she has blossomed into, being here brings back the memories of her when she was here more strongly. Her precious little face with hopeful yet questioning eyes when we met her are now shining with joy and confidence. She has grown so much in character and opened her heart so much to give and recive love. I am most proud of the way she is opening her heart to God and allowing Him to be a part of her life. Please make sure she has her praise and worship music, she loves to listen to it and pray aloud and sing along, it is so touching to see how God is becoming an important part of her life.
Heather I feel so connected to you being here because we walked this path together for Ana I miss you my prayer warrior seeking God's direction and cover together when we were here. I love you sweetie tell Torey he will have to be the one to give you a big hug and kiss from us or maybe Isaac should do that LOL. Lena will be blessed as Ana has to have you as a role model.
And Isaac my baby boy - LOL my not so little boy anymore. I love you and miss you so very much - I am praying that you will come join me on the second trip here to bring the children home I really want to walk this part of my life with you and share it together. I will be waiting for an email from you with your answer and the middle name you have chosen for your new brother Eddick. Your sister and all your brthers need to give you big hugs and kisses from us and if thats not enough Ashley and Jess I know will have some for you.
Well my heart is aching and I am crying now- tears dripping on the computer keyboard. I am always so melted and emotional when I am here away from all those we love and cherish so very much. You are our sunshine and without you the world seems so grey. LOVE YOU!!!!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AND BRING YOUR NEW BROTHER AND SISTER HOME.

SDA Day

2010-11-30T06:39:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day. We went to the SDA to identify Lena and Eddick as the children we are here to adopt. Syvette accompanied us. We were ask how many children we had, what we did for a living, and how we met the children and decided to adopt them (right answer hosting program).
It was great to see Syvette again and we really enjoyed the day with her. I was greeted with a huge hug and a beautiful rose as a gift. She explained all the details surounding the turmoil in Krivoy Rig and assured us things have settled as long as everyone does what they are suppose to do and follows the rules. I ask if we would get to see all the children her response was, "Of course Lori you may visit all children. It would be good to visit the different groups." Praise God for that answer to prayer. She was glad that Ana sent letters for her teacher and the children. She gave us updates about the orphanage and the children and all that has happened since we were here in May. She said the orphanage director is anxious to see me and to show us the things the orphanage purchased for the children with the money we left when we were here before. Syvete also said the lady who is in charge of the orphanages in the Krivoy Rig region wants to meet me to thank us for the hosting program we did. She said the children had so many great things to tell about their trip when they returned. These are all good things to build trusting relationships.
Our goal is to do all we can while we are here to create the best relationships possible with everyone involved to help everyone who comes after us. Russ and Cheri they are already talking about , "when your son comes,,,," they are looking forward to you coming.
To Joe and Ginger, Syvette told us that the orphanage director told her that Artur comes in to her office everyday to ask when his family is coming. She ask Syvette if you were here yet she was hoping you were with us, she said, "We need to get Artur's family here." He is such a great young man!
To the McCraken's Syvette will make sure you have opportunity to meet Olya and her siblings and some other children also. If all goes well we should be here with you also for part of your trip.
TO EVERYONE WE NEED TO PRAY!!!! ON DEC. 20TH THE 2ND VOTE WILL BE TAKEN TO STOP INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS. The preliminary vote already passed. If this passes all adoptions except those already complete with court proceedings will be haulted until certain conditions and negotiations are completed between Ukraine and countries desiring to continue adopting from them. Only those who have already had their court date will be permitted to proceed. You can do an Internet search to read more details about this. We are praying it will be tabled until we can all get our kids home then resolved quickly afterwards. The small business tax protests are demanding alot of attention, we are praying they would generate enough attention that the adoptions rulings are tabled. PLEASE PRAY!!!!
It is cold and snowy here we are posting a picture of the 4 of us outside a very good Ukrainian restaurant where we took Syvette for dinner. It was good to get out of the apartment for awhile, Russ is stir crazy missing the first days of buck season. I feel like celebrating Christmas with the snowy weather.
Dusty and Tina leave by overnight train tonight with Syvette to travel to the Krivoy Rig region where the orphanage is located. We will go back to the SDA tomorrow to get our referals and then take the train tomorrow night. Since we have done this before, the driver will drop us off at the SDA and we will get our referal paperwork ourselves then meet Syvette in Krivoy Rig.We will take lots of pictures and videos of the kids to share with you. Please email us if you hosted a child so we have your email address to respond with info about your child. Natalya and Boyers please email us I don't have your adress with me and we have updates on your children.
I am struggling to keep my eyes open, Russ and I have fallen asleep at sunrise the last two days. So I will close for now.
WHEN YOU READ OUR BLOG PLEASE POST A COMMENT WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU AND IT HELPS US FEEL CONNECTED TO HOME!

Quick Post

2010-11-30T00:37:00.000-08:00

We got an email and video this morning from Russ and Cheri, Russ and I got a great laugh!!! Ana had her first basketball game while we were here in the Ukraine. She never played basketball before coming to America and has eagerly and excitedly joined a team with one of her good friends from school, Maqquel. I attached the video clip Cheri sent us of her game. This is one she will never forget... her first game, her first basket, after a great rebound she shoots and gets a basket, problem is it was in the other teams basket. Score ended up 8-2 with Ana making the only basket for the other team. Ana is number 13 in the orange.
This video is one happy little girl who just six months ago was here in the Ukraine dreaming of a mama and papa and a family to belong to and be loved by, my how she has blossomed she is truly one happy little girl!

We have to go for now we are heading to our SDA appointment and will post again later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiQpKP5izcA

Shut Ins

2010-11-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

Today we are shut ins, the weather was snowy and cold this morning and now Rainy. Sasha informed us that due to poor road conditions the only place the driver would be going was to Tina and Dusty's SDA appointmnet. Since our light packing did not include an umbrella we are at the apartment for the day. We had planned to walk to McDonalds with Dusty and Tina but that was canceled since it was raining and we had no raingear and no way to dry wet clothes. (Our laundry is being freeze dried on the closed in porch). So we played games all day, Russ and I practiced Skip O, Bungo, Tap It, Scrabble Slam, Jenko etc etc so we can teach the children these various games at the orphanage. Russ must be played out right now he is snoring on the sofa, either that or very bored, seeing it is only 8:00 PM and last night we went to bed at 5:30 AM (Still haven't adjusted to the Ukraine schedule).
Dusty and Tina's SDA appointment went well today, they will get their referral tomorrow and take the train tomorrow night to Krivoy Rig. We have our SDA appointment tomorrow, so unless Syvette can convince the SDA to give us our referral tomorrow also, she will travel with the Kunsbecks and we will come Wed. night by train. So we will see the kids Wed. or Thurs. !!
The kids still do not know we are here, Syvette said tomorrow after our SDA Appointment she will call the orphanage to let them know.
I spoke to Adam tonight he said the older children told Luba at English lessons that Eric and Cindy are coming soon for Dema, no one seems to know how they got that info. and the children don't know about us or Dusty and Tina. All the children are attending English lessons again except Eddick. Nostya D. has caught up on her lessons and her studying and is attending again. Denis and Anastasiya have been asking to join the lessons so they will be included this week since they are now being adopted by the Kings. Denis asks Luba everytime she comes for Dema and Andre why he isn't going because he wants to learn English too.
It will be great to see all the kids again, I hope we have opportunity to see them all.

Arrival

2010-11-28T10:39:00.000-08:00

WE ARE HERE IN KIEV!!!!! We are excited to arrive in Kiev for our adoption of Lena and Eddick! We arrived last evening at 5:40. Dusty and Tina were on the same flights as we were even though we had different flight numbers and we were listed as KLM and they were listed as Delta, so we had the pleasure of traveling together. Sasha and our driver picked us up at the airport. He took us to exchange money and buy groceries at the market then to our apartment. Dusty and Tina are staying just acrossed the highway within walking distance of our apartment. There is an underground tunnel that goes under the highway and opens up into a circular outdoor marketplace. There are underground tunnels around the entire market. Dusty and Tina's tunnel is directly acros from ours so we met them there today. Eric and Cindy you will enjoy the market. We are posting some pictures, but can't reveal what kind of meat is being sold, Dusty has a challenge on his blog for whoever can guess what type of meat is being sold. The metro also connects to the circular walled in market place on 4 sides. Catherine thanks for suggesting we get in contact with Larissa. She was wonderful and a joy to meet and spend time with. We toured the downtown center city of Kiev with her followed by dinner together. The city center was beautiful we saw many sites including: the president's quarters where he and Parliament meet, a protest taking place over new tax laws, the town's oldest theatre, the opera house, etc. It was a great time and we were able to experience some of the beautiful places in Kiev. On our last trip we were not able to see these places, we mostly experienced the poverty. We took pictures for Ana, Lena and Eddick to remember Kiev. Dinner was at TJI Fridays, Larissa loves American food and said it is her favorite restaurant. Walking the streets of the city center was enjoyable and a learning experience in many ways.
Tomorrow Dusty and Tina have their appointment at the SDA to get permission to travel to the region to visit the orphanage. Our appointment is Tuesday. We should be traveling by train Wenesday night to Krivoy Rig, so we will see the kids on Thursday. We have been told that they do notknow yet that we are here or coming. Syvette has accepted an invitation from us to take her, her daughter and her husband to dinner tomorrow at a Ukrainian restaurant of her choice. We are looking forward to meeting her family and getting to spend sometime with them.
Everything is good here: everyone seems very happy to see us, the apartment is very nice the best we have stayed in here in the Ukraine, and we are friends with those who are assisting us, it is very nice and thus far more relaxed than our other trips. Things seem to be going well all around so far.Please keep our journey in prayer, I am sure the prayer cover is why everything is going so well.
To my family, we love you all so very much! We cannot call because our phone is not working and neither is our mike on skype. We can hear you, but you cannot hear us. Please know we are thinking of you and love you so very, very much!

Departure

2010-11-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

It seems so very long since we have blogged and so VERY much has happened. I wish now as I reflect on all God has done since May that I would have blogged all the details of the journey God has taken us on with the hosting program and helping to find homes for 23 children (possibly 28). God has so abundantly blessed and provided beyond measure for the hosting program tarvel costs, camp costs, raising money to help with adoptions, and our most recent project... raising money to purchase 100 coats for the Krivoy Rig orphanage. The bisiness of all that we have been doing has not allowed for time to blog.

Tomorrow morning we will leave once again to travel to the Ukraine. This time to adopt Lena age 14 and her brother Eddick age 13. It is with mixed emotions that I prepare to go. I am anxious and excited to bring Lena and Eddick home. However I deeply regret leaving my family over the holidays. Our life has been so very busy lately and our family has taken a back seat far to often and now here we go again leaving them for the holidyas. The house is decorated for Christmas, the shopping is complete, the gifts are wrapped, we just need to be able to be together to celebrate at some point. Lena and Eddick's clothes are waiting, there bedrooms are ready and one room in the house has been remodeled to serve as an art studio to encourage Lena's passion to paint. Now finally the day has arrived taht we have all been waiting for, departure to the Ukraine for our SDA appointment.

We invite you to follow our journey with our blog site.

Orphan Awareness

2010-11-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

Last night Ana spoke at length with Inna on Skype they were so full of excitement and joy to see and speak to each other it was precious and contagious.

When the girls were talking, Inna asked what happened to Lena and Eddick when they were in America. She said ever since they came back they get along now and they are actually friends. She said when they got the gifts we sent the first thing Eddick did was run over to then girl's dorm to show Lena and he would never do that before. She said Lena is so excited to come to America and cannot wait. She also told me it was a secret, but Lena has been working on a painting of a deer for Russ to surprise him. It is so amazing how eager these kids are to please before they left we told them that while we were busy working on paperwork they needed to do two things practice their English and learn to like one another and get along. Russ also ask Lena to paint something for him. I think he has forgotten about that so he will be very surprised. She is such a loving girl warm girl. Inna also said that all of the kids who came to America are different than before they came, they are closer now and they take care of each other. That is precious. Those kids met God while they were here and they now have a hope and a purpose and a future. It is good to know, I can picture the joy in their eyes and the contentment as they wait, I saw that in Inna when we were there bringing Ana home. Inna was so differant after finding a family to belong to, just as she describes in these kids. That gives me a peace and I know they are ok. You should have seen and heard the excitement in Inna and Ana as they spoke to each other yesterday and when they were on Skype it was even more, Ana was so giddy she could hardly speak at times. They both kept touching the computer screen as if they could touch each other. Their joy was beyond expression, they have both made it to a better life and they are so excited for each other.
In school Ana wrote a paper in Ukrainian that was to be titled All About Me, I sent it to Lillian so she could read it to me. It was so precious every other sentence would say I Love My Family. She told about the big family she had, her Mama, Her Papa, her brother Isaac, her sister Heather. She said that the happiest day of her life was in the orphanage when we came to get her. When she wrote about her future she said that she loved her family so much and that she knew we would never leave her. Such simple and yet powerful words from a child showing how very much. Many people are giving an greater gift, Ana was waiting 5 years some children have been Waiting for you all his life. I look at pictures of the children when they were younger at the orphanage and it hurts to know I didn't have the opportunity to rescue them sooner and then I realize God has a prefect time and a perfect plan and these kids are who they are because of the path they have walked. I think of the abuse Ana went through as a child she says her biological mama and papa were always mean and never wanted her in their house. When she shares details of her past I look at her and cannot understand how someone could treat her that way let alone her own parents and then I thank God that He left me find her so things could be different in her life. There are children here in our country and around the world who desperately need a family to belong to. God calls us to care for the fatherless. Some people say there are 143 million orphans in the world how can you make a difference? Guess what...IF JUST 7% OF THE CHRISTIANS WOULD CARE FOR 1 ORPHAN THERE WOULD BE NO ORPHANS!! Sadly only 3% of adoptions are by born again Christians. The purpose of life is to glorify God. God calls us to love one another. Love is choosing to serve putting others or a need or cause higher than yourself and serving. Serving is doing something you do not want to do. So basically love is choosing to do what you do not necessarily want to do. My prayer daily is:
Lord help me to be who you want me to be, help me to love others as you love them. Help me to see others with your eyes God. This past Sunday was Orphan Awareness Sunday I hope all of us had an opportunity to become more aware of the plight of orphans.

2010-11-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

ADOPTION 2 & 3

2010-11-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a long while since we have blogged. We have been busy with the Ukrainian Orphan Hosting Program and helping adoptive parents through the adoption process of those children as well as preparing for our next trip to the Ukraine to adopt two more children. This time a sibling pair Lena, age 14 and Eddick, age 13 whom we met while in the Ukraine to bring Ana home. Both children traveled with the other 19 children who visited the US in August and attended the camp at Quest Haven Lodge in Tyrone, PA then they spent the remainder of the stay with us in our home. We are anxious to return to the Ukraine to bring Lena and Eddick back to the US to be a permanent part of our family this time. All of our paperwork for our dossier is complete and was submitted in the Ukraine last week. We are to hear next week what our travel dates will be, we are praying for the end of November. There are two other families who hosted children and are adopting that had their dossiers submitted with ours last week also and who hope to travel with us, Eric & Cindy Noel who are adopting 8 year old Dema and Dusty & Tina Kunsbeck who are adopting 13 year old Dema. There are many other family not far behind us in the adoption process and only thre of the 21 children who traveled who still need an adoptive home.

Directions to Quest Haven Lodge

2010-07-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Take I99 to Tyrone exit. Get off the Tyrone exit and at the traffic light make a right onto Route 453 North. Follow 453 North through town and past Reservoir Park. After Reservoir Park, there will be a sign on the left for Quest Haven Lodge. Turn left onto Schoch Hollow Road at the sign. Follow that road 9/10th of a mile. At barn make a left and continue until you come to an electronic gate. Push the button to open it and proceed through. The gate will automatically close behind you. Continue to follow the road to the lodge.

HELP NEEDED Hosting Program

2010-05-29T06:09:00.001-07:00

THESE CHILDREN NEED YOUR HELP. IN AUGUST THESE UKRAINIAN ORPHANS WILL BE TRAVELING TO QUEST HAVEN LODGE IN TYRONE, PENNSYLVANIA FOR A HOSTING CAMP. WHAT THIS MEANS IS THEY WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND 5 DAYS AT A CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMP THEN THEY WILL SPEND THE REMAINDER OF THEIR TWO WEEK STAY WITH FAMILIES WHO AGREE TO HOST THEM IN THEIR HOMES AND CONSIDER ADOPTING THEM. HOW CAN YOU HELP??? PRAY FOR THE PROGRAM, AGREE TO HOST A CHILD AS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GET TO KNOW THE CHILD AND SEEK GOD'S DIRECTION IN ADOPTING THE CHILD TO BE A PART OF YOUR FAMILY, PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT BY BEING A CHILD SPONSOR AND HELPING TO PAY THE CHILD'S HOSTING COSTS TO COME TO AMERICA TO FIND A FAMILY TO BELONG TO AND BE LOVED BY. Why assist a Ukrainian orphan? There are over 100,000 orphans waiting to be adopted and that many more children living in the streets of the Ukraine. Between the ages of 14 & 16 the children leave the orphanage with no family, home, job, minimal education to help them get established on there own. At age 16 they graduate from the orphanage and are on their own in the streets. While visiting the orphanage in Ukraine we met so many sweet children who are desperate to belong and be loved. A hosting program is the number one way these children find adoptive families, this is their hope. THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD'S LIFE WITHOUT YOUR HELP IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DO THIS PROGRAM SUCCESSFULLY!!!!!These are needy children who you can help to make an eternal difference in their life! We are so very blessed, spoiled even, as American. Please pray for God's direction in which area you can help these children. We need your help, they need your help.

HOME

2010-05-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

This is Ana with six of our seven granchildren, the evening we got home.
It feels so good to be home. When we went outside the airport Heather said, "Oh my fresh air I love it." Ana had her window down the whole drive home from Pittsburgh giggling as the fresh air blew in her face. I didn't realize how different air can be.
Ana loves her new bedroom and she loves to swing and swim. It is so amazingly precious watching her experience new things for the first time. Communication has not really been a problem, lots of body language and gestures to accompany what we say or she says gets the point across. She has no problem communicating with 10 month old Uriah, they speak a universal language he reponds to her the same as he does to everyone else. She really loves him, it is sweet it is the first baby she has ever been around (at least in the past five years her orphanage starts at age 4). We joked that his next words may be Russian.
It will be good for her though when she learns to speak English. We met a gentleman at the US Embassy in Kiev who was adopting three girls ages 9, 12 and 13 who were sisters. They spoke English beautifully. They had received three months of tutoring through their hosting program upon return to the Ukraine after spending last summer here in the US being hosted by another family. He said he was amazed at how much English they knew wheh he came to the Ukraine to adopt them. I hope Ana learns as easily.
Issac has a friend from the Ukraine who came up to talk to Ana yesterday. She is 16 and has lived in the US for less than a year and speaks English very well. Surprisingly Ana was very shy with her and did not want to speak, she gave yes, no answers and would not engage in conversation. She sat on my lap the whole time and even said she was sleepy. As soon as Aleena left she jumped up and ran over to Isaac and started teasing him and playing not a bit tired the rest of the evening. I am not sure why she responed as she did. Aleena was very sweet to her and Isaac thought she would enjoy speaking to someone in her own language. Perhaps she associated visiting with her with her past in the Ukraine and thought she was going back, we are not sure.
Ana is adjusting well to the big family atmosphere, one by one she is developing relationships with them. In a large group with everyone it can be overwelming, but given the opportunity to connect with them in a small group or one on one, she loves them dearly.
She is very content just being here at home, she never wants to leave to go anywhere. We have to tell her yes we are going, then she loves it once we get there. In the Ukraine we spent alot of time waiting on dicuments when we went places so she needs to learn that leaving home here is enjoyable.
She contents herslf easily and asks for little. She is well-behaved I only have to tell her something once and she does what she is asked.
I purchased Russian movies for her and she loves to watch them when she needs a break from all the English surrounding her, I think it really helps her. I know how refreshing it was for us to here English when we were in the Ukraine and she is totally surrounded by a foreign language here. The DVDs were a great purchase for us and are much less expensive than here in the US. She watches them on my laptop since regular DVD players do not support foreign regions.
Her appetite is not yet regulated. At first she ate everything in sight, now she is a picky eater and has not established a regular routine of eating at breakfsat, lunch and dinner times yet. She shys away from trying new foods, especially anything with milk or vegetables. She did not have vegetables in the Ukraine at the orphanage except beets. Milk in the Ukraine does not taste at all like our milk, I think it tatses like a cross between goats milk and the smell of manure. YUK! I can understand why she hesitates to try it here. She loves fruit and of course sweets.
All in all things are going wonderfully, much better than we expected.

TRAVEL

2010-05-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

Traveling home was a LONG trip. We left Kiev and Saturady afternnon and flew to Amsterdam, Netherlands to catch a connecting flight. PARENTS TRAVELING AFTER US DO NOT FLY HOME THROUGH AMSTERDAM!!!! Long layovers are very common in Amsterdam. We had a twleve hour overnight lay over. We arrived in Amsterdam at 8:00 Pm Saturday and were not flying out until 8:00 AM Sunday, this was not a problem when Russ and I were traveling alone last trip. We stayed in a very nice hotel, Te Sheraton, which is connected to the airport by a tunnel so it is very easy and a nice place to stay. HOWEVER this trip homw even though we had reservations to stay there we were not permitted to stay there. When we arrived in Amsterdam we were told that Heather and I could stay at the hote, but not Ana. Ana's visa was for the US and even though we had her adoption paperwork and we do not even need visa as American citizens she was not permitted to go through (her American citrizenship did not com einto effect until the plane tires toich US soil). There was another lady with an infant who she adopted from Ethiopia who was told the same thing. So we got to spen d Twelve hours overnight sitting in an airport awhich made the trip much more tiring! There are two Yo tels at the airport that you can peay by the hour to sleep in (they are rooms similar to a cruise ship) problem is they are all booked and they always book up quickly. A direct flight from Kiev to NYC and then catching a connecting flight to wherever you are going is a much better option.. shorter, cheaper and not the hassle of other boarders. On our flight home there were 4 other coupkes flying home with children they adopted from Ethiopia and all had the same problem as we did. The airport was full of people attempting to sleep in chairs. The picture we are posting is Heather's attempt to sleep, it was 4:00 Am and I was laughing so hard I could hardly take the picture. She was so exhausted she didn't even know I was taking a picture. The black hood is a shirt from her carry on bag. I told her she looked like she was trying to meditate. LOL

GOOD-BYE

2010-05-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today we say good-bye to Kiev and the Ukraine, but only for a season. I thought this picture of Ana though similar to the picture I posted yesterday would be most appropriate for today. Ana is pictured with the Kiev skyline behind her and the sun setting last night. This is her last night in the Ukraine, her old life will be behind her as a new life, a new day is dawning today. Tonight when she goes to sleep she will no longer be in the Ukraine, but in Amsterdam Netherlands. The start to a whole new adventure a whole new life, her first chapter of her new life will begin today as she boards the plane in Kiev to fly to America; her new life, where she will find a country full of hope and positive promises for tomorrow and her future. One thing I have really learned while being here is that unlike many other countries, in America there is always hope for a bright future, if we are willing to work, we can be successful in life, we have the opportunity to obtain those dreams. Please watch for future blogs about the hosting program and Ana's adjustments to America, they may not be daily but I will keep in touch as long as you are interested. So good-bye is not to all of you, but to Ukraine for this season.

Busy Day

2010-05-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today is the day we have been planning for......we recieved Ana's passport, got her medical exam (can't get the medical exam without the passport), we went to the American Embassy and applied for and received her Visa. That means we can come home!!! We are so excited to bring Ana to the US she has been counting the days until we go to America. When I told her today that we would be leaving tomorrow to go to America she said "SUPER!!!" Gave me a huge hug and danced around. Tomorrow is the day she has been waiting for all her life, to go HOME, she finally has a home to go home to and she is so very excited. She can't wait to see her Papa again and give him a big hug and she is very excited to meet everyone in her family.
When we were at the embassy today there was a man from Texas there (his wife was not with him she was home preparing) he was there to recieve the visas for the THREE sibling girls he adopted ages 9, 12 & 13. WOW! He is so wonderful with them and said he is so happy and you could tell he truly was. He was playing games with the girls as they waited. He met the girls through a hosting program last summer. The girls were actually being hosted by a family in Florida that he was friends with and he ended uo pursuing adoption instead of the host family.
Anytime there are siblings they are not seperated they are hosted together and adopted together. At this time there are three sets of siblings and and 11 individual children on our hosting program rangin in age from 5 to 14. Children must be at least 5 to participate inthe hosting program, at age 5 their chances of being adopted drop to less than 20% and drop further as they get older.
When I see the beautiful sweet girl that Ana is I cannot understand why no one adopted her before. God surely has blessed us by allowing us to find her and making her a permanent part of our family. When I think we first saw her picture in November and she is coming home with us forever now. When I look at the pictures of her that Curtis gave me from the past three years at the orphanage my only regret is that we didn't find her sooner, that she wouldn't have had to spend almost five years of her life in an orphanage, but instead could have been being loved by us. She is truly precious and I thank God for her evrytime I look into her sparkling eyes, see her sweet smile, listen to her cute giggle, get a big hu and an "I love you Mama" for no apparent reason, ok basically I am thanking God pretty mush all the time for blessing us with this sweet little girl. And on top of all that, the thing that amazes me most is that we have an opportunity to change her destiny, her eternity by raising her to know and love her Savior,Jesus Christ.
AS I am doing my blog Ana was laying beside me on the bed watching Snow White and the SEven Dwarfs. It just ended and she looked over at me and said in her broken English, "Thank you very much Mama." Then she leaned over and hugged me and said, "Mama I love you very much." How precious is that!

Making Plans

2010-05-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

We have airline tickets to start home Saturday and we will arrive home if all goes well on Sunday early evening. We are trying our est to teach Ana English we try to make games out of what ever we can to help her learn. Today was a rainy day so we spent it at the apartment. Ana loves to eat I think we have all gained weight trying things with her. There is little to do and to much to eat. Curtis, one of the missionaries from British Columbia, sent us many pictures of Ana from 2007 to 2009 they are priceless to us, as we have no pictures of her younger years. We already down loaded them into shutterfly to make a book for her, now that the internet is working again. We can't thank Curtis and his team enough they are doing wonderful work here bringing Jesus to these children and loving them daily! Papa the pictures on the blog today are for you, priceless pictures of times we will never have opportunity to share with ouir little girl. Once again my heart breaks for the other children in the photos that I recognize and realize they have all been waiting a long time for a family and still wait. In August the children who will be visiting Quest Haven Lodge will need families please contact us if you would consider one of these children for your family.

Excursions In Kiev

2010-05-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

The weather was realy nice here today so we took Ana to the playground then walked to the market for fruit and ice cream treats. Then we finished up at the bank and headed to the zoo. Kiev has a really nice zoo, we all had a great time. Ana loved seing the animals. It thrills me to see how much she enjoys seeing and experiencing things she has never seen or experienced before. As usual she took lots of pictures. Anyone traveling after us I would highly recommend a visit to the zoo with your child we were all so glad we went. Great news today....we get Ana's passport tomorow which means we can finish our paperwork on Friday and fly home Saturday!!!! That means we will arrive home Sunday, 6 days early, we are excited! To those traveling after us, I would recommend purchasing a one way ticket on your second trip over we ended up buying a one way ticket home, it was cheeper than changing our existing reservations.It is really late here 5:00 AM I just got done changing our flight and am very tired, I will write more tomorrow.

Counting the Days

2010-05-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Now that our time at the orphanage is done, we are counting the days to ome home. Ana asks frequesntly, "America?" Everytime we get dressed, Syvette calls or we leave the apartment she is ready to go to America. We cannot wait to bring her home!!! We miss everone at home too. I talked to Haiden and Riley, two of my grandbabies to night and I cried when I hung up. I miss everyone so much. This is the first the Internet has worked in the past 12 hours so I hope it lasts. Today it is back to the bank, it seems when Ana's mother died there was some money left to her by the government that I need to sign paperwork for to have it released to the orphanage. If the weather is nice today we are planning a trip to the zoo here in Kiev. This blog is going to be short because I have been up most of the night sick and am still not feeling well. I am going to post a few more pictures of the children who will be coming on the hosting program hopefully in August. I posted some earlier under, boys of hope and the more boys and girls of hope. If any of the children catch your eye please pray about considering being a host family, these children desperately need homes and the hosting program is the number one way they find families.

Kiev

2010-05-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

The pictures of the little guy are for Russ and Cheri, Gracie, Bubba, Laynie and Madie (I'll let them share the story for you of why theseare for them.The other two pictures of Inna are for the Findlay family, Inna is doing wonderful she is so full of joy, as she waits for them to come to the Ukraine next month to adopt her. Praise God! The green outfit is because we got her out of dance class to talk to her new mama on the phone, the picture is Inna talking to her. It was precious she is so very happy and a tremendously sweet and special girl!
Yesterday we said good-bye to everyone at the orphanage, mostly the adults, the children were kept busy as we packed Ana's things and got ready to leave the orphanage for one final time. My heart goes out to the many children we are leaving behind. I can't express enough how hard it is to see them being left behind. I need for now to refocus though and concentrate on Ana, she needs all of us to help her transition be smooth. Heather is amazing with her (they are watching the Russian version of Disney's The Princess and The Pea as I do our blog). She is so closely attached to Heather already. We traveled by train all night last night from Kyvi Rig to Kiev (Heather & Ana think the train ride is cool). Today being our first day in Kiev our first stop had to be the market (Ana loves to try new foods) it is precious seeing how much she enjoys tasting new things she can't seem to get enough. For example for breakfast she had: cereal with milk and bananas, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, lots of ham, toast, grapes and juice (that is typical of her). We had some paperwork to do at the bank, after a two hour wait we were told come back tomorrow to finish. We visited a mall and Ana picked out shoes (they look like sparkly princess shoes Papa), we went to an arcade, and bought some candy. When at the apartment we play games to learn English (we try everything since she is not eager to practice, her attention span is short for studying and long for taking pictures LOL). Heather was blessed today at the mall as she realized she had never been shopping for shoes before, had never stood in front of a candy counter and been able to select a bag full of treats, had never ridden an escalator or played an arcade game. Heather and her are both like two little kids together (Salena she truly is skipping around this time, not like on the Guatemala missions trip when she said she liked skipping around with the kids for her TV interview LOL). They tickle each other almost constantly and chase each other around. earlier when Heather was napping Ana crawled up on the bed beside her and very gently stroked Heathers face while she watched her sleep it was precious. Ana is very loving and sweet. She just walked into the kitchen where I am typing the blog and gave me a kiss and hug and then looked into my eyes and said, "Mama I love you, sister is sleepy, sister sleep." How precious I'll have to cut off the blog and go spend time with my new little sweetie! Her and Heather have been snuggling while watching the movie now sister is alseep.

Good Byes

2010-05-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

Today we say good bye to Kyvi Rig, the orphanage and children. It is still early morning here (we are 7 hours ahead of you in PA). We await Syvette's call to give us the details and times for our day. She has been in Kiev since a few days ago. It is amazing how you learn to manage on your own when you cannot even speak the language. The visits to the orphanage are so much more beneficial going alone. The children learn to communicate with you and you with them. When someone is there to translate there is not the same interaction or closeness it is easier for them to just speak to the translator and her translate what she chooses to tell you. We get to know the children much better when we go alone, God provides ways to bridge the language barrior and we get to know the children better when we go alone. They are all so eager to communicate with us and we find ways. Heather and Ana have all kind of non verbal communication that allows them to express how they feel about things to each other. It has been a wonderful, humbling experience being here. I have learned so very much and realize more each day how much we daily take for granted as Americans.We cannot begin to realize how very blessed we are to have been born in America. We have so very much while others have so little. Some people say it is expensive to adopt, yet in America we will spend as much on a new vehicle as it takes to save a child, a soul.There are grants available in America to help with costs for adoption. When I get home I need to find out more about them, any of you who enjoy digging into finding answers please help me find out all there is to know about this subject.
Syvette said we must go to the bank with the orphanage director today to sign papers, it seems there was a small amount of money left by the government for Ana when her mother died this money will now belong to the orphanage so we have to sign papers to release it. Ana will not be attending school today with the other children and I just learned last night after returning from the orphanage that we will not be permitted to see the children again. I wish Syvette would have told us earlier, we told the children we would see them tomorrow (meaning today) when we left last night. If we are required to take Ana while the children are at school we will not be able to say good-bye and will never see the children again. I pray all works out to host the children at the hosting camp in America. The 20 children that we were given opportunity to perhaps host at Quest Haven we have had time to spend with all of them except 3 so we have good information, truths about many of the children. Syvette had told us we would be able to see the two sisters on Monday to give them gifts we brought, now I am not so sure we will get an opportunity. We had purchased cross necklaces in America and brought them along for Ana to give each of the girls in the group. We gave them to them at the celebration for Ana on Friday evening. I told the girls to wear them and each time they looked at them to rememeber that I am praying for them to find a family to belong to that will love them as much as we love Ana, but MOST OF ALL the cross necklace was to be a reminder that each of them have a heavenly Father, God, who loves them, watches over them and cares for them 24/7 and that He will never leave them or forsake them. Before we came here Isaac struggled to watch the utubes of the Ukrainian children living in the streets, he ask me why God allows these children to live as they have to, why He does not help them. I explained that He calls us as Christians to be His hands and feet, his lips, his arms of love and that it is our responsibility to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves and help them. All around us everyday there are people hurting, my prayer is that God will allow me to see with His eyes so that I am not blind to the needs of others around me and that I would respond with His love and compassion to those needs. That I would not be to busy or caught up in daily life to reach out. I pray I will look in the mirror and see in myself what God sees and that when I look into the eyes of those I meet I would see what He sees in them. I love you guys, today go love someone in the name of Jesus.

Busy Day

2010-05-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

We left the apartment at 9:00 Am and didn't return until 7:30 this evening. We started the day at the orphanage connecting with children chosen to be hosted on the upcoming hosting programs in the US. Trying to get to know the children, find their stregthes and diagnose any potential problems. Then we met with the missionary team from Canada. They are doing a great work here, bringing Christ to a very needy area. We had lunch at their apartment, discussed missions work here in the Ukraine and possibilitites for missions teams. We also discussed the childrenand shared information to attempt to get a better understanding of thei personalities. It was a great time and we receved alot of beneficial information. WE so appreciated their willingness to help us and extend hospitality to us. It was great to have a conversation in English. LOL After meeting with the group we returned to the ophanage to spend a few more hours. Our time there is coming to a clsoe. We will be taking Ana from the orphanage tomorrow and will not be allowed to return after that. We have been told it is time to take her to Kiev. The only way we will ever be able to visit the orphanage again would be with a mission's team or another adoption. I wish we could take all the children home.

Yesterday (paper work and party) and Today (museums and orphanage)

2010-05-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

By Heather...
Yesterday Ana and I got to really hang out for the first time. We went to the capital two hours away to do paper work. Waiting around for hours has never been so fun in all my life. On the way down Ana layed down on my lap and we both fell asleep. She wraps both her arms around mine, pulls my arm up close to her chest, then falls asleep. I love every second of it. She melts my heart constantly. I can just look at her from a distance and be filled with joy. She has my heart for sure. She's a gem. God is so so so good to me for everything he is doing in our family. I care about her so deep. When she laughs, it makes me laugh. When she cries, it makes me cry. I can already feel that when she gets hurt it's going to make my heart hurt too. She's so precious it's unreal. When they had the celebration party that Mom wrote about there were so many emotions. I was filled with joy to see her so so happy to have food to serve her friends, teacher, and orphanage director. She liked being able to serve. Then when her friends read their goodbye wishes and the director, teacher, and Mom gave a toast it was filled with emotion. Ana was crying because she was so happy to have a family, the kids were crying because they were so happy for her, and all of them were crying because they love her and will miss her. Mom cried for the other girls that are living in hope of finding a family. I was all tore up seeing Ana and her friends love for eachother and knowing how blessed we are to have the opportunity to love her. It was amazing to see how much time the children put into arranging the party for her. They put in a lot of time and effort to be able to give Ana something nice, but you can tell how much they would love to have it themselves. I feel a weight whenever I see the way the other kids watch Ana and I together. I want so badly for all of them to have the same opportunity. I'm so blessed to be her sister. I'm excited to teach her English, to swim, ski, and a million other things that she's never done.

Today Ana and I got to cuddle more while we drove to the museums and exhibits :) We share something in common, we both aren't real interested in History (I'm working on that, I'm pretty bad at it). We had a ton of fun just getting to hang out together though. The pictures Mom posted are of her at a huge blow up slide. She had a lot of fun with that. We all shared a popcorn (they pour powdered sugar over it) and it's pretty delicious. Then, we got to go to the orphanage and spend time with some of the other kids. I would like to see some of their personalities so that we can better help find them families.

Happy Day

2010-05-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Heather and Ana are getting along amazingly...no amazing isn't good enough to describe it. Heather is in LOVE!!!!!and so is Ana. They are inseperable! It is amazing how they have connected so deeply so quickly, but why should I be surprised God is so good. We have been praying for smooth transitions for Ana this is one step in many. They had a great time together today touring Kyvi Rig.

More Girls & Boys of Hope

2010-05-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

I promised more pictures of the children who will be considered for the next hosting program in the USA.... Here they are. A few more precious souls waiting to belong and be loved! The first little boy with marker on his nose is alone, the second and third child are brother and sister, the last two are also a sibling pair. The brother and sister pairs are very sweet children, everyone here loves them. I have not had opportunity to spend time with the little guy with marker on his nose, but he sure is cute. The first sibling pair Heather & I both agree remind us of the Kilmartin children. The other sibling pair the first little girl is extremely artistic winning awards for her paintings, she also sings and dances. Her and her brother the last little boy are very polite and well mannered, eager to please. We are praying Quest Haven will be hosting a group of 20 children for a camp. I prayed about having a hosting camp for the orphans, God put the number 20 before me three days ago, but I told no one. Today when the children came for pictures 16 came I thought that is getting close to the number God told me, Syvette said we have two more children to wait on, they came she said we have another two children to wait on PRAISE GOD he sent exactly 20 children just as he revealed to me in prayer three days ago!

PRAYER NEEDED

2010-05-15T11:15:00.001-07:00

The two girls with Ana are sisters age 11 and 13. They just came back from visiting America on the hosting program and loved it there. They are both VERY SWEET girls. If they do not find a family who is willing to say they are interested in adopting them before June 1, they will no longer be eligible for adoption. They very much want to find a family please PRAY that God will call a family to adopt these precious girls. Please forward the information to families you feel will join us in prayer or who may consider opening their heart and home to these girls before their fate becomes sealed on June 1.

Boys of Hope

2010-05-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

Many people have ask about the boys at the orphanage. Most of our posts are girls because we spend the majority of our time with Ana's group of 16 girls and have very limited time with the other children. Today we had an opportunity to meet 20 children who are hoping to come to the USA on a hosting program. We are sharing some of the boy pictures so start praying if you would open your heart and home to one of these boys. They are all very good boys that is why they are being given an opportunity to come. I can only post a maximum number of pictures on each new post so I will continue to post pictures with each new post. Today we also had an opportunity to take Ana on an excursion to see some of the history of Kyvi Rig since this is were she was born and has lived all her life. Then we went to McDonalds for lunch for her favorite food McDonalds fries & ice cream. We are going to the store to buy balls and outdoor recreation equipment so we can play outside with the children when we return to the orphanage tonight and over the next few days. Our goal is to interact as much as possible with the 20 children who are possibilities for hosting. We are praying to host these children in PA. We pray it will give families on the east coast a better opportunity to adopt one of these children.

Orphanage Celebration

2010-05-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy and emotional day. Heather's time with Ana was short yesterday, but she had the whole day today from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM to bond, connect, love each other. They are sooooo sweet together, MY GIRLS LOL. They giggle, tickle each other, make faces and communicate any way they can to bridge the language barrier. Ana said Heather looks just like her only taller. She already loves Heather, it is so precious to see them together. Ana doesn't leave her side she introduces her to every one as "SISTER". She holds her hand, skips along beside her, hugs her and cuddles her non stop. When she looks into Heather's eyes and says, "Sister, I love you!" Heather melts and her eyes well up with tears. She says she can't believe how much she loves Ana already and how easily her heart melts everytime she looks at her little sister. Today Ana was also showing off the pictures of her brothers: Isaac, Heath, Ryan and Russie. She definately has Isaac connected as a brother (probably because she spoke with him on the phone and loves the pictures of him and Heather together especially the one where him and dad are each kissing Heather on a cheek while she makes a funny face) and now she is starting to get the others. She has a big family to get to know. Explaining who all the brothers, their wives and children are is a bit confusing right now for her.
We left early this morning for a 2 hour drive with Ana, Syvette, Andre, Heather and I to the capital city of the region to apply for Ana's passport. Yesterday and today were both days of completing much paper work and getting docments signed and legalized. We had lunch in the city together after applying for the birth certificate then went to the SDA in Kyvi Rig to get one of the directors to go with us to the orphanage to sign more papers with the director there. After all the paperwork it was time to attend a CELEBRATION. The 16 girls in Ana's group and their tecaher planned a celebration for Ana andSyvette, Heather, the orphanage director and I were the guests of honor. The children had choreographed dances to music, sang songs, gave gifts (I cried as we all received gifts, they have so little but gave so generously to us from their hearts with joy), read journal entries for Ana and said their good byes. We ate lots of food; we purchased pizza, juice and cake for everyone to share. We made toasts,we cried. We purchased cross necklaces for each for the girls and told them that our prayer for their life was that they would find families that love them as much as we do Ana and that I want them to remember everytime they lookmat their cross neckalces that they have a heavenly father that loves them so very much and that He is always with them and will never leave them. It was bitersweet. MANY tears were shed. I rejoice for Ana and her future but my heart aches for the other children. They so very desperately want a family of their own. The longer we are here and the more we get to know everyone the more we learn how the ONLY hope for these children is to find families to adopt them. Graduating at 16 from the orphanage with no family, home, job, place to live and no one to help them get started creates an impossible and dire future for these innocent souls. I wept as they celebrated for Ana knowing how much they long for a family of there own. A place to belong and someone to love them. I wish I could take them all home! The scripture tells us that God's desire is for us to care for the fatherless and the widows AKA the orphans. I am so convicted by this call. My desire is to help other children , not just Ana. We have a wonderful opportunity tomorrow. We have recieved permission to go to the orphanage to meet children who are adoptable, to take pictures of them, gather information and get to know them a little. Then we will be working with David to establish a hosting program in PA for these children to try to find families willing to open their hearts to them. With a program in CA on the west coast and PA on the east coast it is our prayer that more familes will have the opportunity to host a child and consider adoption.

Video of Heather Meeting Ana

2010-05-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

Sister & Ana

2010-05-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

By Heather...
Today is the day I finally got to meet my sister. All of my life I've wanted a sister. I use to beg and beg for Mom to adopt one. She's nine years younger than me. When I was asking for a sister, God was already lining one up for me. The past few months I've had dreams about her, I've prayed for her, stared at her picture over and over, and it almost felt like some kind of fairytail that couldn't be true. I spent time preparing for this day, asking God to bring to the surface the things that I need to change before I meet her. It's not an option if she will look up to me, but, I am blessed to have the opportunity to be a role model for her. I don't want to be a "good" big sister, I want to be great for her because this is reality and she deserves my all. Today is the day I finally got to meet the sister God had created for me. God is so good to me. I have the BEST little sister in the entire world!! I would not trade the feeling i had when I first saw her for a million dollars. I understand the meaning of priceless moments. As I was waiting my heart was pounding, my legs were shaking, I felt almost like I was about to pass out or something. I was smiles from ear to ear and couldn't stop thinking about seeing her come through the door. I've been waiting for what seems like a very long time to give her a hug and I finally got to give her that hug. I can't put into words that feeling i had for those few quick seconds. I can't say I've ever felt anything that I could compare it to. Ana melted the core of me. I'm blessed...

Travels

2010-05-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

By Heather....
We started Tuesday around 10. The plane ride was a loooong one. We road a train into the town where the orphanage is. Each train car holds forty people with four beds in each small room. For some reason I thought it was the coolest thing ever becuase I've never riden a train that you sleep on. It has a bathroom and when you pump down the metal petal to flush it you even get to see it hit the tracks! The culture is neat ... really enjoy the food so far! They have a million ways to stuff dough shells that look like the shells around perogies and lets just say I'm all for that. Ukraine has to be the only place on earth that can make soup from cabbage that tastes like heaven. We only slept one night on the train so we've been traveling for three days and haven't even seen night yet. Kinda makes it feel like one long day. I can not stop thinking about Ana!! I meet her in an hour. I finally get to get/give the hug I've been waiting for since the first time i heard about her! It's going to be priceless... I've been waiting for this day for what seems like a looong time. Thank you God for your amazing opportunities!!!

Back To The Ukraine

2010-05-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have blogged. Life has been very busy upon our return home. With only 10 days home before heading back to the Ukraine for another 17 days there was much to do to catch up from the 18 days away and prepare for the next trip. Russ has filled his days with turkey hunting here in Pa, Missouri and Kansas. I have been busy catching up with my kids, grandkids and everything here at home. The ten days have flown by and Tuesday Heather and I fly back to Kiev, this time to bring Ana home. There is still much to do before leaving so this blog must be short: packing to do, camp mailings, cleaning, etc. etc. etc. The list goes on and on. I will get done what I can the rest will have to wait LOL. I will be sure to blog and post pictures daily while in the Ukraine. Please continue to pray for us as we venture again to the Ukraine. Your prayers were so appreciated on our first trip and we could feel your prayers surrounding us and going before us. Thank you! This trip will have two goals: bring Ana home and identify a group of children who are adoptable that can be hosted here in the USA.

Russ' Post

2010-04-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

Russ wrote today's post with his reflections:
As I lay here listening to the systematic clunk, clunk, clunk of the train wheels traveling from Krivyi Rig of the Dniproppetrovsk Region back to the capital city of Kiev, and i feel the gentle sway and jerking my mind is still back at the orphanage and there is a hollow spot in my heart. No, it's not for Ana, but for the other children there that we met. Ana has found her long awaited mama and papa and we have grown to love her very much (I never though I could love another child like my own flesh and blood, I am finding I was wrong). I can't help thinking of what fate lies in wait for these other precious children. Will they find a mama and papa, grow up to be successful or will they be not as fortunate. After two weeks of many thoughts I've come to one conclusion. These children just want to belong, be loved and be needed and need attention. This trip has taught me much and has been very humbling. We are so blessed in our land of milk and honey with so many oppertunities and we don't even realize it! We think we express thankfulness in our everyday lives, but still we murmur, gossip, grumble and are unsatisfied (To think I was grumbling about missing some of my beloved turkey hunting season just a few short weeks ago.....I am ashamed). If you may be guilty of any of these or maybe life just not getting it done for you, I have good news for you, it won't take much time from our so busy lives (abou 3 weeks) and it won't cost much (an airplane ticket about $1000, a train ticket $50, the food is cheap and so is the taxi service) and the smiles are FREE! Well clunk, clunk, clunk my mind shifts to another far away land, home. A place where 5 beautiful children, 3 beautiful daughter-in-laws, and seven almost eight gorgeous grandbabies and many wonderful friends and relatives that I miss deeply are waiting. I Am SOOOOO blessed and have gained and learned much. Thank you Lord! Clunk clunk, clunk guess it's time to clean up the soggy tissues and focus on home with so much anticipation. I'll sign off the way a little girl with deep blue eyes and an infectious smile and a new horizon ahead would.....Chow!

Saying Good Bye

2010-04-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

Saying good-bye was an emotional time. Our hearts are heavy for all the children who do not have a family. All the girls from Ana's group spent the day with us today. We made flowers, played Twister, played card games of concentration, practiced English, had snacks, took pictures with everyone and shared lots of hugs and kisses. Everyone wants to give us a gift from what very little they have as a rememberance of them. Something as simple as a compliment or a hug shared at one time has won us sweet friends that we will long remember and pray for. Four girls are missing from the group photo because they are in America on the hosting program, but the rest are present, this is Ana's family in the Ukraine. Russ wants to bring them all home. He is sad to say godd bye forever I will get to visit again 10 days after returning home. Ana was fine with us leaving she marked the calendar for when "sister" and mama will return to get her and also when she will leave for America. She realizes this is part of the process and she will count the days until she can come home to her new family in America. She is so full of joy and loves being the center of her groups attention. She is so happy, she finally has a forever family. Some of the girls in the group were crying as we left, but Ana was all smiles as we left to prepare to bring her home to America. The teacher and group of girls are planning a concert and party for when we return. I am going to bring pizza, Ana has never tried pizza and there is a great pizza shop not far from where we stay. I also want to get cross necklaces in America to bring back for the girls in Ana's group. The girls who are visiting America as part of the hosting program will return the day before Heather and I leave to come back, perfect timing, they can share all about America with Ana and help to calm any of her worries about the unknown. I know she is going to love her new life. God has blessed us so tremendously to choose us to be her parents.

Bittersweet

2010-04-29T03:13:00.000-07:00

In a about an hour we will be going to the orphanage to see Ana for the last time before traveling home. I miss home and all of my family so much and can't wait to see them all, but it is sad to leave the other part of our family Ana behind. It will take a second trip May 11 to bring her home and 17 more days here to get everything we need to bring her home even though she is legally our daughter now. Russ says he will miss all the other little girls in her group when we leave it will be the last time he sees any of them since Heather will be making the second trip to the Ukraine with me. He said he better be careful or he will be running a girl's home at our house and spending a couple years in the Ukraine to adopt girls. I told him it's good he has only had the chance to mainly interact with Ana's group and not all the other children, since there are 60 children here that are waiting for Mama's and Papa's to adopt them. Sixty would be to many for us to handle. LOL
I keep thinking of the history they read about Ana's life in court yesterday, I can't imagine the hurt and rejection her past has been. When the judge gave the decision that she was ours I think for the first time she actually began to realize that we were not going to walk away like everyone else has in her life not wanting her. I can't imagine why or how anyone could not want such a precious little girl. Syvette said God has been saving her for us, her perfect family. It is a great celebration at the orphanage when someone is adopted, because EVERY CHILD'S DREAM is to someday have a mama and papa to love and want them. Great news for the two sisters being hosted in America. The missionary Bible teacher here at the orphanage told us yesterday that a Christian couple here in the Ukraine that she has known for sometime are adopting them. Praise God! She ask that we all join her in praying that all the children will find Christian families to want and adoopt them. She is a sweet lady who comes every week to teach the children a Bible lesson and to introduce them to a relationship with Jesus Christ. The lady in today's picture is a very special lady who works fulltime at the orphanage with Ana's group. She loves and cares for the girls very much. She is so happy for Ana to get a family.

Big Day

2010-04-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Today was court!
EVERYTHING WENT GREAT! The court accepted our petition to adopt Anastasiya. Present in court were the judge (a very nice lady), two jurers, a prosecuter, a court secretary, orphanage director, SDA director, Syvette, Russ, Ana and I. It was a formal hearing, but the process was not difficult. Syvette had prepared us well for what questions would be asked. The prosecutor did not ask any questions, even though Syvette said that he may (this was unusual she said)Ana did so very well when it was her turn. She stood bravely and answered all the questions with confidance. The orphanage director was very supportive and shared many positive compliments for us. Syvette translated everything for us. After the proceedings court adjourned for ten minutes for the judge to reach a decision. Upon return to court and after giving her formal decision that permission was granted by the court for us to adopt Ana, she came down from the bench and presented gifts to Russ, Ana and I and hugged us with tears of emotion in her eyes. Russ recieved a embroidered cloth with Ukrainian national colors to represent love and pain in life, Ana received a CD of Ukrainian music and a Ukrainian doll for remembrance of her culture, I was given a large handmade vase and fresh cut red tulips. In the Ukraine mothers with many children are highly respected and thought to be heroes, so in Ukrainian culture I am this LOL. After court we took Ana to McDonalds to celebrate. We stopped to get passport pictures taken and then to a notary to get Ana's passport documents started. When we returned to the orphanage there was a group of missionaries from Canada visiting for the week that were there. A tea party was being served by the girls in Ana's group and Russ, Ana and I were the guests of honor in celebration of the court appearance and Ana's adoption. Afterwards the children were sent outdoors with the missionaries to play and the teacher from the orphanage presented us with a dinner and toasts. The dinner was from the orphanage menu and it is Ukrainian custom to toast 3 times. Everyone at the orphanage is very happy for Ana, the people who work there are very kind. Ana was very tired from the events of her big day, but she still followed us to the gate of the orphanage and stood waving as we pulled away in the car. She understands that tomorrow is the last day that she will see us before we travel home to prepare for coming to the United States. Today was an exciting and exhausting day. We got our return date, May 11. To our disappointment we will be here until May 28. I was thinking 7 to 10 days not 17 more days when we return. Russ will not be making the second trip, he has lots of work to catch up on at home and Heather is very anxious to have the opportunity to come to the Ukraine to learn about and see her new sister's culture first hand. Ana is excited that Heather will be coming to see her. Airline tickets are already booked for the return trip. Tomorrow we will visit Ana for the last time before returning home and then we will take the overnight train back to Kiev tomorrow night.

Count Down

2010-04-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

Syvette called this morning to inform us she received the final document of approval from the SDA in Kiev, so we are all set to go to court tomorrow at noon. Syvette will return on the train tonight to meet us in the morning to prepare for court. Then we will go to the orphanage to pick up Ana. We are all set to go! Ana seems very happy when we visit. WE have been practicing English words on flash cards, writing her name in English Ana Walk (everyone calls her Nostya here at the orphanage including us, she has agreed to the name Ana as her American name when we get to America short for Anastasiya). Her favorite activity the past few days is playing concentration with I Spy cards. She giggles and laughs and roots against Papa, he hams it up for her and she loves it. She giggles all over. When she wins she is so excited, when he losses he pretends to be pouting, she took his picture after he lost she laughs so hard when she looks at it. Today she got to talk to brother Isaac on the cell phone for the first time. She was shy at first about talking to him and wasn't going to talk to him, but when she heard his voice she lit up and giggled out loud, she loved it! She talked to sister also (her name for Heather since she cannot yet pronounce her name). Before she hung up she said without any help or prompting, "I love you sister." Heather said she was crying at that point. Both brother and sister think she sounds so sweet and of course she is, we can't wait for them to actually meet her. I wish we could bring her home now instead of the ten day wait and then another trip back to the Ukraine.

Circus

2010-04-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the circus. I am not sure how but we forgot to take our camera. Ana really enjoyed the circus and we went to McDonalds afterwards. We are learning little bits at a time what she likes: french fries, ice cream, kettle corn, coca cola were todays favorites. She doesn't like milk shakes and hamburgers are definately not her choice when their are french fries. We will not be going back to the orphanage today, our driver Andre is preparing to drive the children who are traveling to the USA on the hosting program to Kiev tonight so they can fly out early in the morning. They cannot take the train as the usual mode of transportation, because they will not get there in time for their early flight.

Exhausted

2010-04-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

I am very tired. Each day when I go to the orphanage it is like a rollar coaster of emotions. I love spending time with Ana and getting to know her more, I anxiously await the day we bring her home. BUT my heart breaks for all the children we will leave behind. I wish I could bring them all home. Emotionally it tires me out. I watch them from afar, play with them, hug them interact with them and think oh this little guy or girl would be so perfect with ..... family. I can see the children happily apart of families at home. I miss everyone at home so much especially my kids and grandbabies!!! Today I will post some pictures of the other children here. We try to do crafts and play games with the children each day. We also try to take snacks for Ana's group at least every other day and something everyday for her. She really likes blueberry yogurt, snack cakes, juice boxes, kiwi and fruit snacks. She says she likes ice cream so we are hoping to get some when we take her to the circus. Today we took the movie Sleeping Beauty (in Russian of course) and watched it with the girls. Tommorrow is circus day. We even managed withn the help of Inna and some of the other girls to let Ana know tomorrow we will be picking her up at eleven to go to the circus with us. Our translator, Syvette, has been in Kiev for the past several days so we are being creative about communication. It is good for us, we will understand how Ana feels when she gets to America. We have done well we can even succesfully go to the market and shop by ourselves and actually know what we are buying most of the time. LOL

Ana and One of the Girls Traveling To USA Monday

2010-04-24T05:50:00.000-07:00

Insites

2010-04-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

The more time we spend with Ana the more we realize what a sweet child she is. She loves all the little girl things like kittens, puppies, Disney Princesses, dolls etc. But when she is with the girls in her group who are all older than her she not show this side of herself instead she tries to blend with them and be older. There is a little girl inside waiting to experience all the little girl things in life that her own childhood missed. We look forward to the opprtunity to bring her home to America and provide the opportunity for her to experience being a little girl in a safe loving environment. We have to go for now. Since it is Saturday we can go to the orphanage a second time today. We will write more later.

Count Down

2010-04-23T10:08:00.001-07:00

Today's blog is going to be short, Russ & I are tired this evening. Our Interpol clearances were missing, but with some help from Sasha and Syvette in Kiev today they were able to track them down. Seems all our paperwork is in order we are just waiting for one more document from the SDA in Kiev. Everything seems on track to go to court Wednesday as scheduled. God has been watching over us throughout our time here. Thank you for all the prayers, they are definately making a diffence for us. Today we spent time playing games with the girls using flashcards we made to teach them some English. Many of the girls are eager to learn English. Inna and the two sisters who are being hosted know some English and are eager to learn more, they will all learn English fairly quickly. We are learning alot about the culture and the life Ana has here by observing her and the girls. Also discovering some of the things Ana will need help with as far as learning. All the children had fun posing for pictures since Ana kept the camera overnight. They had a photo shoot that lasted until they exhausted the battery. LOL The girls who are coming to American on the hosting program recieved a new outfit to wear when they go from one of their teachers, they were trying them on when we were there. Tomorrow we will get to visit the orphanage twice since it is a Saturday and then Sunday we have permission to take Ana to the circus. We REALLY miss everyone at home so much!!!!

Learning English

2010-04-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

Many of the children here are eager to learn English, each day we spend some time teaching them with English/Russian picture books. Anastasiya is not as interested as some of the other children, we are working on that. Today the judge told Syvette that we have a court date for Wednesday, 28th at noon. God is so good! We were praying for Wednesday so we could fly home Friday. That is the earliest possible date we could recieve because Ukranian law states that their must be a minimum of 7 days between the local SDA document submission and court, Wed. is exactly 7 days. Syvette is still in Kiev filing paperwork. She is a very busy lady. She is helping organize the children's trip to America also. Today she called us and said everything was set for Wednesday except....she does not have our Interpol clearances, she will be going to the SDA in Kiev tomorrow to try to locate them. Pray that she is able to get them or we cannot go to court Wed. I am not worried, God will go before us, I am sure He will have everything in order. We filled the Interpol applications out and sent them with our original documents. WE took some really adorable pitures of Anastasiya today in a GAP outfit we brought for her from home. She was so precious, her face lit up all over when we gave it to her. She couldn't wait to put it on and she just beamed once she had it on. Heather the clothes we bought for her or should I say the wardrobe we have for her at home will fit perfectly. She is size 8 or small 10 and shoe size 2 1/2. That may be dangerous to tell Heather she will be on a shopping spree. LOL We can't post any of the pictures in her new outfit, she batted her big blue eyes at Papa and pleaded to keep the camera at the orphanage to take pictures with all her friends so he left her keep it so now we don't have todays pictures. She knows just how to get what she wants with Papa. Russie, Ryan, Heath, Heather and Isaac you better sit down before you read the next sentence....Papa and Mama have a role reversal going on, Mama is the disciplinarian and Papa gives in to everything Ana wants!

Note To Those Coming

2010-04-22T03:32:00.000-07:00

For those of you who come here after us: most importantly trust Sasha, Syvette and the people who work with them to guide you each step of the process. They know what they are doing and you can have conifidence in them to steer you cortrectly. Before coming learn a few Russian words it will make things easier (forget electronic translators the accent is different and cannot be understood by the people here), bring pictures of home and your family, bring your laptop it is yoour connection to the world (you have internet access, if you set up Skype at home before coming you can call home to your families landline, cell phone or computer), also bring some DVDs to watch the days get long as you wait to visit the orphanage (forget Neyflix it does not works outside USA), bring a nook book (Barnes & Noble) if you like to read it stores 1500 books, magazines, newspapers etc., bring playing cards if you like to play card games. Once documents are completed their are mandatory waiting periods before the next step in the process during these days you have much down time to fill be creative about what you can bring that will be compact but entertaining. Also, we had verizon give us a global phone (free of charge they switch your current phone number to the global phone for 30 days) your regular cell phone will not work here (we use the cell only for text messaging home and important calls we use the computer for all other communication, because the cell phone can get costly). Clothing you will need is minimal (dress clothes for court, few changes of clothes for orphange visits, comfy clothes for at apartment. also EVERYONE here dresses warmer than at home. They are always asking if I am cold, so I have kept to long sleeved sweaters and no sandals so I don't offend anyone. They always have dark coats on and warm clothing. Men wear dark colors. Russ' tan dress pants and coat stand out in this culture like a man wearing hot pink at home would. LOL) You can buy most food you will need here (I miss spices from home when cooking however). The Ukrainian food in the restaurants Syvette has taken us to has been good and the atmosphere was very good. There are also pizza shops and McDonalds if you like. Russ loves the coffee and butter better than home. I prefer the hot tea.

2010-04-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

Anastasiya with Syvette, the lady we are working with here in the Ukraine. All the children love her they realize she helps children to get a "mama" and "papa". The other picture is the two sisters hoping for a family to host them when they arrive in America on Monday. These girls are so very excited to come to America. They have a light in their eyes that was not their yesterday as they anxiously hope to find a family who will want them. They are precious and want nothing more than a "mama" and "papa". My heart is heavy for these children. When you see the excitement and the spring in their step as they have hope, because they are coming to America and hope they may find parents who want them. I am praying, praying, praying that God calls families to want these children!The transformation that comes with the hope of finding a family to love them is touching beyond words as I pray God will stir hearts to desire to provide a family for them.
Today Syvette received the documents from the local SDA. She is taking the train back to Kiev tonight to complete more paperwork as we wait here for her return. Syvette is hopeful that the judge will tell her tomorrow what day next week we will have a court date.
We were given permission to take Anastasiya to the circus on Saturday, that should be alot of fun.
As I write this blog, my family at home, especially my grandchildren will not believe this but....... Pappy has been playing Pony Party on the Nintendo DS that we brought for Ana for the past two hours LOL. He is trying to learn how to play so he can teach Ana. Haiden I think we will need you to teach her how to play the DS when we get home (and maybe Pappy too).

Prayer Request

2010-04-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

I spoke with David Avilla last evening he is the man from California who is the director for Advocates For Orphans International.(They are the organization who arranges for Ukranian orphans to come to the USA for a 10 day to 2 week visit. This is how found out about Anastasiya, she was to be part of a hosting program in December, but the children were not granted permission to travel because of the swine flu epidemic.) The remainder of the children who were scheduled to travel have received permission to come to the USA this coming Monday. They have been trying to arrange for this group to come since last May and permission was just finally given yesterday.
PLEASE PRAY THERE ARE STILL 5 CHILDREN WHO NEED AN AMERICAN FAMILY TO HOST THEM!!! David is trusting that God will intervene and provide 4 additional families by Monday. To host a child you must be willing to have the child stay with you and your family while they are in the USA and be willing to consider adopting the child if the child is a fit for your family. There is a 9 year old little boy, an 11 year old girl, a 13 year old girl and two sisters (age 11 & 13) who are still praying for families to want to host them. Whoever chooses to host the sisters will recieve a double blessing as both girls will com to your home! PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CALL FAMILIES TO HOST THESE CHILDREN. IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO YOU FEEL WOULD BE A GOOD PROSPECTIVE HOST FAMILY PLEASE PASS THE REQUEST ONTO THEM. THESE CHILDREN NEED OUR HELP TO MAKE THEIR DREAM POSSIBLE!!! If you have questions or desire further information, here is David's email to contact him david@advocatefororphans.org. He has been an amazing help to us during our adoption process. We have been so very, very blessed with a beautiful little girl who will be a wonderful blessing to our family. I am assured there are families who the children arriving Monday will equally bless. God calls us to outreach to these children and we feel we are helping a child and we find we are the ones who are helped more and blessed more than even they are. Russ and I will be praying and anxious to see who God calls to host one of these children and who will receive the double blessing of the sisters.

Papa Is Smitten

2010-04-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

Anastasiya was all smiles this evening when we got to the orphanage. We went over some English words in the English/Russian picture books that we bought her to try to begin to teach her some English words. Right now I have to admit she is not real motivated to learn English I think she believes I am going to learn Russian. She looks up into my eyes and tells me a "big story" as if mama should understand everything. When I tell her I do not understand she starts over again with full confidance that I will understand if she repeats it again. We are going to help her each day with her English right now she knows zero.
Syvette spoke with all of Anastasiya's teachers today, ALL said that Ana talks, talks, talks about her mama and papa alll the time and that she is very, very happy. Remember this is the shy little girl. I would not describe her as shy, but as a flower blooming. She is priceless.
She has won her papa's heart completely. She flashes him her innocent smile and sparkley eyes and hecan't help but chuckle. She looks at pictures of him that she has taken and giggles out loud.
Riley picked out some Polly Pockets for Ana when we went shopping. We gave them to her this evening she really likes them and so did all the other girls in the group beside her. They all huddled around her and helped dress the dolls in various outfits. They played with them all evening even after Ana moved on to the camera and computer.
She loves to listen to music. She plays Christian music off my Itunes all the time. She especially likes women vocalists and she loves it when I sing along. Her favorite song is Kerri Smith's Burst Into Song, she plays it 2 to 1 over all the rest.
After our visit to the orphanage we took Syvette and Andre out to dinner at a Ukranian cafe that Syvette recommended. She oredered for us. The food was very good and the cafe was very nice.
The circus is in town so, we are going to try to get permission to take Ana. Syvette thinks it will be possible to take her this weekend. We hopewe will be granted permission to go, we can't wait to see the light in her eyes when she watches the circus.

2010-04-20T03:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Anasatasiya said YES!!!! when ask by the orphanage director if she wanted to be adopted by us. She wrote her letter stating she wanted us to be her, "mama" and "papa" and filled out her adoption application. When they ask her why she wanted to be adopted by us she said, "Because mama and papa are very beautiful and kind." After she gave her approval it was our turn. Syvette took us to appointments with the notary and then to the local SDA offices to complete our necessary paperwork. Now we wait for the paperwork to go through so we can receive an official court date, Syvette said she is hoping for a day next week but will not know for sure until the paperwork comes through. After completing paperwork we went to visit Ana. Syvette said we needed to select a name for her so it can be used on all official documents. We spoke with Ana about this decision. Russ and I want to keep her given name, Anastasiya, so she can maintain a part of her heritage. Ukrainian children do not have a middle name, so before traveling Heather selected her middle name it will be Elisa. Elisa means dedicated/consecrated to God and Anastasiya means reborn. What could be more approriate for a name, "reborn and dedicated/consecrated to God" ? Here in the Ukraine her nickname is Nostya and that is what everyone calls her. We spoke with her about what she would want her American nickname to be but we have not yet made a decision, there are enough new things for her to absorb right now. We spent some time painting crafts with her and two of her friends (Inna and another girl named Nostya). We try each day to be prepared with something to do with her. We plan somethings also that we can include her group in so no one feels left out. There are sixteen girls in her age group that she rooms with and 100 children in the orphanage. We also bring her food treats each day and bring things for her whole group sometimes.
Syvette has been great to work with. She is knowledgable and trustworthy. She lets us know what we have to do, when, where and how. Without her we would be lost in the process. She also serves as our translator.
Today we went to the bookstore to get picture books for Ana with Russian and English words to help her speak some English. We also got her the story of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid since she loves the Disney Princesses.
A note to the family:
Gracie, Bubbs, Laynie, Madie, Haiden and Riley she wants to know who will teach her things like riding a bike I told her you will all help her. She likes to swim. She likes to do cross stitch needlework. She like to draw. You will love her she will be a great new friend for all of you. Emily and Lindsey we gave Ana your letters she is excited to meet you. Gracie we told Ana you will be a best riend for her, she smiles a big smile anytime we say your name to her.
Heather you are a princess to her. She thinks you are very beautiful and she loves the pictures of you in your blue dress. We talk to her about you and Isaac all the time. She understands you are sister and brother. She wants to meet you and hug you. We tell her you will help her and teach her many things. She is learning you will be a very important in her life.
We will be going to the orphanage this afternoon. I will give Ana the camera so she can take pictures for you all. She LOVES taking pictures then having them downloaded on the computer into a slide show. I'm not sure which she likes more taking pictures or seeing pictures of herself.

2010-04-20T02:59:00.000-07:00

Decision Day

2010-04-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

There are MANY precious children here whose dream is to have parents of their own. Each is adorable, gifted and special in there own unique way. God calls us as Christians to care for the fatherless, these children eagerly await for someone to respond to that call for them.

Today Anastasiya will be ask by the orphanage director: if she wants us to adopt her, if she wants us to be her parents if she wants to come to America to live with us and be a part of our family. This is her day of decision, a choice that will change the course of her life. We have fallen hopelessly in love with her. We eagerly await to hear her decision as she is waiting to officially here ours.

Svette has already left this morning to start paper work and secure appointments with the notary. She works very hard to do her very best to assure everything goes smoothly. She spends many nights traveling between Kiev and here an eight hour trip by train. She sleeps on the train when she has to travel between the two cities then arrives early to start work again.
She has been a great help and blessing to our time here. She knows what she is doing and has good relationships with everyone here. We are trusting her lead in the process.

Days Full Of Joy

2010-04-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

The children here sure are joy to spend time with. We brought a craft to do with Anastasiya's group today, bendaroos. They were all excited and eager to participate. Ana loves "showing off" her Papa ana Mama to all her friends. She enjoys sharing the things we bring for her and taking pictures of everyone and everything with the digital camera. Any pictures she is not in, you can be guaranteed she was the photographer. She will have many photos to take with her to remember all of her friends. She does a great job with the camera, she is a natural. Advice to those coming after us: forget about purchasing an electronic translator no one understands what they are saying, purchase some picturebooks with Russian and English words to read with children, set up skype on your computer to use to call land lines and cell phones back home (landlines are free calls with skype and cell phones are only 2 cents a minute, great way to phone home inexpensively). We are thoroughly enjoying our time here with Ana and the other girls. The people at the orphanage are kind and welcoming. They are easy to work with and encouraging.

We had a shutterfly book made for her from http://www.shutterfly.com/ web-site with pictures of all her new family, home, bedroom etc. and we brought it with us to the Ukraine. WE translated into Russian below the English words what the captions are below each picture. The book is a HUGE hit with all the girls. Ana carries it everywhere and is always reading it to a group of girls who surround her as she reads. Even though we brought picture albums for her and they love those also, the hardback shuttefly book is the favorite. I would suggest to others have one made: they are easy to make and inexpensive. Great keepsake.

Ana And Friend

2010-04-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

The little girl with Anastasiya is selected to travel to the United States as part of the hosting program. She is a very sweet girl. She is quiet, shy and loving. She is not an attention seeker, she waits to be approached then warms up to you. She is a VERY GIFTED ARTIST!!! Whoever hosts this litle girl will be blessed. She is very special. She has beautiful big brown eyes that have so much depth and say so much as she looks at you. Really a great young lady!

Anasatasiya Loves Looking At Pictures Of Her New Family

2010-04-17T05:32:00.002-07:00

Ana is so sweet and loving

2010-04-17T05:32:00.001-07:00

Freinds from the orphanage

2010-04-17T05:29:00.000-07:00

Friends from Ana's group

2010-04-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

Anasyasiya's Friends

2010-04-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

2010-04-17T04:04:00.001-07:00

Happy family. Mama, Papa, Anastasiya. We went to the orphanage yeaterday to meet our little princess and today to spend time with her. When we arrived at the orphanage we first met with the director, doctor, teacher, inspector and others. We were given information about Ana and her background. She was anxiously waiting in another area to meet us once we received the information. When they brought her into the room there was tremendous emotion, she instantly melting Russ & I's hearts. There was lots of tears of joy as she instantly hugged Mama and climbed right up on my lap when I sat down. She is so precious, beyond words and much more than we could have ever imagined. She is a litle angel, sweet, shy, incredibly precious, with innocence, deep blue eyes that sparkle with love and a smile that lights up her face and will wobble your knees. God is so amazing to have chosen such a precious little girl for us. We are so blessed!!! We can't wait for the rest of the family to meet her, we are sure they will love her as much as we do. She has stole our hearts. We told her today that her sister Heather loved her wanted her to come and see her and couldn't wait to hug her. She put her hand over her huge smile and giggled all over as she said yes, yes, yes! This little girl is so full of love and affection. She had much fun taking pictures of her friends and downloading them on the computer. We will attach a few below. There are some very precious children here waiting to be loved by a forever family. A few will be traveling with the next hosting program and will bless any family fortunate enough to have them.

We had to come to an internet cafe to post this we do not have our Internet service working yet so I am not sure when I can post again.

Please continue to pray for us tomorrow we will again spen a few hours at the orphanage then the following day, Monday, the orphanage director will be asking Anastasiya if she wants us to adopt her. If she has yes, she will have to write a letter stating her desire to be adopted. Then the next round of paperwork will begin, so we can move forward toward securing a court date.

Leaving Kiev

2010-04-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

We just returned from the SDA office in Kiev. We have our paperwork in hand that gives permission for us to travel to the region where the orphanage is located. The SDA appointment was very simple. We didn't even need a translator. Our driver took us to the SDA. We showed our passports signed a paper and were handed a stack of documents. We will be leaving in a few hours for the train station. It is a 7 to 8 hour trip to the orphanage region. We will be traveling during the night. We met with Sasha earlier today and the financial advisor who collects the money for our adoption costs here in Ukraine. Again a simple process, thanks to all the people who have put so much effort into everything ahead of time; thanks Daivd & Sasha. Sasha said we will be able to meet Anastasiya tomorrow afternoon. Russ and I are both very excited to finally meet her in person. Sasha said she was smiling and happy when they told her that we were interested in adopting her. They also showed her pictures of us. She knows we are coming but does not know when. All of you who are praying for us please pray that she will connect with us and bond easily. We have been told that she is very shy. We thank all of you who are praying for us!!!! We know that your prayers are going before us and helping each step of the way. When we are not busy with documents or adoption proceedings Russ and I have been doing our devotions, listening to Praise & Worship Music on the laptop, watching movies on the laptop, playing cards, reading some great books and spending quality time together. We are really enjoying each other's company. We are not sure when we will have internet access again once we leave Kiev so I am not sure when I will be able to update our blog again. We want to send our love you to our children at home: Russ, Ryan, Heath, Heather, Isaac, Heather, Cheri, Ashley & Jess also our grandbabies: Grace, Bubba, Haiden, Riley, Laynie, Madie, Uriah. Hope the grandkids are crossing the stickers off the sticker charts we gave them so they can count down the days until we see them again. We will have a big sleepover at grammie's house when we get home. Love you guys!!!!!

2010-04-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Just spoke to Sasha a little while ago. He will be meeting us around 2:00 PM tomorrow (Thursday) to take us back to the SDA to pick up our paperwork. We will then be traveling by train tomorrow night, leaving around 9:30 PM for the eight hour train ride south to the orphanage. We are hoping to meet with Anastasiya on Friday.

Kiev

2010-04-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

Took me a while to figure out how to update my blog since the tool bar is written in Russian, not sure why or how to change it.
We flew out of Pittsburgh Monday at 6:00 PM switched planes in Paris then on to Kiev. We arrived here Tuesday afternoon. I never took so long to pack to come somewhere as here to the Ukraine. We were told pack light either one suit case or a few small soft suitcases that will be easy to travel in the small Ukrainian cars once we arrived. So I packed and unpacked, eliminating everything possible. So we are here with minimal clothing for our 18 day stay (washing everything by hand and line drying so we don't run out of clean clothes).
When we arrived in Kiev customs was easy. I was very surprised there was no checking of luggage or anything we brought with us. Just a look at our passports then on our way.
Our driver was waiting for us as soon as we walked through customs with a sign saying WALK, so he was easy to spot. He did not speak any English so we just dutifully followed him after letting him know with handshakes and pointing to the sign that we were indeed who he was waiting for. He took us to the market to exchange money and get some food supplies. The market was somewhat like Reese's market in Tyrone, only a few less choices and replace the meat counter with various kinds of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
He drove us to the apartment which will be our new home for the next few days while here in Kiev. It is modest, clean and decorated in what I would compare to a 50's stlye USA decor. It is evident that they have tried to provide a comfortable and safe place to stay.
One of the things we noticed is that everything here in the Ukraine seems to be smaller than in the USA (no over weight people, smaller quantities of everything at the market, portions are smaller, rooms etc).
On arrival day we rested. Sasha (the man who is assisting with our adoption here), phoned us on the apartment phone to check in with us. He speaks fluent English, so we were able to ask any questions we had. He informed us we would be picked up by a driver and an interpretor at 7:30 AM Wednesday for our SDA appointment.
Melatonin didn't do the trick for resetting our internal clocks (time here is 7 hours later than in PA). We were wide awake at 2:00 AM unable to go back to sleep. So at 4:00 AM I was texting Dave & Denise Fusco to try to get our Skype up and working. Thanks Dave you are a life saver when it comes to technology. We couldn't get Internet access, so I was unable to test it last night.
Today however the driver showed us where the Internet cables are, so I was able to get the Internet working. After you all get awake in PA I will try the Skype phone connection out to be sure it is working now. Anyone traveling after us I highly recommend getting Skype set up to use: not only can you talk to someone on their computer, but you can also call land lines free of charge and cell phone numbers for 2 cents per minute. We also brought a global phone which verizon provided free of charge (they turned my cell phone off and replaced my number on the global phone for the next 30 days.) Texting on the global phone is 5 cents incoming, 50 cents to send and $2.85 per minute to talk, so skype is the less expensive way to go. The global phone does provide free email access so family is able to reach you even if you are not at your computer, so far I have been unable to access the emails from my phone since arriving in Kiev.
Today as promised the driver and interpretor, Kristine, arrived to take us to our SDA appointment. Kristine was bubbly, friendly and a breath of fresh air. She was helpful, encouraging and kind. Most of the people here seem very serious, she was fun loving and great to work with. She was however very concerned that I was wearing sandals and a short sleeved sweater. So ladies bring shoes not sandals and long sleeves. She kept thinking I would be cold, though I was quite comfortable, but felt perhaps I was inappropriately dressed by their standards. Just a side note: guys bring dark dress pants and jacket for meetings, Russ had light brown pants and jacket unlike everyone else we saw who wore predominately dark colors. We looked like we didn't know how to dress properly (here I was pondering before I came not to bring so much black to wear, because I have alot in my wardrobe at home, but my colors fit right in just needed more cover. lol) Tomorrow I will wear my boots and long sleeves lol. Not that I am at all worried ever about fashion, but we want to be presentable and appropriate by Ukrainian standards.
The SDA appointment went very smoothly. We were the first appointment of the morning, so when we arrived we waited for them to open then went right in. (There are alot of traffic jams here, so they leave early for appointments to give time. There are no road marks and 7 lanes of traffic can become 2 quickly and cars drive in any direction. Without a driver we would be a hazard on the road.) At the SDA appointment we needed only to show our passports then answer her questions. Our interpretor was with us. We were ask: How did we know we wanted to adopt Anastasiya since we did not host her? How did we know she would want to go with us or be adopted by us? They showed us a picture of her from 2006 when she became eligible for adoption and ask if it was a picture of her. Everywhere we go and all we do I pray God goes before us. I know He chose Anastasiya for us and trust He will be with us throughout the process. So far everything has gone smoothly.
After the appointment Kristine copied our documents to the SDA then took us to a coffee shop for some lunch. Russ said the coffee was the best he has ever had.
Then our driver brought us back to the apartment to await Sasha's call. He is to call us to let us know details for tomorrow. Kristine said we would probably be going back to the SDA tomorrow afternoon to pick up our approval documents then make plans to travel to the region where the orphanage is located. (Which is about 250 miles south of here).
Russ is napping he fell alseep reading a book. For those of you who know him, I am sure you are chuckling about the book part lol.
We will write more tomorrow. For now we anxiously await the time when we will get to meet Anastasiya. Sasha said she was told we are adopting her, so we are praying she is anxious to meet us. Our prayer has been that God will open her heart to us and that she will accept us and love us as her new family. We came here to make a difference in the life of this child and already we are finding that it is our life that will be the most positively affected!!
One last thought: The name Anastasiya means reborn. We were to select a middle name for her for when we go to court since she does not have one of her own. We gave Heather the choice of naming her, she chose Elisa for a middle name which means consecrated, dedicated to God. What a beautiful meaning her name will have: reborn, consecrated and dedicated to God.

2010-04-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

Anastasiya's Bedroom and New Home

2010-03-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

We are looking forward to sharing our home with you, Anastasiya. We live on a farm in Tyrone, Pennsylvania in the United States. We raise Whitetail Deer on our farm. In the spring it will be fun for you to help us feed the baby fawns.

Where it all began.

2010-02-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

In July of 2008, while searching some adoption web-sites, I came across David Avilla's web-site, Advocates for Orphans. Being involved in camping ministry to youth I phoned David to share some innovative ideas with him about hosting children from the Ukraine here in the U.S. in a residential camp setting. This started the relationship between David and myself. Even though the camping ministry for the Ukraine orphans did not evolve, we maintained in contact through David's newsletters and email. The following summer I viewed a list of nineteen Ukraine children who were anticipating coming to the United States for two weeks on a hosting program. Families agreeing to host the children were also to be willing to consider adopting.
Feeling totally led by God not only to adopt a child, but following God's direction to a specific child He led us to through prayer has been an exciting and yet emotional adventure. After being assured that God was calling us to adopt Anastasiya we proceeded with completing the hosting application and beginning the adoption process.
I must say David was a God send from the very beginning and a tremendous help every step of the way. Without him we would have had no idea where to even begin. He has patiently led us through each step and continues to do so efficiently and promptly.
The first step, after filling out the hosting application, to begin the adoption process was to begin the adoption process with a home study. We had no idea who to even contact about doing a homestudy. So as always we began to pray for God's direction and help and were led through an Internet search to Families United Network. From the very begining they were easy to work with and I felt like I had known them for a long time, they became like friends to us. Receiving the huge packet of paperwork from them seemed overwelming at first, but I dug in and set a goal to have all the paperwork and documents completed before our homestudy interview which was scheduled 3 weeks away. When Jana, our caseworker arrived for the interview the first thing we did was check of the list of documents we needed for her. With the help of so many people from the family physician, to our banker and accountant and all those who wrote referals for us, we had all the documents we needed completed before the interview. The interview was realxed and went smoothly. Ten days later an email from Jana informed us that our homestudy was on its way to the Ukraine and that we had set the record for the quickest homestudy to ever be completed by them. Praisie God!
Next step was to collect all the documents needed for the Ukraine, again without David we would have been lost. He guided us each step of the way to know what we needed and when. It was so exciting to drop the packet of apostilled documents into the Fed Ex box and know that all our paperwork was complete and on its way to the Ukraine for our Dossier review.
In the midst of all the paperwork, Anastasiya was to come to the United States for a two week visit, but due to the swine flu scare the children were not granted permission to travel. We were so very disappointed not to have the opportunity to meet our little girl. But God is in control, He knew how very hard it would have been to start to develop a relationship with her and then have to send her back to the Ukraine. We moved full speeed ahead with the adoption process even though we had not yet met her and had no information about her other than a picture, her name and age. We knew we would not have said no we did not want to adopt her if she came to be hosted, so we moved ahead without the initial meeting. After all God called us to adopt and led my husband and I each individually to this one specific child.
Now we wait. waiting is hard for me. I am a doer not a waiter. Our review is scheduled for March 10. We eagerly await to hear when we will be granted permission to travel to the Ukraine for our court appearances and to meet our little girl.
Praying for her and preparing for her arrival has brought a bonding and connection between us without even meeting her. We are so eager to include her in our family and shower her with love. We pray God will be close to her, care for her, keep her safe and prepare her and us for our meeting and future together.

Walk Family Ukraine Adoption

2010-02-22T20:57:00.000-08:00

2010 Walk Family Ukraine Adoption