Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Truth Be Told

It is time to spill the beans.

We have some very exciting news.
Let me give you a few hints.
We visited Anastasia and Paul’s birth city.
We spent the day in the car driving around getting notarizations, certificates, and two little red books.

Have you figured it out yet?



Our 10 days were waived!!!!!!


Right after court yesterday we set out to obtain Anastasia and Paul’s birth certificates. After hydroplaning for two hours we were devastated to find out we were half an hour too late. The office had closed. We drove back home with the determination to set out bright and early this morning.

We did—two hours again only to find out that this office wanted a case opened which was something our facilitator had not heard of before. Back home for another four hours to gather a thick stack of documents only to realize that we would barely make it back in time to A and P’s birth city to do the birth certificates. Thankfully a phone call to the woman who would do this ensured us—“Third time would be a charm.”

By the time we had these precious certificates in our hands, the passport office was going to be closing so our facilitator made another call. Yes, the nice passprt lady would wait for us and make sure we got their passports-- today.

We celebrated with McDonald’s and brought home Caleb and Rachel a few burgers—since this was the second day they stayed home with the house owners. When we got home, the kids had a few stories to share. Last night—against Rachel and Caleb’s wishes I had asked the owner Yuri if he would walk them to the store if they wanted something. His eyes lit up at the request—but Rachel and Caleb were not too happy. “We could walk by ourselves Mom.” Of course they could—but since John and I were not here we wanted to make sure they would be safe. Mid morning, Rachel was watching tv and Caleb was finishing up the book 1984 when Yuri walked in and told them it was time to go to the store. Caleb wanted to finish reading and Rachel wanted to watch her show—but no- it was time to go to the store. Caleb tried politely but firmly to say no thank you because he wanted to read but that is when Yuri said that books were not important and it was time to go to the store. So, the good kids that they are walked to the store with Yuri--- the Dedushka they will never have. I think it was Yuri’s highlight of the day!

Oh, and yesterday Luba his wife kissed Rachel on the cheek for helping her fold the laundry. Memories I don’t think either of them will soon forget. I am going to wrap up this post so I could finish chomping on a big, homegrown, pickled cucumber. Yum!!!

P.S. It has been so hard being away from the kids back home. Thankfully we keep in touch through email and phonecalls. I can't wait to be back home with all of them! Thank God we will be home to celebrate Fourth of July with our whole family! Anastasia and Paul are going to think that the fireworks are for them! Won't that be cool? And lastly, I just got an email from another adoptive family who hopes to get together next week!

40 comments:

The McEacherns said...

Woo-hoo! That's awesome! So glad you get to be united as one BIG happy family sooner rather than later! Have a safe trip HOME!

Julie said...

Wonderful news!! I was hoping that the 10 days had been waived!

Milena said...

That's fantastic! Congratulations!

Heather said...

Such great news!!! I am so glad you will be all together to celebrate the 4th of July! I think the fireworks will be for Anastasia and Paul:-)

Sheryl said...

Wow! That's awesome! You guys must really feel blessed!

Heidi and Felix said...

Wow, Fabulous! That almost never happens! Praise God!

Felix

Just Another Day In Paradise said...

Amazing, awesome, and every other wonderful adjective. It was clearly in His hands. So glad youre able to get back to your bunch waiting at home for you and their new siblings!

Kevin and Pam said...

Fantastic! I haven't ever heard of that happening. They told it is not possible when we were there. What a blessing not to make the rest of your family wait any longer.

Martha said...

I'm smiling with you! (Somehow I wondered if this would happen though I dared not ask.) :)

Jeanette said...

So happy for you all! Someone is looking out for you :)

Julie said...

AWESOME NEWS CHRISTINE!!!! What an awesome way for your family to celebrate the 4th of July...

mainiac said...

Wonderful news!!! Congratulations!!

amyl4 said...

Isn't it awesome when that 10 day is waived??! Congratulations!
Amy

Life's Adventures said...

I came across your blog one day while randomly clicking links.
I have read all through this one and am working on the other. I am so happy for all of you and thankful that your family will be reunited for 4th of July! What a homecoming that will be for A & P. May God continue to bless you and watch over you on your trip home. Congratulations! :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Mom and Dad,
That is so collhow you guys got there birth certificates and how u guys are doing good. I miss you alot and I ca not wait for you to come home!!!
Love
Annalyn Reed

Julie said...

One of my favorite parts of your blog this trip is the notes from Annalyn!

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

Praise God!!!! Home sooon :) YEAHHHHH!!!

Annie said...

Gosh, darn. You know me. I'm disappointed for you. But, I've realized that time in Russia is the only true vacation I've had in twenty years, but more than that, I do have to say I valued greatly the honeymoon period with the new children... They got to get used to me and Craig before getting used to everyone else and a new place.

Still... it was hard for kids at home - and you have lots of those!

Christy Hinkson said...

OK I cannot believe that they waived the 10 days. That is a MIRACLE! We were told numerous times that it would be impossible and that even if they did that the embassy would make us stay for 10 days after court. I hope you get home for Independence day. That is a perfect way to celebrate by giving 2 more children citizenship in the greatest country on Earth. I am feeling more patriotic than ever!
Love and Big Congrats!
The Hinksons

Mary said...

WHOA so cool! That's amazing that the 10 day wait was waived. Are you going to be arriving on July 4th exactly? How cool would it be if your kids officially became U.S. citizens/set foot on U.S. soil for the first time on Independence Day!

Tina in CT said...

I can't believe that you are getting to do all of this in just one trip. Wonderful and what a July 4th to remember.

I'm sure all the kids at home can't wait to have you all home and meet the newest Reeds. I bet Alex and Dennis will especially be thrilled to have Mom and Dad home.

Lisa said...

God is so good and he has put the right people in your paths, that is so wonderful you get to come home so much sooner!! I bet the rest of the family can't wait to meet their new brother and sister... Praise the Lord he is so mighty!!

Lisa said...

God is so good and he has put the right people in your paths, that is so wonderful you get to come home so much sooner!! I bet the rest of the family can't wait to meet their new brother and sister... Praise the Lord he is so mighty!!

Doorless said...

Awesome I am so very happy for all of you and to be home on the forth with them!!!! even better! Enjoy!

June Berger said...

All right...woohooo, so happy you'll all be together again soon. Praise God!

Rita from Spain said...

I have been reading everyday but have not left comments but wanted to say I am so happy for you and find your journey fascinating....I love reading about everything and really admire you for your faith and the family you have created...
HUgs...

Sally-Girl! said...

Congratulations!!! A little envious that you will be home for the 4th and we will not!!!

Safe Travels home with your beautiful children!!

Sally-Girl! said...

Congratulations!!! A little envious that you will be home for the 4th and we will not!!!

Safe Travels home with your beautiful children!!

MoonDog said...

wow! that is great!! I dont think that will happen for us. nothing has gone right this trip. but we did finally FINALLY get all referrals. wishing you all a safe and happy trip home. I love the trip to the store story.

Kristy said...

Such great news!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad things are going so smoothly! Safe Travels!

A said...

Congratulations! What a blessing! What a blessed journey this has been - Amen!

Siyang E Phoyadx said...

щиро радію щодо ваш ухвалення.

I don't really know if that means what I mean for it to mean, but congratulations.

Kelly said...

So Awesome...I had a feeling this was going to happen. What a wonderful trip you had!!! Will you be able to tell us what region and city you were in, once you are home? I have a feeling that others now may be interested in adopting an older child. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you all! how exciting! It's so nice that you can all travel home, together.

~Elaine

Shari said...

I haven't had internet so just caught up. God has been working on your family's behalf. I am so glad you get to be all together for the fourth.

Laurel said...

I can't think of a better day to become a US citizen than on July 4th. Very cool the way it turned out! Congrats.

Qadoshyah said...

Wow, congratulations!! Can't wait to see the "Gotcha Day" post :)!

Laura said...

FANTASTIC news! You must be in a blur getting everything settled for the big trip home.

Godspeed and we look forward to all the homecoming pics!

~Laura

Our mission said...

That is so wonderful that your 10 day wait was waived! We will be in prayer for the rest of your journey.

Love in Christ,
The Adamson family

Goodness and Mercy Mom said...

Oh, praise God! What an answer to prayer. I'm so glad that you'll all be together for a very special July 4th.

Praying for safe travels home!

Blessings,
Kathie