Oh Yes We Are!

Video of Anastasia and Paul's Adoption

2010-07-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

They are home now. Our journey to make them a part of our family is done...

it is time to end this blog and pick back up on our family blog at

Smiles and Trials. Come join us over there and continue reading about Anastasia and Paul along with the rest of our family.

But first, please enjoy this video of our journey in Ukraine.

What To Expect

2010-07-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Many people wonder what to expect with a newly adopted child. Well I think it would be unfair to assume that all children will act the same way but I think it is fair to say that you can expect some or all of the following:

Lots of oohs and aahs over things that you take for granted.

Toilet paper in the waste basket, poor hygiene skills, and not flushing.

No sense of ownership, no concept of what is other people's belongings. Lots of touching things they shouldn't.

Poor table manners. Eating with fingers, licking the serving utensils, wiping hands and face on arms and clothing, pushing dishes to the center of the table when done, talking with mouth full-- however don't all of our kids do this at some time or another.

Use of bad language either because they have not been taught or think you cannot understand them. Often they are frustrated and will use bad language as a way to vent.

Lack of eye contact. Hesitant to trust that you can meet their needs. Confused that they are expected to follow directions from "new parents" who don't even speak their language.

Picky eating or overeating. Possible hiding food in pockets or in room.

Inappropriate interactions with siblings at first. Either too rough or too touchy feeley because they don't understand yet that these other kids in the house are actually their siblings now-- not just potential friends to have crushes on or decide to not like.

Not wanting to wear a seatbelt because it is uncomfortable and tight.

Not shutting doors when they should and opening others when they should knock first.

Scared of pets because they haven't been around them before.

I am sure I forgot a few things so feel free to chime in, but for the most I think it is safe to say that if you expect these things and prepare ahead of time how you are going to handle them should they come up, you will get through them. As for us, we have had our fair share of these issues-- but not all of them.

We are being consistently firm since a few of these things are habits that won't die-- but overall we are incredibly blessed with our two newest children. They are troopers, they are quick to forgive and forget, and they are eager to do everything their siblings do.

Sixteen Forks

2010-07-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

These are our forks. Over the course of our marriage-- seventeen wonderful years-- we have acquired many different sets. To some it may seem a bit odd having so many mismatched silverware, but to me-- it suits me just fine. No embarrassment when company is over... no feeling to go out and replace my silverware with one new complete set.... I am quite happy with my forks. Now granted, I am not too happy when I get one of the forks with a bent prong-- but we deal with that too and just bend it back in shape.

As I was setting up the kitchen island for a dinner buffet one evening and carefully counted out sixteen forks, I noticed how much our forks resemble our family. Some are long, some are short, each have a unique and beautiful design different than the other, some have a stubborn, bent prong-- but all are needed because if we were a fork short one of our family members would not eat. Well not literally because of course we would get another one, but you get the picture. Without one of our children, we would be missing something too.

I even remember (for the most part) when and how we got each fork. Some came in our wedding set. Some came from my Grandmother when she passed away. Some came from a friend passing along their extras. Some came as a birthday present. And a few have just showed up at our house and we have decided to have them stay.

For some reason, they make me think about how our family is a mix of all different people brought together to make up a family.

I look at our forks and they make me smile.

A Way to a Child's Heart Is Through Their Stomach

2010-07-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

Food is a big deal around here. Especially dinner. Anastasia and Paul are right by my side when I begin dinner preparations. They especially get excited when they see whatever meat I have gotten out to cook. Last night I got out about five pounds of ground beef to split in half-- spaghetti that night and tacos for tomorrow. Anastasia quickly grabbed a piece of the raw ground beef thinking it was ready to eat and was about to put it in her mouth until I stopped her. When I told her "after hot" as I put the meat in a frying pan and began to cook it on the stove, she understood. She helped me break up the "macaroni" and add it to the boiling water. Her and Paul were thrilled when they saw me cutting ears of corn in half. If I had any concerns about their appetites before-- I don't anymore. Both of them enjoy eating as much as we do.

The sweetest thing happened when I mixed up the spaghetti in a huge bowl and began to carry it over to the table. Anastasia ran over to me and gave me a big hug and said, "Spaciba!" If you ask me, I think that is when she realized that we can meet her and Paul's needs.
****************
Tonight we all enjoyed an after evening swim snack of popcorn and Pepsi. Anastasia and Paul love both! And it is so wonderful to see how all the kids are getting along.

John and I are especially touched by Anastasia's desire to help her younger brothers.

Paul and Anastasia enjoy ice-cream--- alot.

It is so nice to have two children that are not picky eaters. They have already tried shrimp cocktail, Chinese Chicken Salad, coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, milk, yogurt, Otter Pops, cream cheese, salsa, burritos, pizza, roasted chicken, rice pilaf, and deli sandwiches. They love it all!

What do you know...

2010-07-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

she can smile.

And looking at these pictures make me smile right back. When I showed her them, she agreed that she looked very pretty. Pretty indeed.

The Ice Is Broken

2010-07-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

Dare I say---

YESTERDAY WAS AWESOME!!

Anastasia and Paul are beginning to interact with our family more. The first two days they had headphones glued to their ears listening to Tic-Toc over and over because it is familiar to them. I finally had to limit the time they got to use them and instead Julia offered them a wagon ride or a few kids initiated a game of two square. I think it is okay to officially say, "The ice is broken."

Anastasia and Paul introduced "Sabatchka in the middle" to the other kids. I think they felt good being able to teach their siblings something.

Baby steps.

No car sickness on the drive to the Orthodontist-- probably has everything to do with me not having to swerve to avoid major potholes. It was smooth sailing.

Anastasia remembered her boundaries all day and even graced us with her smile a couple of times. It sure is beautiful.

An amazing thing happened yesterday-- but I will wait to post a picture to tell you! I have so much to share about meal preparations, helping out around the house, Paul's new shoes, and Anastasia helping Alex and Dennis. Stay tuned.

Pluggin' Along

2010-07-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I ended up having to have Anastasia go to bed (it was 8pm) for the night after I caught her in my room playing around with my nail polish with evidence that she had gone through other stuff. I had explained numerous times throughout the day that all she had to do was ask to go into other people's rooms and touch their stuff. I even went as far as to roll play how her sisters have to ask to wear her shorts or use her headband (not that they would). After she had a chance to put on her pajamas I went back in there to kiss her goodnight and she immediately popped up with her happy self ready to apologize. I told her thank-you but I reminded her of the many incidences she had had that day and told her tomorrow she can begin again.

At least she didn't pout or throw a fit-- she said okay--- as if relieved that I didn't have the look of wrath on my face. Makes me wonder what kind of discipline if any they had in the Internat.

This morning she was up early going through her clothes. Rachel said she had been going through them for nearly an hour. I didn't stop her. I think it is good for her to take inventory of her things. I didn't even have her change her red shirt, lime green and hot pink flower capris, and bright purple headband. She will learn to match soon enough.

First thing after getting dressed and fixing her bed (I only had to remind her two days) she asked me for confecta (candy). I looked at her strangely and told her that she had to eat breakfast first. She smiled, I smiled and then she proceeded to eat half a packet of banana oatmeal, one half of a waffle, and a bowl of Ukrainian Corn Flakes that I brought home. I thought it would be nice for her to see something familiar-- not the box of cereal because of course they wouldn't have such a luxury in the Internat but the writing on the box. She read it and smiled.

Afterwards, I asked her to help unload the dishwasher. As soon as she was done she must have run off to tell her brother because Paul was by my side next asking incessantly to help. My big boy helped me load the whole dishwasher!

Today things seem easier-- but we haven't left for Caleb's Orthodontist appointment yet. I am not sure how they will do with the hour long car ride and two hour wait while Caleb has his mold taken for his retainer.

Oh and I forgot to mention, Paul pet our kitten Bello yesterday and had his first swim lesson! Still won't go near the dogs.

First Time Really Disciplining

2010-07-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

After nearly 10 or so incidences I had to do my first real disciplining with Anastasia. I was and am so nervous and unsure and stressed about the whole thing. Kind of feel shaky.

Yet....

it was long overdue.

Big sigh.

I forgot how these first few days home can be.

I can't wait till we are past this initial adjustment, and attachment period.

Hey... at least she ate three pancakes with strawberries, sour cream, and sweet milk today.

That's progress.

Oh wait.

I gotta go.

She got up and apologized after crying her eyes out. I need to go love on her.

First Few Days Home

2010-07-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

We came home to this big welcome sign. Great job kids. Later, Adam played guitar and Julia sang us the song that the two of them wrote together. It was beautiful.

My Mom, better known as Baboonya had a wonderful meal cooked for us. Kotleti, oven baked potato wedges, salad, garlic bread, and a cake--- what a yummy meal to eat after all that plane food.

Paul loves to draw. His eyes lit up when I brought out a big plastic tub of markers and crayons.

Jonny and Annalyn joined Paul and soon Anastasia was drawing and painting too.

Anastasia was not feeling well and couldn't wait to take a nap. Jet lag hit her the worst but now two days later she is finally getting used to the time difference.

Paul is slowly getting to know his new siblings. Jonny and Paul are nearly the same size even though they are three years apart.

Anastasia is so beautiful yet there is a sadness in her eyes that makes my heart hurt. John and I have no doubt that she is missing her friends and her previous life that she had pretty much known all her life. Even though she is going through many changes right now, she has kept it together pretty darn well.

Paul is adjusting great. The first morning I showed him how he should fix his bed-- and I was pleasantly surprised to find his bed made this morning-- and I didn't even remind him. I praised him for remembering and he smiled with pride. Sadly, my little boy is very afraid of our animals. The dogs bark at him because he is a stranger and he is too afraid to let them smell him which I know will do the trick. Anastasia listened to me immediately when they first barked at her and everything is fine-- she even told Paul to let them sniff his hand but he is so fearful--- I am not sure how to handle things. Now he is afraid of our kitten. I had Adam introduce Lizzie our bearded dragon and Paul began to freak out until he saw how harmless she was. He ended up petting her when she was in my lap. I am hoping he will give our two dogs and kitten another try.

We went swimming one morning. That was fun. Back in Ukraine we had asked the kids if they could swim and they both said yes. I guess there definition of swimming is different than ours because neither of them could swim to save their life. But that is fine with me because now we get to teach them!

Bless Julia's heart. She went out and bought these new floaty toys with her own money just for Paul and Anastasia.

Today I took this picture of Anastasia. She is beginning to feel more comfortable in her new surroundings. I got her to smile a little more for the camera.

All my girls are managing to communicate even with the language barrier.

Aren't we blessed with six beautiful daughters?

Sveta, Anna, Rachel, Annalyn, Julia, and Anastasia.

Anastasia loves to swing. Julia swung with her--- trying to get to know her.

I have already had to remind Anastasia that Rachel is 14 and she is not. We had to have the talk why Rachel is allowed to wear make-up and she is not. I think this will end up being the hardest thing for Anastasia-- being the baby girl of the family.
*************************

Back In Ukraine

This is how they slept the night before our flight home.

We ended up in the same apartment back in Kiev. Here we are preparing to leave for the airport.

Waiting to board our plane.

This picture was taken at the beginning of the flight-- before take off. Anastasia did not do well on either flights. I didn't know a person could get airplane sick-- but now I know. Bless her heart.

Paul enjoyed the flight and slept for most of it. He loved the headphones and change the music stations at least a thousand times.

Life is Good

2010-07-04T15:10:00.001-07:00

Today is a much better day. Amazing what a full night's sleep can do for the body and mind. We are all doing well and are about to head off to the movies.

Lots of pictures to come after we do fireworks tonight.

Hope you all have a wonderful Fourth of July!

Home At Last!

2010-07-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, we made it home around five in the evening.

I feel old. I am tired. My eyes burn. And I have been running on energy I didn't know I had.

Big sigh.

But it feels good to be home. Seeing all the other kids made my heart sing.

Family was here waiting for us and we all had dinner. My Mom was a huge help while we were gone... but now she went home. She starts a new job on Tuesday praise the Lord.

Anastasia and Paul are doing okay but certainly testing. They too are tired. Anna came up to me and asked if she acted the same way when she first came home. I told her sort of. She hasn't left my side since I've been home.

Off to take a shower and then cuddle in bed with how many kids want to. So far the count is four.

Good night.

Back in Kiev!

2010-07-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

This post is going to be chock full of pictures so hope you enjoy!

We were surprised when we were told that we could take the kids' passport photos. These are them-- and they didn't cost us a thing. Pretty cool I think. And the kids couldn't be more beautiful.

Anytime we were at the Internat or camp the kids wanted to hang around us. We didn't mind the company. :)

Rachel and Sveta hung out alot together. Here they are with Pasha.

One day we went shopping and bought all of this for about $35 U.S. dollars. Not bad.

We even bought these cool balloons. They are huge once they are blown up.

One night for dinner we bought Shashlick and I warmed up canned peas and made some rice pilaf. Too bad the meat was like jerky it was so dry.

Here we are in front of the court building. The director was really nice.

Caleb totally got into the Ukrainian role of hand washing clothes. He even suggested us selling our washer and drier to save for future adoptions--- LOL John's funny sense of humor.

We were blessed enough to visit this building three times-- insert sarcasm. This is where we had Anastasia and Paul's new birth certificates made.

Inside there was this nice children's library.

There were also a few statues and a memorial wall listing all the names of people that had died fighting in different wars.

This is an above ground sewer system that we drove under.

This is one of the many electric trains we saw here in Ukraine.

Come time to pick up the kids from camp, only I came because we all wouldn't fit in the car. The director had to come so that she could sign Anastasia and Paul out and pick up their clothes--- because they didn't belong to anyone else but to the Internat. Anastasia was wearing a pair of high heels that the director didn't recognize and so she was chewed out and told to give the shoes back. That is when I gave her first pair of shoes for her very own. I took lots of pictures like these so that Anastasia and Paul would have lots to remember.

Anastasia had a lot of friends in the Internat and though she was excited to leave she has since had her moments of sadness-- and tears have flowed. All we could say is that we understand and love her and her sadness will soon disappear.

When it was time to change Anastasia and Paul into their new clothes it was a special moment. For them because this is their first outfit that they can remember having for their very own. For me because it felt like dressing my newborn baby in their first outfit.

Paul liked looking at himself in the mirror. The shoes that the girl standing next to him is wearing are the shoes that Anastasia was wearing when the director yelled at her.

It was sweet the way her friends wanted to help make her look pretty for her departure to start her new life. A part of me wanted to be the one doing it, yet I felt this was something they needed to do between them.

Sasha is a boy we met who has graduated school and is heading off to college. Rachel wrote him a letter and hopes to be pen pals. He is such an amazing young man-- I think he will be just fine.

The director had lots of business to take care of while she was there signing out our kids. Besides finding out why one of the boys jumped off the balcony and broke his leg, and a few of her older kids ran away and were caught drinking under age, I asked her to take this last picture with Anastasia and Paul.

Here is a group picture.

I asked our facilitator to share what I had to say with these older girls. "I want you to know how much God loves you. He thinks you are all beautiful, fantastic, and have a special purpose in this world. Don't resort to drinking and smoking when you can do so much more with your life. When you are sad please remember that God is there for you and will always love when you think no one else does."

The good-byes kept on and on. It was hard to leave all of these wonderful other children behind.

On the car ride home, Paul got sick. Poor guy-- has gotten sick a few more times since. On the ride home, I had our facilitator read the letter John wrote to Anastasia and Paul since he could not be there with us at that time. It was nice to have the director hear and see her smile.

At home, we had McDonald's for them and it was sweet to see them share. Paul woofed down two cheeseburgers!

They enjoyed watermelon, peaches, Pepsi, McDonald's, and ice-cream for their first meal with us.

I brought each of them their own backpack with their own clothes. They were so thankful and looked through them many times. There first bathes I will never forget and neither will they! The kept on and on about how nice the water felt.

John filled out all of our forms for the Embassy ahead of time so we wouldn't have to do it there.

Don't the three of them look sweet together?

At the train station we saw this kitten. It was so cute. I showed Paul how to play with it with a piece of torn fabric and the kitty entertained us for the 1/2 hour wait.

It was nice to see how gentle Paul and Anastasia were with it.

We could only get one compartment with four beds for the train to Kiev. Rachel and Caleb rode back with our facilitators. The train was very nice-- it had air conditioning and a fairly clean toilet.

Anastasia and Paul were so well behaved on the train. They drew and then we ate dinner. When Anastasia wanted to go to bed around nine pm I noticed that she didn't look well. I felt her and she was very hot so I gave her some Tylenol.

We all got some sleep on the train.

At the medical appointment today, Anastasia had a deep cough so the doctor insisted on her having a chest x-ray. Clear-- but we were told that she has acute bronchitis along with a bunch of other malarkey. Yes I think she is sick but no I do not think she is near death like the doctor was acting. Another thing that made us a little disappointed in this doctor was what she asked our kids. "Are you sad to be going to America?" It was nice to hear Anastasia answer her No!

Please, please, please pray us home! Our itinerary has only one stop and we hope to be home by noon California time. See you back in the good ol' USA!

We Are Set To Come Home!

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

We got everything done today so we can fly out tomorrow morning at 5:35 in the morning.

I am uploading pictures because we finally have free-WiFi here in Kiev.

I will post lots of pictures and lots of stories very soon.

Truth Be Told

2010-06-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

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!

We Are the Proud Parents of...

2010-06-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

Anastasia Jean and Paul Jeremiah as of 12:38 pm today!

Aren't they beautiful?!!! Court lasted all of 15 or 20 minutes and went something like this.

Judge-- "Do you want to change anyone in the courtroom?"

Us-- "No."

Judge-- Reads all of our paperwork. Then asks us if we want to adopt.

Us-- "Yes."

Judge-- Asks inspector, director, and then prosecutor if they object to adoption.

3 of them-- "No."

Judge-- "Are you sure you want to adopt? And what are you asking for from the court?"

Us-- John answers in one or two sentences.

Done.

Court over.

Due to some unexpected circumstances we are all heading back to Kiev in a day or two before flying home this weekend-- but first we want to go back up to the camp.

Thank you for all of your prayers!

Questions Answered

2010-06-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post ""Are You Rich?"":
First off, I'd like to thank you for letting us follow your experiences. You and John are beautiful and so full of love! God bless you a hundred fold.My questions are about Nastya and Pasha. I'd like to know how long they have lived in orphanages. And do you know why they were orphaned? I'm also curious as to why their names will be "Americanized" verses letting them keep them as is. Someone else asked if the two are biological brother and sister; which I was wondering also.. along with how you came about selecting to adopt them.Many continued blessings to you and yours.

Nastya and Pasha have lived in the orphanage for seven years--- longer than any of our other adopted children. Yes, we were told the reason for their “social orphan” status (meaning that at least one of their parents is still alive). As to why their names are being “Americanized”—well we do that on the birth certificate but we are still not sure what we will call them. We usually encourage the “Americanized” version for school when the name stands out more than usual. Like our son Dennis whose name in Ukraine was pronounced Denise— we felt that making his name more masculine was in his best interest just like encouraging Nastya to go by her full name Anastasia. They will have enough challenges with school that we didn’t want to give them one more. But if at home they still want to go by Pasha and Nastya—we will do whatever makes them feel most comfortable.

Yes, Nastya and Pasha are biological siblings and we picked them because they were the first available children in our desired age range. No other child that was available was passed over before choosing Nastya and Pasha. For us—choosing is just too hard.

Laura has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": Hi! Great to read what you're doing...and cooking! Most of my questions were asked above but I have a different one:Are you at all concerned with going to Court and standing in front of the judge? Our first (and only, unfortunately...) time was nerve wracking but I'm wondering if you and John feel quite comfortable with the process now that you are "seasoned" court goers. I mean -- I don't think the judge could ask you any questions you haven't already answered! ;)Have a wonderful, relaxing day before THE BIG DAY!!Blessings,Laura

Strange as it may sound—we really do not have any concerns with court. We have been through it enough times to know the drill. Besides each time our facilitator has told us what to expect ahead of time. Like if the judge is known to be a tough one, or if the hearings are unusually long—we have known ahead of time. This time around we are told we have a judge that is quick and easy. We’ll see.

Qadoshyah has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": What actually happens to the kids once they age out of the internat? And what age is that? Are they just on the streets? I've heard that some kids age out at 16, but then I've seen you say there are some 17 year olds there. Maybe every internat is different?These kids all look so normal and easy going and could live such a normal life, it's so sad they are in an orphanage.

I think that what happens to the kids when they age out is different depending on the region they are in and how the director feels about the kids. I gather this because I have heard different stories for different Internats. But speaking of this particular Internat that Nastya and Pasha are in—the kids get to remain in the Internat until they finish school. We met a few kids were already 17 and still living in the Internat. Often times they can continue living there until 20 or so if they are going to school. After that, they receive some sort of financial help to further their education and monies to obtain a place to live. While this all sounds fine and dandy—remember the kids are still doing all of this without a family to encourage and support them. Though a child is not eligible for adoption after they turn sixteen, they can still be adopted until they turn eighteen if they have a younger sibling that they are being adopted with. One thing that I have seen over and over with the children—that has changed my mind about them—is that even though they are fifteen, they are years behind emotionally. Here I thought there was little time left to shape their hearts and minds when in reality it is never too late to reach these kids.

newmom2 has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": Keep up the blogging, I have one, what age was Rachel when she left the orphanage? My heart aches for the children left behind... esp. Luba and Luda...Just wanted to say that I am enjoying your journey with you... and sending you prayers for a safe and quick journey home. (love the note from Annalyn)

Rachel was 10 when she left the orphanage. Thank you for your prayers.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": I have several questions!! They are not so much about A & P but more about where they live. I look at their sleeping arrangement, and that they wear the same clothes over and over again and I cant help but wonder if they have a problem with lice or mites?? The orphanage doesn't look dirty by any means...but sometimes those bugs just appear out of thin air!!

We’ve not seen any lice or mite issues but Rachel has told us of such incidences.

My last question, might be rather personal, but with soooo many hormonal girls and boys living together with pretty much no supervision...what happens if a girl becomes pregnant? How do they control those "desires" so to speak.Thanks!!Sarah

My husband John asked our facilitator the same question--- it happens. If one of the girls get pregnant we were told that they have to go to the hospital—they can’t stay at the Internat. I asked how often two orphans fall in love and get married after they age out of the system. That happens to and often times they can go on to live productive yet simple lives. One of our daughter’s half sister is living proof of that. At the time we adopted Anna, her half sister did not want to be adopted because she wanted to stay with her boyfriend. Now almost five years later she is married to that same boyfriend and they have a son.

Chris has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": This looks like such a wonderful experience for you to have shared with Caleb and Rachel. Since you asked, I have one question that seems a bit silly, but I was wondering how clothes are handled with these older children. I know for younger ones like our son, the caregivers dress the children, but for these older children, do they have a community closet or do they have their own clothes? You commented on what Luda and Anastasia were wearing, and I noticed some other girls dressed more conservatively so I was just wondering how they ended up with the clothes they wear.By the way, the dinner you've cooked looks delicious as do the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes!

The whole clothes thing has me wondering too. If I had to guess I would say that the older kids get to pick what they wear—but that they have to wear them for many days at a time. Calling it a community closet sounds about right. Nastya surprised us the second time we saw her—she was wearing what looked like Underoos. She was all leg—and no one seemed to think anything of it except us. Another time she had on a short skirt and was wearing eye shadow. In reality our hands are tied until court— then we will be able to suggest and provide something a little more modest. Thankfully, her intentions in wearing something so short seemed really to stay cool and nothing more.

James has left a new comment on your post ""Are You Rich?"": So did John superglue the crown in, or did he really lose it?We are praying for you guys! Thanks for all the updates. I pray we can do the same very soon.God bless

Big sigh~~ John swallowed his tooth. Thanks for the prayers.

Holly has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": I would love to know about how this adoption experience has been...I know you did an independent adoption and didn't ask for specific kiddos through RR like you have before...maybe when you get back you can share more.My heart is broken for the HIV angels over there and I would love to GO for 2! :)

Actually we used the help of God’s Waiting Children. They are fantastic! This adoption experience has been amazing—but then again they all have been! Anytime you want to know something just ask.

Becky has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": I have questions about the language barrier with A & P, the other kids at the Internat and other kids you have adopted in the past. How exactly do you communicate? How much of their language do John and you know and how much English do the kids know? How does this affect the adjustment period once home? How does this affect schooling?

Our knowledge of the Russian/Ukrainian language is not great—but John can read it and with the help of sign language we always manage to get by. We have picked up the basics and with the help of our facilitator we have been able to communicate the big stuff. The kids are eager to learn English—and they are like sponges. We anticipate that the first few weeks home will be a bit frustrating—but Nastya and Pasha will have each other. We will have a few weeks with Nastya and Pasha before school starts and I think that time will help them learn enough language to get by in school. We will work with the school in helping them acclimate to their new surroundings. Since both of them attended school here in Ukraine, the school atmosphere will not be foreign to them.

Also, as a family who has adopted children of all ages, is there an age (or placement amongst other kids in the family) where the adjustment is easier/harder? I imagine it is all very individualized and there are so many uncertainties, and I don't even know if my question makes any sense, I just know that when you have posted about disruptions on your other blog it seems as though it is something that is often brought up.

If you ask most professionals I think they would say that the younger the child the better the chance of things working out. However, I have seen situations where a 2 year old was disrupted, a 14 year old disrupted after being adopted as a newborn, and a 15 year old disrupted after being home only a few months. If you ask me, I think that children have a harder time adjusting if they come into a home where they are overwhelmed with material things and privileges that sets the bar higher than the parents intend to keep it at. When children are first adopted they have so many new things to get used to that having the same small boundaries as the orphanage is the one thing they find comfort in. Of course, I am not a professional, but you asked my opinion and I gave it to you.

Was answering "Are you rich?" hard? I mean, because even financially, I am guessing almost everyone in the US would seem rich to the kids at the Internat (or maybe that is a false assumption).

Yes it was—because compared to the rest of the world we are incredibly rich but I did not want Nastya thinking she was coming into a family that would give her whatever she wanted nor did I want her to go bragging to her friends.

How'd you choose A & P and does it break your heart that you can't take all the kids home?

I already answered how we chose A and P in a previous question—and of course it breaks my heart for all the children left behind. No child should be without a family.Also, another age question.

What are the age requirements for adopting an older child?

As to adopting an older child I think there has to be at least fifteen years between the child and youngest adoptive parent. So if you want to adopt a fifteen year old, you would have to be at least thirty years old. Someone please chime in if I am wrong.Thank you for blogging about your experiences there and about your life in general.

Martha has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": I have enjoyed being along for the journey of your last three adoptions. Each one is so special and unique, it is no wonder you keep going back again and again.I am curious if the children will be allowed to continue speaking their native tongue when you return home or will this be discouraged and why?

We would love for Nastya and Pasha to continue speaking in their native tongue—but I just don’t think that will happen. None of our other children kept their native tongue and so I don’t know why we would expect anything different with them. But… we were looked down upon by the orphanage director because Rachel couldn’t speak or understand her native language anymore. Oh well—our children are now Americans and if their native language suffers at the expense of learning English—I can live with that.

Matt Penman has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": When you posted your need for prayer, we stopped school and gathered in prayer for your family. We continued on with school and I checked your blog an hour later and read that God answered our prayers. Thank you for allowing us to share in your journey. You blessed us so much with our journey, it was nice to participate a little with yours. Sarah is learning how much we went through on our journey to bring her home, although she is acting out now, I believe your blog is helping her to cope with her past. We love you guys and can't wait to read your blog each day. Love,Jennifer

Jennifer, thank you for your prayers. I am so happy to hear that Sarah is reading our blog too. Maybe we can pick her up a little souvenir.

Matt Penman has left a new comment on your post "Camp": Christine,It is so amazing that you are at the same camp that we met Sarah. We might have walked by your kids without even knowing it. Your trip has brought back so many memories for all of us. Sarah is trying to process all of it, and with God's help, she will overcome! :) Love,Jennifer

How awesome is that! I will try to get a few more pictures to share.

Allison has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": Hi Christine!!So I"m loving seeing what you and Jenn Dove are cooking up. Can you write down and email me (or post) your "recipes" for these? I am going to need some help branching out from the typical things we eat here while we are in EE. I'm not one that can just "whip something up from a few ingredients". :)Thanks so much! I can't wait to hear all about court!

I can’t speak for Jennifer, but I don’t have any set recipes. For the four of us, I melt about four tablespoons of butter in a skillet and throw in six or seven small, chopped potatoes and one cut up carrot. When they are almost done cooking, I add some chopped up ham, green onions, and salt and pepper. I vary the amount of ingredients depending on what I have on hand at the time. My secret to tasty tomatoes and cucumbers is squirting fresh lemon over them and sprinkling them with salt. To make toast, I melt butter in a skillet and lay pieces of bread inside. As they soak up the butter, they turn a nice golden brown in the skillet. Another thing I make is rice. Brown it in some butter first and just remember to use twice as much water as rice when you cook it and you should be fine.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": I love reading about your inspiring story.I don't want to offend or upset you but I am just wondering if long term your visits with all the other children in the orphanage helps or hurts them. I feel such empathy for the other children who are not being adopted and I wonder if its too sad for them when they see such loving parents and other children being adopted when they stay left at the orphanage. I will be praying that every thing goes well in court and for a safe journey back to America.

I have thought the same thing. On one hand I can’t imagine how love and attention could hurt any child but then on the other hand I imagine our affection stirring up jealousy that it isn’t them being adopted. It kind of feels like a lose lose situation-- but that is where I rely on our Heavenly Father. By spending time with them I know I am doing what I was called to do—God will just have to do the rest.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": So, what exactly is in that yummy-looking dish -- ham and green onions -- what else? Another question -- are you going to go to Rachel's orphanage?Best always.JEBAtlanta, GA

I posted the ingredients for the potato dish in a previous answer. As far as visiting Rachel’s orphanage—I just don’t think she is ready. She hasn’t really asked- but she would probably go if given the chance—but my Mommy extincts say it just isn’t the time—yet.

The McEacherns has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": Those tomatoes and cucumbers look SO good! One of my favorite Ukrainian staple dishes!I think I asked before, but how (and when) did Rachel come to join your family? Obviously, she's originally from Ukraine, but that's all I know. And you mentioned that her bio family came to say good-bye before your trip, so I'm a little confused!

Rachel joined our family through an independent adoption when her first American family decided that they were not the right family for her. We adopted her when she was eleven. They kept her two biological brothers who we keep in contact with. The arrangement has turned out to be a wonderful one given the circumstances.

Are A&P picking up any English yet?

Too early to tell--- but I am sure that as soon as they no longer have a translator the desire to learn English will increase tenfold!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": Dear mom and dad,i think that that is very sweet and i can not tell you guys how much we mis you all and we ca not wait for you to come back!!LoveAnnalyn Reed

Hi Annalyn—thanks for all of your sweet comments! We miss you too!

Jamey & Catherine has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": Hi Christine,I have a few questions too...1.You and John seems to know a lot of Russian, do you both speak quite fluently or just from things you've picked up and learned along the way?

Hardly. See previous answers.

2.When you get back home will you put A & P into school right away in September or keep them home for a little to adjust?

The plan is to put them both in school mid-August. Pasha in third grade and Nastya in fourth—but plans could change if we see that they are further ahead.

So many more questions I would love to sit with you for a day and just chat but I know you have a pile of others to answer too. Someone once asked me about Oksanas Orphanage and Kazakhstan and could I describe life there in 15 words or less ( You don't have to use complete sentences) if you had 15 words to say how would you discribe the internat, Ukraine, the kids etc. what would you say? :)

Fun question—let me think for a moment. The outgoing, cheery, lovable children make the dreary, dark, boring, hopeless Internat a place I love!

Catherine

Mommy to the Monsters has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": It's such a blessing to read your blog...Seeing the faces of the kids just breaks my heart. Just out of curiosity what are the requirements to adopt from the Ukraine? Do they allow singles?

They used to allow singles but not anymore. As for the requirements, I don’t think there are many.

Jennie has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": Above posters have asked the questions I was wondering about other then what happened with your hubby's crown? Did it fall out for good did he go to a dentist and if so was it any diferent then one you would go to in the United States?

See above for answer.

Michelle has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": i'd like to know:- A & P ages (which is older?)
Nastya is almost 12 and Pasha is almost 10.
- what you'll call them at home!
We will suggest transitioning them to their “Americanized” names but won’t push it.
- how you came to know of them
See above answers.
- if they're bio siblings, and if not, how you decided to adopt them together
They are siblings.
-if you'll be visiting the orphanage Alex & Dennis came from this trip
No, we will not be visiting this trip.
- if you're all staying until everyone's home, or if some are leaving after court
Still up in the air.
- do you think this is it for kids? going for 15? :-P
That is like asking if I can predict the future—which I can’t.
- what do your kids at home think of these new kids being older? i think i remember reading awhile back (maybe when you decided to adopt Alex?) that some of the older kids didn't want you to adopt kids who weren't young, so i was wondering how they're all doing with A & P being older.
I think Nastya and Pasha will fit right in! I think the kids are at the age where they will interact with their new siblings just fine.
also, would you be comfortable making a list of ALL your family (new kids & parents included!) with birthdays next to names? or if you don't want it online, would you be willing to email it if i gave you my email address? for the LONGEST time i've wanted to send birthday cards & gifts for your family, but i don't want to skip anyone so i've never done it for fear of missing someone's birthday & leaving them out. :-)- michelle
You are so sweet to think of all of us. Please email us—but be sure to include your birthday too!

Carey and Norman has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": These vegetables look amazing! Yummy!!I'd love to hear more about the adoption process in the Ukraine. How would families consider a particular child who is waiting. What timeframe they should expect to travel if they began the process now. What kind of costs? Who would you recommend to use as a facilitator? Thanks for sharing!

The adoption process for Ukraine is quite easy. The dossier is simple. The more open you are to age, gender, and special needs, the quicker the process is. After you do your homestudy, apply for Immigration, and gather your dossier documents, you then submit them to the SDA. A few weeks later they either ask you to update a few documents or invite you for an appointment—usually a month after that but sometimes you will only get one weeks notice. The time in country can vary depending on how good your facilitator is, what region you go to, and whether or not any issues come up with the children’s paperwork. Most families should expect to not have their 10 day waiting period waived—although it does happen once in a while. In total the process takes around five weeks.

:)De has left a new comment on your post ""Are You Rich?"": After your post about French Toast the other day, I just had to make some for dinner and it was so good and the kids and I talked all about your adventure and your new children! We are so happy for you all and thank you for letting us all be a part. How is Rachel doing? I think of her often in the country of her birth and wonder how she is reacting. Continue with you beautiful trip and we are praying the 6 of you home safe and soon.peace

Rachel is doing fine—thanks for asking. I think this trip has been a good thing for her and for us. Thanks for your prayers.

Hevel has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": What region are you in? Is it an actual Russian speaking area or a Ukrainian speaking one? What language does Rachel use to write to her new friends? Is she interested in bringing her language skills back up?

Hevel, we have chosen not to share the city or region we are in until after we are home. Rachel will have our facilitator translate her English written letters. At this time, I do not think she is going to try and relearn her native language but she has fun remembering certain words.

Gin has left a new comment on your post "One More Day Before Court": Oh! Lots of questions! Is Rachel's russian coming back? What language does she use with her new friends? Also, any ideas on the care package initiative? How long till you can bring Nastya and Pasha home? Any fears on bringing to older kids home? And do you think you'll keep in touch with Luba and Luda? Sorry for so many questions, but this is all really new to me and I hope to find myself adopting at some point in the future, so I'm very curious!

Rachel remembers words here and there but not enough to carry on a conversation. She pretty much uses sign language to communicate like we do and it serves her well. We are praying to bring Nastya and Pasha home as soon as we can but you can never tell in Ukraine. We are not concerned bringing either of them home—but we anticipate some drama. I hope to keep in touch with the kids we met at the Internat through snail mail. When we get home I plan on printing the pictures we took of the kids and sending them. I think they would like that.

Kelly has left a new comment on your post "Camp": I have a sneaking suspicion that sometime soon the Reeds might just be adding a certain 15 year old into their family...just a suspicion. Glad you are having such a wonderful trip. Is there a possibility your wait may be waived tomorrow? I hope so!!

Kelly, I smiled when I read your comment but alas there are two girls—Luba and Luda. And lest not forget the ones that really touched John’s heart too. I think the need never ends—and I think that there will always be those that we feel we left behind. This is something that I don’t have an answer to at this time—but I know that my heart is tugged in a million directions concerning the children left behind. All I can say is that now our main goal is to get Nastya and Pasha home so that everyone can adjust and enjoy being a family. If our wait is waived tomorrow and we get home sooner than we planned—Hallelujah! We can pray!

One More Day Before Court

2010-06-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Caleb have been well received by all the kids-- and have even already exchanged letters with a few. Going a step further-- I think a few of the girls have crushes on Caleb. And for one special boy-- Rachel has a little crush. But John and I would approve-- just in five or so years. :) Anyway, tonight John sat with Rachel and helped her write a few letters to the friends she has made.

You can find potatoes, green onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers almost anywhere around here. Many Babushkas sit outside their apartment with their mini veggie stands selling anything from sunflower seeds to cucumbers to jars of honey. This is a dish that I often cook us for dinner with the food we buy from them.

To make the meal complete, I add some cut up ham. We all think it tastes great-- even Caleb who merely picks out the green onions.

We picked up some deep purple tomatoes at the open market the other day. They have so much flavor!

Since tomorrow will be like today-- I figure now is as good a time as any to answer questions. So if you have any--- please feel free to ask. It will be nice hearing from you.

"Are You Rich?"

2010-06-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

A few days back during one of our visits, Nastya asked me, “Are you rich?” Of course, I didn’t know that was what she was asking and so I responded with what. She asked again, and I asked her to repeat herself because I still didn't understand her and so she asked again. I tried to move onto something else then maybe I could understand her, but she was adamant in knowing the answer. She finally asked our facilitator to ask me.

“Are you rich?”

Hmmm, I thought for a moment.

I wanted to shout-- Of course we are rich! We are rich in love! We are rich with children! We are rich with our health! And we are rich because you are joining our family!

Yet, I didn’t think that was the answer she was looking for. I told her that no we are not so rich with fancy cars and expensive vacations but we are rich enough to be able to care for two more children-- Pasha and her. I promised her she would always have food to eat, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, and a roof over her head. I wondered if that answer would suffice. Ahhh, what the heck! I went ahead and thre in what I originally wanted to tell her--- yes we are rich in love, and with children, and with our health!

To that, she smiled—and went back to her beading. She seemed content with my answer.
*************************
Today we went on a walk after sleeping in till noon. We knew it was going to be an incredibly hot day and I said outloud, "Oh how I wish it would rain today." Fat chance since there was not a cloud in the sky. We began our hot walk to the store. We shopped for french toast fixings and began our walk home. The clouds began darkening the sky and before we knew it it was drizzling. "Too bad you won't get a chance to see a Ukraine downpour where the streets become rivers," I told the kids." Then what do you know-- it began to rain harder.

Yes, we were caught in a down pour. Yes, the streets became rivers. Yes, God cooled us off.

Once the rain went back to a drizzle we walked home. It was very nice.

P.S. John no longer has to worry about losing his crown.

Camp

2010-06-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

The sun was shining bright as can be this morning. Hardly a cloud in the sky compared to past days which probably meant no rain today. Oh well, it was a beautiful day to be up at the camp even though it would be a hot one. We drove through the Holy Hills to the camp.

The camp is in a summer town that was hustling and bustling with tourists from all over the country. Reminded me of Pismo Beach-- but in the hills not by the ocean.

It didn't take the kids long to spot us and our arrival spread like wild fire through out the camp. Faces we thought we may never see again suddenly appeared and we picked up where we last left off.

The camp was different than what I expected--- it was more like a boarding school-- but with a soccer field, basketball court, and swimming pool.

We saw these cute cartoon like statues everywhere.

The boys wanted to impress us with their riding skills as they all shot past us on their bikes. I counted at least six.

This is the first building we walked into. On the second floor is the cafeteria. John followed Pasha into eat lunch later in the day and was happy to see rice, meat, veggies, bread, cheese, and compote on the kids' plates.

Here is a very sweet eleven year old girl named Nastya. She has a fifteen year old sister.

Luda was happy to show me where her and her friends sleep.

Luda introduced me to her friend Oksana who is only eleven years old. She too has an incredibly sweet disposition and it was like Luda was advocating for her.

Out in the halls of where the older kids sleep is where the kids hang out during the day. My heart broke to see the interaction going on between these kids. Too much skin, sitting too close, inappropriate language, and the smell of cigarettes on the boys' breath. I was not shocked to see this-- but it was hard to not feel helpless. Just a few minutes earlier when I had first seen Luda, I thought her shorts were a little to low on her hips so I walked up to her and picked them up and gave her the "you should know better and I care about you so this why I picked them up" look. With her, I feel comfortable doing so having spent numerous days with her at the Internat-- but with these strange kids from other Internats, I felt I would be overstepping my bounds. So instead I offered to take their picture and straightened out their clothes and asked them to show their teeth when they smiled. It broke the ice and I got them to reposition their clothing without them really catching on.

I was surprised when we were offered water from the faucets. The kids drank it and since their was the strong smell of chlorine John and I felt it would be safe.

Here is a beautiful painting on one of the buildings in the camp.

I passed out these necklaces to a few of the girls. Our daughter Nastya had already ran off with her two friends to put hers away in her room so I took a picture of the girls that stuck around. The two girls in black are sisters ages 11 and 15.

Luba seemed sad today. Rachel said it was because her tooth hurt. I am not so sure. For some reason I got the sense that she realized what she was missing by not having a family and my heart ached for her in ways I wish it didn't.

Pasha is loving our attention. He always wants to be around us and especially loves having a Papa. John said he saw Pasha smile bigger than ever when they went on a walk and John asked to hold Pasha's hand and then began singing in Russian something like, "Ya Lyblu Pasha! Eta Musica Fantastica!" John kept singing it louder and louder and got the other kids to join in to. Pasha loved it!

When it was time for lunch, the caretakers would march the kids to the cafeteria while singing a song. It was fun to watch. Even the older kids did it to.

Doesn't you know who look too cool for school? When it was time to go, Caleb gave his glasses to one of the older boys. It was a very nice gesture considering that Caleb loves those glasses. But Caleb also knew that it probably wasn't as much as the boy would love them.

On the drive out of the town, we passed this building. I thought it was cool.

In the hills you could see this huge statue of a man.

The town we were in is also famous for having the oldest church in all of the region.

On the drive home, I slept. Just a few minutes ago, I called home and talked to most of the kids. It was nice hearing their voices. Lots of love to all.

Back From Camp

2010-06-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

We left at 8am this morning--- just got back an hour ago.

Lots of pictures-- lots to share-- I will begin the job of cropping down photos so they will upload and I will prewrite my post in Word.

See you in a while.

Meanwhile, how are all of you? Any of you enjoying a three day weekend?

Yipee!!!!!

2010-06-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

We have Interpol clearance! Instead of staying couped up in our room we decided to go for a walk. A few houses down our phone started to ring. It was our facilitator in Kiev telling us that we have clearance! Unbelievable! Court is at noon on Tuesday, June 29th! We are so excited!

And there is more!

Tomorrow morning we are going to get up early and go up to the camp to spend the day!

We are all very excited!

Praying for Interpol

2010-06-25T01:48:00.000-07:00

We got word today that a stack of Interpol documents has been misplaced. Our paperwork was in that stack. Families who began the clearance check after us have already gotten theirs back. Our facilitator has petitioned the Embassy on our behalf. We are going into a three day weekend here--- nothing will happen during these days. Please pray for miracles. It can happen.

Today is the first day I feel homesick. I miss my kids. I miss my bed. I miss talking to friends and family. I miss being able to get in my car and just go. I know I sound spoiled but I guess I am just down after hearing about our Interpol. I know that I need to stay focused on Him and keep my eye on the prize. Sometimes I don't do what I know I need to. I am even cranky with John, Caleb, and Rachel. Shame on me.

Your prayers are much appreciated.

FYI-- you know who. I am going to pick up a few of those brooms I think. Hope they fit in our suitcase.

The Open Market

2010-06-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Today we had our facilitator drive us to the open market. We paid close attention to the 2 mile drive so that we could walk back later. It usually closes around 2pm so we got there before noon to make sure we had plenty of time to browse the rows of merchants.

We enjoyed looking at the toys. So simply made-- nothing mechanical-- yet so cute.

These are the kinds of brooms we see everyone sweeping with around here. Maybe I could bring you back one Annalyn-- LOL. :)

On our way back we saw this statue. The old woman in the left hand bottom corner of the picture caught our attention more. She had to be the saddest old lady we have ever seen.

We have seen many disabled people here. This man seemed to have no trouble getting around with his wheel chair.

Isn't this car so cute? Adam-- I promise to find one just like it at home for your first car-- okay?

John forgot about his loose crown today and it fell out while he was eating an ice-cream cone. Lucky me got to put it back in.

We pass under this tunnel everytime we go to the market. The night before we walked over it along the train tracks. Today, we went under it. Just as I was taking this picture, I stepped into a pothole and fell down. Not fun-- but I am alright.

We bought this fun headband to take home as a souvenir for one of the girls. Rachel and I took turns wearing it home.

Caleb noticed all of these lady bugs mating. They are everywhere!

Right down this street is where our house is. This is the second man we saw here in a wheelchair. Personally, I am happy to see more people in wheelchairs out and about. They should not be shut in.

Not only are there potholes everywhere but there are also manholes missing their covers. One step when you are not looking and you may fall and break your neck-- literally.

This is the home where we are staying. Don't let it fool you-- it not only is a big house but it has the most amazing garden.

Back at the market, I wanted to buy strawberries so bad we bought them from the only Babushka we saw selling them. The berries were pathetic, little looking things but we bought them anyway. It felt as if our purchase may have been the only one the Babushka had all day and at three grivna we could afford it. She wrapped them in a plastic bag so by the time we got them home they were crushed and fermented. Still, I was determined to wash them and make some jam. The lady of the house Luba joined us in the kitchen. She looked at the berries strangely and when I told her, "Harashow," she shook her head in disgust. By this time I felt defeated-- no strawberries for us-- but she invited Rachel to her garden. Five minutes later Rachel brought in strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and other little fruits. I was impressed. Really impressed. All this time I had been looking for strawberries at the open market and yet all I had to do was ask Luba. I followed Rachel back out to the garden and Luba gave me a tour. On their one acre of land they had all kinds of fruit trees, fresh herbs, vegetables, berries-- you name it-- they grow it. She named them all for me. Except Basil and Cilantro-- they haven't heard of them.

Pray Warriors Unite

2010-06-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

We have been ready for court since this past Tuesday but we have been waiting for Interpol clearance. It should be here-- but we have yet to get the approval needed for court. The judge handling our case will squeeze us in whenever we get this approval so please pray with us. The Dove family is in the same boat so please pray for them to.

Heavenly Father we pray that our Interpol clearance will come today so that we can have court. Amen.

He Wanted Some Eggs

2010-06-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

Well the kids are off to camp. They were supposed to leave at seven in the morning. Oh how I wish we could be there with them. Instead we are going to the open market to look for balloons for them, some fresh fruit, and maybe a few souvenirs.

I forgot to mention that John's crown came out yesterday. It happened while chewing gum and when he brought it to me I thought that he was kidding. Nope. So he laid across the hood of the car while I played Dentist Christine and placed it back in the right way. All the kids were around us and they couldn't stop commenting on how crazy the whole situation was. Thankfully it is back in and John is now chewing on the other side.

Another thing I want to share-- sure to give you a good laugh because it did me, was when John asked for eggs. He went into one of the stores and didn't know the name for eggs. When the store owners looked at him strangely because they had no clue what he was asking for-- he did this. He started clucking like a chicken, then pretends to pull something out of his bottom and then pretends to hold a round object in his hand which he then calls a "Meeach" which mean ball. Needles to say they understood my funny husband. Who says you need to know the language in order to communicate? I think John got his point across quite well-- don't you?

P.S. So many of you have left comments and private emails about wanting to help and possibly starting something to send care packages to the kids left in the orphanage. I think that is a great idea. I have the address. I also would love for families to be touched with these children's stories that may lead them to adoption-- so please feel free to share the post "Impacting Each Other Lives" with anyone who you think would read. Thanks! You are so right! God can move mountains!

What We Did Today

2010-06-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned in my previous post, the kids thought the glow sticks that could be connected into a necklace or bracelet were so cool. They had never seen anything like them--- even the 17 year old boy that Pasha gave one of his sticks to had not seen them before.

I brought flashcards and John played all kinds of games with them. Not only did they have to shout out the right answer but then John would hold up two cards and ask them which answer was bigger. Most of the time they got the answers right-- and even the 17 year old boy enjoyed playing.

The kids love the camera. Ever since I promised to mail them pictures, they have been asking to take photographs with us, with each other, and individual ones.

It has been fun.

Nastya wanted to make sure she introduced her friend Anya to us. Here she is with the glasses. I thought she was around six years old and I could have believed eight, but when she told us she was ten I was shocked because of how tiny she is. Isn't she adorable?

The kids wanted to show us their tiny, baby kitten. It looks way too young to be away from its Mama but I think with the kids caring for it, it will be okay anyway. I hope.

The girls loved painting their nails. They were thrilled when I had our facilitator tell them that they could keep the polish as long as they promised to share.

Here is Carina, Luda, and Sveta. They are close friends-- the girls who took me out for the photo shoot.

Aren't they just beautiful?

After saying our goodbyes, we headed home. After lunch we went for a walk down to an area that has a bunch of little stores in a park like area with benches to sit on and people watch. The store owners loved us when we went inside and asked to buy all of their Seputchkas-- around 2 kilograms for eight dollars.

Caleb and Rachel enjoyed divvying up the candy they bought for friends and family.

Tonight I made french toast for dinner. I added milk to the egg and Caleb ate it no problem. Still, he won't drink it in cereal, but at least it is a start. This kitchen is interesting. Every time I want to turn on the stove, I must first turn on the gas and then light the burner with a match. I also need to plug in the exhaust fan and close our bedroom door so the smell of the food doesn't permeate the bed sheets. Got that? Oh, and then I need to turn off the gas, unplug the fan, and make sure that I don't grab the hot handle on accident when I move the pan. But, I am getting used to this kitchen and it really isn't that big of a deal.

Since they don't have syrup here, we used powdered sugar and Caleb topped his last piece of french toast with ice-cream-- so we are not missing syrup yet. Eventually though, I think it would be something we would like to have again.

There are still so many things I have not told you about like the train ride here. How could I have forgotten? Did you know that the train had to make an unplanned stop because some kids threw a washing machine on the railroad tracks and we ran over it. It is a wonder our train did not derail-- but John watched the train men detangle the scrap metal and throw it aside. Also, we could not get tickets for one cabin-- rather we had two beds in one and two in another. Thankfully one woman was willing to trade her bed with one of ours, but the other guy would not budge. In the end we ended up all staying in the same cabin anyway because Rachel and I shared a bed.

Impacting Each Others Lives

2010-06-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

I must start out by saying, “Many blessings to all of you who have taken the time to comment. It has been such an encouragement to keep posting even when Internet is excruciatingly slow. Though I don’t have time to respond to all of the comments like I would like to, I am keeping them in the back of my mind and plan to answer all of them when we are back home. Thank you for all the birthday blessings for John—I read him many of the comments and he felt the love.”
*************
We knew this day was coming. Today was the last day we got to spend with the kids since they are heading off to camp tomorrow. The camp is much further away and we are already paying $40 a day for the drive to the orphanage so it would be even more to drive out to the camp everyday. Still, we plan on splurging in a couple days and driving up to the camp for hopefully, the whole day because all the kids are so worth it.

We began with our routine of seeing Nastya and Pasha first thing and they were very excited with the glow sticks we brought them. Such a commonplace thing in America-- but here--- to these children--- they might as well have been bars of gold. I know we haven’t had court yet, but still I already call them—my children--- well my children shared their glow sticks with their friends. It warmed my heart. I think they truly understand what it means to the other children to get a little enjoyment out of our visit to the Internat as well, even though we are not adopting them.

We did a couple of other things which I will share in an "extra" evening post because I want to get to the heart of this one.
**************
We all went outside and spent time with the children. Today many of the girls stayed close by me because I brought nail polish and toiletries. The older girls blessed me in ways I will never forget. Being so close to them today changed my ideas about older teenage girls in Internats-- and they will forever have a special place in my heart. It was a privilege to paint each of their nails yet they acted like it was a privilege having their nails painted by me. Phooey—little do they know how much joy they brought me. My heart was brimming with a mixture of joy and sadness as I held each of their hands in mine and painted each of their tattered, scraggly, dirty, worn, bitten to the quick nails. A few of them even had infected cuticles dabbed with green medicine. I felt bad for even noticing--- a part of me knows they are beautiful children of God and another part of me wanted to wash their hands and give them some Mama love---- oh how they each could use some Mama love. It was quite windy as we painted nails so of course the polish became lumpy and their nails looked like a mess, yet to them—they felt beautiful as I kept telling them, “Ochen Craseeva.”

This post is so hard for me to write but I feel that these children’s stories need to be told—so that it may change the hearts of others. These children do not belong here in this Internat- they belong in families like yours and mine. Anyway, most of them wearing the clothes I first met them in four days ago, I felt unworthy to be wearing fresh clean clothes with freshly washed hair and clean feet. Why should I have all of these luxuries when they have none? What did I do to deserve so much? What did they do to deserve so little?

I watched as an older girl who at first was very standoffish with me, tried to impress me by doing another girls hair. Impress me, she did, as she French braided the girls hair round and round around her head like a Jewish round hat that lays flat on boys’ heads. It was really beautiful and she beamed with pride that she could show me something I had never seen before. At one point she bent over and I could not help looking at her bra. The wires were both sticking way out of each side poking her and yet for this moment—she was happy…. content. Little did this girl know the example she was to me-- not the other way around.

Luda, the girl that at first would have nothing to do with having her picture taken--- showed me even more of her true personality today-- and what a joy that was.! She not only was extremely helpful in painting all of the younger girls’ nails but she then asked me to follow her and two of her best friends somewhere. I had no idea where I was going but I felt honored that they would invite me to go with them. As we walked through a beautiful field with fruit trees they pointed out a pack of empty cigarettes and shook their heads in disgust. I agreed and was secretly so proud of them for choosing not to smoke. They went over to the “perfect” tree where they wanted me to take “senior” like pictures of them. This was so much fun. At first they would not smile showing their teeth but after I told them how much prettier their smile was when they showed teeth they began showing them proudly. And you wouldn’t believe how much fun they were having. And I would snap their picture when they were laughing and smiling their biggest and happiest smiles and when I showed them their picture they agreed that they looked beautiful. After a while, they insisted that I get a nice picture of myself and they took great care of my camera while they snapped photos of me. At one point I adjusted my shirt so my bra strap wouldn't show and each of them quickly checked their own bra straps.

Let me tell you--- these girls are so easily influenced and my prayer is that even though this time is so short in the grand scheme of their whole life, I hope that I made a difference to them—because I know they made a difference to me. They showed me their crosses from when they were baptized and told me how they love God. This makes me very thankful to hear of their salvation and yet I know they are starving for His Word. How I wish there wasn’t the language barrier because I would have shared so many things about God’s love and grace for them. If only….

Like always—the four hours flew by and before I knew it we were saying good-bye. I gave away the toiletries and nail polish and I went into my purse and found some extra ponytails to give to Luba who I will never ever forget. After giving Nastya and Pasha a few extra pieces of gum, I secretly gave the rest to Luba along with more ponytails as I squeezed them into her hand. She quickly looked in her hand and whispered, “Spaciba.” We both smiled.

It took all of me to keep from crying.

As I climbed into the car, the kids were having Caleb autograph the backs of their hands. It was painful for us to say goodbye.

Such a dangerous thing to spend time with the children. Of course it is a blessing beyond anything I have ever experienced and yet come time I have to leave—the void I fill in my heart is one that can never be filled until I get to see their faces again.

And yes Karyn, I gave big hugs to as many children as I could. I also had our facilitator share this with the kids, "You are all such amazing, respectful, wonderful kids. You have made the Reed's visit one they will never forget. They thank you for being so welcoming. They also want you to know that if they could, they would not hesitate to bring each and every one of you back to their home because they think you are all so terrific. Have fun at camp."

Tuesday-- A Great Day

2010-06-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

It has been raining here off and on-- but it has not been very humid thankfully. The weather could not be better-- there is no air conditioner here but we all sleep comfortably.

We headed out to the Internat around 10 am this morning. We didn't leave until after 2 pm.-- yet the four hours flew by and we were sad to say goodbye.

As usual, we started our visit with just A and P in the waiting room. The other kids are not allowed to be in there so we have privacy.

We brought a nice craft to do with Nastya while John built Legos with Pasha. Adam pre-built a ship for them to try and copy.

I brought pens, crayons, color pencils, stencils, and tons of paper.

A and P enjoyed drawing with us. They are very creative.

We stayed inside for an hour before heading out to be with all the kids.

John drew their names in 3-D the way they write them in Russian. They thought it was so cool that Pasha tried to copy his Papa.

Once we were outside all the other kids ran over to us-- friendlier than the day before. Within minutes I brought out the pencils, stencils, and paper for them. They asked where they could draw and I showed them the window sill-- but it was wet and dirty. I impressed them by pulling out some American toilet paper and wiping them all down.

The kids were very easy to entertain. I wrote their names in English. I told them their equivalent American names like Pasha is Paul. I wrote the names of what they drew, the alphabet, and anything else they asked. Many of them knew the alphabet and were eager to learn whatever English I was willing to teach them. At one point I wondered if Pasha and Nastya would think I liked the other kids more so I had our facilitator explain to them that I love them very much and will always love them and that in a few days they would go to their new home in America with us where they would have lots and lots of toys and things and yet all the other kids would still be here in the Internat. I wanted them to know that I just wanted to spend some time with the other kids so that they could have some special memories for themselves. Pasha seemed pleased to hear this and actually felt relaxed to go off and play with his friends a little more knowing that no one was taking his place-- but still every once in a while he would run up to me and give me a hug and I would rub his head and kiss his forehead.

Even the 17 year olds liked hanging around us and doing whatever we had for them. I did some paper folding stuff and one girl named Luba made me a very pretty paper tulip. Many of the kids drew pictures of me too.

While I did this, John played volleyball with many of the kids.

Caleb shared his IPod with the kids and was impressed when they brought out speakers and plugged them into it so everyone could hear the music. All of the kids were very respectful of our cameras, phone, and IPod-- and a few of them had phones of their own.

At one point, all of the kids wanted their pictures taken. Here is Denis with Rachel. He is great--- but he is also already 15 so his time is running out that he could be adopted.

Here is a group photo.

This boy (I forgot his name) wanted to shake John's hand for the photo.

These two sisters have really impressed me. If I had to say I had "favorites" beside Nastya and Pasha, it would be these two girls hands down. Their names are Luba and Luda and their parents are Gypsy. Aren't they gorgeous? And they are so helpful, so respectful, and have the neatest personalities. At first, Luda, age 15, on the right refused to have her picture taken. Overnight she seems to have come of of her shell when I told her how beautiful she is and that I would send her the photos once I got back to the U.S. That is when the whole pen pal thing came up and before you know it we were exchanging addresses.

If you want to adopt two girls that are not only beautiful on the outside but in the inside too-- just like my girls are--- I would beg you to consider these two sisters. You will not be sorry you did.

Here is Alexander. He is such a good boy. Sweet and polite. And I think he has a little crush on Rachel just like a few other boys do.

It was sad to say goodbye, but it was the kids' naptime. Later this evening, we went out for pizza for John's birthday. This is the second time we have went to this place for pizza and I must say it is pretty darn good. So are the salads. We have had the Cleopatra salad and tonight we had the Caesar salad. Even Caleb thinks the pizza is yummy.

Before we went home, we stopped by the store and I bought some ice-cream thinking we would have sundaes for John's birthday but our facilitators surprised us with an ice-cream cake for John. They even bought these candles and had to cut off part of the seven because there was not a number 1 candle.

Happy birthday John-- and happy belated Father's Day!

Today is....

2010-06-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

John's birthday. Maybe I'll try and buy him a cake or make a cobbler. I think we'll go out for pizza!

We are getting ready to head out to the Internat.

It Keeps Getting Better

2010-06-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Since we can visit the orphanage anytime and we found the best time to be from 11-2pm, we have been able to sleep in every morning. The only thing about our stay is that the "outhouse" thing is getting old--- and yet every night a new boarder is here and they get the regular bathroom since their bedroom is connected to it. Oh well, for $25 a night, I shouldn't complain too much. When we were ready to go this morning we first went and exchanged money. That was interesting. Right now the rate is about 7.9 grivna to $1.00. That is not too bad considering it was as low as 5 or 6 grivna back in 2008 when we adopted Dennis. However, last year the rate was a little better at 8.2 grivna to $1.00 so our facilitator contacted a local man who exchanges money better than the bank rate. We met him standing outside the grocery store and John exchanged our money with the guy no problem for 7.95 grivna per U.S. dollar. I guess he is well known since there were two people waiting to exchange money with him after us. Then a quick stop by the Inspector's office and then off to the Internat.

When we met up with the kids-- we were a little surprised at what Nastya was wearing--- it looked like a set of Underoos that my kids wear back home with a sweater over it. She was all leg and though we wanted very badly to say something-- we didn't. Just a few more days.... just a few more days.

We brought beads to make necklaces and bracelets with A and P. I was surprised that P wanted to make them as much as A did. Even John worked on a necklace with Nastya for a while. Notice the Giants shirt John is wearing-- on the back it says Reed on it with the number 14! We explained to the kids that the number stands for 14 kids because it already includes them!

Pasha enjoys drawing and we tested him on a few math facts. He got one right and was off by one on the other two-- but we can tell that he is a great student! He just finished up the 2nd grade so we are thinking of putting him the 3rd grade with Andrew next year. We'll see.

I took the leftover beads and cut string for all the other kids in the Internat. The beads were a huge hit with all them--- even the boys! And while I felt at times like they would start looking in my pockets for the beads, they were very honest and even returned my nail clippers that I used to cut the string. It made me wish I had brought much more.

Once we ran out of beads, I took the rest of the string and showed them how to braid bracelets. That was not as popular but the string got finished up nonetheless.

When we first got to the Internat, Sveta a 16 year old girl we befriended yesterday who took a liking to Caleb, brought him a letter. Our facilitator translated it for him. We encouraged Caleb to write back and make her a friendship bracelet. She is so sweet.

Here is Caleb with Sveta.

As I made bead bracelets with some of the kids, I got to watch a few boys play soccer. They were really good-- too bad they don't have the right shoes or the right gear. The building behind them is huge---- and abandoned. It needs tons of work and will probably be torn down before it gets fixed up but of course my mind ran wild with the possibilities.

I have to say that today's visit was better than the last and they only keep getting better. Is that possible? The kids are warming up to us and it is such a privilege to be with them--- I sure hope that many of the kids get adopted from this Internat because they are all terrific--- all of them!

Back at home, the owners of the house washed our clothes for us and even hung them up! What service! When I tried to take over the task, the woman shooed me away.

The yard is amazing. From the street I would never in a million years envision what is behind their gates---- but I got to see it in person and I will show you too!

Every vegetable you can imagine seems to be growing in this garden.

Lots and lots of tomatoes!

Rachel enjoyed all the different fruits and berries-- brought make many memories for her.

After the shashlick marinated all night, it was skewered with onions.

Then it was slow cooked out in the back under all the trees surrounding the owner's beautiful garden. The property even has what looks like a little man made creek running through it when it rains.

When the meal was ready we were invited to sit down and feast on shaslick, roasted tomatoes and cucumber, and bread. The Inspector and her husband joined us too. It was very special.

For dessert, Caleb and I made cinnamon rolls. When I asked for a measuring cup, the owner brought out an electric scale in grams-- not sure what good that was going to do me. So..... I eyed all the measurements and prayed. After seeing my Smiles and Trials book with the cinnamon rolls, expectations were high.

Praise the Lord-- even though the owner told me to eye the gas fire for the oven because the temperature gauge didn't work-- the rolls came out okay. A little burned on one side of the pan because the fire cooked unevenly-- but we ate those. Topped with Powdered sugar frosting-- the rolls turned out quite good--- at least our Ukrainian friends thought so!

Who would have thought that shopping for yeast, powdered sugar, brown sugar (which they did not have), and cinnamon would be such a challenge? It was-- but it was a fun one!

Getting To Know The Other Kids Too

2010-06-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

When we got to the Internat, we had to get A and P from the yard where they were playing. It was nice to see them come running when they saw us. Since all the kids were outside and we wanted some private time with A and P first, we went inside for a while. A and P gave each of us big hugs and again were very pleased with the small trinkets we brought them. They are already learning English like please and thank you and of course.... gum.

We gave the kids little jumping frogs and they hopped them back and forth to John and Caleb. John noticed how Nastya would never sit on the concrete floor--- just like I was chastised once for sitting on a concrete step. According to Ukrainian beliefs a girl who sits on stone will have a hard time bearing children.

We gave Nastya some Hello Kitty Nail Polish and then I asked her if I could paint her nails. She sweetly said yes. After, she picked out nail decals that I applied. Then Papa asked for one and Nastya gave him a green heart. As I type this at 11pm, it is still on his hand as he sleeps. :)

We are all getting to know each other-- and the kids smile extra big when they see John and I being affectionate with each other. Since they have both been in the orphanage for a long time, John and I want to make sure they see how much we love each other because we think it will help them to feel more secure.

As we rolled cars back and forth, ate bananas, painted nails, passed around candy, and hit balloons back and forth, kids would come and stand in the hallway or sit on the couch. A and P shared their candy and Rachel and I passed out gum. We met three of the older girls who kept asking A about us. It warmed my heart to see how proud she was to talk about us.

It didn't take long before we were all ready to head outside for some fresh air. At that point, kids swarmed around us as we tried to learn their names and ages. A few of them wanted to impress us with the little bit of English that they knew-- and we gave out candy for a job well done. So one of the boys told his friend who had just come out----"If you say in English, my name is Yuri, they will give you candy." Little did they know we would give all the kids regardless of their knowledge of the English language-- candy.

But soon we ran out-- with the promise to bring treats for them tomorrow.

All of these little girls were so sweet-- especially this one with the crossed eye. She really impressed Rachel and I with her gentle, quiet spirit. If you are interested-- she does have a cute brother too.

The kids were fascinated with us-- as we were with them. So we tried to find things to do with them where the language barrier wouldn't be an issue. John ended up in the field playing Frisbee or ball with them.

I sat on this log with the kids and kept them busy with all kinds of questions. At one point, Pasha brought over a walnut and asked one of the bigger boys to crack it for him. So the boy held the nut to the building and slammed his other hand against it, cracking it open. Caleb walked over and showed them another way to crack a walnut by squeezing it against another one in your hands. The boys were not impressed-- they wanted to see Caleb crack one against the wall like they did. Caleb watched them and then copied--- and what do you know-- he even tried a little piece of one.

Around lunch time, the kids ran over to this building. I followed so that I could take a look.

Lunch consisted of Lapsha (noodles in broth), bread, and maybe some cucumber or something.

Nastya and Pasha ate so quickly-- well really they hardly ate anything at all just so that they could be with us, but one caretaker led Nastya back to her chair to eat a few more bites. Interesting, I thought.

When I came back from taking pictures of the cafeteria, I found John, Rachel, Caleb, and A and P in a circle with a few of the other kids. They played Frisbee until it was time for a nap.

As the kids were going inside, Rachel and I asked if we could go up and see Nastya's bed. It was on the third floor-- the very top. All the girls were happy to show us their room and immediately I thought of the movie Annie. Nastya is sitting on her bed.

As we made our way back down the stairs we watched the caretakers standing at the door checking out the kids as they came in. Rachel noticed one of them was holding Pasha's box of candy we gave him. :( An older boy had a water bottle with him and the caretakers were questioning him about it. As he pleaded with them, they sent him outside with it. Wish we would have stuck around to see the outcome of the situation but it was time for us to head back. The Inspector had worked during the weekend to get our paperwork in order to send on the train to Kiev tomorrow night and so our facilitator had to finish up things with her.

On the drive back to the house, John and Rachel played a game. Remember the tree lined road I told you about that we have to take to go to the Internat? Well John and Rachel would reach for the trees to grab handfuls of leaves.

Fun-- huh?

P.S. Today John and I had to tell our facilitator what names we wanted on the court decrees. We also made cinnamon rolls, ate shashlik, and explored the most amazing hidden wonderland of trees, fruits, and veggies behind the house we are staying in. Who could possibly know how beautiful and grand it is on this property just looking from the street? Not us---- it looks so small from the front. But once you enter the property and are invited behind the locked door at the back of the house it feels like you are walking into another world.

I could so live here.

From Rachel and Caleb

2010-06-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

The other day, Rachel and Caleb sat down and wrote a little something.

FROM RACHEL
So you asked… “Do I like being back in Ukraine?” Well… since I have been here, I have enjoyed myself a lot. I remember many things too… like some of the foods. I remember eating little dried, salty fish and my Dad found some kind of the same and we shared a piece. I don’t like it anymore. I also remember the milk, and boursh that I love. Also, some of the words that people are saying I remember. They are coming back to me and I can understand certain things. Today, we met Anastasia and Paul! They are so adorable and I had lots of fun playing with them. Tonight, my Mom and I packed little bags of goodies for them. I can’t wait to give it to them! Also I can't wait to go shopping for candy and stuff like that.

FROM CALEB
Well this is Caleb and I heard that my mom’s blog visitors wanted me to do a blog post…so here I am. What I think of Ukraine..hmm. I have mixed feelings of it right now, some stuff I really like and others I don’t. I really like how busy Kiev is, and I like the little shops everywhere in it, and yesterday we went to dinner with two other American couples that were here. I liked visiting with the American couples, but the food I “tried” to eat didn’t float my boat. I wouldn’t really say it’s bad, its just VERY different from what I’m used to. I think I got some boneless chicken, some mixed veggies, and some potatoes. Believe it or not, my favorite part was the mixed veggies. It was pretty cool to see that porcupine or hedge hog…whatever it was. I was amazed to see it so close to the road. My Mom kept telling me that the restrooms were the worst part of Ukraine, in the restaurants, in the apartments, and ESPECIALLY on the train, I’ve been to all three of them and I have to say, she exaggerated way too much. They were about as bad as an American McDonald's restroom. I am actually typing this at midnight on the train to Kramatorsk so I’m going to end this blog post now and maybe type another on in the next couple of days. If you have more questions about how I feel about things in Ukraine, please just email my mom or post a comment on the blog with your question and I will answer it in my next post. In the end, out of a scale of one to 10, I give Ukraine an 8.

FROM MOM
I must add that I exaggerated about the bathrooms so that he would be pleasantly surprised when he actually used them. And.... I guess it worked. Calev is beginning to eat more things-- like pizza, ice-cream, cheese, and homemade veesh-nee perogies which are tart cherries. He has also used the outhouse-- Rachel too! Rachel has been enjoying her time at the Internat but when I ask her-- she misses absolutely nothing about orphanage life-- which is good.

We had the most amazing visit today-- they just seem to be getting better and better. Why you might be asking? Today we visited with all the children and got to see where the kids sleep and eat. We were like magnets and with 75 beautiful faces looking at you longingly--- it is hard to not feel touched emotionally and spiritually. Oh I wish they could all have loving families--- they would make wonderful sons and daughters---- such beautiful girls and handsome young men.

Pictures to come..... I hope. And let's not forget all of the wonderful stories. We have so many of them---- the walnut story, the boyfriend story, the gum story, etc. etc.

Loving Our Time Here

2010-06-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Our time in Ukraine has been amazing so far. However, Internet is incredibly slow and John just tonight found a way for me to upload a few pictures though I have a hundred more. So, I will share lots with you, but most of it will be left up to your imagination.

In the early afternoon, we went to the Internat. With school being over, there is no set time to visit the kids so instead of doing two visits we had one nice long visit.

This is the front of the orphanage more accurately called the Internat that houses children ages 6-17 and sometimes older if they entered the orphanage older and with no previous schooling-- so that they could finish school.

Here is a group of kids in the yard-- just hanging out.

Today we brought our 2009 Smiles and Trials book to show A and P. We felt that yesterday it would be a little overwhelming, but after processing the fact that we want to be their family we felt today was a good day to show them. Afterwards, the kids were asked once again if they wanted to be adopted by us. They answered yes and were taken into the director's office to write up their permission. Later our facilitator shared what each of the kids wrote. Pasha's note was short and sweet--- one sentence with beautiful penmanship. Nastya wrote three of four sentences saying that she gave her permission to be adopted, she wanted us to be her Mama and Papa, and she liked her new family very much. We were asked if we wanted copies of the letters. You better believe we do!

Today we brought a bunch of trinkets for A and P. It was touching to watch them examine each and every little thing we gave them down to the little kaleidoscopes. I think it was an eye opening moment for Rachel and Caleb to see how much they appreciated even the smallest of gifts. Rachel later told me how she did the same exact thing when she was adopted.

We went outside today and ran around. We played ball, threw a Frisbee and played Sabatchka in the middle after Pasha suggested it. It was during this time that we really got to see the kids' personalities shine through. Pasha has a very playful side of him-- teasing his sister in a little brother kind of way-- and Nastya patiently played along just like a loving big sister should. They shared with each other and offered us the candy we had given to them. It was a blessing to watch them-- no other words sum it up better.

At one point, I offered to fix Nastya's hair-- which she let me do.

Then I took this picture to show her-- and she smiled--- a real smile.

Pasha is playful and imaginative-- and he reminds me so much of Jonny.

The shoes that he has been wearing are way too small for him... his feet dirty from playing outside... and the Mom in me can't wait to soap up his little feet and tickle them between the toesies! I wonder if he'll let me--- after all he is nine. Somehow, I think he will let me anyway. :)

Today we had to move out of our hotel. And you'll never guess where we moved to--- a house! An older couple added onto their house and rent it out to people like us. And if you know me at all-- this has been a dream of mine-- to stay in a house in Ukraine just like this with the owners still there kind of like we're boarders. And I am living that dream!

So let me show you around.

Here is where we all hang out. Tonight we played Racko, ate ice-cream, drank Coca-Cola, and talked.

This is where we can take a nap and soak up the sun next to the beautiful garden.

This is our bedroom. All of the beds are on spring metal with thin mattresses laid on top. I happened to get the nicest one--- Caleb is just laying on it in this picture. A big rug is hanging on the wall.

The owners grew these sunflower seeds and cooked and salted them--- and boy are they delicious! We even had newspaper cones to spit out the shells.

Our facilitator was happy to oblige when we asked about eating authentic Shaslik. Here he is cutting up the meat and marinating it. Tomorrow we will barbecue. To reciprocate the nice gesture, tonight I bought ingredients to make cinnamon rolls-- but I couldn't find brown sugar. Wish me luck!

I forgot to mention that this is our toilet. Not every night-- just tonight because the other communal toilet is being used by other overnight guests (just this one night).

Normally, I would not be too happy-- but this time I am just smiling-- really big. Nothing like walking in the dark to use this wonderful toilet!

This trip has been full of wonderful surprises thus far yet I must say it will probably be our most memorable. Hmmmm, what will tomorrow have in store.

We'll just have to wait and see.

The Sweetest Meeting

2010-06-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

As we anxiously waited for our facilitator to pick us up, many thoughts ran through our minds. It was exciting to imagine how things would unfold in the next hour or two. As we drove toward the small village town where Anastasia and Pavel's Internat is, the road was lined with the most beautiful, lush trees. It really felt like we were traveling to another world.... a remote and special place where we would soon meet our children. It seemed like we traveled this road for a long time but little by little we began to see signs of civilization... we knew the Internat was just up the road. John asked our facilitator to tell us as soon as he saw the Internat... which he did... and of course our hearts began to beat excitedly.

From the road, we were only 30 feet away from the building, but the entrance was clear around the other side. We felt--- so close.... yet so far.

As soon as the building was in sight, so were kids..... everywhere. Kids sitting on the front steps. Kids were scattered in the surrounding fields, sitting in groups, running around. We thought there was a chance we would spot A and P, but we were led inside quickly and they left to get the director. We sat with her for a while as she "drilled" us with questions. Within 10 minutes, we were informed that she liked us just as she began to tell us about Anastasia and Paul.

"Nastya is a sweet girl... always singing... always happy. Very smart, such a wonderful girl. Pasha is a good boy. Does well in school. They know each other and love each other very much. They are calm and they are two of my favorites. Why can't the SDA refer the children who are trouble makers-- LOL?"

It was wonderful to hear her praise-- and it made us all the more anxious to meet the kids. We were led into another room where the inspector went over their social history. None of that really mattered to us.... we just wanted to get to the point where we could meet A and P.

When it was time they told us that they were going to get the kids, Rachel and Caleb got the cameras ready.

It happened all so fast.

A and P walked in together--- looking so sweet and shy. They are beautiful! Both had on little hats, Nastya's long braids pulled to the front over her shoulders. Both have a cute little way of shyly smiling.

Formal introductions were followed with hugs. No questions asked... we already feel like they are ours! We played with punching balls and overloaded them with candy. Pasha does not care for seputchkas, but he enjoyed the fruit snacks and shared them with all of us. Both of the kids are interactive, respectful, patient, and have such an innocent quality about them. They may be 9 and 11 but they are so much younger in many ways. It will be a joy to introduce them to family life!

The inspector talked to them about being adopted and both are thrilled---- especially knowing that many siblings await them at home. We are hoping to have court at the end of next week--- so please pray that our paperwork is finalized in order for this to happen.

Praise be be to God--- Anastasia and Pavel are everything we imagined and so much more!

We Met Them!

2010-06-18T05:02:00.000-07:00

And they are perfect in every way!

So do you want ot hear the details?

Stay tuned.... internet is incredibly slow right now and I am the only one not taking a nap.

We Made It!

2010-06-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

We are finally in region! Our train got in around 6:20 in the morning and then we had to drive for an hour to the bigger city that is next to the smaller city the kids' dietski dom is in. We are freshening up a bit-- and then we are off-- to meet Anastasia and Paul! We are so excited, tired, hungry, anxious, thrilled, and delirious to be here-- all rolled up in one!

Stay tuned!

Sleep. Sleep. Oh Wonderful Sleep

2010-06-17T02:02:00.000-07:00

We are finally awake--- and it is nearly noon! Noon! Can you believe it! I guess I fibbed in my last post saying I was already on Ukraine time. :) Oh, well, the sleep felt wonderful. In a few hours we are hoping to get our referral for the kids and hop on a train over to the same region we were in last year. Pretty exciting.

The day has been leisurely.... slowly packing to head out. Caleb is having a hard time adjusting to the food... thankfully there is a McDonalds close by and prepackaged candy bars. I also brought some oatmeal packets and cereal--- but Caleb tried the milk and nearly had a fit. Soooo... he ate his cereal dry. We played Racko, yelled "Good Afternoon" from our apartment window to passersby, and washed the dishes by hand.

It is good to be in Ukraine.

Our Adventurous Day

2010-06-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

In the afternoon we walked down to TGI Fridays to meet the Doves and bring them back to our apartment. On the way, we stopped at a grocery store and bought some lunch fixings for sandwiches. Of course I picked up some ice-cream-- but after a four mile walk I was pretty sure my weight would not suffer.

We visited the whole afternoon. Their son William and Rachel picked feathers out of one of the comforters and blew them outside so that they could watch them float like in Forrest Gump. The guys watched soccer and Jenn and I talked and played Racko.

Around 6 pm we agreed to meet up with the Urbans for dinner at a Ukrainian style buffet and began our 2 mile trek.

On the way we saw this poster and thought it odd that a boy would pour his Father beer as the Mother watched. But apparently, it is wheat ale-- not beer-- but not sure what the difference is either.

We came across this poster cut-out at a bus stop and stopped to take Rachel's picture.

The walk was uneventful except for one thing.

This yashick!

Yes, we saw a baby porcupine--- correction--- baby hedgehog according to Jennifer--- In the middle of busy Kiev! Can you believe it?

Once we got to the restaurant we walked through the buffet. I put two bowls of Borscht, two meatballs in a tomato sauce, bread, coca-cola, water, and a big piece of chicken on my tray to share with John who was saving a spot for our party of nine.

Dinner was wonderful-- not so much the food, but the company. Thank you Jennifer, Zack, William, Charissa, and John for making this trip very memorable!

On the walk home we stopped at a flea market where we saw saffron for sale. A tiny little container of it was 150 grivna. Thanks but no thanks.

The guy let us sample two different kinds of candy and so in return we bought these dried kiwi.

They look like they would be a sweet delicious jewel of chewy kiwi in your mouth but instead I saved them for whoever wants to try them. I'll leave it at that.

I will also leave you with a hilarious story. I asked Caleb and Rachel to do the dishes and John got the bright idea to use the dishwasher. I warned John that we didn't have the right soap but John told Caleb to use dish soap. LOL, I begged him not to-- but he said it would be alright.

O-----kay.

Ten minutes later Rachel and Caleb said the dishwasher exploded and I chose not to look. From what I gather, the whole kitchen floor was covered in soap-- and our kitchen is huge compared to most Ukrainian kitchens.

I'm going to bite my tongue and not even tell my sweet and incredibly smart husband-- "I told you so."

Do you remember the Brady Bunch episode where Bobby adds too much soap to the washing machine? Picture that.

Our SDA Appointment

2010-06-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

I went to bed after midnight last night and slept through the night. I think we are all on Ukraine time more or less. We got up around 7 am and took our time getting ready for our appointment at 9 am. One of our facilitators was waiting for us when we walked into the fresh morning air at 8:30. Once we got to the SDA, we waited a bit until the Dove family joined us. We were both escorted into our meeting rooms at the same time-- first us because our room was behind their room. Our meeting went great. We brought tons of pictures and everyone remembered us--so the meeting was light and friendly. Anastasia and Paul are both younger than we thought---- 9 and 11 with birthdays close to our other kids. We saw pictures of them when they were younger--- such cuties. I think they resemble us Reeds too!

We asked for a same day referral but due to new changes they can't give it to us until tomorrow.

Until then we are going to hang out around here and hopefully meet up with the Doves and the Urbans for lunch.

Then tomorrow after we pick up our referrals we will head out on a train to.....

From Moments Before We Left...

2010-06-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

till now--- I have finally posted pictures!

Before we left back On Sunday night, June 13, we played Racko. It was nice getting in some last minute quality time with the kids before we left.

Going on Mission Reed Adoption is Rachel, Mom, Dad, and Caleb. All are up for the task. :)

Our friend Paul dropped us off at the airport.

Heading into LAX. We packed light-- which made for easy traveling.

The proud parents to be!

Me trying sushi for the first time. I wish I could say that I loved it-- because people who love shushi seem so exotic and sophisticated to me. Oh well... I guess I will always be a PB and J kind of gal. But I do look a little exotic with the flower in my hair-- right? :)

Awww, Daddy and daughter sharing a soda. How sweet.

Here we are in the Borispol airport. Notice how empty the baggage claim area was. Our bags were already there when we got to the claim area.

The weather was very nice in Kiev compared to rainy Germany. Here we are loading up our bags to drive to our apartment.

Hi Kiev!

This is right outside our apartment door in Kiev.

Here is Jennifer Dove and I sitting in TGI Fridays. She is even more amazing in real life! William, her son is such a cutie. John enjoyed getting to know Jenn's husband Zack.

Here is our group shot!

This picture was taken from our bedroom window on the fourth floor.

So many trees-- green and lush--- heavenly. It feels so good to be back in Ukraine.

We had our SDA appointment this morning--- stay tuned to hear all about it!

In Kiev!

2010-06-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

We made it to Kiev! And going through customs was a breeze compared to previous trips. I guess our smaller flight into Kiev resulting in less people going through customs and having to pick-up luggage balanced with our two layovers. Our Ukraine "connections" whom I prefer to refer to as our friends picked us up immediately and took us to a nice apartment within walking distance to TGI Fridays. It was there that we met up with five other adoptive families including the Doves, Urbans, Loraines, Thibaults, and Enbergs. It was quite the party!

John is asleep next to me and Internet is incredibly slow so I could not upload pictures-- though I tried--- really hard. Oh well, I'll post them tomorrow!

I think we have already walked over a mile and I am pretty tired myself.

Tomorrow morning is our SDA appointment along with the Dove family. We look forward to sharing exciting news with you!

P.S. The weather couldn't be better-- I heard last week was a scorcher! It is such a blessing to be back. To even think about meeting A and P in two days is such a treat!

We Made It To Boston!

2010-06-14T15:21:00.001-07:00

And what a nice welcome we got too! Mary over at Cooking, College and More recognized us and came over and said hi! It was awesome to meet a fellow blogger in real life. On the plane ride, I sat next to the sweetest lady named Judy. She made the plane ride go by very fast. If you are reading---- Hi Judy!

Tonight I tried a California Roll for the first time. The seaweed was a bit strong, but I ate the whole thing. Personally, I loved the Chinese food much more!

We are looking forward to flying into Munich, Germany next--- so until then!

Love all of you and thanks for all the prayers. Stephanie, I appreciated your comment so much--- our first flight was uneventfully safe!

The First Stretch

2010-06-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! We made it safe and sound to the airport, thanks to our nice friends Paul and Melissa. We actually got to their house a little after three in the morning but we told them we wouldn't be there until 4 so we camped out in our car in the front of their house. Finally John called them after he let me have a cat nap and we joined them for breakfast. It was a pleasure to begin our trip with such wonderful people-- thanks again Paul and Melissa!

Let me back up a bit. As we buckled up in the car, a bunch of fireworks went off in our neighborhood--- they lit up the sky. What timing.... and what a send off! We listened to Caleb's music on the way down-- nothing like Stellar Kart and Manafest blasting throughout the car! Made me feel like a teenager!

Check in was a bit of a challenge doing it ourselves, but we got through it eventually. :)

Now we are sitting at our gate with lots of hustle and bustle around us. It is quite exciting but lack of sleep is catching up with me. Oh well, nothing like preparing your body for a time change before you even get to your destination.

So really.... next stop....

Boston!

P.S. Tina, that was a wonderful offer to drive over for a visit while we are in Boston. I would have liked that very much! And yes, Rachel is very excited about this trip. She can't get over how big the airplanes are!

P.S.S. The coolest thing I forgot to mention happened right after Andrew's recital. Rachel's bio-brother and his family met up with us to say good-bye! How special is that?

P.S.S.S. We already miss all of you! Have a great day.... and stay out of trouble. Remember Annalyn and Anna--- help Mrs. Cappelletty fold clothes! Julia have fun with Hannah!

The Time Has Come

2010-06-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

We are headed to the airport!

Stay tuned for the adoption adventures of the Reed family!

Prayers for safe travels much appreciated.

First stop Boston!

Unbelievable...

2010-06-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

I am fairly calm.

More things to cross off my seemingly ever growing list.

Print pictures of Alex and Dennis to give to the SDA
Print pictures of A and P to hopefully swap out with ones of when they were younger at the SDA
Gather, label, and explain all of Dennis and Alex's medicines
Pack toiletries
Polish shoes

John's list

Pool Maintenance
Fix fence
Recycle Cans

Something Even Better

2010-06-11T16:59:00.001-07:00

I canceled our Park, Room and Fly.

Friends of ours who live fairly close to the airport offered to keep our car and drive us to and from the airport.

This makes our trip even more exciting!

It Takes Only One

2010-06-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

It only takes one person.... and once in a while you are really blessed with two.... or even more.

That is what happened yesterday.

When I came home after a long day, mail in hand, I opened up a card from a person whose address I did not recognize and was blessed with a very encouraging message. A complete stranger according to the world... yet a sister in Christ went out of her way to write me and send a gift in support of our adoption. Thank you Denise for lifting me and my family up in a most amazing way. You say that you have been blessed by me...... I think it is the other way around. Thank you.

And then.... I opened my email and found a very touching comment by someone who says they have read through every blog post on all of my blogs over the past month. A little scared to read on, she too encouraged me in exactly the way that I needed to be. I think it is just amazing how God uses people at precisely the right moment to encourage and help out someone else. This was definitely one of those times.

Feeling blessed beyond measure times two, I got a call from our small group last night inviting us to a get-together so that they could all pray for us before we leave. Little did my friend Tina know-- but she made me cry tears of joy. Again, what a blessing.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Between these three things and the amazing things that happened last week with everyone who participated in the pillow fundraiser and then a few weeks back the I-POD Nano giveaway---- love has surrounded this whole adoption process. Your words of encouragement have been instrumental in our journey.

Love you guys!

Trying Something New

2010-06-09T22:05:00.001-07:00

I went ahead and booked a room for the night before our flight. So we will park (our car) for as long as we need at the hotel, room (for the night), and fly off to Ukraine! It makes it so we don't have to drive in the middle of the night. This is something new for us-- I have a feeling this adoption is going to be full of new surprises!

I am so excited about our trip-- I have a learned a few things that I can't wait to share with you!

Two Beds

2010-06-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

Anastasia's bed is all washed and ready for when she comes home. We made her comforter a few months back--- we tried to get it to match the best we could.

Pavel will be sharing a room with William.

Just a few more things to check off my list-- and then I will be all done!

Crossing More Things Off My List

2010-06-07T22:05:00.001-07:00

It is getting down to the final days-- lots has been done.

Weeded, trimmed bushes, sprayed Round-up in front yard
Prepaid bills
Last minute shopping
Cleaned off desk
Straightened up scrapbook table
Started washing all bedding in house
Last minute purging of "junk"
1/4 of the way packed
Arranged to pick up money
Shopping for Caleb's graduation outfit
Finalizing child sitting in the morning

Phew--- didn't think I would ever get this stuff done!

Just a few more days A and P--- just a few more days.

Thinking of...

2010-06-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

doing a Park, Room, and Fly. Since we are leaving early in the morning we planned on driving around 2am for four hours and then hanging out at the airport. But a friend mentioned doing a Park, Room, and Fly which will cost the same and maybe a little less but it gives us a hotel room right by the airport so we don't have to drive through the night. Sounds like a pretty good deal but as with everything new-- routine is so much easier to stick to.

Decisions, decisions.

Trusting

2010-06-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

Alex and Dennis are very attached to me--- and I to them. I think this is especially so because they are still home with me more times than not and well, because I am their primary caregiver. I have noticed lately that they reference me all the time too--- I'm gonna tell Mom--- No, my Momma--- Where's Mom--- Look it Mom! Of course I am thrilled for this is the kind of healthy attachment I hoped to have with both of them-- but this also makes me think of how they are going to do when I am gone. Thankfully, Julia and Adam will be with them the whole time I am gone and I will talk with them often on the phone, but I still wonder how things will be as soon as I leave. They will have pictures of course and John will be home sooner than I will be--- but this is something that I am putting my trust in the Lord with. I know He is in control, I know He has all of our best interests at heart, and I know He knows where I struggle--- so I am just going to trust.

Proverbs 3 5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your might and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will keep your paths straight.

Just like I am going to trust that A and P will feel an immediate connection with us. I am planning so many little ice breakers for the first few days that I think things will be just fine. I am also bringing our 2009 Smiles and Trials blog book that I made a few months ago that should really give them an idea of what our family is like. I think A and P will feel comfortable having Caleb and Rachel around too. The two of them are so outgoing that I have no doubt they will be hanging out with all the older kids in the orphanage, if that is allowed.

Anyway, we are leaving in only eight days! Can you believe that? Eight days!

So Who Else is Going to Be There?

2010-06-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

We are planning on being in Ukraine on June 15 thru mid July. Who else is going to be there? Would you like to get together? We are open, flexible and excited to meet up with other adoptive families who will be in Ukraine at the same time.

Please let us know if you will there!

In Just 10 Days

2010-06-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it. God willing-- in 10 days we are leaving for Ukraine! Things continue to come together as I make last minute preparations. Who is going to watch which kids? Who will get the mail? Feed the animals? I'm prepaying bills. Going through closets. Writing up medical authorizations. Buying socks and underwear.

It all feels chaotic and sometimes I stop and say I am finished for today-- I've done enough. Smiling-- I know I will be most productive the last three days before we leave and so I allow myself to do this. Why stress out for ten days when I can narrow it down to three?

One exciting thing is that John ordered a PC network card for his laptop computer (through work) which means we will have Internet everywhere while over there instead of hit and miss! How nice will that be? However, that means that he will also be working from Ukraine now and then. Still, it is a great thing!

Thank you to all who helped raise over $500 for travel costs. It is a huge blessing. Can't wait to see who wins the pillows!

Congratulations!

2010-06-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

Kharms80 (Kate) is the highest bidder for the Japanese tea set. Thank you to all who bid on it and helped raise $60 towards our adoption of Anastasia and Pavel. I am very appreciative of your generosity. Please email me at thereed8 at yahoo dot com.

Thinking of A and P

2010-05-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we did a lot of swimming. A and P often came to mind as I watched my other kids enjoy the water. The simple pleasure of just splashing around with people you know love you..... family.... is something A and P have not had in a very long time...... if ever. I am so glad that they will be home before summer is over so that they can experience the simple joy of splashing around the pool.... with family.

As I went through clothes for A today with the girls, we all wondered what size she would be. Would she be small for her age like all my children were when they first came home? How big is her foot? Should I bring her a bra or two? What is her favorite color? Does she like chocolate or will she be a gum chewer like all my other girls? We made her a tie blanket comforter a few months back and pulled it out today. It will be a blessing to have her home sleeping under it.

As for P--- it was much easier packing for him-- because after all, he is a boy and boys are so much easier to choose clothes for-- at least in my experience. Laughing out loud-- I am having a harder time picking out a few toys to bring. So, I packed a Frisbee, some penny toys like whistles, rubber balls, toy cars, etc.

A and P-- sweet dreams tonight!

P.S. Anyone want to guess what their names are?

P.S.S. The bidding for the Japanese tea set is at $60 as of now. You guys are the best! Remember, the bidding ends tomorrow at noon.

Update on Bidding

2010-05-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Thanks so very much for all that you guys are doing! It is not too late to enter the giveaway for one of the beautiful prayer pillows! If you would like to bid on the tea set just leave a comment on that post with your bid. Blessings! Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial day!

The Lord is So Good!

2010-05-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

I just go this email. Isn't Chris amazing? More so, isn't God amazing? If you notice I previously posted an auction for a Japanese tea set-- wondering what was going to happen. And now this. I am beyond humbled. And these prayer pillows are just gorgeous and I love the idea! Please read the following post taken from Chris's blog over at the Robins' Nest.
***************************************
Giveaway for a Cause!
I am generally a stay behind the scenes, don't put myself out there kind of person, but something about a family, and a woman in particular has taken hold of my heart and I want to help out, if I can, in my own small way.

I started following Christine's blog smilesandtrials in 2008 when she was preparing to bring Dennis home. I was so taken by her spiritual strength and unfailing advocacy for her family and her children. Some people spend their time on this earth and depart, leaving it very much as they found it, but Christine, her husband and family devotedly serve God and touch and enrich and change many lives, not only through growing their family through adoption and giving a warm loving home to their children, but through demonstrating what a it means to live a life in God's service and love. Is Christine human? Yes she is. And she stumbles from time to time as we all do, but it is her ability to stand up and own up to her struggles that humbles her and enables her to grow in God's love. It is not enough to say that I have been inspired by her.

I followed the Reed family's journey to bring Alex home last summer and thought what a wonderful opportunity it was for Julia and Dennis to partcipate in the journey.

While bringing their two newest children home from Ukraine ( http://www.reedadoptionblog.blogspot.com/ ), Rachel and Caleb will be joining Christine and John. I wanted to help raise money for Caleb and Rachel's travel expenses as well as the travel expenses for A & P, and immediately thought of the beautiful Prayer Pillows my friend Katherine makes.

The pillows make a wonderful gift for yourself or someone dear to you. A card in the pocket reads, "May your unfailing love rest upon us o' Lord as we put our hope in you." Psalms 33:22. You can also tuck a picture of your child in the pocket for a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, or a hand written prayer for a friend, sibling or teacher. The pillows sell for $22, but we are offering 8 for this raffle, two of which were donated by my friend Katherine.

Giveaway tickets will be $10 each. For that you will get one chance to win one of these beautiful prayer pillows. You can select which pillow you would like to be entered for. Simply place your name and e-mail address in a comment below with the number of pillow you would like to be entered for. Then deposit $10 in the ChipIn. If you are unable to use the Chip In let me know and I may be able work out an arrangement for you to send a check. Finally, enter as many times as you would like! The more entries the better your chance to win! Entries can be placed until, Thursday, June 3rd, 10:00 p.m. CST at which time no further entries will be accepted. I will pull names Friday, June 4th and announce the winners here and notify you by e-mail if you are a winner. I will then get your address and mail the Prayer Pillow to you. It's that simple!!

Pillow #1

Pillow #2

Pillow #3

Pillow #4

Pillow #5

Pillow #6

Pillow #7

Pillow #8

card in pocket of pillow

If you are interested in ordering Prayer Pillows on your own, here is Katherine's contact info.

katrobertsoo@comcast.net

Japanese Tea Set

2010-05-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

So--- I am humbly going to try to do some last minute fundraising. Please don't ask why, but I am personally struggling to feel like this adoption is worthy of being fundraised for. Yet, it will be more expensive because there isn't a Reece's Rainbow grant to begin with and we are adopting two-- one with an adult plane fare home. I know, I know, this is the pride in me, and so I am stepping out in faith and seeing what happens. Thank you ahead of time for whatever you feel led to do, if anything at all.

A few years ago, I go this beautiful tea set from Japan. I always envisioned it being displayed beautifully in a curio cabinet or on a fireplace mantle, or better yet being used by a mother and her daughter or daughters having tea and fortune cookies. Isn't it pretty? Sadly, I never did get it out because I would need more than one set to ever be able to use it with our size family. Still, I think my dreams for this tea set could be fulfilled by another family..... so I am holding a silent auction for it.

Its detail is lovely, its color is gorgeous. It has never been used.

I will ship it to the highest bidder, bubble wrapped in its original box. Please factor in $5 for shipping costs when bidding.

All donations will go towards our new children's plane tickets home. Feel free to spread the word. Thank you.

Almost forgot to mention bidding ends on June 1st at noon.

Don't Let Fear Creep In Now

2010-05-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Tickets are definitely booked. Our SDA appointment is bright and early the 16th. As I thought about the commitment and the money leaving our bank account, I began to stress over finances. Within seconds, that moment of fear about how and where all the money for our adoption would be taken care of flooded over me, and I lost sight that God is our mighty provider.

This weekend, Rachel and Caleb are working to earn whatever last bit of money they can chip into their own plane tickets. I am thinking of doing a last minute silent auction on a few things. Rachel and Julia have a few knitted and crocheted things left that I can repost.

Praying that God continues to work out these last few details.

Tickets are Booked!

2010-05-26T13:54:00.001-07:00

First thing this morning, I booked our tickets. I was literally working with four agents when one finally told me that Lufthansa was going to cancel both of my reservations if I didn't choose one soon.
So I ditched two of them and came clean with the other two. I asked them both to give me their best deal-- and come morning my choice was clear.

We have humanitarian fares on Lufthansa that have one free flight change if necessary. Less than $1600 a piece. Much better than the $1900 I was quoted for other flights that were not even humanitarian fares. The only thing is that we have two stops instead of one-- but oh well I saved us $1200.

And I think an extra stop is worth $1200. Don't you?

We leave bright and early on June 14th!

Thoughts

2010-05-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

It's really happening. We are traveling to Ukraine to meet A and P. It happened all so quickly.

Deep breath. One minute I am on cloud nine and the next I am am stressing over this and that.

Remember Christine-- God is in control. You are not.

Deep breath. I think this trip is going to be longer than our others. We are leaving on the 14th and John and Caleb have return dates of July 2nd. And that's if all goes according to plan. So far it has. And it would be amazing if things continued to go just as planned-- but is there such a thing as the "perfect according to plan" adoption?

If there is, I haven't heard of them.

I have been going through and getting rid of so much stuff--- I can't believe what a pack rat I am. Nesting.

Every now and then I see A and P's beautiful faces I can't help but wonder if they have a clue.

Since they are older, so many thoughts race through my mind.

Will they like us?
Will they say yes?
Will they get along with our other children?
Will they like the things we brought?
Are they expecting more than we can give them?

In my heart of hearts, I trust that everything will be okay, but the thoughts run through my mind nonetheless. Oh, it will be amazing to go back.

About Three Weeks to Go

2010-05-24T22:16:00.001-07:00

I think I found tickets that will work for us. They are the most reasonably priced (yet still ridiculous) with only one stop leaving just enough time to change flights. Woo-hoo, our facilitator should give us the heads up tomorrow about going ahead and purchasing them. I can't wait to cross that off my to-do list.

Tomorrow I am going to see about ordering new bills and doing some light packing.

I still can't believe that we are leaving in less than three weeks.

If we get the chance, we hope to meet up with a few families in Kiev. What a blessing that would be.

Thank you to all that have supported this adoption, I don't think I have thanked you enough.

Big hugs.

Tickets to Ukraine...

2010-05-24T16:22:00.001-07:00

are so expensive. I checked out what the extra baggage fees would be for 120 pounds times two. I don't think Rachel and Caleb would mind too much. :)

Booking Flights

2010-05-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

Who would you recommend for booking flights to Ukraine besides Lonnie Rowland and Golden Rule Travel? Just wondering. Thanks!

Drumroll.....

2010-05-21T09:50:00.001-07:00

God's timing could not be more perfect.
He answered our prayers.
We need to be in Ukraine on June 15.
Our appointment is on the 16th!

Prayers Have Been Answered!

2010-05-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

We have our SDA appointment date!

We have to be in Ukraine on......

Probably Next Month

2010-05-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

I have started nesting around the house but you couldn't tell by my computer desk. But, I am going through clothes, cupboards, closets and getting rid of stuff that we just don't use. I can't believe that May is almost over-- it is realistic to assume that we will be in Ukraine in only one month.

Not a day goes by where I don't think of A and P--- it will be such a blessing to finally meet them.

Lord, please be with each and every orphan tonight and tuck them all sweetly into their beds.

It Could Be Any Day

2010-05-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that in about a month we will be traveling back to Ukraine--- God willing. I am excited about it all--- the packing, the ticket shopping, the plane ride, the people, the language, the staircases, the taxi rides, the SDA appointment, and even the train ride. Most of all I am excited about finally getting to meet A or N and P. Every time I glance at their picture, I smile. They are beautiful. They should fit in perfectly with our family. P is around William's age and A or N is a few years older. What is one more 12 year old?

It could be any day now when we hear of our travel date. Hopefully everything will continue to go as smoothly as it has so far. We can pray.

SDA Appointment??

2010-05-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

Since we are waiting, we might as well play the game-- Guess our SDA appointment date!

What day do you think it will be? Maybe it will be the same day as the Dove family.

Thinking of Ukraine

2010-05-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

I woke up thinking of Ukraine today. I opened up our sliding glass door first thing this morning and enjoyed the fresh air. This reminded me of how I opened up the kitchen window every morning when we were in Ukraine last summer. The sun shining brightly throughout the kitchen as I made my morning coffee reminded me of-- you guessed it-- my mornings in Ukraine. Oh how I miss the place. It holds such a special place in my heart. The simplicity of this beautiful country is something I long for here, but can never quite achieve.

It will be so nice to get back there. I can't wait to share it with Caleb and Rachel and of course, John. I can't wait to meet A and P--- if only they knew we were coming. Still, I pray that God is preparing their hearts to say yes to our family--- they are at the age where their consent is needed.

Hopefully the SDA will look at our paperwork with favor and we will hear our travel date in the next week or two. The journey is really just beginning.

And Then There Was....

2010-05-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

two.

When I was at the store the other day I found a cute pair of shorts with a bright colored shirt. I thought it would be a perfect summer outfit. I also picked up a few more girly things that I think A might enjoy, including a new bathing suit. I hope it fits her.

Just to be fair, I found some cool boy outfits for P. I wonder if he is around the same size as William. I'm thinking he isn't quite as tall. I can't wait to see if I am right!

Yes, we have petitioned to adopt a sibling group---- hopefully we will have a new son and daughter (just a few years older) by the end of summer!

Choosing

2010-05-06T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have had dreams of sitting at the SDA flipping through files of children wondering which one we should choose. Each face looking into my eyes begging for me to choose them. Looking over at John who is of no help whatsoever because he too can't decide how to choose our next child. Just when I think I have finally chosen the right child for our family-- I hear a little voice coming from one of the boys' pictures that we didn't choose, crying and asking, "Why didn't you choose me? Why? I am a good boy. I promise."

Sounds more like a nightmare to me.

And that is why I really had no desire to travel to Ukraine for a blind referral.

I know for many people this is just part of the process in finding their child, and that is fine, but for me, I had absolutely no desire of living out my bad dream. No desire at all.

And what would you know? Without even having to really ask, people began telling us about children. And as soon as we found a match to our homestudy specifications we pretty much committed and prepared to submit a petition to adopt.

However, God had different plans because we got ready to submit a petition two times prior to this last time only to find out it wasn't meant to be.

So who were we supposed to adopt? Who did God have chosen for our family? Was it a boy? Was it a girl?

Or was it both?

The Email

2010-05-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

This morning I got an email.

A part of me expected it to say that there was a slight delay. It has been that way with every other adoption.

But no.

We were submitted!

Yea yea yea!

In a few weeks we should receive our travel date!

A Blessed Time Line

2010-05-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

In just two days our dossier will be submitted for review and then a travel date should follow. How exciting! I hope all of our paperwork is okay--- but then that would be a world record for us--- and we all know that rarely happens for anyone adopting from Ukraine--- but I can hope. :)

Everything is coming together nicely--- even had someone offer to help out with the kids if we needed it. Oh and then sweet Sally who I had the privilege of meeting a month ago also offered to help out if she was back from China with her new son in time.

My biggest concern is this whole Interpol thing where the SDA checks our background at the international level. Pretty crazy huh?? No I am worried about passing the check--- but what I am worried about is the whole timing thing because this "check" takes 40 or so days-- and you can't get a court date until you have it. And I have seen over and over these families being invited to Ukraine for their appointment way before this time has passed holding them up in Ukraine longer than necessary.

But God knows our situation with our kids at home-- He knows how hard it will be for us to be away from our kids--- and I trust He the best time scheduler ever---- and will do what is best for our family. With that said, I am still hoping for a mid June appointment--- any sooner and we will miss Caleb's graduation and all the kids' last day of school.

Oh, and one last thing. Did I ever mention the term, "Petitioning for a child?" Hmmm, maybe I forgot to.

In Less Than a Week

2010-04-29T21:40:00.001-07:00

It is fast approaching. In less than one week, our dossier will be submitted! I am so excited.... and yet I keep most of it inside. It is a blessing that very few understand.. and so I relish it in private. I have enjoyed going out and buying a few new things that I think would be perfect. I have already planned a few of the special things I plan to take over to Ukraine when we travel. John and I are excited at the thought of our family growing again....

Praying for a travel date around June 15.

A Show Of Support-- Bid on a Handmade Frame

2010-04-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

**** Congrats to Gala over at Story of Our Life with the winning bid of $30! With our promise to match 1/2 of what ever was raised that brings the money total towards the Landrum's adoption to $45! Thank you to all who bid!***

We have been blessed in our adoptions with people sacrificially giving of their prayers and financial support. Some very amazing people have given from their hearts for a variety of reasons, and their example has touched my heart more than anything else. Thank you again.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my daughters by requesting one of their handmade creations. The encouragement you have given them is priceless not to mention the faith you have engraved on their hearts that fellow believers support and lift up one another when there is a call. Sveta is now knitting--- how awesome is that. Thank you. Both Rachel and Caleb have made around $200 to go towads their plane tickets to Ukraine. Praise the Lord.

I mentioned in an earlier post, that I was making these mosaic picture frames. As much as I think I could justify auctioning them off for our own adoption, I feel God is gently nudging me to raise the money for another family. This family has been an inspiration to me. Their faithfulness and prayerful consideration in everything they do including the decision to head back to Ukraine to adopt two boys they were told about has been such a blessing to me. Hard to explain why this family is on my heart, but I trust that God has a plan.

This family adopted an older daughter a few years ago, and their passion for orphans continues to be evident in their lives. They have wanted to adopt again for sometime, but financially it has been hard for them to take that leap of faith and commit to doing it. I can so relate.

Praise God that they have finally taken that step!

So, I would really appreciate your help in raising a few dollars for their adoption. Wouldn't it be a blessing to know that you made it possible for those two adorable, little boys to come home to their forever family? More than the money, I think this family would be incredibly blessed just to know that so many people are rallying around them in a show of support!

I am auctioning off this mosaic picture frame to the highest bidder. The auction will end on April 26th at 8pm. Since this handmade frame is decorated with broken pieces of glass, I am going to take my husband's advice. I promise to enclose a few bandaids when I mail it off to whoever won it!

Thank you!

If you want to bid just leave a comment. Starting bid is $10 which covers the cost of materials and shipping. Remember, the frame is the icing on the cake! Helping there to be two less orphans in this world is the real blessing.

** For every dollar raised, John and I will donate fifty cents to the Landrum family.

In Two Weeks....

2010-04-21T17:37:00.001-07:00

we are being submitted. May 5th is a big day! That means our dossier is being submitted to the SDA and if they find all of our documents to be in order then we will get a travel date soon after! Wooo-hoo!

Mosaic Picture Frames

2010-04-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

The girls are crocheting and knitting to help raise money for Rachel's plane ticket.... I am making mosaic picture frames.

More details to come.

An Update

2010-04-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

Looks like we will be submitting our dossier beginning of May! Praise the Lord!

Caleb is Working Hard

2010-04-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

Caleb has been working really hard to earn money for his plane ticket too-- mostly yard work over at Grandma and Grandpa's, and Cousin Matt and Jenn's house. It is awesome to see how dedicated he is to earning some of the cost and all of his own spending money. He is more excited than ever about going--- our talks about Ukraine have brought us so close these past few weeks.

What a wonderful experience this will be for him!

We should have an update about our paperwork by the end of the week. Hopefully we will find out when we can submit our dossier. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Red, White, and Blue

2010-04-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

Aren't the boys adorable? Aren't the scarves a great idea? Jennifer, a Mom waiting to bring home two boys from Bulgaria asked if Rachel could make USA scarves for them. They are just the right size for a little kid and a perfect gift-- nice and cozy to wrap them up in as you take them from the orphanage.

Suggested donation $15. Donated money will goes towards her plane ticket.

Thanks!

Russian Pictures At Their Best

2010-04-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

I found this blog site a few years back. Every now and then I go and look at all the different pictures submitted by people living all over Eastern Europe. It is quite interesting not to mention entertaining too! When I came across this picture-- I freaked out at first. These are the kind of apartments we have stayed in while in Ukraine and Russia and undoubtedly we will be staying in another building like this in just a few short months. Before seeing this picture I often wondered what would happen if there was a fire or part of the building collapsed just from being so old.

Then I started reading the comments and realized that it must be PhotoShopped--- or is it?

Your thoughts???

It Made It!

2010-04-07T08:11:00.001-07:00

Our dossier arrived safely in Kiev yesterday! Praise the Lord!!!!

Look who else's dossier is on its way to Kiev--

The Urban Family
The Enskat Family
The Fritz Family
The Shupp Family--- BTW, they are also adopting an older child-- 15 to be exact-- and they are trying to raise money with a puzzle fundraiser. Go donate $5 and join the many other pieces of the puzzle to bring help bring Freddie home.

--Until All Have Homes

Apple IPOD Nano

2010-04-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have met some pretty amazing people through blogging. Though we have never met in person, I think it is amazing how relationships form through blogging and emailing nonetheless. What is even more amazing is how they think I have blessed them when in reality it is them who have blessed me. Thank you Gala for doing this-- it is encouraging to say the least. Please be sure to visit her blog for the links.

Over the last few years I have followed several different blogs. Mostly, those blogs are from moms (and some dads) who blog about thing that are in common with myself and family. For awhile I followed several blogs who were in the process of adopting from Haiti (or had adopted). I still do actually.
One day a fellow blogger sent me a link to Smiles and Trials. It was one of those days when I was struggling with our disruption and this person sent me an email stating that "you know...there is hope. There is hope for your son. Read a little bit about this family". So, I did.
And 3+ years later. Here I am. Regular reader of the Reed Family.
My heart has been so filled with joy as I have followed this families journey. There has been healing. Even though our journey was so different and the hope that our son will have the family that he so desperately deserves has diminished. There has been healing. Healing in knowing that some children can have that healing that is so desperately needed after a disruption.

I've read posts from Christine helping other post-adoptive families who found themselves in the same boat that my family was in. I've cried tears of pain right along with those families....that pain some days is all to raw. I've cried tears of joy that those children have a 2nd chance on life.
With that being said....my husband and I would like to donate a BRAND NEW.....
APPLE IPOD NANO - 5TH GENERATION
Beginning immediately you can donate to an adoption fundraiser for the lovely
Reed Family.
I would like to make it very clear that IN NO WAY/SHAPE or FORM did the Reed's contact us OR mention any type of fundraiser to us. We are doing this because our hearts have felt led to do so. We want to help them not only for their adoption costs BUT to help with the expenses involved in their son AND daughter being able to go with them on this journey to bring home their new sibling.

How can you enter to win this give-a-way....

(...if you want to donate BUT don't need an Nano...read on....)

All donations must be made by 9am Central Standard Time APRIL 26, 2010 in order to be considered for the give-a-way.
1: Donate as little or as much as you are able. The following amounts will enter your name into the drawing.
$10 - 1 entry
$25 - 3 entries
$50 - 7 entries
2: Interested in helping the Reed Family but don't want the Nano?
That's great!! If you are the winner I will gladly donate the Nano to a NON PROFIT organization of YOUR CHOICE in your name. Please make note in the paypal transaction or with your donation that you would like this donated - if you are the winner we will send the item TO that organization that you choose OR you can donate it yourself.. As a personal note: My family and I just returned from Give Kids the World - while there we saw different children get gifts out of the Birthday Box - in there was an NEW Ipod Nano and Shuffle and a few other bigger ticket items. The little girl that got that new Shuffle from the Castle for her birthday was sooo excited!
3: Want to get more entries?
a: Donate AND blog about this give-a-way w/a link to either Smiles and Trials or Oh' Yes We Are . Then you will need to post a comment on one of my blogs with the link or blog link to your blog so that I can verify.
b: Donate AND Facebook or twitter about this give-a-way. I do not twitter..you will need to post a link on my comments with the twitter link). Also comment on this post or any post on my blog that you did this so that myself or Christine can verify.
4: All donations are tax deductible. The Reed Family is working w/a non-profit agency (God's Waiting Children) who can/will provide a receipts to all donations.
In the MEMO LINE of your donation it is crucial that you put REED FAMILY. This will allow for God's Waiting Children to make sure that your donation gets to the correct family AND ensure that I get your info to include you in on the drawing.
Please be sure to provide an address for a receipt to be mailed to you AND should you be the winner for us to send the item to you.
5: It is important that when donating you do the following:
a: provide a mailing address and email address on the paypal transaction.
b: you can provide the link in the paypal transaction if you have blogged, twitter, or facebook'd
c: if you are the winner and want the item shipped to someone else - you will be responsible for letting me know in the paypal transaction
d: AGAIN...it is VERY IMPORTANT that I have an EMAIL and SNAIL MAIL address!!!
THE DRAWING WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 26, 2010
AND possible LATER if the need arises!

The Need is Great...

2010-04-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I come across another post on a blog that makes me think-- I've got to share this. Jodi, just back from Ukraine with her precious little boy wrote this:

I left Ukraine with sadness. One reason is because I love it there, and will miss my friends there, but the other reason is because of what I saw with the orphans, what I see with Artiom underneath all those layers of clothes...
He is going to be 6 in August. He weighs 23 lbs. He is nothing but skin and bones, he looks like he came out of a concentration camp.

WHY?

We showed up unannounced one day at the orphanage. All the children were in the big wooden playpen. They were all tied to the slots of the playpen so they couldn't move. No wonder they didn't want us to come in the room.

WHY?

Because they are not valued. They mean nothing to anyone. Their lives are meaningless. They could live or die and it wouldn't matter.

WHY?

There are so many orphans and not enough families coming to save them.

Is it because it's overwhelming? Because there are so many? Because we are so busy with our own lives? Because it's too much money? Because someone else will do something about it? Because we're scared of what they will need?

I know. I understand these feelings.
But I also know what I saw.

These are real little children, they have feelings and are scared and hungry and lonely.

They are only a plane ride away.

We have a busy, sometimes crazy life. But we will still have a busy, crazy life whether we have Ari with us or not.
But he wouldn't have a life at all if we hadn't come for him.

Please search your hearts... you don't have to be the 'perfect family' to do this, you just have to want to make a difference, you just have to love them, if for no other reason than because they are children of God, and they deserve that much.

Scalloped Long White Scarf

2010-04-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

Julia crocheted this scarf. This is the first time she crocheted this pattern-- a lacy scalloped one-- but it turned out beautiful. What is even more beautiful to me is how Julia continues to help Rachel to raise money for her plane ticket. Rachel is touched too.

Thank you to all who have claimed their new scarves! What a blessing you are to our whole family!

Suggested donation $15-- please leave a comment if you are interested. Thanks.

The Hand Off!

2010-04-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Our dossier is no longer in our hands. What an amazing feeling to know that the paperwork chasing stage has finally come to pass and our facilitator in Ukraine should be getting our dossier on Tuesday. I can finally let out that deep breath I have been holding these past few months.

It still seems a little unreal to me that we flew through this stage so quickly but I am relieved nonetheless. Now we just wait.

Pretty soon we should find out when we can submit our dossier.

I'll let you know.

Happy Easter!

22 Shiny Apostilles!

2010-04-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

We had a late night last night-- yet we all (11 kids and I) managed to get up by 7:00 in the morning and pile into the van for our road trip. After getting gas, we stopped for donuts. We barely beat the crowd-- but you should have seen their "WOW" faces as we ate our donuts and drank our milk. On top of him being cranky from lack of sleep, Dennis is going through a "whine till I get what I want" stage which made things a little embarrassing for me. Probably because I don't give into him when he is whining... and of course he doesn't like that I am not responding to his verbal cues the way he wants. Oh well. So... Dennis attempted to whine when it was Alex's turn for a drink each and everytime. And each and every of the three times, I reminded him that if he whined, his donut would be taken away and he would go sit in the car with me--- where he wouldn't have anything to whine about. Can't wait till he puts two and two together--- only six more months till he is four!

We got to Sacramento before noon and found parking right in front of the building with 20 minutes left on the meter. Caleb noticed the guy behind us had run out of time so he dropped in a quarter--- why not bless someone else like we were blessed? We quickly dropped off our documents-- then went to the cafeteria to eat lunch while they were being processed. Nearly, $500 later, we walked out MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!

On the drive home, I stopped for gas but noticed how high it was-- so I got back on the freeway to get off at the next off-ramp--- except there wasn't one--- for another 16 miles--- and the low fuel light had just beeped on. Oh snap!!! I nervously drove those miles pondering whether or not I should turn around. It wasn't a very good feeling I had--- for those seemingly endless 15 minutes. I know, I know--- pretty irresponsible since I don't even have a cell phone-- but we made it and the kids were none the wiser! Praise the Lord! And God was graceful too---- this place could have charged even more but I actually ended up saving $.34 a gallon.

The best part about the trip was coming home to an awesome message from Laurel at God's Waiting Children. Someone heading back to Ukraine on Monday can stop by our house and pick up our dossier and hand deliver it for us! What a blessing! This will not only save us the cost of shipping our dossier, but it will save me the headache of tracking it with FedEx all week! Plus, it saves us one week!

After this fun and interesting day, it got me to thinking--- there must be numerous crazy and adventurous Apostilling Roadtrip Stories out there! Do share!

A Curly Accessory

2010-04-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Rachel just knitted her first curly scarf! It is a beautiful mix of browns and pinks. It would be an adorable accessory to any outfit--- suggested donation $15. All donations go towards the cost of her plane ticket to Ukraine.

Rachel says thanks!

BTW--- All documents are in my hands and notarized! Tomorrow we are taking a roadtrip! Can you guess where we are going?

Just One More Thing

2010-03-30T22:12:00.001-07:00

Just when I thought every single adoption related piece of paperwork was done, I noticed that our homestudy agency forgot to stamp their agency license paper. Ugh. Thankfully, when I called them they promised to get one out in the mail priority shipping today. Soooo... this puts us back a few days.

What's a few days in the grand scheme of things?

Almost Done Paper Chasing

2010-03-28T22:38:00.001-07:00

All but one document is ready to be apostilled this coming week! It should be ready tomorrow. I still haven't made up my mind about taking a drive to Sacramento to get our dossier apostilled. A part of me just wants everything to be done, but another part of me has no desire spending 8 hours in the car driving during Spring Break. I most likely will end up using a courier-- which will still be cheaper than what I would have spent on gas.

We're getting closer.

It Came!

2010-03-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

Rachel's passport came in the mail today! How exciting! My police clearance letter came too without the embossed stamp. So just like in John's case, I had to call and leave a message for them to please correct it. Hopefully they will.

Thank you for all of the encouraging comments lately.... your support is a huge blessing.

Maybe Next Week

2010-03-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up to an email confirming that Rachel's passport was indeed done being processed! Praise the Lord! This evening I finished up most of our paperwork for our dossier which will hopefully be on its way to Ukraine sometime next week!

Being Processed

2010-03-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

According to their website, Rachel's passport is in the final stages of being processed. Should be here next week!

On another note, I was fingerprinted for my police clearance letter this past Friday. Hopefully, we'll get it back in the next day or two.

I am finishing up the last of our paperwork for our dossier, so it should be mailed off to be apostilled by Friday! That would be awesome if I could get everything done!

Annual Husband Post

2010-03-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hello world.

This is John.

Christine's husband.

This is my annual post. I'm not a blogger or a blog reader.

But my wife's been asking me to blog something for awhile now.

Never nagging, nor pleading, but her patient requests simply deserve to be finally honored.

(After all, I often plead impatiently for things from her and her turnaround time is lovingly amazing).

So it may be a blog to you, but it also serves as a "thank you" to her!

[Hey, if it's good enough honey can it serve as your early June-Birthday present? I crack myself up.]

Anyway, I see we have a new blogsite titled, "oh yes we are". She tells me people comment on it questions.

So, in no particular order, without having read any of the comments/questions, let me just give you my answers to all the question words of:

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, How much, ... are there others...let me go google the phrase "question words"...I'll be right back...well, [thirty seconds later], I see that the first link included also, Which, Whose, Whom, Why don't, How long, How far, and How many... so the post will need to be just a bit longer now to be comprehensive...

So without further adieu...

Who--We, the Reed family, are planning to adopt a child between the ages of 7-13. If he/she has a sibling in that same age range, we would of course adopt the sibling pair.

What--OK, that's kind of a strange question word to answer as you undoubtedly know "what" adopt means and "what" adoption is. And to add a bit more to the (superficial) answer, "what" it will be is an international adoption, and you know "what" that is too. But knowing that you don't always read for the superficial (and knowing that I don't want to shop in June for a present!), I just might add "what" adoption means to me. Well, I was adopted. My birthparents raised me and love me and I them and I have a great relationship with my parents. What a blessing they were and are! So that's of course NOT what I'm talking about when I say I was adopted. But I was a spiritual orphan in a soul devouring world where "Life's a bitch and then you die" seemed the motto and unexpectedly without solicitation, a Heavenly Father gave me a new life with peace and joy beyond most's understanding because "Love" is the eternal purpose. Of course I don't deserve or understand how a simpleton like me could actually have a relationship with the creator of the universe, but His own words say it was via "adoption". Of course I know I won't be, and can't be, spiritually adopting anyone. But the proportional analogy of "God is to Children of God" as "earthly adults should be to earthly children" is not only tight, but a truth central to the 'what' of our life.

When--Time and its events we can't predict nor control--despite our will and our actions and the strong, frequent illusion of their influence.
But, coming back up a depth, if our will and actions are permitted to have the desired influence, then I think mid-to-late-this Summer(?)

Where--Wherever the child is in the country of Ukraine. This is still unknown--and why the Who answer still could not specify.

Why--I know my "What" answer (above) touched on a lot of the motivations expected in a Why answer but I actually usually find myself answering simply, "Why not" when I am asked the 'why' question. Why does a golfer golf? Why is bacon delicious? Why does Sveta say "Peesh Koo"? Why does a fighter fight? Christine and I strive to be good earthly parents while at the same time bask in God's glory of being in the family of love. Why does a lover love? In many respects actually, if we were to put on our judgement hats, a golfer golfing is stupid, bacon being delicious is stupid, Sveta saying "Peesh Koo" is stupid, a fighter fighting is stupid, and a family in 2010 having 4 more people in their household than a census form allows is as stupid as a lover loving is. But I'm convicted when I wear that hat because that's the same hat that says Jesus dying on the cross was stupid too. Love, grace, and sacrifice is what He did. And we desire love, grace, and sacrifice to permeate these actions of ours too--granted at an infintessimally smaller scale.

How--Legally. Prayerfully. Patiently. Joyfully. Through a local agency / friend. If you really have process /"how" questions, Christine will answer them.

How Much--A lot. Again a "stupid" amount. $30K-$40K. But see the Why answer again and/or ask how much did He pay for you?

Which--Hmm...kind of at a loss here, so I'll briefly take:
Which Country/Region/Orphanage? Ukraine/unknown still/unknown still
Which children will travel with us this time? Caleb and Rachel
Whose--The world is His and everything in it.

Whom--As I'm not an English major, I can only think of answering 'whom' questions along these lines, "The adoption will benefit whom?" Of course the orphan(s) will benefit going from no family to having a loving mom, a loving dad, and loving siblings. See the six examples of proof already in our family. But we all can benefit. The child is probably hugging no one now but soon could hug you! I know you don't need it and it can sound really stupid. But I feel anyway that our hearts continuing to soften in various ways like this is a huge blessing--at least as huge as the blessed family in which I grew up.

Why don't--Why don't we stop? I think I've kind of answered that already. But we would stop if that were the will of our current family. All our kids are good with the idea too and this actually makes me a "proud papa".

Why don't we adopt American children? Right or wrong, our hearts seem kind of settled on Dennis being our youngest and Adam being our oldest. In Ukraine orphanages, if children are not adopted by the age of 7-13, they typically will not be at all. Loneliness becomes their core sentiment and sadly the plight that lead them to become orphans in the first place is statistically likely to repeat (poverty, promiscuity, alcohol, abuse, etc). So that is another reason that we have this as our desired age range. Adopting children of this age in the U.S.A., as I understand it, is impossible for a family like ours--Fostering, two-per-bedroom rules, etc.

How long--The process is like a pregnancy in duration (approx 9 months, but some more, some less, all pregnancies are different). The plane flights are 15hrs. The train rides maybe 15hrs too (depending on the region). You are in country maybe 4-5 weeks straight. Or maybe 3 weeks with a shorter trip 2 weeks later.

How far--Using the "great circle method", the method pilots use to calculate distance, it is approximately 6,300 miles from here to Kiev.

How many--For those that may have heard me say, only whimsically really, that '12' was a biblically complete number and that we were done, [citing the twelve patriarchs, tribes, disciples, gates, angels, foundations, pearls, stones, or actually much, much more...] well, all I can say is that our table still has room, our van still has room, our bedroooms already have the beds, and my heart and time and schedules can handle more. I know most tables can't. I know most vans can't. I know most houses can't. And I know most hearts can't. But I have a helper and an enabler in my heart that makes the impossible possible (if not miraculously easy!).

Any more questions?

I Can't Believe It!

2010-03-19T13:00:00.001-07:00

We got our Notice of Favorable Determination from Immigration! One week from the time of fingerprinting! This is record time--- oh my! Now I've got to scramble to get our other documents in order and here I thought I had weeks and weeks to do this!

WOW- WOW- WOW!

**Maybe writing please two times on the application helped. I guess I will never no-- but this was so unexpected!

Oooooo, It's Embossed

2010-03-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we were fingerprinted for immigration. Today, John's official police clearance letter came in the mail--- and it has the nice embossed stamp. Slowly, but surely we are making progress. Praise the Lord.

Finally.... We Have a Notary

2010-03-11T13:36:00.001-08:00

Things are moving along quicker than I expected-- but not without the roller coaster ride.

Yesterday we received John's police clearance letter much quicker than we ever anticipated, but it did not have the embossed seal like these letters normally do. Somewhat concerned, I called our stateside facilitator Laurel who said this letter could be notarized, but that Ukraine prefers that the letter have the seal. She said that another client had called the Department of Justice and had them mail out another letter with the seal... so I thought it was worth a try.

On my second attempt I reached an answering service and left a very nice message. To my surprise, they called me back a few hours later and promised to send out a new letter with the seal. They also straightened out the information that was entered incorrectly by the LiveScan operator and got a heads up for my request that would be coming in a week or two. I finished that roller coaster ride with a smooth sail down and went to stand in line for the next one.

After I took Anna to the dentist, I stopped by our bank like someone had suggested we do. I was welcomed by the same manager who ordered brand new bills for our last adoption. She remembered me and smiled when I told her we were adopting again. She said it should be no problem to order new bills-- just call her a few days before. I then asked her about notarizations. She informed me that their notary only notarized bank related documents but she would see if the woman would make an exception. This roller coaster ride looked as if it was nearly over when the notary agreed to do all my documents-- until I asked her when her stamp expired. Oh-oh. The ride apparently was not over. Her notary stamp expired sooner than the other notary's stamp I was going to use. I waved goodbye as I thanked both of them for going out of their way to help.

Back to the drawing board.

As I was opening up our marriage certificates that came in today's mail, the phone rang. It was the manager at the bank. After she made sure she had the right person, she told me excitedly that she talked to another co-worker whose mother is a notary-- and they already confirmed that she would do the notarizations for free and her stamp doesn't expire for two more years!

Finally, I got off the roller coaster ride. I was beginning to feel a little queasy.

Tomorrow we get fingerprinted for our I-600A!

I Think This is Pretty Quick-- Don't you?

2010-03-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

I sent off our immigration application with homestudy back on February 17. I received notice that the Department of Homeland Security got our application and cashed our check on February 15. Today I received our invitation to be fingerprinted! The only bummer is that due to budget cuts we can no longer get fingerprinted on Saturdays which has been our routine in the past. Oh well--- I guess we'll be be fingerprinting during the week.

On another note, the notary I used last time who volunteered her services for free is not acceptable to Ukraine this time around because her stamp expires in less than 12 months. Hopefully I will find one as nice and accommodating as she was!