Two days ago I received this message from Cammie, she and her husband Loren are in Ukraine at this very moment working to bring their two girls home. I share this to give you a glimpse of the heart that waits for us, the many hearts that wait for someone...
"I have really spent a great deal of time with Lena. Today I knew she really needed to be hugged. I held her in my arms for quite some time. She soaked it up. I think she has always had to be the big sister to all the other children and never felt like she was anyones "little girl". She cried a little bit when I held her and I told her it was okay and that her mama and papa would be here very soon. She said, "yes, yes, I know and smiled." :) Very special and sweet girl! She also showed me the text message you sent her yesterday and said she keeps her dictionary under her pillow to look up every word. :) What a beautiful thing it will be to see you all united!"
Words can't express our gratitude to Cammie and Loren, as they work to bring their two beautiful girls home, and love on ours, and the many others, as they do...
Mama and Papa are coming Lena!!
T -11!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
T -15 and counting...
Charlie's counting, I'm counting, and Lena's counting! I received a text from her yesterday (she's been texting us in English over the last couple weeks, very fun!), she said, "Leave in 16 days and you come in Ukraine."
I believe we all have a serious case of ants in our pants!
As we continue to wait let me share what we think is some pretty fun stuff...
Not too long ago we found out Lena has a middle name, actually our understanding is that all Ukrainian children have middle names, it's just that sometimes when the children come to America they are given an American name. At times the child's first name is also changed to a American form of their Ukrainian name, the purpose is to make it easier on the child as well as those who will be trying to pronounce it. The middle name given to the girls is their fathers first name, with a ivna added to it. Lena's fathers name was Mykolay, pronounced Mick-o-lie. So Lena's middle name is Mykolayivna, very pretty don't ya think, we do. Translated to American it would be Nicholas. Well December 22nd is St. Mikolaya Day in Ukraine (not be to be confused with Christmas Day, which is celebrated January 7th), and we are told by Lena that on that day children receive a gift from St. Mikolaya, and children that share the name Mykolay/Mikolaya receive an extra gift... when we heard that, Charlie wanted to know if he could declare a Charlie Day, Lena and I are thinking not. :] But it did get us thinking about Lena's name. We don't think it will be difficult to convince her to keep some form of Mykolay, maybe Nicola, or Nicole, or even Mikolai, if it means an additional gift, because we really really like it. We plan on discussing it with Lena while we are there, as her birth certificate will be changed prior to leaving Ukraine.
Lena also shared that the American version of her first name is Helen. Now Helen is a beautiful name, Charlie has a sister named Helen (although like the name Judy, it's an old name, people shouldn't do that to their kids these days), but Charlie and I both are very fond of the name Lena. We received a call last week from a very nice couple out East, they left a message that they had spoken to Helen, and Helen encouraged them to call us, to be in touch. They explained that they used Helen's phone number to reach the young girl they hosted this past summer and are hoping to adopt. Helen???? Really??? Helen??? Charlie and I got a good laugh with that one! Still makes us chuckle, actually we better be careful because we've been calling her Helen in jest since that day, really don't want it to stick, danger is that nicknames do tend to stick (get it Kyle :]) in this family, it's a Sanner family tradition. That's it, I'm putting a end to it now!
I believe we all have a serious case of ants in our pants!
As we continue to wait let me share what we think is some pretty fun stuff...
Not too long ago we found out Lena has a middle name, actually our understanding is that all Ukrainian children have middle names, it's just that sometimes when the children come to America they are given an American name. At times the child's first name is also changed to a American form of their Ukrainian name, the purpose is to make it easier on the child as well as those who will be trying to pronounce it. The middle name given to the girls is their fathers first name, with a ivna added to it. Lena's fathers name was Mykolay, pronounced Mick-o-lie. So Lena's middle name is Mykolayivna, very pretty don't ya think, we do. Translated to American it would be Nicholas. Well December 22nd is St. Mikolaya Day in Ukraine (not be to be confused with Christmas Day, which is celebrated January 7th), and we are told by Lena that on that day children receive a gift from St. Mikolaya, and children that share the name Mykolay/Mikolaya receive an extra gift... when we heard that, Charlie wanted to know if he could declare a Charlie Day, Lena and I are thinking not. :] But it did get us thinking about Lena's name. We don't think it will be difficult to convince her to keep some form of Mykolay, maybe Nicola, or Nicole, or even Mikolai, if it means an additional gift, because we really really like it. We plan on discussing it with Lena while we are there, as her birth certificate will be changed prior to leaving Ukraine.
Lena also shared that the American version of her first name is Helen. Now Helen is a beautiful name, Charlie has a sister named Helen (although like the name Judy, it's an old name, people shouldn't do that to their kids these days), but Charlie and I both are very fond of the name Lena. We received a call last week from a very nice couple out East, they left a message that they had spoken to Helen, and Helen encouraged them to call us, to be in touch. They explained that they used Helen's phone number to reach the young girl they hosted this past summer and are hoping to adopt. Helen???? Really??? Helen??? Charlie and I got a good laugh with that one! Still makes us chuckle, actually we better be careful because we've been calling her Helen in jest since that day, really don't want it to stick, danger is that nicknames do tend to stick (get it Kyle :]) in this family, it's a Sanner family tradition. That's it, I'm putting a end to it now!
By now some of you might be asking how Lena has a phone. It surprised us a bit, and we're still not completely sure, there are some things that still get lost in translation. We do know that there are no cell providers in Ukraine Lena has/does help many kids connect with their host families, as well as those working to adopt. We’ve learned Lena is quite the organizer, and have a feeling that someday she’ll be an incredible advocate for adoption. In September when her phone broke, Charlie and I replaced it for her, as we wanted to continue not only to be in touch, but we’re also very proud of our girl and the good she is doing.
So besides all that, we continue to prepare and pack, keeping Matthew 6:25-34 in mind. God keeps me laughing, as I believe He has given me this specific verse, for this specific time, for this specific reason. Understanding the deeper meaning, yet being able to apply it to the challenge of “packing light” (instructions from our facilitator and agency) for a month or more trip to Ukraine Charlie that one shirt and one pair of pants isn’t gonna cut it. P.U.! “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you should eat (have a great number of food allergies which has been on my mind as well) or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” INDEED IT IS!! Thank you God for your sense of humor and your perfect instruction… so one way or another we will be packing light, but not quite as light as Charlie would like.
One more thing, because we live where we do, I’m on a slow boat when it comes to the most current music playing on the radio, absolutely no radio reception here at home, which does disturb me on some level because music is a must for my well being, anyway, my BBF Lori asked me this morning if I’d heard “Lead Me” by Sanctus Real. Nope, I had not, but I did get on-line shortly after our conversation and took a listen, GREAT! As Charlie and I prepare to bring this beautiful young girl into our family, and as I think about our children and grandchildren that we love sooo much, I pray that we would “lead them” as He leads us… take a listen, I added it to our blog playlist.
We invite you to count down with us, T -15!!!!
Also, please add our friends the Marti's who are now in Ukraine, and the Newsome's who will be leaving tomorrow to your prayer list as they work to bring their children home. Thx!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
IT'S A DATE!!!!!!!!!
It's finally here, it's finally official!!
Kiev, Ukraine her we come!!!
Depart Phoenix Saturday, December 18,
Arrive Kiev Sunday, December 19,
Meet with the SDA Wednesday morning December 22,
Receive our referral papers Thursday, December 23,
then travel to the orphanage to see our girl on Friday the 24th for what should be a GREAT Christmas Eve.
Please keep prayin cause...as a famous baseball player once said, "it ain't over till it's over".
God is good ALL the time!!!
Words spoken by me:
I would like to take this opportunity to apologize in advance, because over the next several weeks I have decided to be annoyingly happy!!!! YEE HAW!!!!!!!!! :]
Kiev, Ukraine her we come!!!
Depart Phoenix Saturday, December 18,
Arrive Kiev Sunday, December 19,
Meet with the SDA Wednesday morning December 22,
Receive our referral papers Thursday, December 23,
then travel to the orphanage to see our girl on Friday the 24th for what should be a GREAT Christmas Eve.
Please keep prayin cause...as a famous baseball player once said, "it ain't over till it's over".
God is good ALL the time!!!
Words spoken by me:
I would like to take this opportunity to apologize in advance, because over the next several weeks I have decided to be annoyingly happy!!!! YEE HAW!!!!!!!!! :]
Saturday, November 20, 2010
So in the meantime... Happy Thanksgiving!
We continue to wait for our new appointment date. We think that sometime this coming week would be the perfect time to find out just what that date is, but alas it is out of our control...
So in the meantime we find ourselves preparing, I mean lots of preparing!
Buy long underwear
Pack long underwear
Borrow clothes
Buy clothes
My clothes
Charlies clothes
Lena's clothes
Haircuts
Jake to groomer
Horses need new shoes
Copy documents
Pack documents
Order prescriptions
Buy gifts (160 +)
Need 4 + weeks of food for dogs, horses, cats, chickens
Call Bank
Transfer Funds
Note important phone numbers, websites (bill pay), email addresses
Photo album to show judge
Questions to ask orphanage director and teachers
Need to bring: extension cords, ac adaptor,Tylenol,TheraFlu, alcohol wipes, antibacterial gel, don't forget toilet paper...
Pack snacks, which must include peanut butter we're told
Airline tickets!
and then some, and some, and some.
And in between, life as usual...
But wait,
What we must not forget to do throughout these days is to be "Thankful", for there is no doubt that our list of things to be thankful for far outweighs our list of things to do.
We would imagine yours is too.
"In everything give thanks..." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
We'll let you know as soon as we get our date!
So in the meantime we find ourselves preparing, I mean lots of preparing!
Buy long underwear
Pack long underwear
Borrow clothes
Buy clothes
My clothes
Charlies clothes
Lena's clothes
Haircuts
Jake to groomer
Horses need new shoes
Copy documents
Pack documents
Order prescriptions
Buy gifts (160 +)
Need 4 + weeks of food for dogs, horses, cats, chickens
Call Bank
Transfer Funds
Note important phone numbers, websites (bill pay), email addresses
Photo album to show judge
Questions to ask orphanage director and teachers
Need to bring: extension cords, ac adaptor,Tylenol,TheraFlu, alcohol wipes, antibacterial gel, don't forget toilet paper...
Pack snacks, which must include peanut butter we're told
Airline tickets!
and then some, and some, and some.
And in between, life as usual...
But wait,
What we must not forget to do throughout these days is to be "Thankful", for there is no doubt that our list of things to be thankful for far outweighs our list of things to do.
We would imagine yours is too.
"In everything give thanks..." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
We'll let you know as soon as we get our date!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Keeping our focus...
I apologize for our/my absence, a lot can happen over the course of two weeks in an international adoption, things that sometimes I'm finding, just need a bit of time to settle before you're prepared to share... in any case I hope I'm able to keep it to a minimum, my hope is not to ramble (been accused of that by a couple males in the family, but I consider the source :]). Also let me qualify this posting by saying, this is more my post than Charlie's. He and Jesus are my rock.
Let me share something I know about myself. I don't do drama well. Not that I don't believe that some circumstances in life naturally create drama, and it even becomes necessary at times, it's just that typically it's something I try to avoid. I have a pretty clear understanding that in most cases I really have little or no control, except when it comes to my own response. So I tend to view it as being unproductive, a waste of time. I also find I am not a person who needs to forecast to the future. And I much prefer to view a silver lining than to view a dark cloud. Don't know if that's just the way I'm wired, possibly my environmental circumstances, past and present, or maybe in the last 51 years I may have actually learned something. Go ahead you pick...
The first 10 months of our adoption process has gone relatively smooth, it's what we've been experiencing the last couple months that have put me at times in a "dramatic" frame of mind, which brings about a sense of concern, questioning, and a search for possible ways to control the circumstances, along with a ache in the pit of the stomach that doesn't want to subside. NOT my thing at all!
October 27th we awoke to an email from Konstantin, GREAT NEWS!! I have been successfully registered as an official candidate to adopt in Ukraine by the SDA!! I say I, because children in Ukraine can only be adopted by a married couple and the age difference between the child and at least one of the adoptive parents can be no more than 45 years, Charlie comes in at 46, he's too old (I enjoy reminding him or that from time to time), so I will be adopting Lena in Ukraine, Charlie will make it official when we return home. But along with that news, we received an appointment date for November 3rd... NOT good news, although we thought that could be a possibility if you remember. Words written directly after the November 3rd date in the email, "do not freak out!" (which made me laugh, poor Konstantin, I wonder how many people have freaked out over that information, apparently a lot). Of course there was no way we could be ready to travel within a weeks time, what with work schedules, preparation and packing, not to mention Lena will not be available for adoption until sometime mid to end of December.
We are now in the process of requesting a new appointment date. Our hope, and prayer, it will coincide with Lena coming off the registry. Travel could happen as early as the 2nd week in December. We have learned once in Ukraine we can request another appointment date if needed, but would likely add a few days to the process. OK Judy? Yep, OK.
Feel the need to explain something else, in a traditional Ukrainian adoption the adoptive parents are unable to pre-select a child to adopt. The selection of the child is usually done the day of your appointment, most are given profiles of children available for adoption based on their requested criteria, ie: girl age 9 - 14. They are then given permission to visit the children that are deemed a good fit for them and select. Also note, the children do have a voice in whether they are comfortable with a particular adopting couple. They can refuse an adoption. We find ourselves in a non-traditional Ukrainian adoption, having hosted, met or learned of a child through a hosting program, many families decide they want to adopt the child they have fallen in love with. Timing then can play a factor, especially if the child is still waiting to come off the national registry, as is our situation with Lena. These non-traditional adoptions are highly successful, but as they say, "timing is everything". Still doing OK Judy? Yep.
November 2nd late afternoon, we receive word through another adoptive family that the vote on the adoption moratorium had just passed. That parliament will be voting again in another 10 days, that by the end of the year it seems likely all votes needed to stop Ukrainian adoptions will take place. You've got to be kidding!!!???? Speculation runs rampant... make it stop!!!! The following morning we hear this news: Yesterday Ukrainian parliament (Rada) supported the movement from independent adoptions to either Hague system or bilateral agreements system of international adoptions. However, instead of making it a law the parliamentarians supported the draft law "as a baseline", which means "in essence". It is a show of political will, a political move and carries NO EXECUTIVE meaning at least in the near future. The date for further hearings is not set up - all talk on the web about another vote in 10 days is nothing more than a rumor at this point. When deputies really want to adopt a law - they move through 2 hearings in the same day: adopt a law as a baseline and announce final vote in 3 minutes. This did not happen. It is believed most deputies do believe that international adoptions must continue, however, yesterday's political will vote shows that Ukrainian authorities want to have more control over the information/future of adopted children after they leave Ukraine. Speaker of parliament said this vote will push the government to finally make specific moves to signing bilateral agreements with countries citizens of which adopt frequently in Ukraine.
Feeling much better, but oh how we and a good number of other families wish the chatter of this vote would vanish for good... Still hanging in there Jude? Barely...
November 5th, thankful for a scheduled phone appointment with my dear friend Mary. Have once again arrived at a place of peace, drama over...
Mary reminds me of what has always been one of my favorite bible lessons.
Matthew 14:22-33 Why did Peter sink? He saw Jesus walk on the water and as long as Peter focused his eyes on the LORD, Peter stayed afloat. It was when Peter took his eyes off of the LORD and on to the waves beneath him that he sank. The lesson, that our faith must be rooted in Christ and we must not allow ourselves to be distracted by life's circumstances. If we keep our eyes on the LORD rather than the situation that threatens to engulf us, we too can walk through the waves with confidence in Christ's ability to bring us peace in the middle of what ever storm is raging over our lives. There is nothing that we can face that is outside of God's control.
Let me share something I know about myself. I don't do drama well. Not that I don't believe that some circumstances in life naturally create drama, and it even becomes necessary at times, it's just that typically it's something I try to avoid. I have a pretty clear understanding that in most cases I really have little or no control, except when it comes to my own response. So I tend to view it as being unproductive, a waste of time. I also find I am not a person who needs to forecast to the future. And I much prefer to view a silver lining than to view a dark cloud. Don't know if that's just the way I'm wired, possibly my environmental circumstances, past and present, or maybe in the last 51 years I may have actually learned something. Go ahead you pick...
The first 10 months of our adoption process has gone relatively smooth, it's what we've been experiencing the last couple months that have put me at times in a "dramatic" frame of mind, which brings about a sense of concern, questioning, and a search for possible ways to control the circumstances, along with a ache in the pit of the stomach that doesn't want to subside. NOT my thing at all!
October 27th we awoke to an email from Konstantin, GREAT NEWS!! I have been successfully registered as an official candidate to adopt in Ukraine by the SDA!! I say I, because children in Ukraine can only be adopted by a married couple and the age difference between the child and at least one of the adoptive parents can be no more than 45 years, Charlie comes in at 46, he's too old (I enjoy reminding him or that from time to time), so I will be adopting Lena in Ukraine, Charlie will make it official when we return home. But along with that news, we received an appointment date for November 3rd... NOT good news, although we thought that could be a possibility if you remember. Words written directly after the November 3rd date in the email, "do not freak out!" (which made me laugh, poor Konstantin, I wonder how many people have freaked out over that information, apparently a lot). Of course there was no way we could be ready to travel within a weeks time, what with work schedules, preparation and packing, not to mention Lena will not be available for adoption until sometime mid to end of December.
We are now in the process of requesting a new appointment date. Our hope, and prayer, it will coincide with Lena coming off the registry. Travel could happen as early as the 2nd week in December. We have learned once in Ukraine we can request another appointment date if needed, but would likely add a few days to the process. OK Judy? Yep, OK.
Feel the need to explain something else, in a traditional Ukrainian adoption the adoptive parents are unable to pre-select a child to adopt. The selection of the child is usually done the day of your appointment, most are given profiles of children available for adoption based on their requested criteria, ie: girl age 9 - 14. They are then given permission to visit the children that are deemed a good fit for them and select. Also note, the children do have a voice in whether they are comfortable with a particular adopting couple. They can refuse an adoption. We find ourselves in a non-traditional Ukrainian adoption, having hosted, met or learned of a child through a hosting program, many families decide they want to adopt the child they have fallen in love with. Timing then can play a factor, especially if the child is still waiting to come off the national registry, as is our situation with Lena. These non-traditional adoptions are highly successful, but as they say, "timing is everything". Still doing OK Judy? Yep.
November 2nd late afternoon, we receive word through another adoptive family that the vote on the adoption moratorium had just passed. That parliament will be voting again in another 10 days, that by the end of the year it seems likely all votes needed to stop Ukrainian adoptions will take place. You've got to be kidding!!!???? Speculation runs rampant... make it stop!!!! The following morning we hear this news: Yesterday Ukrainian parliament (Rada) supported the movement from independent adoptions to either Hague system or bilateral agreements system of international adoptions. However, instead of making it a law the parliamentarians supported the draft law "as a baseline", which means "in essence". It is a show of political will, a political move and carries NO EXECUTIVE meaning at least in the near future. The date for further hearings is not set up - all talk on the web about another vote in 10 days is nothing more than a rumor at this point. When deputies really want to adopt a law - they move through 2 hearings in the same day: adopt a law as a baseline and announce final vote in 3 minutes. This did not happen. It is believed most deputies do believe that international adoptions must continue, however, yesterday's political will vote shows that Ukrainian authorities want to have more control over the information/future of adopted children after they leave Ukraine. Speaker of parliament said this vote will push the government to finally make specific moves to signing bilateral agreements with countries citizens of which adopt frequently in Ukraine.
Feeling much better, but oh how we and a good number of other families wish the chatter of this vote would vanish for good... Still hanging in there Jude? Barely...
November 5th, thankful for a scheduled phone appointment with my dear friend Mary. Have once again arrived at a place of peace, drama over...
Mary reminds me of what has always been one of my favorite bible lessons.
Matthew 14:22-33 Why did Peter sink? He saw Jesus walk on the water and as long as Peter focused his eyes on the LORD, Peter stayed afloat. It was when Peter took his eyes off of the LORD and on to the waves beneath him that he sank. The lesson, that our faith must be rooted in Christ and we must not allow ourselves to be distracted by life's circumstances. If we keep our eyes on the LORD rather than the situation that threatens to engulf us, we too can walk through the waves with confidence in Christ's ability to bring us peace in the middle of what ever storm is raging over our lives. There is nothing that we can face that is outside of God's control.
Simple really, yet...
Charlie and I spoke again with Lena on Saturday morning, WE LOVE OUR GIRL!
Yesterday Charlie and I celebrated our 18th Anniversary, I LOVE YOU CHARLIE!
Sooo looking forward to the next 18, and bringing Lena home!!
How ya doing Jude? GREAT!!!!!!!!!!
Keep praying!!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
This, that and another thing...
So now we wait... yep, that's what we're doing, waiting for our official travel date, plus this, that and another thing...
We called and spoke with Lena on Saturday the 16th, and then again on Sunday the 17th. We had an hour with Gaylna on Saturday to translate, but it wasn't quite enough time to accomplish all that Lena, Charlie, Lena's cousin Llona, one of Lena's teachers and I had to discuss. Yep, on Saturday we got to spend time chatting with Llona and one of Lena's teachers (wish I could remember her name, but it escapes me). Our conversations with both Llona and Lena's teacher were incredibly sweet. They are both very happy for Lena, and are excited to meet us. Sunday we called again, this time to get "the list". Charlie and I have known that we would be bringing some gifts from America to give the kids when we arrive, we hear things like glow bracelets, chalk, and American candy are a huge hit. We had also asked Lena a few phone calls back if there were any special gifts for her classmates we could bring. Lena was prepared, she had her list! Lena gave us the names of 13 girls in her class, along with a suggested gift for each. On that list there were several requests for stuff animals, a couple of requests for journals, two hair dryers (believe that's what I would have requested after having to take a cold shower during a Ukrainian winter), a book about animals, and a embroidery kit. Oh, and Lena also asked if we might bring a gift for her 3 teachers and Sultan the horse too. :]
Seems our gift giving will come at a perfect time. Christmas! Which brings me to our kids, Jennifer, Lisa and Kyle. Which at this moment I'd like to say how much we love them, and how incredibly proud we are of the people they have grown into. From the beginning of this journey they have been nothing but supportive and excited along with us. Several Christmases ago we began a new Christmas tradition, recognizing the many blessing in our lives, we desired to share, instead of buying gifts for each other, we have made donations to charities in each others names, this year we approached the kids with "Lena's List", without hesitation the charity of choice this year, a group of Ukrainian children and a Ukrainian horse. Need to say it again, we love you J, Lisa and Kyle! We will enjoy sharing with Lena that her new sisters and brother, and families wanted to be a part of our first ever Ukrainian Christmas...
We are also excited to see and hear about how God continues to show Himself to others, how He lights a fire of passion, and His people respond.
The Goodness Family have not only been a big part of Orphans Ransom (I shared their website link in my last post), but they have put together "Project Christmas JOY". They have collected the names and ages of all 160 children at the Internat (Lena's school, and where they adopted their daughter Kristina from in July), and have approached the members of their church to gift each of these children with a Christmas box. This will be the first time that these children have experienced anything like this.
Also Ukrainian Orphan Charities (through our facilitator) in partnership with U.S. non-profit Horizon Christian Fellowship (organized by other adoptive families) are prepared again to bring another group of Ukrainian orphans to the U.S. this Christmas. The children will travel December 19, 2010 – January 9, 2011. They will send a group of children anywhere in U.S. where there are several interested families. You can log in to their website using the user name and password below to see which children are still waiting to be matched with a host family:
Website: http://www.hostorphansfromukraine.blogspot.com/
Login: ukraineorphans@aol.com
Password: nostreetlife
Even though the blog will say "by invitation only" - just enter log in and password and the blog will let you in.
Charlie and I are amazed at the opportunities out there to help, we wonder what God might have in store for us in the future... because we believe we've only seen the tip of an ice berg.
Now on to another thing: As I said in a previous post, our hope was to complete our adoption by the end of this year, in doing so we would have been able to take advantage of a $13,000 tax credit. Unfortunately we don't believe that will be possible now. We don't anticipate the adoption will be final until mid January. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, but still believing we should not put a limit on how and by whom God may want to provide the remaining funds needed for Lena's adoption, we share this with you. The cost of Lena's adoption is right at $30,000, we are extremely grateful for support monies that have already been donated by our church, family, and friends, it has simply been amazing to watch as God has provided, which we have said from the beginning that He would have to do. "It's a God sized endeavor" is still our chant. So to date with the monies we have spent and the donations we have recieved we find ourselves still short by about $7600.00, which wouldn't look as big as it does if we didn't find ourselves needing to add to our solar system (we live off the grid), we think it is important to boost things to accomodate an additional body. So with that being said, if you should feel led to donate to our adoption fund, and would like to receive a receipt for tax purposes, checks can be made out and sent to:
Oh, I didn't mention, Charlie and I found out this week that our dossier has already been submitted to the SDA, it was submitted prior to the last vote on Oct. 8th. Konstantin felt it was important to go ahead and submit it prior to the vote, which we agree with and appreciate. It may be just another week or two before we hear when our appointment date is, if we find out it is prior to Lena coming off the registry we'll have to request a new date, but better to be in process, then to take a chance that a vote on a adoption moratorium could take place.
We called and spoke with Lena on Saturday the 16th, and then again on Sunday the 17th. We had an hour with Gaylna on Saturday to translate, but it wasn't quite enough time to accomplish all that Lena, Charlie, Lena's cousin Llona, one of Lena's teachers and I had to discuss. Yep, on Saturday we got to spend time chatting with Llona and one of Lena's teachers (wish I could remember her name, but it escapes me). Our conversations with both Llona and Lena's teacher were incredibly sweet. They are both very happy for Lena, and are excited to meet us. Sunday we called again, this time to get "the list". Charlie and I have known that we would be bringing some gifts from America to give the kids when we arrive, we hear things like glow bracelets, chalk, and American candy are a huge hit. We had also asked Lena a few phone calls back if there were any special gifts for her classmates we could bring. Lena was prepared, she had her list! Lena gave us the names of 13 girls in her class, along with a suggested gift for each. On that list there were several requests for stuff animals, a couple of requests for journals, two hair dryers (believe that's what I would have requested after having to take a cold shower during a Ukrainian winter), a book about animals, and a embroidery kit. Oh, and Lena also asked if we might bring a gift for her 3 teachers and Sultan the horse too. :]
Seems our gift giving will come at a perfect time. Christmas! Which brings me to our kids, Jennifer, Lisa and Kyle. Which at this moment I'd like to say how much we love them, and how incredibly proud we are of the people they have grown into. From the beginning of this journey they have been nothing but supportive and excited along with us. Several Christmases ago we began a new Christmas tradition, recognizing the many blessing in our lives, we desired to share, instead of buying gifts for each other, we have made donations to charities in each others names, this year we approached the kids with "Lena's List", without hesitation the charity of choice this year, a group of Ukrainian children and a Ukrainian horse. Need to say it again, we love you J, Lisa and Kyle! We will enjoy sharing with Lena that her new sisters and brother, and families wanted to be a part of our first ever Ukrainian Christmas...
We are also excited to see and hear about how God continues to show Himself to others, how He lights a fire of passion, and His people respond.
The Goodness Family have not only been a big part of Orphans Ransom (I shared their website link in my last post), but they have put together "Project Christmas JOY". They have collected the names and ages of all 160 children at the Internat (Lena's school, and where they adopted their daughter Kristina from in July), and have approached the members of their church to gift each of these children with a Christmas box. This will be the first time that these children have experienced anything like this.
Also Ukrainian Orphan Charities (through our facilitator) in partnership with U.S. non-profit Horizon Christian Fellowship (organized by other adoptive families) are prepared again to bring another group of Ukrainian orphans to the U.S. this Christmas. The children will travel December 19, 2010 – January 9, 2011. They will send a group of children anywhere in U.S. where there are several interested families. You can log in to their website using the user name and password below to see which children are still waiting to be matched with a host family:
Website: http://www.hostorphansfromukraine.blogspot.com/
Login: ukraineorphans@aol.com
Password: nostreetlife
Even though the blog will say "by invitation only" - just enter log in and password and the blog will let you in.
Charlie and I are amazed at the opportunities out there to help, we wonder what God might have in store for us in the future... because we believe we've only seen the tip of an ice berg.
Now on to another thing: As I said in a previous post, our hope was to complete our adoption by the end of this year, in doing so we would have been able to take advantage of a $13,000 tax credit. Unfortunately we don't believe that will be possible now. We don't anticipate the adoption will be final until mid January. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, but still believing we should not put a limit on how and by whom God may want to provide the remaining funds needed for Lena's adoption, we share this with you. The cost of Lena's adoption is right at $30,000, we are extremely grateful for support monies that have already been donated by our church, family, and friends, it has simply been amazing to watch as God has provided, which we have said from the beginning that He would have to do. "It's a God sized endeavor" is still our chant. So to date with the monies we have spent and the donations we have recieved we find ourselves still short by about $7600.00, which wouldn't look as big as it does if we didn't find ourselves needing to add to our solar system (we live off the grid), we think it is important to boost things to accomodate an additional body. So with that being said, if you should feel led to donate to our adoption fund, and would like to receive a receipt for tax purposes, checks can be made out and sent to:
Prescott Christian Church
501 S. Senator Highway, Prescott AZ 86303,
noting “Adoption Fund” in the memo section.
It's with sincere hearts Charlie and I thank you all for your encouragement and prayers, for following along with us... it won't be long now...
Oh, I didn't mention, Charlie and I found out this week that our dossier has already been submitted to the SDA, it was submitted prior to the last vote on Oct. 8th. Konstantin felt it was important to go ahead and submit it prior to the vote, which we agree with and appreciate. It may be just another week or two before we hear when our appointment date is, if we find out it is prior to Lena coming off the registry we'll have to request a new date, but better to be in process, then to take a chance that a vote on a adoption moratorium could take place.
Boy, that was a lot of this and that... Blessings!!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Skype no Hype!
Seems I continue to be a bit of a "bump on a blog", but not intentionally. Charlie and I have been enjoying a visit with my sister Leslie and brother-in-law Rick the past few days. Actually they arrived this past Friday evening and left yesterday morning to spend a day in Phoenix, before heading back to Montana. So between visiting and work (both Charlie and I continued to work through their visit as we plan to take a large chunk of time off in the near future :]), I was unprepared to take the time needed to do an update.
But I'm back and we do have news to report!
October 8th came and went quietly (except for the arrival of Leslie and Rick), "the vote" was once again postponed. Praise God, seems to be a theme developing here... keep praying!
Saturday morning Charlie and I awoke early, ok, maybe not any earlier than normal, but we got moving faster than usual. I had to get a shower and get my hair washed and dried prior to our much anticipated SKYPE call with Lena. Was not about to let Lena see me with bad hair, at least not yet...
Time out: Feel as if I need to take a minute to set the scene... Over the last several months I have developed a friendship with a couple in Arkansas who are in the process of adopting two young girls from the same school that Lena is in. As with others we have met along the "adoption way", Loren and Cammie have fast become part of our extended family. An incredible extended family to be sure... Loren and Cammie made a quick trip over to Ukraine this past weekend, they had a few issues arise with their adoption and felt it important to be there in person to promote a positive outcome, which I'm extremely happy to report seems to be the case, Praise God again!! An important part of their trip was to provide the girls an opportunity to visit with several families that have already adopted from the Ukraine via a Skype session. They had made arrangements for several computers to be available at the local Internet cafe, as well as translators to be on hand, no small task! Loren and Cammie extended an invitation to Charlie and I to join them, so that we might have the opportunity to see Lena in action. I must admit I had a few nervous knots, but for the most part just over the top excitement for the chance to visit with Lena face to face.
At 6:30 am our Skype phone rang, and with a click of the mouse, there she was!! It's hard to understand, to comprehend how the heart works, but since we began to communicate with Lena, whether by email, by phone, and now Skype, there has never been a hesitation, nor reservation, it seems as natural as breathing, she is our daughter... and Charlie and I, along with Rick and Leslie delighted in her for close to an hour. With lap top in hand we were able to give her a tour of her room and introduce her to the dogs. It was then that she asked to see the horses. Of course she would ask, and of course we would deliver, but how? Charlie and Rick headed for the barn, as Leslie and I continued to talk, Lena introduced us to her cousin Llona, and her friend Alyona, it was incredibly sweet (It would be later in the day that my heart and mind would begin to reflect back on those introductions).
When Charlie and Rick arrived back at the house they had Rowdy in tow. Charlie led Rowdy onto the patio, and through the window, Lena was able to get a glimpse of the horse she has already claimed as her own. It was a few minutes later that we all agreed Lena needed a better view, so out to the yard the lap top went, it worked! Lena was able to see Rowdy in action! Too fun!! By the way Lena also really liked Charlie's cowboy hat. No doubt a cowgirl hat is in Lena's future. :]
It was an amazing morning, thank you Loren and Cammie for making it happen! For all those who played a part in it. Also, so incredibly thankful that Uncle Rick and Aunt Leslie were here to meet Lena, to experience the morning with us. Charlie and I are also excited to have crossed over another technological line with Skype, we believe it's going to be a wonderful way for Lena to be in touch with new and old family and friends. Simple download, inexpensive camera, and the rest is free!
As I mentioned, it was later in the day, after I had spent a good bit of time reflecting on the joyfulness of the morning, that the words of Lena's friend Alyona started to play in my head, Alyona had shared how happy she was for Lena, she was happy that Lena would soon have a family to love her, the joy and sincerity of her statement was authentic ... both Lena's cousin and her friend had seemed so curious and so happy to be a part of our conversation, it is then that the question presented itself, what about them?? What about the rest?? It is a hard question to think about. One, that on some level I wish I could ignore, but it now exists in my heart... I believe it needs to be answered.
Which for now brings me to share this website: http://www.orphansransom.org/
Charlie and I look forward to talking with Lena again this Saturday morning, and we anticipate hearing sometime the end of this month that our Dossier has been submitted to the SDA!
But I'm back and we do have news to report!
October 8th came and went quietly (except for the arrival of Leslie and Rick), "the vote" was once again postponed. Praise God, seems to be a theme developing here... keep praying!
Saturday morning Charlie and I awoke early, ok, maybe not any earlier than normal, but we got moving faster than usual. I had to get a shower and get my hair washed and dried prior to our much anticipated SKYPE call with Lena. Was not about to let Lena see me with bad hair, at least not yet...
Time out: Feel as if I need to take a minute to set the scene... Over the last several months I have developed a friendship with a couple in Arkansas who are in the process of adopting two young girls from the same school that Lena is in. As with others we have met along the "adoption way", Loren and Cammie have fast become part of our extended family. An incredible extended family to be sure... Loren and Cammie made a quick trip over to Ukraine this past weekend, they had a few issues arise with their adoption and felt it important to be there in person to promote a positive outcome, which I'm extremely happy to report seems to be the case, Praise God again!! An important part of their trip was to provide the girls an opportunity to visit with several families that have already adopted from the Ukraine via a Skype session. They had made arrangements for several computers to be available at the local Internet cafe, as well as translators to be on hand, no small task! Loren and Cammie extended an invitation to Charlie and I to join them, so that we might have the opportunity to see Lena in action. I must admit I had a few nervous knots, but for the most part just over the top excitement for the chance to visit with Lena face to face.
At 6:30 am our Skype phone rang, and with a click of the mouse, there she was!! It's hard to understand, to comprehend how the heart works, but since we began to communicate with Lena, whether by email, by phone, and now Skype, there has never been a hesitation, nor reservation, it seems as natural as breathing, she is our daughter... and Charlie and I, along with Rick and Leslie delighted in her for close to an hour. With lap top in hand we were able to give her a tour of her room and introduce her to the dogs. It was then that she asked to see the horses. Of course she would ask, and of course we would deliver, but how? Charlie and Rick headed for the barn, as Leslie and I continued to talk, Lena introduced us to her cousin Llona, and her friend Alyona, it was incredibly sweet (It would be later in the day that my heart and mind would begin to reflect back on those introductions).
When Charlie and Rick arrived back at the house they had Rowdy in tow. Charlie led Rowdy onto the patio, and through the window, Lena was able to get a glimpse of the horse she has already claimed as her own. It was a few minutes later that we all agreed Lena needed a better view, so out to the yard the lap top went, it worked! Lena was able to see Rowdy in action! Too fun!! By the way Lena also really liked Charlie's cowboy hat. No doubt a cowgirl hat is in Lena's future. :]
It was an amazing morning, thank you Loren and Cammie for making it happen! For all those who played a part in it. Also, so incredibly thankful that Uncle Rick and Aunt Leslie were here to meet Lena, to experience the morning with us. Charlie and I are also excited to have crossed over another technological line with Skype, we believe it's going to be a wonderful way for Lena to be in touch with new and old family and friends. Simple download, inexpensive camera, and the rest is free!
As I mentioned, it was later in the day, after I had spent a good bit of time reflecting on the joyfulness of the morning, that the words of Lena's friend Alyona started to play in my head, Alyona had shared how happy she was for Lena, she was happy that Lena would soon have a family to love her, the joy and sincerity of her statement was authentic ... both Lena's cousin and her friend had seemed so curious and so happy to be a part of our conversation, it is then that the question presented itself, what about them?? What about the rest?? It is a hard question to think about. One, that on some level I wish I could ignore, but it now exists in my heart... I believe it needs to be answered.
"Once your eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do.
God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know,
and holds us responsible to act.
Proverbs 24:12
Which for now brings me to share this website: http://www.orphansransom.org/
Charlie and I look forward to talking with Lena again this Saturday morning, and we anticipate hearing sometime the end of this month that our Dossier has been submitted to the SDA!
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