tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63216893275427937612024-03-14T01:18:39.360-07:00Imagine That !Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...Ephesians 3:20Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-8714355239947538912016-02-23T13:02:00.002-08:002016-02-23T13:02:56.839-08:00The LieI believed the lie. I got sucked in and still struggle to see it for what it is. My lie is partly truth and that is why it has been so hard to see The Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth.<br />
My lie started with the fact that our lives are FULL, BUSY AND STRESSFUL. We had a long and hard 2015. As the New Year came we desired 2016 to be a year of rest. We believe God is giving us time to rest, get our feet back on the ground and to regroup. <br />
This is all good and we know from The Lord.<br />
The issue comes in when I got very protective of "my rest". I got focused on "my needs". I slowly and not realizing began to shut my ears to The Lord for fear He might open my eyes to a need around me or call me to love when I just want to "get a break". <br />
I began to feel more and more selfish and frustrated. More and more resentful of anyone messing up "my time".<br />
I kept telling myself, "I need this". <br />
I have been dragging my feet as my hubby and I do a Bible Study called Experiencing God.<br />
I went through this study in college and I love it. It speaks right to my heart. I was dragging my feet because somehow I didn't trust God. I was afraid He would give me more to do. <br />
Well as He always does he finally broke through my wall I was building. He shed light into my heart and revealed to me the root of my problem.<br />
Trust!!!!<br />
Can I really Trust God to only guide me to His perfect will? Can I trust God knows what I need? Can I trust God to make known to me where, when and how? <br />
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I have finally realized, (and write this to remind myself when I forget) He LOVES ME! HE KNOWS ME! HE KNOWS WHAT I NEED! <br />
HE knows we need to rest and regroup and He will be the one to protect our rest. He is the one that will renew us. <br />
I can trust Him. He will not call me to more than He can handle. I sink when I take my eyes off of Him and try to do life in my own strength. <br />
His power and strength are unlimited! And it is ALL I truly need!!!!Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-76197548405296161452014-07-21T14:24:00.000-07:002014-07-21T14:24:51.969-07:00BittersweetAs we began our recent adoption journey we knew we were taking a big
risk. God prepared our hearts that the picture in the end could look
different than the plans we had laid before us.<br />
We began our journey watching the news and praying over our little guy,
"Raymond". Our paperwork was going smoothly and we were loving the
amazing support group this time through. We didn't care for the name
our little guy was given on the website and we just felt he needed a
name we would stick with. We settled on the perfect name. It's meaning,
"God is gracious" or "A Gift from God".<br />
As the days past we began to become more certain that bringing him home
was looking more and more impossible. It wasn't really a lack of faith
as much as feeling The Lord was preparing us for something different. We
did not want to give up but we became so very weary. We grieved over
our little guy and not knowing anything about how he was doing. We had
many discussions and each time decided to wait.<br />
While waiting we had a last minute opportunity for our 8 year old to
have a surgery we have been waiting for. Through that surgery and the 7
weeks of recovery we felt more and more like God was giving us a glimpse
of the hard year ahead of us with multiple surgeries and a lot of
traveling. We prayed a lot and I personally struggled through a lot of
feelings. Trying to be wise but feeling selfish for praying about if
bringing home another child with severe needs was even doable. We know
God called us to our little guy and I just kept trusting that maybe he
has developed more and was more able than the website portrayed. Trusting God knows us and knows our abilities much better than we do. Through this time, one of
our mentors suggested making a plan B. I struggled through plan B, C,
D, E and F. We discussed many children and the possibility of not even continuing
the adoption. Some days we flew above the circumstances somedays I got
caught up in fear, somedays I grasped at straws and many times felt like
giving up. Through it all God renewed us and continued to give us
peace that He had a plan.<br />
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The months have passed and it will soon be time to travel. We cannot
postpone our travel too long due to many circumstances such as paperwork
beginning to expire, upcoming major surgeries and honestly emotionally
waiting forever takes a serious toll on us.<br />
As we waited we saw a little guy that we thought might be a perfect fit
with our family. We waited and just a few days later a family posted
they were hoping to commit to him. Just a little later he was chosen.
:). He has a family coming for him very soon. Praise God!<br />
Again we waited but then we saw another little guy being advocated for
that snagged our hearts. We considered his age and needs and couldn't
stop dreaming about his cute little smile. Then someone posted his link
to another site- in his language. His picture with his name! The same
name we had chosen for our son. "A gift from God"<br />
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We decided as a family to commit to him, knowing our fist little guy
"Raymond" would not be available for very long time if ever.<br />
Soon after committing to our newest little guy we got word that Raymond was officially no longer available.
Our hearts break for our first little guy that will most likely remain
stuck in a place where he will get minimal care and most likely never
have a family. We will NEVER FORGET HIM. We will always pray for him and
hope for him to know and love God.<br />
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Every child is a blessing and every child deserves to be loved. We are
so grateful for the many ways God has blessed us and we desire to share
His love with our hopefully soon, newest edition.<br />
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Please meet our "Gift From God" aka Ashton.<br />
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http://reecesrainbow.org/44083/ashton<br />
<img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-44084" src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/20825040727-247x300.jpg" height="210" title="20825040727" width="173" /><br />
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And TRUELY already he has been a gift. To be joyful again about our
adoption journey. To want to complete our paperwork that has sat while
we waited. To be given a peek into who he is because someone we know has
met him. To have updated information and to know where he is. And to see how God gave us a name that really is our son's name. <br />
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Please pray with us that God's Will is done here on earth as
it is in heaven. That God will move every mountain out of the way and that this precious little guy's heart will be prepared to be loved beyond imagination, because he has A LOT of people that love him already. Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-28888367517797263472014-05-01T17:08:00.000-07:002014-05-01T17:08:10.496-07:00Timothy the teddy bearGavin has a surgery buddy, his name is Timothy.<br />
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Timothy has been through a few surgeries with Gavin.</div>
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On Tuesday when we got the call that there was a last minute surgery opening we had to make some quick decisions. We felt Gavin needed to help decide if he was ready to go have surgery. When he woke up I asked him what he thought. He immediately said "no, I don't want to have surgery. I don't want to walk." I told him we could think about it for awhile, we talked about all the good and bad things about surgery. Gavin buried his face in his pillow and I was sure it was a "no-go". Then he popped his head up and with and excited voice said, "if I go, can I take Timothy?" </div>
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Well, of course you can :)</div>
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Gavin had to talk to Timothy about this big decision. They had to talk about the big surgery and the big trip. After this talk Gavin looked at Timothy with the sweetest little look and said, "I'll do it just for you Timothy"! Then he gave him a big kiss on the nose and needed a big hug. </div>
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Timothy has been a good traveling buddy and surgery partner in his matching pajamas and casts. </div>
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Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-22940374799123356692013-11-15T17:30:00.000-08:002013-11-15T17:30:01.169-08:00Another great link about adoption I haven't had a lot of time to put my own thoughts to blogging lately but I have run across many posts by others that say much of what I would say if I had the time and creative juices. So for now I am cheating and posting <a href="http://nihaoyall.com/2013/11/theres-no-such-thing-as-an-easy-adoption.html" target="_blank">another link</a> to a post that is so very true and one that resonates with me in so many ways. Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-10483427090435338282013-11-15T15:23:00.000-08:002013-11-15T15:23:52.075-08:00I feel like this lady has been a fly on my wall. If you have adopted I am sure you can relate to much of <a href="http://sparrow-fund.org/10-things-wish-knew-adoption" target="_blank">this</a>. In some crazy way it feels good to know someone else understands.<br />
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If you are considering adopting, this is so true of so many families.<br />
Please do not let it scare you away- but please read it and use it to know how to pray and allow God to prepare your heart for what is to come. <br />
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I had read a lot and talked to so many about adoption but was still surprised at my own feelings through this process. We are more often than not through the dark valley, but it often returns at times when life gets hard, when we do new things and sometimes when we are not expecting it. <br />
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If you are a friend of a family that has adopted it is so helpful to understand what they may be experiencing. Sometimes the mom needs to talk cause it is just plain hard. We mom's get it, we understand the child's trauma and why they do what they do, but it is still hard to process, can be very painful and gets exhausting at times. Please do not give up on praying for that family once the child is home, because that is when the real hard stuff begins. <br />
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When God calls you to it He WILL bring you through it and the blessings are real and He grows us in ways that are wonderful. He will show His glory through the dark valley and on the other side you, your new child and the whole family will be blessed for it. <br />
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<a href="http://sparrow-fund.org/10-things-wish-knew-adoption">http://sparrow-fund.org/10-things-wish-knew-adoption</a>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-44361207129008831742013-08-05T18:22:00.001-07:002013-11-15T17:58:55.011-08:00Level Failed!Confessions of a very bored and lonely momma- sitting here trying not to think about how many more long hours before we go home to the rest of the family.<br />
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I play candy Crush a lot!!!!!!</div>
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How many times have I read those words</div>
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"Level Failed- you did not clear all the jelly"</div>
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How many times in our lives do we feel this way? How many opportunities missed, harsh words spoken, how many times do I put my feelings first? </div>
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So many times I have failed, but each time God gives me more life- another chance. </div>
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Sometimes a level takes days to pass through, sometimes I seek help from a friend or tricks from the web. Sometimes I get mad and fuss at my phone. Sometimes I whiz through a level with little thought- kinda like someone else did all the work. </div>
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Oh, this is so much like my life.</div>
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I thank God for more lives! I thank God for friends and places to turn for help and encouragement! And I thank God that sometimes He just takes over. </div>
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Off to conquer the next lesson with His help. ( And maybe another level in Candy Crush). ;). </div>
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Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-64785309123431554312013-07-19T07:26:00.001-07:002013-07-19T11:48:29.092-07:00Beautiful FeetLast Sunday our pastor commissioned our VBS workers. In his sermon he focused on the beautiful feet that take the Gospel to others and he shared about the armor of God and that the feet are "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" Ephesians 6:15<div><br></div><div>As he was sharing my mind connected with our daughter Olya.</div><div>Her feet are crooked and bent. She is not able to use her feet to go anywhere.</div><div><br></div><div>She is currently in casts to make her feet straight- to get them to be flat on the floor and it is our hope that soon she can wear shoes.</div><div><br></div><div>Her feet are not very useful to her. Her feet are not what most would think of as beautiful.</div><div><br></div><div>I see her feet as a beautiful picture of her life.</div><div>She came to us with lots of hurts and scars. Lots of things twisted and confused. <br><div>But she came with determination and a desire for something more.</div><div>God has been molding and shaping her. She has been bent and is getting stretched sometimes to the point of tears. </div><div>Her heart like her muscles are loosening up and are more moldable. </div><div><br></div><div>A couple weeks ago Olya went to a teen Bible camp. God used the pastor to help her untangle some confusion. God's spirit worked in her heart and she repented of her sin and asked Christ to be The Lord of her life.</div><div>God did surgery on her heart and now spiritually she has feet that can walk. Now she can put on the shoes of readiness to take the Gospel of peace. Soon she will have surgeries on her feet so physically she can walk.</div><div>It is our prayer that as God continues to mold her and as the doctors continue to reshape her feet that she would be prepared to take the gospel wherever God leads.</div><div>"How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 15</div><div><br></div></div>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-21670295188422193162013-04-08T22:45:00.000-07:002013-04-09T09:48:26.099-07:00One Year Anniversary - Part 2Olya and I went to a <a href="http://www.churchpilgrim.org/" target="_blank">"Russian" Baptist church</a> yesterday evening. Stacy and I try and take her whenever we can and it is a great church with the most wonderful and kind people that attend. Yesterday, they continued on with the Easter theme service and we had the priveledge of hearing the children's choir sing many Easter songs of course in Russian. Most of the time, when someone is available, the church is gracious enough to provide this English speaking human a translation through a delivered headset (much appreciated).<br />
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<strike>Part of the reason, I believe, that the church carried on the Easter service for two weeks is that yesterday was Easter for the Eastern Orthodox churches. So, yes, Ukraine celebrated Easter yesterday.</strike> I stand corrected on this one :) Easter for the Eastern Orthodox churches this year is May 5th and Lent began March 18th. <br />
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="ru"><span class="hps">Христос воскрес! </span></span>(Khristos voskres!, Christ is risen!). Khristos voskres! is something that I heard a lot yesterday! As I believe Olya put it, this is something that is said three times in a row in Ukraine. Sounds good to me. At any rate, I thoroughly enjoy going to the Slavic Church with Olya when I can. It is a rich blessing to see fellow believers freely and joyfully worship in their own tongue and culture. Right here in Spokane no less. <br />
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So, in honor of Easter in Ukraine, here are some pictures taken last year of the Eastern Orthodoxy Monasteries in Kiev Ukraine.<br />
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To start, here are some pictures of the St. Michaels Golden Domed Monastery. Taken in the post-adoption days with Olya! </div>
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Here lies the St. Andrews Cathedral. This is the cathedral that is right across from the SDA office in Kiev. </div>
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Our good friend and driver told us all about the history of this church and it's surroundings but I don't remember a thing about it. </div>
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Here he is telling me all about it :)</div>
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He was a very thorough tour guide. Thanks Eugene, you are the best!</div>
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When we finally made it inside (no picture taking allowed), Stacy recalls that all she wanted to do was leave because she felt that she was the only woman without a head covering. </div>
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="ru"><span class="hps">До свидания</span><span class=""> </span></span>(Do svidaniya Good bye)Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-37574357739350433222013-03-30T23:44:00.000-07:002013-03-30T23:44:02.215-07:00To Ukraine! One Year ago Today.It is utterly amazing to me that it already has been one year since the day Stacy and I flew off to Ukraine. Stacy and I of course are planning on posting a "gotcha day" post for Olya. We are still trying to decide which day we want to celebrate. We shall see what Olya thinks. But for now, there is something that I have been wanting to do for about a year now, and that is to share more of our trip(s) to <span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="ru"><span class="hps">Украина (Ukraina, Ukraine). I fell in love with the country, the history, the culture and the people as we began pursuing the adoption for Olya two years ago from this coming July. So here goes, mostly pics to share and this will hopefully come in waves of a few posts. I was going to go linear but since tomorrow is Easter (He is Risen Indeed!), here is the first day of our second trip. A down day upon arrival in </span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="ru"><span class="hps">Киев (Kyiv, Kiev), Stacy and I took to the streets and here is what we found...</span></span><br />
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Yes, lots and lots of eggs hanging from trees..</div>
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..and trees..</div>
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..and trees..</div>
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..and many other things..</div>
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The locals liked to have their picture taken.</div>
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What are they you ask? Well, they are called <span class="st">писанка (Pysanka) Ukrainian Easter eggs.</span></div>
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Being in Ukraine during Easter was truly a wonderful and enriching experience. We were in Ukraine for both the Prodestant/Catholic observed Easter day as well as the Eastern Orthodox observed Easter day. It was fascinating to be an onlooker of different traditions and it was a great reminder that our Lord Jesus is the Lord of all to whom he calls from every corner. Thank you Lord Jesus for what you have done for me and my life and the lives of so many others. That your resurrection is celebrated by many around the world and across cultures. So that every tongue and every tribe may bless your name. </div>
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Well, to close out our tour of the day.. we ventured on..</div>
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The hub of Kiev.</div>
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Downtown Kiev truly is amazing..</div>
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Happy Easter all!<br />
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="ru"><span class="hps"><br /></span></span>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-12384205137181543832013-02-15T21:25:00.000-08:002013-02-15T21:25:25.847-08:00Gavin's Big Surgery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You Lord for amazing Technology!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You Lord for Daddies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You Lord for Little Stuffed Friends!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You Lord for an Amazing Hospital and wonderful Doctors, Nurses, etc. etc. etc. !</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You Lord for visitors ~ aunts, uncles, cousins, and g'mas and g'pas!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You Lord for Wii!</td></tr>
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Gavin gets his red Cast off on Monday! Thank you Lord.</div>
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It has been a long month with little sleep and we are thankful this is almost behind us, but we are thankful for the opportunities we have to help Gavin achieve more than we ever thought possible. </div>
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Our little man that once was an orphan with Arthrogryposis</div>
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is now a little man with a hope and a future.</div>
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Thank You Lord!</div>
Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-38789830103738559572013-01-04T22:58:00.001-08:002013-01-05T08:52:36.627-08:00The Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzP0aFo9tLo/UOfJ_Fs_uhI/AAAAAAAABSE/IVBnJPFFmqk/s1600/us+grils+131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzP0aFo9tLo/UOfJ_Fs_uhI/AAAAAAAABSE/IVBnJPFFmqk/s320/us+grils+131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These girls have so much fun together. This photo was from their all day photo shoot the three of them did. Taking turns with the camera, going all over the house and yard and changing clothes 20 times. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-siirDiK5t6M/UOfFXP2BcFI/AAAAAAAABQo/320LF70uaRk/s1600/nov+2012+1650+(592x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-siirDiK5t6M/UOfFXP2BcFI/AAAAAAAABQo/320LF70uaRk/s320/nov+2012+1650+(592x640).jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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This fall Kali started pursuing her new passion- Rhythmic Gymnastics</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She
has always done some sort of dance and or gymnastics, but this is a
combination of both. She LOVES it and finds every spare second she can
get to do her training homework. She can do the over splits, with one
foot on like 10 books. She is mastering the hoop and the ball and is
preparing for her first competitions this spring. She is so focused and determined and is a natural. She has a chance to win an IPod or a Rhythmic Gymnastics Rope by doing push ups, sit ups and some other muscle burning exercises and she is so excited. She dreams of winning the .... you guessed it :)...... The Rope. Yep, all that sweat for a rope. I told you she was determined. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Xf8jLzuFNU/UOfGTpy8_fI/AAAAAAAABQ0/fdxClmIf2qk/s1600/Ayla%27s+Dance+Pics+2012+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Xf8jLzuFNU/UOfGTpy8_fI/AAAAAAAABQ0/fdxClmIf2qk/s320/Ayla%27s+Dance+Pics+2012+014.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Ayla
started back to dance and though she loves dance, I think she mostly
loves having another reason to hang out with her friends. She did her
first performance this Christmas and made mom cry. She is so beautiful
and has worked so hard to learn the dances in a very short amount of
time. She too has done gym and dance off and on her whole life and loves it. It is so funny because it was Ayla who originally wanted to quit ballet to do gymnastics. Within the year Kali followed her and now Ayla is back to dance. She likes the ballet but she loves the Jazz. Anything with a little kick and color.</div>
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Ayla is also one of our kiddos going off to school. I am sure I have said it before, she is our social butterfly. I think she got that from her dad. :) he he She works so hard on her homework and is so responsible. Sometimes though I think she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders because she cares about her friends so much. We are praying about the future of her education. Trying to find a way to give her the social atmosphere she loves with out so much weight of trying to help her hurting friends. It is a lot for an 11 year old. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Avr6ounx_tQ/UOfNG9e935I/AAAAAAAABSo/koiDFNomTHs/s1600/us+grils+183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Avr6ounx_tQ/UOfNG9e935I/AAAAAAAABSo/koiDFNomTHs/s320/us+grils+183.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic by Kali or Ayla ?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Olya started another Art class. Three at
school
is just not enough. She loves art and loves to create new things. She
is knitting me a scarf, screen printed a T- shirt for Jeromy's Christmas
present, and is always coming up with some creative artistic thing to
try. The last few days she has put her artistic skills to work making a
dessert of frosting, which she made herself, peanuts, chocolate chips,
crushed ginger bread and whip cream. YUM! She has also takin' a liking
to being a photographer. Her English is AMAZING and a Russian woman
told me the other night that Olya already speaks Russian with an
accent. :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VcGHzMikaa0/UOfJRoBKyiI/AAAAAAAABR4/jb6jBcVnDUk/s1600/Dec+2012+718.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VcGHzMikaa0/UOfJRoBKyiI/AAAAAAAABR4/jb6jBcVnDUk/s320/Dec+2012+718.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Art by Olya</u></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDVsgEZ30yg/UOfHgqqhueI/AAAAAAAABRI/0B4XzVjY4gw/s1600/Dec+2012+655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDVsgEZ30yg/UOfHgqqhueI/AAAAAAAABRI/0B4XzVjY4gw/s320/Dec+2012+655.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Olya</td></tr>
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Oh, that reminds me of a great story. :)</div>
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We have been taking Olya to a few different Russian Churches about an hour away. We found one we really like and through the service last Sunday I was feeling so much like this is a good place for us to visit. It had a great service, great messages and a lot of youth. After the service a woman came over to me and said, " I know your family". I said in amazement, "how?" She said, uh, "I don't know".</div>
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She natively speaks Russian, I speak only English, so it was hard for her to explain how she knew us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But we figured it out: A friend of ours from church bought a piano from her family while we were in the process of adopting Olya. While he was picking up the piano he noticed they were speaking something other that English. ;) Somehow he found out they spoke Russian. At some point he felt he should tell them about our family and shared our blog with them. Well she read our blog while we were in Ukraine!</div>
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I have to say, I feel God used this night to minister to my heart. The church was awesome, this woman as sweet as can be and God laid on Jeromy and I's hearts the same message, (even though it was not the topic of the night) we need to PRAY.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will not go into details but adopting can be hard. The journey to get her home was hard and the journey to help her heal is hard. We "knew" it all before, but the living it every day caught me off guard. I am selfish, I am not very patient, I am not as understanding as I thought I would be. I thought I could do it. Well, truth is I can't. God can!!!! He got her home even though it was impossible. He is doing a great work in her, but in reality I think He is doing a great work in me.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55CAV7oykUI/UOfIriHrBHI/AAAAAAAABRw/YCXnxW9n_jk/s1600/Dec+2012+671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55CAV7oykUI/UOfIriHrBHI/AAAAAAAABRw/YCXnxW9n_jk/s320/Dec+2012+671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I am learning. I am seeing some of the things I have always done to Jeromy that now that I see it in her I realize isn't so nice to be on the other side. I am seeing more and more how I treat God and how much He loves me in-spite of it. I am human and I fail and sometimes I feel like a failure as a mom, but sometimes I am so happy to see what God is doing and so proud of who Olya is and is becoming. Adoption can be hard but it is beautiful because it is God's heart. His heart is to comfort and love the orphan and his heart is to make ours more like his. I pray I do not stand in the way of Him accomplishing both. </div>
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<br />Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-81930054421191913832013-01-04T20:59:00.000-08:002013-01-05T08:38:39.743-08:00Once upon a time....Once upon a time there was a blogger. She loved to blog and brag on her family. She loved to share her thoughts and feel connected to the world.<br />
<br />
* Then she got all mixed up with trying to use an IPad which she doesn't like for blogging, her computer stinks and her daughters computer which does great with photos is having internet issues. <br />
*She also now has 5 kids all of which love to have her attention, 2 of them especially. So when mom looks bored looking at a computer screen, they feel it is a great to make sure she has something to do. :)<br />
*Then there is the I just really have enjoyed being a family and though I love all of my bloggy friends near and far, it has been nice just existing and not feeling like I need to journal our life events.<br />
<br />
blah blah blah- so all that to say- I am back - maybe for one post maybe for a million. I guess we will see.<br />
<br />
<br />
so catching up since the fall-part one of ?<br />
<br />
Oct 2012- We survived the beginning of school.<br />
<br />
We have 3 going to public school and one homeschooling. <br />
Honestly I feel like I put in equal amounts of time into all of their education. Between I.E.P meetings, parent teacher conferences, forms to fill out, homework, lunches, school programs etc. I feel like I do as much work and preparation as I do with Kali's homeschool, and no, I do not think she is getting short changed. She is very independent and self motivated and I am thoroughly enjoying doing school with her. I am learning a lot this year. :) And I am spoiled to have so much one on one time with her.<br />
<br />
The wheelchair bus picks up Olya and Gavin. It is wonderful! The bus driver is awesome and we think he is actually related to Gavin. :) He loves our kids and they get off the bus laughing almost everyday.<br />
<br />
We are blessed with great teams for our kids. I do have to say though that I think Gavin has celeb-braty status at school. He loves it, but this momma is keeping an eye on things, cause nobody likes a brat. So far everyone loves him (especially the girls)and I am hoping to keep it that way.<br />
<br />
All in all, our school arrangement is working great for us this year. We may see some changes next year but that wouldn't surprise anyone. :)<br />
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<br />Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-8336963531839411602012-09-21T14:10:00.000-07:002012-09-21T14:10:03.478-07:00How to Train Your Dragon<div style="text-align: center;">
Today our school OT informed me that we can get Dragon Speak Naturally</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on our IPad.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I went to the App store and downloaded Dragon Dictation.</div>
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Super simple- super fast</div>
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Now How do I train it?</div>
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I found this </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://iphone.appstorm.net/how-to/utilities-how-to/how-to-train-your-ios-device-dragon-dictation/">http://iphone.appstorm.net/how-to/utilities-how-to/how-to-train-your-ios-device-dragon-dictation/</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">but I am super overwhelmed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyone else out there with simple start up instructions or ideas?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am excited about this program for Gavin and Olya. </div>
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Please share if you know info. about this program, if you use it with your children etc.</div>
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Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-83438930091399898502012-09-16T12:03:00.000-07:002012-09-16T12:03:00.019-07:00Summer Fun Round Up!<div style="text-align: center;">
Just some quick glimpses of our summer and early fall. A bit out of order but I am done fighting with the computer ;) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope your summer was filled with many blessings and memories to cherish. If it weren't for pictures I probably would never remember I lived through the summer of 2012- I think my brain has been on overload. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFEuJM9AQkc/UFYaqn7SoZI/AAAAAAAABLo/Xpi_5R_aBkc/s1600/Summer+2012+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFEuJM9AQkc/UFYaqn7SoZI/AAAAAAAABLo/Xpi_5R_aBkc/s320/Summer+2012+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TM7xBuWfCaM/UFYanp0A5vI/AAAAAAAABLg/W0IAxZbyyLY/s1600/Summer+2012+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TM7xBuWfCaM/UFYanp0A5vI/AAAAAAAABLg/W0IAxZbyyLY/s320/Summer+2012+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsLZVOsyIH0/UFYauA4vnII/AAAAAAAABLw/Mhu2ta2-d18/s1600/Summer+2012+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsLZVOsyIH0/UFYauA4vnII/AAAAAAAABLw/Mhu2ta2-d18/s320/Summer+2012+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MAN, WE ARE STARTING TO LOOK LIKE A CRAZY BIG FAMILY</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZuwWY61RUM/UFYfb0UA20I/AAAAAAAABOI/ItvJNE5uUc8/s1600/misc.+2012+1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZuwWY61RUM/UFYfb0UA20I/AAAAAAAABOI/ItvJNE5uUc8/s320/misc.+2012+1107.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ELI'S NEW MEDICATION/FEEDING CENTER- THANK YOU JEROMY I LOVE IT!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1aJ-PdiHUE/UFYfhYgdpTI/AAAAAAAABOQ/1TUOWH_jPxA/s1600/summer+2012+034+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1aJ-PdiHUE/UFYfhYgdpTI/AAAAAAAABOQ/1TUOWH_jPxA/s320/summer+2012+034+(2).JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JAY SETTING GAVIN UP FOR HIS BIG LAWNMOWER RACE! FIRST PLACE - THANKS JAY</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-ttNHatdZM/UFYawlNhCjI/AAAAAAAABL4/gvsKGJZMJOw/s1600/Summer+2012+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-ttNHatdZM/UFYawlNhCjI/AAAAAAAABL4/gvsKGJZMJOw/s320/Summer+2012+095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OF COURSE WE HAVE HAD MANY NAIL PARTIES</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z4mDA8dZ78/UFYa3sYG3VI/AAAAAAAABMA/whee9KCoAck/s1600/Summer+2012+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z4mDA8dZ78/UFYa3sYG3VI/AAAAAAAABMA/whee9KCoAck/s320/Summer+2012+100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OLYA'S SURPRISE TO MOM AND DAD ON HER 4 MONTHS ANNIVERSARY HOME</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmseIckoT8U/UFYa5FmvxJI/AAAAAAAABMI/uXM1mAL5uk0/s1600/Summer+2012+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmseIckoT8U/UFYa5FmvxJI/AAAAAAAABMI/uXM1mAL5uk0/s320/Summer+2012+122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AYLA AND GAVIN'S FIRST DAY IN 6TH AND 1ST GRADES</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VEQazH4j0B0/UFYa8MLoc7I/AAAAAAAABMQ/OQLbY6RWd6U/s1600/Summer+2012+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VEQazH4j0B0/UFYa8MLoc7I/AAAAAAAABMQ/OQLbY6RWd6U/s320/Summer+2012+130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SAYING GOODBYE TO TYVEK!!!!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDtIN7ZTTmE/UFYa9pY96oI/AAAAAAAABMY/eDojt-CIc8A/s1600/Summer+2012+171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDtIN7ZTTmE/UFYa9pY96oI/AAAAAAAABMY/eDojt-CIc8A/s320/Summer+2012+171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GAVIN IS 7! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY-WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nK1Qt6Qcaxo/UFYa_66g5YI/AAAAAAAABMk/EVhE6iwhwo4/s1600/Summer+2012+218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nK1Qt6Qcaxo/UFYa_66g5YI/AAAAAAAABMk/EVhE6iwhwo4/s320/Summer+2012+218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PICKIN' APPLES OFF OUR OWN TREE-74 OF THEM :)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dS34YlIMH9o/UFYbD2UQhCI/AAAAAAAABMs/3vsB9hMZqOQ/s1600/Summer+2012+262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dS34YlIMH9o/UFYbD2UQhCI/AAAAAAAABMs/3vsB9hMZqOQ/s320/Summer+2012+262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbiAVWFL_d0/UFYbGMBaS1I/AAAAAAAABM0/MIn1Gtdkk68/s1600/Summer+2012+295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbiAVWFL_d0/UFYbGMBaS1I/AAAAAAAABM0/MIn1Gtdkk68/s320/Summer+2012+295.JPG" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THANKS OLYA FOR BEING A GREAT BIG SISTER</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THANK YOU MARK AND JAY FOR YOUR HELP ON THE SIDING AND THANK YOU BECKY FOR THE FUN HANG OUT TIMES AND ALL YOUR HELP IN THE KITCHEN</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ANOTHER SURPRISE FROM THE KIDS - HOMEMADE CARROT CAKE - ALL DONE ON THEIR OWN</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOME OF GAVIN'S CHEERING TEAM AT THE LAWNMOWER RACES</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ELI AND LUCY - THAT GIRL DOES NOT LEAVE HIS SIDE</td></tr>
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<br />Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-15531476017137225322012-09-16T10:44:00.001-07:002012-09-16T11:34:38.872-07:00The Quilt<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt by Misty R ~ an orphan lovin' woman and a super great friend.</td></tr>
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Olya's quilt is beautiful and absolutely could not be more perfect for her.</div>
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We truly want to thank everyone that participated in helping us financially, </div>
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emotionally and spiritually in our journey.</div>
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Honestly it was one of the hardest things we have ever done, yet one of the most exciting.</div>
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We are still recovering on all levels and we still have a long journey ahead. </div>
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Olya is amazing and doing very well. She is so sweet and loving and is obviously God's gift to us.</div>
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She says having a family is a dream come true. </div>
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Olya has had many doctor appointments and has many more to go.</div>
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We have had some major decisions to make concerning her health and education and she has 16 years of life with no family that she needs to process. </div>
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We are home but our journey still continues. </div>
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We thank you so much for your prayers, for the gifts, for the welcome home parties.</div>
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We thank you for the space to bond with our daughter.</div>
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We thank you for your willingness to help her feel welcome and part of the gang.</div>
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Thank You ~Thank You ~Thank You</div>
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For helping us become a family!</div>
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Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-89158030696610598372012-07-20T15:54:00.001-07:002012-07-20T15:54:16.685-07:00SWEET 17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Sweet Seventeen!<br />
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Since we missed Olya's first 16 birthdays we decided to celebrate them a little bit as well.<br />
We did a Happy 1st Birthday!<br />
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A Minnie Mouse ~ Happy 5th Birthday!</div>
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A Happy 10th Birthday to our Princess!</div>
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And a Happy 17th!</div>
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We had more cake than even 2 families could eat.</div>
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Thank you Sadie and Jamie for making #1 and #5 </div>
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We had a special family come stay the weekend to make this an extra special day.</div>
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This family was Olya's Host family last summer and they are the family that connected us with all the right people to make bringing Olya home possible. </div>
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Two of their children were adopted from the same home Olya was in. </div>
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Olya is a great big sister to Gavin. </div>
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Grandma Diane and Grandpa Mike stopped in for a quick visit and dropped off Olya's Birthday Card.</div>
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A few days later we were able to finish the celebration off with Grandma Becky and Grandpa Mark.</div>
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Dinner out and a walk on the boardwalk.</div>
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More wonderful presents</div>
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And we topped it off with a bit of ice cream. </div>
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We love you Olya!</div>
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We pray 17 brings you tons of joy and many amazingly wonderful memories.</div>
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<br /></div>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-44920378620764912822012-06-07T21:16:00.000-07:002012-06-07T21:16:53.614-07:00We have been busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kaly, Olya, Ayla, and Sadie spent ALL DAY on Saturday making this masterpiece.</div>
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Not one drop of adult help and they endured till the end.</div>
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Olya's masterpiece done in her spare time. The only help was cutting out the green circle. </div>
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Gavin's new riding lawnmower. I think we have found the perfect summer chore for him. </div>
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Serious dedication even in the rain.</div>
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<br /></div>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-21272607740438077572012-05-25T21:41:00.000-07:002012-05-25T22:40:09.675-07:00Ukraine<div style="text-align: center;">
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Less than a year ago I could not have told you where in the world Ukraine was,</div>
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I would have/did call it The Ukraine, and I had never even considered going there.</div>
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Now less than a year later I feel like it is part of who I am.</div>
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It is forever part of our family, our story, our life.</div>
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Falling in love with our newest daughter opened a whole new world to us.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4080JlYdanQ/T8BmdVM78wI/AAAAAAAABGA/NkVPpBlTa6c/s1600/Olya+and+family+343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4080JlYdanQ/T8BmdVM78wI/AAAAAAAABGA/NkVPpBlTa6c/s320/Olya+and+family+343.JPG" width="320" /></a>Last night Kali, Olya, Gavin and their friend McKenna were able to present Ukraine.<br />
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Our church does a World's Fair each year and we had the privileged to set up a table with many of our treasures and the kids shared some of what they have learned.</div>
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Gavin even taught everyone a little Russian.</div>
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Watching Kali and Olya put this project together was so wonderful.</div>
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Two sisters doing school together.</div>
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One learning about a place she's never been and one sharing about a place where she's always lived. </div>
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Olya would get so excited to pull out her treasures and show them to Kali. </div>
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They searched the internet together for the real Ukrainian Anthem.</div>
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Olya found us the perfect recipe for Borscht and while I was gone to therapy with the boys the two of them stayed home and chopped <b><u>all</u></b> of the ingredients.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe3osB3XBX0/T8Bj_2HgxNI/AAAAAAAABFo/GpFaxwvtAF0/s1600/Olya+and+family+296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe3osB3XBX0/T8Bj_2HgxNI/AAAAAAAABFo/GpFaxwvtAF0/s320/Olya+and+family+296.JPG" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture by Kali</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4Y-DATXBOI/T8BkMJnUGUI/AAAAAAAABFw/jEjG3zrtuIs/s1600/Olya+and+family+299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4Y-DATXBOI/T8BkMJnUGUI/AAAAAAAABFw/jEjG3zrtuIs/s320/Olya+and+family+299.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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They chopped purple cabbage and then some onion. They were really worried that the onion must have gone bad because it was purple. Thankfully before tossing it all out they realized their hands were turning the onion purple. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2uBel05HvU/T8BmfTfuZ4I/AAAAAAAABGI/qDAah8O5LZs/s1600/Olya+and+family+351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2uBel05HvU/T8BmfTfuZ4I/AAAAAAAABGI/qDAah8O5LZs/s320/Olya+and+family+351.JPG" width="320" /></a>Their friend McKenna taught the girls how to make a slideshow and they spent a lot free time finding the perfect pictures to represent Ukraine. </div>
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I really wish we could have made another trip to the Kiev Supermarket about an hour away.</div>
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We are sad we were not able to take some of our favorite Ukrainian tastes.</div>
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Papa and Olya's favorite ~ KVAS</div>
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All of the kids favorite ~ "confietta" ~ aka Candy </div>
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Mama's favorite cookies.</div>
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Nor a sampling of Ukraine's wonderful juice.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kIhgBENMTM/T8BnSJUfzZI/AAAAAAAABGQ/EGM7DF9PuZE/s1600/Olya+and+family+314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kIhgBENMTM/T8BnSJUfzZI/AAAAAAAABGQ/EGM7DF9PuZE/s320/Olya+and+family+314.JPG" width="320" /></a>We didn't have time to make the Cherry dumplings or the "Olivia" Salad. </div>
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But I would say the Borscht was a hit and we doctored up some store bought rolls with a Ukrainian flare.</div>
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We had a wonderful time at the fair and the night ended with an unexpected surprise.</div>
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One of our favorite music groups is Hillsong Kiev. </div>
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Last year when Olya was in Seattle, her Host Family gave her an MP3 loaded with their music.</div>
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What a blessing to her that has been!</div>
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They also gifted us with a Hillsong Kiev CD.</div>
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We have listened to it so many times I think we might be wearing it out.</div>
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Anyway, their music is uplifting and energetic, we all love it and it has ministered to our hearts through so many of the hardest times during this adoption process. </div>
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The last weekend in Ukraine we were blessed to be able to attend Hillsong Kiev church.</div>
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It felt like a full fledged concert. It was truly a wonderful way to say goodby to Ukraine. </div>
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So back to the surprise.</div>
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As we were wrapping up the fair Olya heard our music team practicing upstairs.</div>
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They were practicing songs for the upcoming teen camp. </div>
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The song they were practicing was one we listen to by Hillsong Kiev. </div>
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Her face lit up and she said "Ukraine".</div>
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She bolted up the stairs as fast as possible and the second I set her wheelchair up for her she headed straight to the stage to watch. </div>
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The joy on her face to experience a piece of home and familiar was priceless. </div>
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Leaving everything I knew for less than a month was HARD for me.</div>
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Leaving everything she knew for a lifetime is HARD.</div>
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Olya is amazing and has a wonderful spirit.</div>
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She is positive and cheerful, silly and funny. </div>
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She is adjusting very well, and seems to be very happy. </div>
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She is learning English very quickly. </div>
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But she gets sad, she misses those she knew and loved.</div>
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She misses the familiar, her favorite foods, people that speak her language.</div>
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She misses Ukraine.</div>
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<br /></div>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-89075393481582126442012-04-25T12:25:00.001-07:002014-05-01T14:34:21.505-07:00Smooth Sailing On Bumpy Roads<div class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">
Our flights back to Kiev went off with out a hitch.</div>
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A little turbulence and some motion sickness, but no delays.</div>
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Our first day in Kiev was spent catching up on sleep and checking out a few new sights downtown.</div>
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We stumbled upon this amazing little park <u>filled</u> with Easter Eggs.</div>
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This is part of their Passover celebration.</div>
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( Kaly and Ayla, you would have gone crazy here! It was so beautiful. There were eggs hanging from every branch. The pictures do not even come close to how amazing it was.)</div>
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Tuesday we began our drive to Olya's birthplace.</div>
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The roads were very bumpy and we darted in and out of traffic and around many holes, </div>
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both Jeromy and I got car sick. ;(</div>
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We survived the drive and truly the day was smooth sailing.</div>
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We had no driving issues, our time with our facilitator and driver was very nice and the best part.....</div>
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We got Olya's Birth Certificate!</div>
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It has her new name and we are listed as her parents!</div>
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It was such a special time, after a long and nerve wracking wait, we went in to sign documents. The woman in charge said to us that she knew Olya's birth family. She seems very pleased we were adopting her and left us with many blessings and well wishes. She and the other woman in the office both had tears in their eyes and hugged us goodbye. </div>
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We feel so blessed to have this small connection with Olya's past. </div>
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God has continued to bless us in this adoption over and over. </div>
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-__LTk7zb1cM/T5hRY-QRaaI/AAAAAAAABDI/jyTrlpxY_ks/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252024%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="334" id="blogsy-1335383651445.6345" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-__LTk7zb1cM/T5hRY-QRaaI/AAAAAAAABDI/jyTrlpxY_ks/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252024%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a>Vital Statistics Office </div>
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Today we again started the day <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 7:30 am</a>.</div>
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We finished <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 7:30 pm</a>.</div>
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What did we do all day?</div>
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Well, mostly we waited while our facilitator ran in and out of about 5 different offices about a hundred times.</div>
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That woman needs to wear some Nikes instead of heals ;)</div>
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We had to get things notarized, copied, new passport made so we could go get a new passport made ;)</div>
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Yep, two passports, long story.</div>
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We also had to go to the social security office, back and forth to the orphanage. </div>
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All of this only a few issues occurred, which were quickly remedied.</div>
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We are exhausted, I am sure our fac. is dead asleep by now.</div>
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Oh yeah, then we took stuff to over-night on the train and went and bought treats for the kids and administration so we can throw them a party.</div>
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Why a party?</div>
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Because tomorrow we are taking their sweet Olya away forever. </div>
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We don't want them to hate us, so we are giving them candy ;)</div>
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Yes, tomorrow is our official "gotcha day"!</div>
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We have more paperwork to do but <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors="true">tomorrow night</a> we will all sleep either in a car or on a train together and begin our lives as a family.</div>
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No more goodbyes, no more needing permission to take her somewhere.</div>
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We should arrive in Kiev <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Friday morning</a>, then we will start more paperwork.</div>
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We will be at the US Embassy to get Olya's Visa. </div>
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They said they would do their best to process it on Friday!</div>
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For those that do not already know, this is the LAST STEP!</div>
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We are planning to fly home on Sunday!</div>
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Yes already!</div>
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We praise God for allowing this process to go so quickly.</div>
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In many ways it has been harder than I ever expected, but in other ways it has gone so much smoother than we could have ever imagined.</div>
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The hard stuff has been overcome through lots of prayer.</div>
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Why prayer is often my last resort on some things , I do not know, but get this, it works. ;)</div>
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He is changing my heart and attitude and all of a sudden the hard doesn't seem so hard anymore.</div>
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Now we can just focus on the excitement of being parents to the sweetest 16 year old and enjoy our time getting to know her.</div>
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Praise God we will soon say goodbye to this long journey of adoption, and begin a new journey as parents of FIVE!</div>
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Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-13563216394498961102012-04-14T07:45:00.000-07:002012-04-14T11:32:18.069-07:00The rest of the story!<p> The day before court our visit with Olya was a little different than the rest. She seemed more quiet. Less interested in doing anything and nervous.</p><p>We weren't sure if she was getting teased by a couple of the girls or if she was just emotional. It really stinks not being able to understand what is being said right in front of you.</p><p>As we were heading to court the next day, our facilitator mentioned that she thought Olya was struggling. Olya had called to see if we would be coming for a visit. We all new Olya was working through her emotions, but it is so nerve wracking waiting to see if she might change her mind. When we arrived to pick her up she had not eaten yet and was very nervous. We were all very nervous and each of us had a hard time eating before court. It is a little scary waiting to get questioned. And for Olya it is a huge day! Saying hello to her future, but goodbye in many ways to her past. </p><p>We honestly are very thankful for this time for her. I never want to see my kids hurting or emotionally upset, but it shows us that she is making this decision knowing the consequences. She is facing reality and she knows what she is giving up. It also shows us she has bonded to her friends and care-givers and we know she knows how to love and be loved. In the world of adoption, this is a big thing. </p><p>We Praise God our process has gone so quickly. Being in and out of court in 10 days is really quite amazing. I think Olya thought she would have much more time before this day. </p><p>Once we got to court and had some time to hang out, she bagan to relax. She was very confident in court and gave me many sweet smiles as the court proceedings continued. </p><p>Our facilitator sat with us and we all debreifed after court. Olya seemed very happy and shared she would miss her favorite teacher. </p><p>Yesterday was our last day to visit and it was amazing. We had a wonderful time and she tried very hard to connect with us. We played checkers and took silly pictures. We "played" do you like, and just had a wonderful time together. </p><p>We are now packing to head back home for a short time of regrouping and reconnecting with our other 4 treasures. </p><p>We arrive home Sun. afternoon at 3 and will be heading back to finalize the adoption paperwork <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">April 22.</a> </p><p>We are looking <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">at 1-3</a> weeks of being gone. Things could move very quickly again, but we have a couple of things that could hold us up for a long time. One is the passport. It is possible to get it in one day, but there are no promises. The other is a 5 day weekend. If we hit it just right, we may be hanging out for 5 days waiting for the offices to reopen. We have seen God move in a mighty way and we trust He will do what is best for the family. </p><p>We do not really know what Olya needs right now. If she needs more time then we would rather spend another 5 days here touring her country. We desire as healthy a transition as possible. Though we would love to rush back home, we trust God will do what is best. The timing is, as always in His hands. </p><p>HERE WE COME IDAHO!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-14462606386115680952012-04-12T22:01:00.001-07:002012-04-13T06:34:49.943-07:00Proudly Introducing...<p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are proud to introduce our new girl, please meet...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Olya Naomi !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YBjbaWo64YM/T4gh_GOsJMI/AAAAAAAABCU/pcYSa1VQjyY/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YBjbaWo64YM/T4gh_GOsJMI/AAAAAAAABCU/pcYSa1VQjyY/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578573.1172" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="342" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3CBZPZJ-0nA/T4ghP1Kx9rI/AAAAAAAABCM/HOisyBvGrPU/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3CBZPZJ-0nA/T4ghP1Kx9rI/AAAAAAAABCM/HOisyBvGrPU/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578628.8918" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_PElM3zqZ-A/T4e00PcSKMI/AAAAAAAABBM/m1KCw4a52Fc/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525204%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_PElM3zqZ-A/T4e00PcSKMI/AAAAAAAABBM/m1KCw4a52Fc/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525204%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578611.2485" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l_gy6qiGdSA/T4e1lYXYu7I/AAAAAAAABBU/Hw0vFBlNkWY/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A35%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l_gy6qiGdSA/T4e1lYXYu7I/AAAAAAAABBU/Hw0vFBlNkWY/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A35%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578616.381" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><br></div><p style="text-align: center;">Our court date was a success yesterday! Olya is ours!</p><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-81w_mmxg-G8/T4e0ArNhA6I/AAAAAAAABA8/YfL4rm_2MDk/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A30%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-81w_mmxg-G8/T4e0ArNhA6I/AAAAAAAABA8/YfL4rm_2MDk/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A30%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578606.111" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; ">Our wonderful facilitator - far right and the children's services workers. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; ">A huge thank you to them for making this day possible, and so soon. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r-aNzqDjkLk/T4e0DoiPWTI/AAAAAAAABBE/5rM7sdsxO5E/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r-aNzqDjkLk/T4e0DoiPWTI/AAAAAAAABBE/5rM7sdsxO5E/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578644.695" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"> </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Here is Olya at the puppet show in the orphanage. She did a great job writing and reciting a poem as well as being the voice for some of the characters. </p><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f9EU-EHuJNw/T4e26KUHmKI/AAAAAAAABBk/oKRHp5Qr80k/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525207%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f9EU-EHuJNw/T4e26KUHmKI/AAAAAAAABBk/oKRHp5Qr80k/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525207%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578603.935" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-By0BWLuyXos/T4e6Ozsa3MI/AAAAAAAABBw/3tgUtRMWviM/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525204%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-By0BWLuyXos/T4e6Ozsa3MI/AAAAAAAABBw/3tgUtRMWviM/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525204%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578630.8125" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FOfUP60Ms18/T4e7r_tY0MI/AAAAAAAABCA/0RW5S6SH_Js/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A09%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FOfUP60Ms18/T4e7r_tY0MI/AAAAAAAABCA/0RW5S6SH_Js/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A09%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578594.1672" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little crazy time with the I Pad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please don't judge our maturity by these photos. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zGE_3D7Z8A0/T4gpK-1ygMI/AAAAAAAABCg/x9cTw4clSF8/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zGE_3D7Z8A0/T4gpK-1ygMI/AAAAAAAABCg/x9cTw4clSF8/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578599.0552" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WwiMzLtMk6Y/T4gpNiBe5fI/AAAAAAAABCo/_K4zDxEjsyw/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A51%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WwiMzLtMk6Y/T4gpNiBe5fI/AAAAAAAABCo/_K4zDxEjsyw/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A51%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578630.031" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7QpCFTZLCAY/T4gpPqDRY-I/AAAAAAAABCw/PTJmS2dbPbY/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A45%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7QpCFTZLCAY/T4gpPqDRY-I/AAAAAAAABCw/PTJmS2dbPbY/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A45%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578636.436" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hFq2bGvXwMA/T4gpTDob7oI/AAAAAAAABC4/OwyfWaxF7v4/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A56%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hFq2bGvXwMA/T4gpTDob7oI/AAAAAAAABC4/OwyfWaxF7v4/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252013%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A56%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334323578626.7083" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"> We love you Olya!</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the family. </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">You are truly a wonderful girl and we are so thankful </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">God has blessed us with you as our daughter. </p>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-76307800119985560342012-04-09T13:26:00.001-07:002012-04-09T13:26:48.719-07:00Getting to know you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today part of our visit was joining a group of 7 kids and their teacher for a little spontaneous art class.<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With tons of excitement all the kids quickly covered the table with news paper, pulled out the supplies and got to work helping our girl make a masterpiece.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was truly a group event. Everyone helping to choose the colors. One dear friend assisting with holding the iron. The teacher giving her input and adding the details to the final product.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yKZdgMvoLMA/T4M8zcJzocI/AAAAAAAAA_g/_AkaF9DiR7g/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334003093606.5376" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="334"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U0kwDoVnuOk/T4M85SuHhnI/AAAAAAAAA_w/9rJt4j-_Gb8/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U0kwDoVnuOk/T4M85SuHhnI/AAAAAAAAA_w/9rJt4j-_Gb8/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334003093610.7466" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oO2kH0nqp08/T4M88PcmE7I/AAAAAAAAA_4/p5U3x2ygKzw/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oO2kH0nqp08/T4M88PcmE7I/AAAAAAAAA_4/p5U3x2ygKzw/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334003093561.3254" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_PFP89kRn1E/T4M8_PxJDcI/AAAAAAAABAA/OhL0lmaIuZs/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_PFP89kRn1E/T4M8_PxJDcI/AAAAAAAABAA/OhL0lmaIuZs/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334003093584.7651" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hQ0ZF_ysLQ8/T4M9CQ9kBGI/AAAAAAAABAI/jP_Ap9t0suU/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A52%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hQ0ZF_ysLQ8/T4M9CQ9kBGI/AAAAAAAABAI/jP_Ap9t0suU/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A52%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334003093588.1306" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"> Then it was my turn, I too had everyone giving input as to what colors to use. Every blue was considered for the perfect sky. Some teacher touch ups on the crashing waves and I had an identifiable ocean scene.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Then it was Jeromy's turn. I tried to make it hard on him and jokingly showed him a challenging picture to copy, but with <strike>a lot</strike> a little help from the teacher, they got all the perfect details added to make a beautiful mountain scene. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d72pFh6m1L4/T4NA_atk7mI/AAAAAAAABAU/yK5syzoqtt0/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A06%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d72pFh6m1L4/T4NA_atk7mI/AAAAAAAABAU/yK5syzoqtt0/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A06%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334003093638.3206" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fxy31Ggj4SI/T4NBEDKPITI/AAAAAAAABAc/zj1Xw43Vn1U/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fxy31Ggj4SI/T4NBEDKPITI/AAAAAAAABAc/zj1Xw43Vn1U/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A13%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334003093635.6887" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"> We finished off our little painting party with a bag of candy and some English practice. </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We have had a wonderful mix of time alone with "Our Girl", and time getting to know her in her world.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">It is so nice to be alone and just get to know each other, but we also learn so much about her seeing the interactions with her classmates. She seems to have very loving and caring friends, teachers and caregivers. Everyone has been so welcoming to us, loving on our girl and very willing to let use part of their lives. </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We have seen our girl really working hard to connect with us. </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">She asked about our hobbies. I told her I like to garden. Later out on a little walk she stopped, said Stacy and pointed out the garden. </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">She knows Jeromy likes to run and now whenever we stroll the long hallway she turns it into a race. I tell you what that girl can really move in that chair. I have to jog to keep up with her.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We are seeing more and more how God is knitting our family together. We always knew she was a perfect fit with our family but the more we talk about the future the more it seems she is the missing piece.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We can't wait to have all the pieces together.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">(a little Easter Skype session)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mYLgKjYPmUg/T4NFhgFv6EI/AAAAAAAABAw/cC0nuCHoXoI/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mYLgKjYPmUg/T4NFhgFv6EI/AAAAAAAABAw/cC0nuCHoXoI/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334003093592.2937" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p> </p>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-21695977366947330212012-04-07T14:26:00.001-07:002012-04-07T23:44:41.422-07:00Painted Trees, Blunders and Updates<p> Spring is in the air and the trees are being painted!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IZ0muuWw2BI/T4CauEx7axI/AAAAAAAAA98/Ch3YYZv_L1w/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525207%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A21%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IZ0muuWw2BI/T4CauEx7axI/AAAAAAAAA98/Ch3YYZv_L1w/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525207%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A21%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333834129518.5396" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="342" height="512"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TXmkhGqxJio/T4CazTaLjjI/AAAAAAAAA-E/gDijyYBcF1c/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525207%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A22%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TXmkhGqxJio/T4CazTaLjjI/AAAAAAAAA-E/gDijyYBcF1c/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525207%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A22%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333834129513.5522" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="342" height="512"></a></div><p> Apparently, painting the trunks of trees white helps prevent sun scalding, splitting, bug bores and animals feasting on the bark. It has been fun though to watch groups of people in the community painting trees for spring clean-up.</p><p>We do have lots to update on but it seems that our blog would turn more into a book. So, here are a few highlights and to start, the top foreigner blunders to date:</p><p>Blunder #1 - So, in a previous post we mentioned that on our way up to our new flat/apartment, the elvevator went out or blacked out inside but our driver and facilitator somehow helped us through the mess. Well, on our first venture out of the flat, we decided to brave the elevator (envision a dark movie, concrete walls, iron clanging doors... something to that effect). We get inside, I put the card in the slot to give us authority to run the thing, and start scanning the wall for the correct button to push. The only problem is that the numbers were worn off. It was a guessing game until suddenly the dim light went out and it was pitch black. The only thing we could here was this nice pleasant calm voice through a speaker somewhere saying, "something something.. tri pozhaluista" which translates as "something something three please." Then it was quiet and very black. The only thing I could say was "were screwed". But alas, my wife came to the rescue. As I was pondering the situation, she began to frantically hit every button she could feel on the wall. The door thankfully opened and out we went. We laughed and laughed so hard all 7 flights down the old concrete stairwell until we finally made our way into the light of our blessed sun. Needless to say, we are now getting our exercise in. </p><p>Blunder #2 - So, after escaping into the sun we went to the market and back to get groceries. Upon coming back from the market, I turned to go into our stairwell to begin the journey up to the flat. Stacy, however, kept going down the road. But being a good and obedient wife, she saw that I turned and followed me. We passed a group of locals as we went through the iron door. They were all looking at us with peculiarity. Well, after about 4 flights of stairs we began to think that the stairwell had improved. There was paint on the walls and didn't smell too bad. It was the wrong stairwell. Again, we were laughing all the way down the stairs and into the crowd of onlookers as we had to pass by and just smile. So much for blending in :)</p><p>Blunder # 3 - The train ride. On our 12.5hr train ride through the night I had to use the restroom. Those things happen from time to time. So, I confidently went out of our cabin in search of the restroom. By the way, I never realized how challenging things can be when one does not understand the language let alone the foreign alphabet. Good times! Well, I found the restroom but could not find our cabin on the way back. I didn't check which number we were in. I would like to beleive that I would normally have noticed, for example, on our tickets which number we were in but I couldn't read the ticket and our facilitator just said " you go in here." So, I started to try to open doors and knock on doors. Didn't work... just weird looks. I then found the train attendant to which I had to humbly make hand gestures and speak my limited Russian... "uhhh, me no know where my own cabin is... you show me?... spaseba." Thankfully, she did not understand and just thought I locked myself out. She showed me to our door and how to unlock.</p><p> Blunder #4 - McDonalds. Yes, believe it or not, the golden archs looked pretty good after a few days of trying to find food (see blunder #5). Stacy walked right up to the counter and said "big mac, fries, coca-cola" the lady said "dah" and got her order. After looking at the lucious hamburger pictures with scrambled words on the wall I said, "whopper, fries, coca-cola" to which she looked at me with puzzled eyes. I thought, hmmm, whopper must not translate... bummer... then I looked at Stacy who had puzzled eyes too. Then Stacy informed me that McDonalds does not sell whoppers... that's Burger King. It all came flooding back to me.. ahh, yes.. Burger King. Dumb American does not know difference between McDonalds and Burger King. So, I just said, "big mac, fries, coca-cola." I got food and was happy. </p><p>Blunder #5 The first night we arrived, our driver took us around and pointed things out like, "grocery here, you get groceries her, McDonalds here, you get good American food here, TGIF here, you get good American food here." The whole time, I am thinking, whatever, we are going for the local stuff. We are adventerous, we can figure this out. When we arrived at our flat, the driver went over about a half dozen times how to get around outside. "You go through doors, down drive, turn left, turn left, grocery on left. You get food their." Oh brother, I thought, when is this overprotection thing gonna end. He left, we fell asleep, woke up and ventured outside. Everything looked different in the daylight. Hmm.. well he said go left, so lets go left. Then we came to a Y. I guess we stay left, I confidently told Stacy. Then we came to a T and we stayed left again. It worked! But we did not recognize anything. Foreign language and what seemed to be a lack of windows and pictures left us guessing what was inside these buildings. So, we just started peeking our heads in the stores occasionally to see what was inside. We eventually managed to find groceries and some toilet paper. But now we were getting hungry. We need to find a restaurant. After a long time of walking and looking around, we managed to find a place that had an appearance of a restaurant. We went in and what luck, it was a buffet! We could just point to food and they would dish it up for us. No need to speak! So, we saw some good looking dumpling stuff, pointed and they dished it up. We sat down, took a big bite and discovered that we picked out a cherry dumpling dessert! So, we unintentionally went for the dessert first. It was very good though.</p><p>Updates: </p><p>It has been a great pleasure to get to visit and know our girl. We have had the priveledge of going to two orphanage events this last week. One was a spring festival available to the public in their "community center" where they had an open market for purchasing plants and trees. This was very encouraging and inspiring to see. The people, leaders, teachers, etc.. really do care for and love the kids.</p><p>Yesterday, the orphanage had their own festival or play for the springtime. We got to see our girl recite a poem and be a part of the play. After the play, we had lots of visiting time. At one point, while Stacy was with our girl, I got to attempt to communicate with one of her very close friends. After staring at each other for a while, I said "wow, I really wish I knew how to speak Russian" to which she said "wha?" but then she tried to tell me something. After the third attempt, she said in English very slowly, "do you love God?" to which I quickly responded "dah, dah!" (yes, yes). I asked her if she loves God to which she said "dah, dah!" This conversation spoke volumes to me knowing that our girl best and close friends big concern was whether or not her new parents loved God. It was very encouraging to hear. </p><p>Also, we got to talk to our girl a lot yesterday through our translator. We found out that she loves music. We asked what kind of music she likes to listen to and she said Christian music. She loves Christian music in Russian and she seemed very sincere.</p><p>Prayer:</p><p>Please be in prayer this week for some final paperwork to go through by Wednesday so that we can have our courtdate this Thursday. We have one document for clearance that is either missing or held up somewhere. Please pray that this gets resolved soon and that we can proceed.</p><p>Also, please continue to be in prayer for our girl. Pray that the Lord will continue to work in her heart as well as the hearts of her friends and children in the orphanage. They are well cared for but are without momas and papas. </p>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-23088009549528939722012-04-05T12:26:00.001-07:002012-04-05T12:26:18.254-07:00Whirlwind!<p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Wow! Where to start!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">So much has happened in the last few days.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">While we waited for our referral from the SDA our driver Eugen took us on a tour of the historical sites in town. He is so knowledgable and gave us a great education about the history here. The buildings are amazing and the weather was pretty good. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fTZN-DMh3pI/T33qAFFOc9I/AAAAAAAAA88/7dGziqcFBCI/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525203%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fTZN-DMh3pI/T33qAFFOc9I/AAAAAAAAA88/7dGziqcFBCI/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525203%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333653653541.717" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="342" height="512"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YWEN9urxcoI/T33qC32yhYI/AAAAAAAAA9E/PpOcEW4zbQ0/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525203%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A16%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YWEN9urxcoI/T33qC32yhYI/AAAAAAAAA9E/PpOcEW4zbQ0/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525203%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A16%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333653653528.9973" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j6oL2bu_sxM/T33p7neBzqI/AAAAAAAAA80/jAv0dxZ8jIM/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525203%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A33%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j6oL2bu_sxM/T33p7neBzqI/AAAAAAAAA80/jAv0dxZ8jIM/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525203%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A33%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333653653605.6365" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Receiving the referral was, well shall we say uneventful, praise the Lord!<br></p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">About six of us families crowded into a little space which did not smell good. We waited about 10 minutes. Went through a line, showed our passports and walked out with our dossier in hand.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">It was so fast and no questions, yippee! (I guess all that worrying paid off. Lol)</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We did get to visit with the other families, which again was a huge blessing. I (Stacy) was in great need of some girl conversation. The other moms are so sweet and refreshing, but we were all on our way to new things so our time together was short.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We then got ready for the train ride which I had been totally mistaken about. Thankfully I googled it before we got on. It was actually a 12 1/2 hour ride and yes it was hot and the bathrooms, ugh! </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We survived the train and immediately started to work on paperwork. Our facilitator is amazing and very efficient. We ran to multiple buildings and got the paperwork moving then went to the orphanage. When our girl came in we were surprised, we didn't know she was coming so soon. We were very happy to see her, but it was a bit stressful. There was no time to talk to her. We had lots of paperwork to do, but she was so cute! She instantly grabbed a pen and quickly wrote her letter saying she wanted to be adopted by us. They asked if she had questions for us and she said "nyet"! They joked that she already knew everything about us.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We all said goodbye and she was off to lunch.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Honestly I was very disappointed and sad. </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We were very tired and emotional and came back to our new flat feeling a bit defeated.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Our girl was great, but the meeting felt very much like a business transaction.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rM9__zSNMAM/T33wQTfny6I/AAAAAAAAA9w/GAYkhqPw-UU/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Our apartment building seemed very questionable from the outside. We survived the black-out on the elevator thanks to our driver and made it inside our flat. Wow! The inside has been nicely remodeled and looks very fancy, but we were very shocked by the wall hangings. We won't go into detail but they we're all immediately covered with anything we could find. We asked to change apartments but it seems that isn't a good option.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rM9__zSNMAM/T33wQTfny6I/AAAAAAAAA9w/GAYkhqPw-UU/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rM9__zSNMAM/T33wQTfny6I/AAAAAAAAA9w/GAYkhqPw-UU/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333653653551.9976" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="342" height="512"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">After a wonderful nights sleep we headed off to do more paperwork, then we got to go hang out with our girl for almost three hours!</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We had no translator and were in a room full of stuffed animals and board games.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We showed her through the picture book we made for her, gave her cards from the kids and her necklaces the girls made. Then she had us follow her to her locker and she showed us her picture book. She seemed so excited to show us. We asked if we could see her art (via Google translate). She took us on a tour, up the elevator to the different art rooms. I am not biased and not even over exaggerating. She is an amazing artist. It seems the teachers do a great job helping the kids to independently do many different kinds of art. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z6rnKzt6bjc/T33rneBkAPI/AAAAAAAAA9M/Hqkz-LlMTyI/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z6rnKzt6bjc/T33rneBkAPI/AAAAAAAAA9M/Hqkz-LlMTyI/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333653653584.8025" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Here are just a couple of examples of her work.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P8lD1ghEc2c/T33rpqkaONI/AAAAAAAAA9U/KP-L09Vh7DY/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A34%252520AM.jpg" target="_self" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P8lD1ghEc2c/T33rpqkaONI/AAAAAAAAA9U/KP-L09Vh7DY/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A34%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333653653614.9426" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f3HiSsW_N18/T33rryqx6aI/AAAAAAAAA9c/8pfuwa7B6ns/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A31%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f3HiSsW_N18/T33rryqx6aI/AAAAAAAAA9c/8pfuwa7B6ns/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A31%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333653653617.0032" class="alignright" alt="She uses this red thing to bead necklaces." width="500" height="375"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s0pCg8kH6r0/T33ruAHzGNI/AAAAAAAAA9k/wZxYUgTk6aI/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s0pCg8kH6r0/T33ruAHzGNI/AAAAAAAAA9k/wZxYUgTk6aI/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333653653519.5776" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">After the tour we went back to the rooms and pulled out the maps we brought. And told her more about where we live. </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Then her and I played a game of dot to dot. A fun and simple game to explain when you do not speak the same language. I was't sure how easy to be on her, but it seems she is one smart cookie. We took turns challenging each other and being too nice to each other. I think next time she will be up for a good mind challenging game.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Then she pulled out the UNO cards and taught us her rules. Just slightly different than we play. She was quick to keep Jeromy on track and ran the whole show. Dealing and keeping track of whose turn it is.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">After about three games of that she pulled out a game we have never seen.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">She seemed to have a good sense of adding and subtracting big numbers in the money game.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">With a phone call from our facilitator, we were off - more paperwork then "home" for lunch. </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><u>Prayer</u> <u>request</u></p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We have been so blessed that all of the paperwork is coming together.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We have had a couple of major issues, but they got settled very quickly.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">We already have a court date scheduled for <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">April 12th</a>, pending the next set of paperwork from the SDA.</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">If we get the paperwork, it will probably be the evening of <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">April 11th.</a> </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Please pray we get it, if not we cannot have court <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3">until April 17th</a> at the earliest. They will have a long weekend for their Easter holiday (Eastern Orthodox Calendar). </p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;">Thank you all for your encouragement, support and prayers!</p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p class="blogsyText" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p> </p>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6321689327542793761.post-80030517134670903062012-04-02T14:34:00.001-07:002012-04-02T14:43:54.300-07:00Appointment success and touring<p> Our day started at about <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">11:30</a> last night when we woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. (We are still working on getting our days and nights figured out.) We skyped with the kids <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">at 3:30 am</a> and I finally fell asleep while Jeromy stayed up to read.</p><p>I have to say this Skype thing is pretty cool. It is so good to stay connected with the kiddos and blow them kisses and make funny faces with them.</p><p> </p><p>As we headed off to our appointment Jeromy was calm as a cucumber and I was well more like a jumping jelly bean. Just a little nervous. :) We rode in with a wonderful couple also adopting here and had a chance to share a few stories. (Hi guys ;) The appointment was quite humorous since the files got switched. Our facilitator is a lively guy and kept us laughing the whole time. We were in and out in a very short amount of time and just had to sign one form agreeing that we wanted to meet "Our Girl". They did require that we recieve a letter from the US Embassy due to the fact that she is already 16, but we found out later that the facilitator that did all of our paperwork already had a letter. God is so good to have everything worked out before we even know there is a need. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LB79h1D82gw/T3oR81HcN6I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/Nodgxtvjn3Y/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525201%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LB79h1D82gw/T3oR81HcN6I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/Nodgxtvjn3Y/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525201%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333402911636.2751" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_aEPACXA-sA/T3oR2et3m5I/AAAAAAAAA8I/yADGD849tL0/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525201%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_aEPACXA-sA/T3oR2et3m5I/AAAAAAAAA8I/yADGD849tL0/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525201%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333402911614.226" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Top picture: building across from our appointment, sorry I forgot what it is called.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Bottom picture: taken in the hall immediately after our appointment. </p><p> We enjoyed the mini tour through the city on the way to and from the appointment, but honestly I do not remember a thing Eugen said due to the fact that I was pre-occupied with my nerves. :)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fv6x_Vti_0s/T3oSAzAb6BI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/MQoNS6Vp_Ac/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A15%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fv6x_Vti_0s/T3oSAzAb6BI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/MQoNS6Vp_Ac/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A15%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333402911604.7" class="" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">After arriving "home" we crashed for a couple of hours and awoke feeling fresh and ready to hit the town.</div><p> We are so blessed to have a great contact here. Bogdan runs a wonderful ministry to make orphans smile and he was the one that brought "Our girl" to the states last year on a hosting program. He is a huge part of the reason we are here right now. </p><p>Bogdan invited us to join him at his orphanage for dinner. </p><p>He sent a student to escort us. ur trip included a 10 minute walk, then a 10 minute metro ride as far underground I think it is possible to go. The 2 sets of excalators were probably equal to about 20 at a mall. Then a bus ride. It felt like quite and adventure and was really a great way to get a true big city cultural experience. </p><p>Bogdan gave us a full tour of the most amazing orphanage I have ever seen. They are doing an amazing job helping the kids to feel at home and in a comfortable "home" environment. We ate dinner with about 10 kids and one worker. The kids seemed to love having us there and got a big kick out of us re-naming our dog Saboka (which means dog in Russian). The worker was so excited to communicate with us and ask questions. He spoke no English so Bogdan translated everything. I think it was great practice for us. We learned a few new words and some cultural do's and don'ts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuYDfLaQhmA/T3oSIQLTYII/AAAAAAAAA8o/QAlsMbK25eo/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A26%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuYDfLaQhmA/T3oSIQLTYII/AAAAAAAAA8o/QAlsMbK25eo/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A26%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333402911613.49" class="" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p>After dinner thankfully we were escourted home by the student, RRRR Chom, (how do you spell a rolling R?) and Bogdan. We took a detour to the downtown underground shopping area and got dessert. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OVh2zqzX93Q/T3oSDkDgX9I/AAAAAAAAA8g/RpffOqs0VaY/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A26%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OVh2zqzX93Q/T3oSDkDgX9I/AAAAAAAAA8g/RpffOqs0VaY/s500/Photo%252520Apr%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A26%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1333402911601.6846" class="" alt="" width="500" height="334"></a></div><p>I feel like we are young and newly married. So much here reminds us of our days in Alaska. Staying in an apartment, aka flat, walking to the grocery store etc. It has been a great day and we got to finish it off with another visit with the kids and mom via Skype. </p><p>Previet Kaly, Ayla, Gavin and Eli! We love you and so glad you are having fun. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Imagine That!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16619682453534866174noreply@blogger.com5