The last. The last Saturday rain storm. The last Sunday to worship with believers in Russian tongue. The last Monday with a going away party. The last night in the "white" apartment. We have lots of "lasts" that we are dealing with right now. As I start to write this blog, we are at the orphanage getting ready to have our last evening with the children and staff.
There is much excitement for everyone involved. Vala is dealing with a lot of different emotions. She was happy to see us and greeted both of us with great big hugs. But within a few minutes, she was sullen and sad. We understand this is all normal and expected. We comfort her with hugs, kisses, jabs in the side, laughing and trying to not get caught up in any one particular emotion.
We have purchased tangerines and apples for the party, and cake and soda pop by the liters. And of course, there is lots of candy. They love candy as all children do! But they have a great love for fruit as well! Another American couple that was here began teaching some of the children to juggle. I noticed several tangerines were unaccounted for - I know of their bruised demise.
Vala chose two gifts for her extra special "teachers" or "Mamas" at the orphanage - the traditional bouquet of flowers and bottles of champagne. The teachers were overwhelmed and brought to tears. Vala, stringently talking herself out of crying today, held fast, unwilling to give many hugs during times like those. She didn't even want to give her gifts to these special women - I think she knew she would break down and cry. They hugged and kissed her despite her resolve. These women truly love and adore Vala. They know her faults but they know the wonderful qualities she has. They are so happy for her, but America is a long way away.
We enjoyed a wonderful day with all the children. We know today includes "lasts" with them as well. There is one family in particular we are especially torn up about leaving. Then their is our little interpreter. We have become very close to him. Many of these children are bright, healthy, happy, well mannered, studious children. The boys are often boys, but they are no different than ours were at that age. They are not here because of one thing they have done. They are here because of what other people did not do or can't do. Our heart breaks for all of them.
Vala and I are slowly getting over our colds. John has remained healthy and we pray he continues this way. We ask for continued health, Lord, as we run through these last days.
Our plans are all before the Lord. We boast not once that we can do any of this without Him. When I say we will do this, or do that, please know we understand that all things are under His control but we will do everything humanly possible from our stand point.
Today ends the last 10 day waiting period. Tomorrow morning, Sergiy gets off the overnight train at 7am. He will be driven here where he will get the opportunity to freshen up before we start our most harried day of the week. We will grab a quick breakfast on our way to the court (there is a McDonald's here with a drive-thru - the first of it's kind - there are no "fast foods" in Ukraine other than bread and cheese purchased at an outside market). We plan on being at the court steps by 8:30am. From there we wait upon the courts to give us the court documents in their many successions (something like 16 copies). We will have to see a notary to request getting her birth certificate legally changed to Valentina Grace Brown and have us listed as the birth parents. From there, we go back to Donetsk to get her birth certificate changed, back to the orphanage for some more paperwork and pick up Vala. Then we will run, run, run the rest of the day until we make it on the train by 7pm that night. It will be interesting. We welcome every ounce of prayer that can be summoned on our behalf tomorrow. If we do not succeed, we will not make it on our Friday flight home - this we know for sure.
I planned on keeping this short - not because I do not have much to share, but because I have a busy day ahead and need to get to bed early. I didn't sleep well last night (man! my bed is going to feel so good! and my sheets are going to smell so nice!). Every extra bit of rest we can get will be important.
So until I can get on next (probably Wednesday night) - Dasvedanya!!
God bless you and yours!
We are almost home!
Jenn & John
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Christmas songs
This morning we begin the conditioning of our bodies to wake up earlier to prepare for our early flight next week (5:35am!). This is not an easy task when you are sick. Willing your eyes to open when your nose is stuffed and your throat hurts because it's dry is so much more difficult when snuggled under a woolen blanket. ;o)
John got our little Netbook on-line and turned on our local town's radio station, KTSY Christian music station. It eats up the money we've put on the wireless internet card we bought, but it is so worth it to hear praise songs and encouraging music in ENGLISH. There is nothing, absolutely nothing like it here.
As I try again to open my eyes, to my amazement I hear Christmas music! I said, what are they doing? John said it's the day after Thanksgiving so they are beginning Christmas music.
This fact hit me square between the eyes. Do you know we have been here so long we have gone through 3 American holidays: Halloween (we have Autumn parties at church instead), Veterans Day that our soldier son participated in our local school's assembly honoring our veterans, and Thanksgiving. We will have blown through 3 of our children's birthdays before we get back. Now we are heading into the time to celebrating our Savior's birth......time is going by quickly.
John and I calculated it the other day - we will have been gone for 52 days when we finally get back. That's almost 1/6 of the year!
The day after we get back we will be having our first Christmas party. It seems almost surreel. When we left, the trees had leaves that were just beginning to change color, grass was green and still being cut sporadically. We occasionally left the house without a coat because it just wasn't cold enough to wear one.
Which of you plan on going shopping today for the bargins? I am not sorry to be missing this American tradition - large pushy crowds are not my idea of fun - but then look where I'm at? That's funny actually! Manners are not taught here as one Brit said on a T.V. show. Men will just as easily push you out of the way to beat you on the metro, take your place in line or drive right over you to keep their car moving. Perhaps I've been in training the past 7 weeks to do "Black Friday" shopping!! lol! Still, I don't think I could be inticed to go....but maybe for a good deal....
We pray whether you are snuggled up with your family today or blessed to have a job and are working instead, that you continue to be Thankful of every moment you receive with loved ones, good friends, co-workers who bring joy, good food, clean water, warm homes. I am thankful for you.
Wishing you a blessed day and praying as we start our Christmas season that you remember it wouldn't be Christmas without Christ!
Much love to you,
Jenn & John & Vala
P.S. This is a traditional way to show your love to someone in Ukraine - they autograph a metal lock, then hang it on a gate, fence, etc. We were at a metal sculture museum and they took our picture beside a piece of art commemorating the "love lock".
John got our little Netbook on-line and turned on our local town's radio station, KTSY Christian music station. It eats up the money we've put on the wireless internet card we bought, but it is so worth it to hear praise songs and encouraging music in ENGLISH. There is nothing, absolutely nothing like it here.
As I try again to open my eyes, to my amazement I hear Christmas music! I said, what are they doing? John said it's the day after Thanksgiving so they are beginning Christmas music.
This fact hit me square between the eyes. Do you know we have been here so long we have gone through 3 American holidays: Halloween (we have Autumn parties at church instead), Veterans Day that our soldier son participated in our local school's assembly honoring our veterans, and Thanksgiving. We will have blown through 3 of our children's birthdays before we get back. Now we are heading into the time to celebrating our Savior's birth......time is going by quickly.
John and I calculated it the other day - we will have been gone for 52 days when we finally get back. That's almost 1/6 of the year!
The day after we get back we will be having our first Christmas party. It seems almost surreel. When we left, the trees had leaves that were just beginning to change color, grass was green and still being cut sporadically. We occasionally left the house without a coat because it just wasn't cold enough to wear one.
Which of you plan on going shopping today for the bargins? I am not sorry to be missing this American tradition - large pushy crowds are not my idea of fun - but then look where I'm at? That's funny actually! Manners are not taught here as one Brit said on a T.V. show. Men will just as easily push you out of the way to beat you on the metro, take your place in line or drive right over you to keep their car moving. Perhaps I've been in training the past 7 weeks to do "Black Friday" shopping!! lol! Still, I don't think I could be inticed to go....but maybe for a good deal....
We pray whether you are snuggled up with your family today or blessed to have a job and are working instead, that you continue to be Thankful of every moment you receive with loved ones, good friends, co-workers who bring joy, good food, clean water, warm homes. I am thankful for you.
Wishing you a blessed day and praying as we start our Christmas season that you remember it wouldn't be Christmas without Christ!
Much love to you,
Jenn & John & Vala
P.S. This is a traditional way to show your love to someone in Ukraine - they autograph a metal lock, then hang it on a gate, fence, etc. We were at a metal sculture museum and they took our picture beside a piece of art commemorating the "love lock".
Thursday, November 26, 2009
I thank my God every time I remember you....
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Although I realize most of you are still in bed, it is now 10:00am here and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to tell you all you are in our thoughts and prayers today.
I know some of you are enjoying the day with family. Some of you are wishing you could have gone home to see your family, but couldn't. I know some of you are going to enjoy the day with your family from church - what a wonderful blessing to be Brothers and Sisters in Him! And still some of you struggle with the loss of loved ones today - I am one of those. My dear Grandmother passed away yesterday morning with a long, hard battle with illnesses and age. She was dear to my heart and I have fond memories spent with her. I am thankful today she is no longer in pain. I am thankful today her body is at rest. I pray with all my heart she made things right with our Lord before her passing. It is hard to know a person's heart. I want to dance and praise God with her someday in heaven! I am thankful He wants the same thing.
Ukraine, of course, does not celebrate the American holiday Thanksgiving. In fact, I've quit trying to explain it to them because they can't even grasp the idea. Which is strange to me. They create holidays just because someone in another country saw a rock "crying" when someone prayed to it, and they believe it is a miracle, so this in turn becomes a holiday in a totally different country.....but they can't grasp the fact that we set aside a day to be thankful for all we have and give praise to the One who gave it to us. It's weird to me.
Irregardless, I am thankful. I am thankful for my husband John who came half way around the world with me to answer God's call to us. I am thankful he is the leader of our family, that he loves me and all our children and even those who are not. I am so very thankful he loves Jesus as much as I do and that I can call him one of my very best friends.
I am thankful for my children. I am blessed to have given them the opportunity to learn of Christ's love for them and that they have grasped it and taken hold of Him as their Savior. I am thankful I see growth in them and what kind, caring young adults they are becoming. True beauty is found inside and they have an abundance of it! I am thankful they were willing to suffer along with us and let us go to another country to bring someone else into our family. They are missionaries just the same as we are - answering to God's call as it pertains to their lives as well.
I am thankful for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, both at our home church, Victory Christian Church, and others we know and love. They are our true family and we couldn't have made it this far without their love, support, encouragement and prayers. I am thankful for those who have stepped into our ministry positions and taken the responsibilities as their own. It will make our homecoming that much easier.
I am thankful to those in our community who are preparing to welcome Vala with arms open wide. I am thankful they are looking after the special needs she will have as she learns English and meshes into an American lifestyle. I am so very thankful we live in a conservative, respectful community where children matter and adults are respected. Thank you.
I am thankful for our customers and fellow contractors. Thank you for being patient while we have been away. Thank you for working so nicely with our "fill ins" and being willing to communicate via e-mail which takes more time than usual, considering the time difference. We appreciate the great working relationships we have and are excited to get home and back to work again serving you.
Finally, I am thankful for this country, Ukraine. They are a prideful bunch. They have been through some tremendous atrocities in the past but continue to prevail. They want to do good and try to continue to keep their eyes forward and to the future. This is a long, hard road for them. The Soviet era was very, very hard on them. Standing back and looking from my perspective it was much harder than they imagine. They need our prayers and encouragement any way we can offer it. They are generally good, loving people who care. I am thankful there are people here like Jay Don and Mary Lee Rogers bringing the Good News to the Ukrainian people, who in turn can tell their people. The best missionaries of the Good News is the native people themselves. Mostly these people lack hope. I am so very thankful there are those here willing to stretch themselves to give it - and I'm not talking just about in faith but in doing good as well just because it's the right thing to do.
As I get ready to head out for the day before we see Vala tonight, I am full of sniffles and sneezes. Yes, the autumn flu/cold season is here and we are not immune to it, just like everyone else. Vala is sick, I am sick, Sergiy is sick, our driver is sick. But we are still getting along just fine and expect to be okay by the time next week arrives. Thank you for continuing to pray for our health.
We love you very much. We are excited to see you all face to face someday soon.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Jenn
1 Thess 5:16-18
Phil 1:3
We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Although I realize most of you are still in bed, it is now 10:00am here and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to tell you all you are in our thoughts and prayers today.
I know some of you are enjoying the day with family. Some of you are wishing you could have gone home to see your family, but couldn't. I know some of you are going to enjoy the day with your family from church - what a wonderful blessing to be Brothers and Sisters in Him! And still some of you struggle with the loss of loved ones today - I am one of those. My dear Grandmother passed away yesterday morning with a long, hard battle with illnesses and age. She was dear to my heart and I have fond memories spent with her. I am thankful today she is no longer in pain. I am thankful today her body is at rest. I pray with all my heart she made things right with our Lord before her passing. It is hard to know a person's heart. I want to dance and praise God with her someday in heaven! I am thankful He wants the same thing.
Ukraine, of course, does not celebrate the American holiday Thanksgiving. In fact, I've quit trying to explain it to them because they can't even grasp the idea. Which is strange to me. They create holidays just because someone in another country saw a rock "crying" when someone prayed to it, and they believe it is a miracle, so this in turn becomes a holiday in a totally different country.....but they can't grasp the fact that we set aside a day to be thankful for all we have and give praise to the One who gave it to us. It's weird to me.
Irregardless, I am thankful. I am thankful for my husband John who came half way around the world with me to answer God's call to us. I am thankful he is the leader of our family, that he loves me and all our children and even those who are not. I am so very thankful he loves Jesus as much as I do and that I can call him one of my very best friends.
I am thankful for my children. I am blessed to have given them the opportunity to learn of Christ's love for them and that they have grasped it and taken hold of Him as their Savior. I am thankful I see growth in them and what kind, caring young adults they are becoming. True beauty is found inside and they have an abundance of it! I am thankful they were willing to suffer along with us and let us go to another country to bring someone else into our family. They are missionaries just the same as we are - answering to God's call as it pertains to their lives as well.
I am thankful for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, both at our home church, Victory Christian Church, and others we know and love. They are our true family and we couldn't have made it this far without their love, support, encouragement and prayers. I am thankful for those who have stepped into our ministry positions and taken the responsibilities as their own. It will make our homecoming that much easier.
I am thankful to those in our community who are preparing to welcome Vala with arms open wide. I am thankful they are looking after the special needs she will have as she learns English and meshes into an American lifestyle. I am so very thankful we live in a conservative, respectful community where children matter and adults are respected. Thank you.
I am thankful for our customers and fellow contractors. Thank you for being patient while we have been away. Thank you for working so nicely with our "fill ins" and being willing to communicate via e-mail which takes more time than usual, considering the time difference. We appreciate the great working relationships we have and are excited to get home and back to work again serving you.
Finally, I am thankful for this country, Ukraine. They are a prideful bunch. They have been through some tremendous atrocities in the past but continue to prevail. They want to do good and try to continue to keep their eyes forward and to the future. This is a long, hard road for them. The Soviet era was very, very hard on them. Standing back and looking from my perspective it was much harder than they imagine. They need our prayers and encouragement any way we can offer it. They are generally good, loving people who care. I am thankful there are people here like Jay Don and Mary Lee Rogers bringing the Good News to the Ukrainian people, who in turn can tell their people. The best missionaries of the Good News is the native people themselves. Mostly these people lack hope. I am so very thankful there are those here willing to stretch themselves to give it - and I'm not talking just about in faith but in doing good as well just because it's the right thing to do.
As I get ready to head out for the day before we see Vala tonight, I am full of sniffles and sneezes. Yes, the autumn flu/cold season is here and we are not immune to it, just like everyone else. Vala is sick, I am sick, Sergiy is sick, our driver is sick. But we are still getting along just fine and expect to be okay by the time next week arrives. Thank you for continuing to pray for our health.
We love you very much. We are excited to see you all face to face someday soon.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Jenn
1 Thess 5:16-18
Phil 1:3
Monday, November 23, 2009
Church opportunities and more
Good morning to all our friends and family!
It is Monday morning for us and the sun is shining brightly! It is just gorgeous outside! We have come to Ukraine at the wrong time of the year to see it in it's beauty (lots of fog, rain, general cloudiness and then there's the pollution -yuk!), but today shows us how beautiful this country is! The grass is still green and some of trees are hanging onto their leaves. The sky is a rare jeweled blue and there is not a cloud in the sky!
I won't talk long as I selfishly want to get out and walk in this beautiful day the Lord has given us! But I did want to take a few moments and keep you up-to-date with what is happening here. It's been a couple of days since I last posted.
As you have seen, we had our Court Appointment on Thursday, and after 3 hours, the judge, jurors, prosecutor and everyone else involved said we could adopt Vala! Wonderful! Vala didn't eat a lot over our little celebratory lunch with Sergiy and our driver, but she did try. Strangely, eating seems to be an issue for her. Either she's unaccustomed to people buying food for her, or she finds it strange to eat in front of us, or....? Who knows? But she hasn't eaten much the few times we've had her out.
Vala ordered food similar to her new Papa and found it much too much for her little body to eat. We had one rare moment of funniness from her when she asked Sergiy what a word was in English. He responded "help". She looked at John, shoving her plate towards him, and cutely said, "Papa help!" It was adorable! She was asking him to help finish up her plate! Who knew they did such a thing here in Ukraine too? John and her have had moments of goofiness and it's wonderful to see. She has never had a father.
In court it was revealed she has been in the orphanage since she was 5 years old and before that, a homeless shelter of sorts. We have no idea how long before that. They had a hard time tracking down her mother to try and either take custody again or to sever parental rights. We are seeing this as an issue here. A child will remain in the orphan system, but has real living legal parents or guardians and so the child remains unadoptable.
For five more years, they could not find Vala's mother. Finally when she was found, they brought her to the orphanage, but she refused to see Vala. Vala wrote a note to her mother, begging her to see her. Still she refused. The courts made a case up and eventually (3 years later) her parental rights were severed.
By the time Vala was now adoptable no Ukrainian families would want her - she was now 12-13 years old. As I've said, Ukrainians do not adopt older children. Through no fault of her own, Vala, like so many other children, are sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in an orphanage, waiting to be kicked out at 16 years old. They have no support system here and the children are not taught what to do once they leave. It is horribly upsettling for us. We just can't imagine not telling our children how to handle money, where to find housing, help them figure out what their next step in life is! Just send them out with the clothes on their backs. I can't barely stand it. No, I can't understand it at all.
But, Slava Bog (Praise God) this is not the fate for Vala. And this is not the fate for several other children here. There are caring Americans who are coming over, paying the price and giving these children a hope and a future. Thank you to all of you and the others from Italy, Spain, and Canada who are reaching out and snatching up some of these children as well!
Here is a pic of Vala, John and our young interpreter. Vala and Papa were working on learning words in English when they were distracted with this ever energetic young man! He loves to wrestle around and playing "thumb war." This is one of his and John's favorite games. Here he was trying to gain some leverage against John, but with little success! lol! He is a sweet kid who is stuck in the system just like many others. If we could pack him up and bring him home we would! Fortunately for him, he has a family he's met in an outreach program to the States and they are trying very hard to get his circumstances changed so he can be adopted. Please join us in praying for this bright young man and the family that desperately wants him as they battle to get him freed up for adoption. I know they will appreciate it greatly!
With the quarantine lifted the children are looking forward to returning to school today. They have been off for 5 weeks and were bored to death. Vala will attend school today and Friday, but we will spend the other days with her seeing some sights of her home country before we take her from it. She so very rarely gets to leave the orphanage that she doesn't know her country very well. Please join us in praying nothing hinders us taking her out.
We were able to bring Vala to church with us yesterday with an escort from the orphanage. It was a wonderful gift to be able to take her to a Ukrainian Christian church service held in her own tongue! This gave her a glimpse into what church will be like in the States when we get there. She sat very quietly (except for the usual kid huffing and puffing). When we left the church building though, she was all smiles, skipping and holding John's hand. Every experience we take her to, is a new one for her. It's amazing how much we have exposed our children to at home and have to remember that at 15 years old, Vala has had almost none of these. Baby steps. We must take baby steps.
Since we got out of service earlier than we thought, we walked to McDonalds for some ice cream sundaes. Vala still did not eat all of hers but happily chatted on and on, goofing around and was the most happy and relaxed we had seen her. It made our hearts just sing to see and hear her.
When we got back to the orphanage, we visited for a bit with another couple from America that was there. They are one week ahead of us. Tomorrow they receive their court documents, then will begin their "running around with their head cut off" phase. They will prayerfully be leaving on an overnight train tomorrow night to Kiev. They are on an even tighter time restraint as the US Embassy is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday at the end of the week. Our prayers go out to them. We have enjoyed their friendship while here and will remain in contact once we all get back to the States.
When it was time for us to leave, I held up seven fingers and said to Vala, "In 7 days Vala will..." I was going to say be in the same spot as her friend, getting ready to leave the orphanage. BUT Vala happily cut into my sentence and said "Vala will say, 'bye-bye (orphanage)! Dasvedanya!" She waved enthusiastically with a HUGE smile on her face. She then skipped to the door to help escort us out. She is ready to come home.
Thank you again (do you get tired of hearing me say this?) for all your prayers and e-mails. Even though we can not respond to everyones, we do get them and they are such an encouragement to us. The prayer list is the same this week, with the added request for time semi-alone with Vala to work on our communication skills. We are trying to establish words that she knows to communicate the basic things necessary to everyday life. It will all become very real to her once she steps off the plane and no one immediately around her speaks her language. We want her to be able to communicate and not feel shut in.
Until next time - we love you all. We miss you! We are excited about this next week and the one coming after. Soon we will be home. Ah! We can not wait to sleep in our own beds again!
Dasvedanya!
Jenn
It is Monday morning for us and the sun is shining brightly! It is just gorgeous outside! We have come to Ukraine at the wrong time of the year to see it in it's beauty (lots of fog, rain, general cloudiness and then there's the pollution -yuk!), but today shows us how beautiful this country is! The grass is still green and some of trees are hanging onto their leaves. The sky is a rare jeweled blue and there is not a cloud in the sky!
I won't talk long as I selfishly want to get out and walk in this beautiful day the Lord has given us! But I did want to take a few moments and keep you up-to-date with what is happening here. It's been a couple of days since I last posted.
As you have seen, we had our Court Appointment on Thursday, and after 3 hours, the judge, jurors, prosecutor and everyone else involved said we could adopt Vala! Wonderful! Vala didn't eat a lot over our little celebratory lunch with Sergiy and our driver, but she did try. Strangely, eating seems to be an issue for her. Either she's unaccustomed to people buying food for her, or she finds it strange to eat in front of us, or....? Who knows? But she hasn't eaten much the few times we've had her out.
Vala ordered food similar to her new Papa and found it much too much for her little body to eat. We had one rare moment of funniness from her when she asked Sergiy what a word was in English. He responded "help". She looked at John, shoving her plate towards him, and cutely said, "Papa help!" It was adorable! She was asking him to help finish up her plate! Who knew they did such a thing here in Ukraine too? John and her have had moments of goofiness and it's wonderful to see. She has never had a father.
In court it was revealed she has been in the orphanage since she was 5 years old and before that, a homeless shelter of sorts. We have no idea how long before that. They had a hard time tracking down her mother to try and either take custody again or to sever parental rights. We are seeing this as an issue here. A child will remain in the orphan system, but has real living legal parents or guardians and so the child remains unadoptable.
For five more years, they could not find Vala's mother. Finally when she was found, they brought her to the orphanage, but she refused to see Vala. Vala wrote a note to her mother, begging her to see her. Still she refused. The courts made a case up and eventually (3 years later) her parental rights were severed.
By the time Vala was now adoptable no Ukrainian families would want her - she was now 12-13 years old. As I've said, Ukrainians do not adopt older children. Through no fault of her own, Vala, like so many other children, are sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in an orphanage, waiting to be kicked out at 16 years old. They have no support system here and the children are not taught what to do once they leave. It is horribly upsettling for us. We just can't imagine not telling our children how to handle money, where to find housing, help them figure out what their next step in life is! Just send them out with the clothes on their backs. I can't barely stand it. No, I can't understand it at all.
But, Slava Bog (Praise God) this is not the fate for Vala. And this is not the fate for several other children here. There are caring Americans who are coming over, paying the price and giving these children a hope and a future. Thank you to all of you and the others from Italy, Spain, and Canada who are reaching out and snatching up some of these children as well!
Here is a pic of Vala, John and our young interpreter. Vala and Papa were working on learning words in English when they were distracted with this ever energetic young man! He loves to wrestle around and playing "thumb war." This is one of his and John's favorite games. Here he was trying to gain some leverage against John, but with little success! lol! He is a sweet kid who is stuck in the system just like many others. If we could pack him up and bring him home we would! Fortunately for him, he has a family he's met in an outreach program to the States and they are trying very hard to get his circumstances changed so he can be adopted. Please join us in praying for this bright young man and the family that desperately wants him as they battle to get him freed up for adoption. I know they will appreciate it greatly!
With the quarantine lifted the children are looking forward to returning to school today. They have been off for 5 weeks and were bored to death. Vala will attend school today and Friday, but we will spend the other days with her seeing some sights of her home country before we take her from it. She so very rarely gets to leave the orphanage that she doesn't know her country very well. Please join us in praying nothing hinders us taking her out.
We were able to bring Vala to church with us yesterday with an escort from the orphanage. It was a wonderful gift to be able to take her to a Ukrainian Christian church service held in her own tongue! This gave her a glimpse into what church will be like in the States when we get there. She sat very quietly (except for the usual kid huffing and puffing). When we left the church building though, she was all smiles, skipping and holding John's hand. Every experience we take her to, is a new one for her. It's amazing how much we have exposed our children to at home and have to remember that at 15 years old, Vala has had almost none of these. Baby steps. We must take baby steps.
Since we got out of service earlier than we thought, we walked to McDonalds for some ice cream sundaes. Vala still did not eat all of hers but happily chatted on and on, goofing around and was the most happy and relaxed we had seen her. It made our hearts just sing to see and hear her.
When we got back to the orphanage, we visited for a bit with another couple from America that was there. They are one week ahead of us. Tomorrow they receive their court documents, then will begin their "running around with their head cut off" phase. They will prayerfully be leaving on an overnight train tomorrow night to Kiev. They are on an even tighter time restraint as the US Embassy is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday at the end of the week. Our prayers go out to them. We have enjoyed their friendship while here and will remain in contact once we all get back to the States.
When it was time for us to leave, I held up seven fingers and said to Vala, "In 7 days Vala will..." I was going to say be in the same spot as her friend, getting ready to leave the orphanage. BUT Vala happily cut into my sentence and said "Vala will say, 'bye-bye (orphanage)! Dasvedanya!" She waved enthusiastically with a HUGE smile on her face. She then skipped to the door to help escort us out. She is ready to come home.
Thank you again (do you get tired of hearing me say this?) for all your prayers and e-mails. Even though we can not respond to everyones, we do get them and they are such an encouragement to us. The prayer list is the same this week, with the added request for time semi-alone with Vala to work on our communication skills. We are trying to establish words that she knows to communicate the basic things necessary to everyday life. It will all become very real to her once she steps off the plane and no one immediately around her speaks her language. We want her to be able to communicate and not feel shut in.
Until next time - we love you all. We miss you! We are excited about this next week and the one coming after. Soon we will be home. Ah! We can not wait to sleep in our own beds again!
Dasvedanya!
Jenn
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A moment of your time, please......
We would like to proudly introduce.....
Valentina
Grace
Brown
Our family's newest member!!!
We successfully made it through the 3 hours of court. Many questions were asked and although it wasn't the most pleasant of all experiences we are so very thankful it went as well as it did.
S.H. -we got the very same jurors! can you believe it????
We celebrated at a local restaurant with our interpreter and driver. Then sadly, he had to return her to the orphanage while we wait our next 10 day waiting period. But even that couldn't dampen any of our smiles, giggles and just the sheer joy God has given us. We heard more 'Slava Bog's today than the whole trip combined! Every official, representative, orphanage worker and child is so happy for Vala and us. It is a glorious day that we have long waited for! Slava Bog! (Praise God!) for His mercy, His kindness, His love and provision!
John and I have not had much sleep in the past two nights, in fact he's already fallen asleep while I'm typing this! We are going to hit the bed early and get a good, restful night's sleep.
Until next time......
Valentina
Grace
Brown
Our family's newest member!!!
We successfully made it through the 3 hours of court. Many questions were asked and although it wasn't the most pleasant of all experiences we are so very thankful it went as well as it did.
S.H. -we got the very same jurors! can you believe it????
We celebrated at a local restaurant with our interpreter and driver. Then sadly, he had to return her to the orphanage while we wait our next 10 day waiting period. But even that couldn't dampen any of our smiles, giggles and just the sheer joy God has given us. We heard more 'Slava Bog's today than the whole trip combined! Every official, representative, orphanage worker and child is so happy for Vala and us. It is a glorious day that we have long waited for! Slava Bog! (Praise God!) for His mercy, His kindness, His love and provision!
John and I have not had much sleep in the past two nights, in fact he's already fallen asleep while I'm typing this! We are going to hit the bed early and get a good, restful night's sleep.
Until next time......
Vala and I wish you a good night!
Singing praises to the One with all my heart! Jenn
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A day at the Monastery
Good Wednesday to you!
Today we were invited with another American couple to share a drive out to a famous monastery about 2 1/2 hours away. This monastery was carved out of a caulk mountain with caves and tunnels leading all through it. It was a neat experience and a nice break from the city.
This is a picture from the top of the mountain, looking back down into the valley. You can see the river and the bridge that crosses it in the lower left side of the photo. At the foot of the bridge is where this monastery begins.
From there, you must walk through the grounds and buildings to enter the secret tunnels. These caulk tunnels and caves were dug out of the mountain and have existed for hundreds of years.
It is believed that this monastery was started by monks in 700 a.d. Whether the tunnels have been around since then, I'm not sure. But we had a wonderful tour through them where we eventually popped out of the mountaint in this top "church" where the picture was taken. We know enough caulk has been hauled out of this mountain to keep school teachers happy for centuries! It was quite a sight! The small beeswax candles we used for lighting illuminated the white caulk walls brightly enough to see well, even in the heart of the mountainside.
Interestingly enough, all the monks we saw were busy standing around, while normal, every day people were working on the grounds and the construction/reconstruction that was evident everywhere. I must have had a misperception that monks spent their time in solitude, working the grounds and doing chores. One man who was working on some of the masonry we stopped to ask directions to the tunnel. He said he wasn't quite sure, he's a practicing buddhist and had never been in them - how interesting........
Tomorrow marks a big day for John, Vala and myself. Tomorrow is finally our much awaited Court Appointment. We have sent a couple of good days with Vala and we are all sure this is what we want. We are so thankful God has given us this beautiful young lady to be our daughter and add her forever to our family. We can't believe tomorrow is almost here! It seems like forever ago from when we first started down this journey.
Thank you again and again and again to all of you who are praying for us and Vala! It has not been the easiest time for the three of us, but God's will prevails if we are just willing to follow Him. We are excited beyond words for our future together. Kids, we'll be home soon. We miss you and love you so much. We are proud of you beyond words! To our friends, we can't wait to see you and rejoice with you as well!
We'll update you tomorrow. Many blessings to you all.
Jenn
Today we were invited with another American couple to share a drive out to a famous monastery about 2 1/2 hours away. This monastery was carved out of a caulk mountain with caves and tunnels leading all through it. It was a neat experience and a nice break from the city.
This is a picture from the top of the mountain, looking back down into the valley. You can see the river and the bridge that crosses it in the lower left side of the photo. At the foot of the bridge is where this monastery begins.From there, you must walk through the grounds and buildings to enter the secret tunnels. These caulk tunnels and caves were dug out of the mountain and have existed for hundreds of years.
It is believed that this monastery was started by monks in 700 a.d. Whether the tunnels have been around since then, I'm not sure. But we had a wonderful tour through them where we eventually popped out of the mountaint in this top "church" where the picture was taken. We know enough caulk has been hauled out of this mountain to keep school teachers happy for centuries! It was quite a sight! The small beeswax candles we used for lighting illuminated the white caulk walls brightly enough to see well, even in the heart of the mountainside.
Interestingly enough, all the monks we saw were busy standing around, while normal, every day people were working on the grounds and the construction/reconstruction that was evident everywhere. I must have had a misperception that monks spent their time in solitude, working the grounds and doing chores. One man who was working on some of the masonry we stopped to ask directions to the tunnel. He said he wasn't quite sure, he's a practicing buddhist and had never been in them - how interesting........
Tomorrow marks a big day for John, Vala and myself. Tomorrow is finally our much awaited Court Appointment. We have sent a couple of good days with Vala and we are all sure this is what we want. We are so thankful God has given us this beautiful young lady to be our daughter and add her forever to our family. We can't believe tomorrow is almost here! It seems like forever ago from when we first started down this journey.
Thank you again and again and again to all of you who are praying for us and Vala! It has not been the easiest time for the three of us, but God's will prevails if we are just willing to follow Him. We are excited beyond words for our future together. Kids, we'll be home soon. We miss you and love you so much. We are proud of you beyond words! To our friends, we can't wait to see you and rejoice with you as well!
We'll update you tomorrow. Many blessings to you all.
Jenn
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Unrest in Ukraine
To some, yesterday could be looked upon as a disaster, but we instead choose to look at it as a victory. A victory for God. A victory for one little girl who desperately needs a Mama and Papa, whether she knows it or not.
I won't go into too much detail. The past week has been getting increasingly difficult. Each day has been a little more of a struggle than the day before. We do not have a translator with us, except one brave young man who understands English fairly well. He is asked by Vala to come down and help translate each day. Still communication has grown more and more difficult with each passing day. Vala is regressing.
We can not judge her fairly based upon our American thoughts and experiences. She comes from a culture that is not our own, in an orphanage with experiences we will never be able to comprehend. Because of this, John and I have continued to be open and continue to reach out to Vala.
Yesterday was a breaking point for us both. We received a joyous break in the weather and got out to walk for several hours. We used the time to discuss what was really at the heart of our unrest with Vala. What seems to be the problem(s)? Could we figure out why Vala has pulled away from us, verbally & emotionally? She ignores our requests and tells us No. We had gotten to the point, with Court looming just 3 more days away, that things were not getting better, but worse with each passing day. We needed to have a meeting and perhaps call the adoption off until things could be reconciled.
We are fortunate Sergiy has such a keen ear and his experience give him a perspective not like ours. He was able to fill us in on the culture and a "Mama" at the orphanage expressed Vala's personality to help explain some of the complications. These were not new to me - I had seen these character traits the first week I met her.
She is strong-willed, a leader, determined and a perfectionist. These were creating the language barrier that was causing so much tension. If she couldn't speak perfect English, she wouldn't speak it at all. I myself who likes things done right and can fully sympathize with her. (all right, those of you out there laughing! PJ!! be quiet!) But this and other things have created such a chasm between us and leaves us wondering if she has changed her mind and has no one to tell. She quit trying and has pulled herself away.
Sergiy has the ear to the "Mama" who has an enormous heart for the children. Between her and Sergiy, Vala has an understanding for the future. This American Mama spent hours crying yesterday. When Vala heard her Mama was crying, that made Vala cry. She is very much a sweet loving girl and is crushed that my feelings have been hurt and that frustration has been caused between us.
Yesterday was a very hard day for all of us. Many tissues were used, but hearts had been melted down and softened again. We are thankful to God for the transformation in just one day. We will go visit again and pray again for more improvement and bonding to begin again.
Thank you for your prayers my friends. Thank you for caring about all of us on this journey. We are so grateful to all who are helping in our absence - we wouldn't be here without your generous time and emotional support.
Please keep Vala in your thoughts and prayers. Keep John and I as well as we trek down this unknown path that is unique to this time and place. We know we will not have another like it.
Sincerely in His arms today,
Jenn
I won't go into too much detail. The past week has been getting increasingly difficult. Each day has been a little more of a struggle than the day before. We do not have a translator with us, except one brave young man who understands English fairly well. He is asked by Vala to come down and help translate each day. Still communication has grown more and more difficult with each passing day. Vala is regressing.
We can not judge her fairly based upon our American thoughts and experiences. She comes from a culture that is not our own, in an orphanage with experiences we will never be able to comprehend. Because of this, John and I have continued to be open and continue to reach out to Vala.
Yesterday was a breaking point for us both. We received a joyous break in the weather and got out to walk for several hours. We used the time to discuss what was really at the heart of our unrest with Vala. What seems to be the problem(s)? Could we figure out why Vala has pulled away from us, verbally & emotionally? She ignores our requests and tells us No. We had gotten to the point, with Court looming just 3 more days away, that things were not getting better, but worse with each passing day. We needed to have a meeting and perhaps call the adoption off until things could be reconciled.
We are fortunate Sergiy has such a keen ear and his experience give him a perspective not like ours. He was able to fill us in on the culture and a "Mama" at the orphanage expressed Vala's personality to help explain some of the complications. These were not new to me - I had seen these character traits the first week I met her.
She is strong-willed, a leader, determined and a perfectionist. These were creating the language barrier that was causing so much tension. If she couldn't speak perfect English, she wouldn't speak it at all. I myself who likes things done right and can fully sympathize with her. (all right, those of you out there laughing! PJ!! be quiet!) But this and other things have created such a chasm between us and leaves us wondering if she has changed her mind and has no one to tell. She quit trying and has pulled herself away.
Sergiy has the ear to the "Mama" who has an enormous heart for the children. Between her and Sergiy, Vala has an understanding for the future. This American Mama spent hours crying yesterday. When Vala heard her Mama was crying, that made Vala cry. She is very much a sweet loving girl and is crushed that my feelings have been hurt and that frustration has been caused between us.
Yesterday was a very hard day for all of us. Many tissues were used, but hearts had been melted down and softened again. We are thankful to God for the transformation in just one day. We will go visit again and pray again for more improvement and bonding to begin again.
Thank you for your prayers my friends. Thank you for caring about all of us on this journey. We are so grateful to all who are helping in our absence - we wouldn't be here without your generous time and emotional support.
Please keep Vala in your thoughts and prayers. Keep John and I as well as we trek down this unknown path that is unique to this time and place. We know we will not have another like it.
Sincerely in His arms today,
Jenn
Sunday, November 15, 2009
On the waiting track
It is amazing how time seems to slowly trickle by here. In reality, we look back and do see how quickly time has passed and the many opportunities we have enjoyed.
We left our home 33 days ago. We have had the opportunity to spend many more hours on airplane and train travel than ever (maybe not such a good thing, but interesting nonetheless). We have met a culture we have only read about in books and seen depicted in movies. We have come to a better understanding of their governmental system and the problems they still face. We have had the opportunity to meet other Christians here, both servants from America and Ukrainians who have given their life to Christ. We had the opportunity to attend a college class at UBI for a week (but we chickened out and didn't take the test). We have spent many, many hours at the orphanage getting to know Vala, our daughter, as well as many other orphans that come to hang out with us. We are encouraged with their attitudes and smiles despite their living conditions, school life, etc. and the fate that awaits them should they not be adopted. It has been a trip worth far more to us than getting away to some exotic paradise in luxury. We have been blessed and our eyes are open more now than ever for the plight of the fatherless. They need our help. They need our love.
John and I have been enjoying reading Francine Rivers' "Mark of the Lion" series in our down times in our small one room apartment. She is an excellent writer and encouraging beyond description. We highly recommend them. Our current dilemma is trying not to read too quickly that we will be finished before it is time to leave. What a problem to have! lol! ;o)
Today is our oldest son's birthday - he turned 20 years old. As I've mentioned, I love to tell my kids 'Happy Birthday' as many times as possible on their special day to express how very important they are to me. I will miss this one for the first time in many years. Happy Birthday son! We love you and are so proud of the man you are becoming. May God bless you and keep you close to Him your whole life. Continue to keep your eyes focused on the One worth living - He will never let you down. Happy Birthday.
John and I are on our countdown to court. Vala had various emotions running through her the past few days. We are praying it is not a rebellious heart we are seeing, but only a young woman dealing with all the gamut of emotions that must be plaguing her during these last days. She has been in this orphanage, the only family she knows, since she was five. She has seen 'sisters,' 'brothers,' and 'Mamas' come and go and yet she remained. God held her for us and this moment of time. We are so thankful to soon be called her parents.
We have court in just 4 more days. We are anxious. Our interpreter has been out of town for the past week and will be coming back soon so we can all prepare. We have yet to hear of a court appointment that went smoothly and easily. It almost appears your weaknesses are foreknown and you are tested and tried during the entire process. We ask for your prayers. We have God's peace with us - we know without a doubt that He sent us here to do this for Vala and rely on His strength and great purpose. Still, we are in a land that is not our own. There will be surprises we can not expect, nor will we probably understand. We thank God for Sergiy who is a trustworthy man. We will continue to rely on him heavily for the next couple weeks until we are out of the country with our new daughter.
So until we have more to share, we are continuing on this 'waiting' schedule we are on. I mentioned I would like to share our findings, history and pictures of the Ukrainian Orthodox churches. We continue to struggle with internet and so I have not posted them, but plan to soon. The pictures do not do justice to the beauty of these old historic buildings, but we will try to convey them anyway.
Thank you for praying.
Thank you all for your e-mails and comments.
We love you all and will see you soon.
Jenn & John
We left our home 33 days ago. We have had the opportunity to spend many more hours on airplane and train travel than ever (maybe not such a good thing, but interesting nonetheless). We have met a culture we have only read about in books and seen depicted in movies. We have come to a better understanding of their governmental system and the problems they still face. We have had the opportunity to meet other Christians here, both servants from America and Ukrainians who have given their life to Christ. We had the opportunity to attend a college class at UBI for a week (but we chickened out and didn't take the test). We have spent many, many hours at the orphanage getting to know Vala, our daughter, as well as many other orphans that come to hang out with us. We are encouraged with their attitudes and smiles despite their living conditions, school life, etc. and the fate that awaits them should they not be adopted. It has been a trip worth far more to us than getting away to some exotic paradise in luxury. We have been blessed and our eyes are open more now than ever for the plight of the fatherless. They need our help. They need our love.
John and I have been enjoying reading Francine Rivers' "Mark of the Lion" series in our down times in our small one room apartment. She is an excellent writer and encouraging beyond description. We highly recommend them. Our current dilemma is trying not to read too quickly that we will be finished before it is time to leave. What a problem to have! lol! ;o)
Today is our oldest son's birthday - he turned 20 years old. As I've mentioned, I love to tell my kids 'Happy Birthday' as many times as possible on their special day to express how very important they are to me. I will miss this one for the first time in many years. Happy Birthday son! We love you and are so proud of the man you are becoming. May God bless you and keep you close to Him your whole life. Continue to keep your eyes focused on the One worth living - He will never let you down. Happy Birthday.
John and I are on our countdown to court. Vala had various emotions running through her the past few days. We are praying it is not a rebellious heart we are seeing, but only a young woman dealing with all the gamut of emotions that must be plaguing her during these last days. She has been in this orphanage, the only family she knows, since she was five. She has seen 'sisters,' 'brothers,' and 'Mamas' come and go and yet she remained. God held her for us and this moment of time. We are so thankful to soon be called her parents.
We have court in just 4 more days. We are anxious. Our interpreter has been out of town for the past week and will be coming back soon so we can all prepare. We have yet to hear of a court appointment that went smoothly and easily. It almost appears your weaknesses are foreknown and you are tested and tried during the entire process. We ask for your prayers. We have God's peace with us - we know without a doubt that He sent us here to do this for Vala and rely on His strength and great purpose. Still, we are in a land that is not our own. There will be surprises we can not expect, nor will we probably understand. We thank God for Sergiy who is a trustworthy man. We will continue to rely on him heavily for the next couple weeks until we are out of the country with our new daughter.
So until we have more to share, we are continuing on this 'waiting' schedule we are on. I mentioned I would like to share our findings, history and pictures of the Ukrainian Orthodox churches. We continue to struggle with internet and so I have not posted them, but plan to soon. The pictures do not do justice to the beauty of these old historic buildings, but we will try to convey them anyway.
Thank you for praying.
Thank you all for your e-mails and comments.
We love you all and will see you soon.
Jenn & John
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Finishing school
Good Thursday to you all!
Today John and I finished up our class and said fairwell to our Greek speaker we had this week. He is a wonderful man who loves the Lord and loves teaching others about Him. We were blessed and came out of his class with a much better understanding of the Ukrainian Orthodox faith (since Vala has been raised this way). Without it, simple things like food might be an issue when we all start living together - before the language and communication is easier. I had no idea they held such Jewish-type traditions of obstaining to different foods at different times of the year, partial fasting, etc. The knowledge will help when the English is lacking! :o)
We were also blessed to have spent the past four days with some wonderful young and older people at the Institute. One woman, a grandmother of three, travels by one train and two buses each morning (4 hours total) to come to UBI! That means she spends 8 HOURS A DAY travelling on old Soviet modes of transportation just to learn more about Jesus Christ! And this is her 5th year! She knows she will take longer than the other students because she can not take a full load, but she is determined to learn as much as she can to spead the Good News to others. We admire her and the others who are suffering through the hardships to complete their studies. We have found out there are 3 orphans who are at the Institute. We are so excited for them and that they will know and be able to share with others that they have a family other than a natural born one. Slava Bog! (Praise God!)
Today we went out to the orphanage to see if we could visit Vala. She was happy to see us, hugging and greeting both of us with smiles. A younger girl is getting adopted as well and she and her new family went to court today. We were there when she returned after court, she was all smiles, teeth showing. While playing a game we watched her face go through a gamut of emotions; happy, sad, overwhelmed, anxiety, you name it we saw it.
It was interesting to see how emotions played through Vala as well. When it was time for us to leave, Vala came over to me and hugged me and didn't want to let go. When I looked her in the eyes, she would smile, then tuck her head back down on my shoulder and continued to hold on. She held my hand walking all the way to the door. John and I both received numerous hugs before we left. I kissed her and told her I loved her. She smiled and held on even tighter. I don't know all that is going through her mind as language is still a big barrier, but I do know she is ready to go to court herself.
Just as the Bride and Groom eagerly await their wedding day, so we all await our day in court to make this union legal as well. I think of Christ who also eagerly awaits for us, to come to Him. Is this a bit of the excitement He feels, waiting for us?
Much love to you all,
Jenn
Today John and I finished up our class and said fairwell to our Greek speaker we had this week. He is a wonderful man who loves the Lord and loves teaching others about Him. We were blessed and came out of his class with a much better understanding of the Ukrainian Orthodox faith (since Vala has been raised this way). Without it, simple things like food might be an issue when we all start living together - before the language and communication is easier. I had no idea they held such Jewish-type traditions of obstaining to different foods at different times of the year, partial fasting, etc. The knowledge will help when the English is lacking! :o)
We were also blessed to have spent the past four days with some wonderful young and older people at the Institute. One woman, a grandmother of three, travels by one train and two buses each morning (4 hours total) to come to UBI! That means she spends 8 HOURS A DAY travelling on old Soviet modes of transportation just to learn more about Jesus Christ! And this is her 5th year! She knows she will take longer than the other students because she can not take a full load, but she is determined to learn as much as she can to spead the Good News to others. We admire her and the others who are suffering through the hardships to complete their studies. We have found out there are 3 orphans who are at the Institute. We are so excited for them and that they will know and be able to share with others that they have a family other than a natural born one. Slava Bog! (Praise God!)
Today we went out to the orphanage to see if we could visit Vala. She was happy to see us, hugging and greeting both of us with smiles. A younger girl is getting adopted as well and she and her new family went to court today. We were there when she returned after court, she was all smiles, teeth showing. While playing a game we watched her face go through a gamut of emotions; happy, sad, overwhelmed, anxiety, you name it we saw it.
It was interesting to see how emotions played through Vala as well. When it was time for us to leave, Vala came over to me and hugged me and didn't want to let go. When I looked her in the eyes, she would smile, then tuck her head back down on my shoulder and continued to hold on. She held my hand walking all the way to the door. John and I both received numerous hugs before we left. I kissed her and told her I loved her. She smiled and held on even tighter. I don't know all that is going through her mind as language is still a big barrier, but I do know she is ready to go to court herself.
Just as the Bride and Groom eagerly await their wedding day, so we all await our day in court to make this union legal as well. I think of Christ who also eagerly awaits for us, to come to Him. Is this a bit of the excitement He feels, waiting for us?
Much love to you all,
Jenn
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hooray for the Court Date!
We finally have a court date!! Yeah!
Thursday, November 19th
After all the waiting (but could have been longer, mind you) we finally have a date to tether the future to! We are all so happy. If the date would have been very far out (over 10 days), we were intending on flying home then return the day before court. But as God planned it, our court appointment is exactly 10 days, so we will stay. We miss our family dearly, but it will be so sweet to see them again soon enough.
Our court appointment will be over in one day. A decision is decided that day and so it won't string things along (in almost all cases). The day following the decision, we begin our next 10 day waiting period to allow anyone to object the adoption before it becomes final. (to me this is a "duh!" but it's their way.....) Then the day after that we begin to run around with our heads cut off! This should be around Dec. 1st.
Sergiy will begin translations of all the court documents including a copy into English. We will obtain the Visa and change the birth certificate all here locally. Then we will head back to the capitol Kiev (or Kyiv as they spell it) to have medical testing done, register at the Ukrainian Embassy and complete the stuff at the US Embassy. THEN we get to head home! During this time we will all be trying our hardest to get as much done as possible in as short of time. Even still, it's hard to say when all that can get done and we get home. So much of depends on human factor. It could take 2 days or it could take 12 - it just depends.
Vala appears to be pretty relaxed about the whole thing. She is determined to go with us "no matter what" as she put it. John and I are studying about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church so we will better understand the religion she celebrates. John and I have been fortunate to be taking a class in the mornings this week and have learned so much.
Vala has gotten to the opportunity to see and talk to her new siblings a couple of times thanks to the free internet program Skype. They were all happy to see her and she, them. It's pretty cool - how many adoptive children to get do that before they go home??? Even though she doesn't say much, she understands even more. We are sure she will do just fine with the transition once she reaches America. It will be a struggle at first, but she is one tough gal.
There are many children here at the orphanage that we have come in contact with during our time here. They are precious, funny, normal kids that are winning places in our hearts very quickly. I often wonder if we can squeeze more into our house! What do you think honey? -convert the music room in to more bedrooms??? ;o)
I would encourage you, if God has spoken to your heart about taking in a child to love and care for, to please do. Feel free to contact us about anything and bombard us with questions if you wish. I'm not saying we have all the answers, but I can match you up with someone who might. The SDA is very helpful and longing to find homes for these children. They care about these children very much. So if your heart's aching, jump in and do it! God will bless you in more ways than you can imagine!
Now for daily stuff......the weather here is overcast like on so many days. The pollution is high and often smog hangs in the air all the time. It feels gray constantly - hmm, can one "feel" a color? I wish we had the opportunity to see their cities during the spring and summer when the sun had a chance to shine and flowers were in full bloom!
The Ukrainian people love flowers! They sell cut flowers in lots and lots of places, including Babushka's right on the street corner or in one of the many stairwells leading under the roads for crossing. They have roses and bulbed plants in flowerbeds that they attend to like expectant Mama's.
The trees still had their leaves on when we arrived. We have been able to watch them change color for the autumn and fall off with the rain and snow we've had. Now it is colder, but not much more than would be at home. I expect we'll see some more snow before we leave. We're praying the jackets we brought will keep us warm until we leave! ;o)
Today after our morning class, we went to Cherry Pizza for lunch and came home to rest. We're using today as a "down time" since we didn't sleep well last night - we are very protective of our health. We have been doing really pretty well for weeks now and last night came as a surprise. Perhaps it's just apart of getting old and having the enjoyment of sleeping on Ukrainian beds! lol!
I'm going to go brew up a cup of tea while John sleeps.
Much love to you all! God bless,
Jenn
Thursday, November 19th
After all the waiting (but could have been longer, mind you) we finally have a date to tether the future to! We are all so happy. If the date would have been very far out (over 10 days), we were intending on flying home then return the day before court. But as God planned it, our court appointment is exactly 10 days, so we will stay. We miss our family dearly, but it will be so sweet to see them again soon enough.
Our court appointment will be over in one day. A decision is decided that day and so it won't string things along (in almost all cases). The day following the decision, we begin our next 10 day waiting period to allow anyone to object the adoption before it becomes final. (to me this is a "duh!" but it's their way.....) Then the day after that we begin to run around with our heads cut off! This should be around Dec. 1st.
Sergiy will begin translations of all the court documents including a copy into English. We will obtain the Visa and change the birth certificate all here locally. Then we will head back to the capitol Kiev (or Kyiv as they spell it) to have medical testing done, register at the Ukrainian Embassy and complete the stuff at the US Embassy. THEN we get to head home! During this time we will all be trying our hardest to get as much done as possible in as short of time. Even still, it's hard to say when all that can get done and we get home. So much of depends on human factor. It could take 2 days or it could take 12 - it just depends.
Vala appears to be pretty relaxed about the whole thing. She is determined to go with us "no matter what" as she put it. John and I are studying about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church so we will better understand the religion she celebrates. John and I have been fortunate to be taking a class in the mornings this week and have learned so much.
Vala has gotten to the opportunity to see and talk to her new siblings a couple of times thanks to the free internet program Skype. They were all happy to see her and she, them. It's pretty cool - how many adoptive children to get do that before they go home??? Even though she doesn't say much, she understands even more. We are sure she will do just fine with the transition once she reaches America. It will be a struggle at first, but she is one tough gal.
There are many children here at the orphanage that we have come in contact with during our time here. They are precious, funny, normal kids that are winning places in our hearts very quickly. I often wonder if we can squeeze more into our house! What do you think honey? -convert the music room in to more bedrooms??? ;o)
I would encourage you, if God has spoken to your heart about taking in a child to love and care for, to please do. Feel free to contact us about anything and bombard us with questions if you wish. I'm not saying we have all the answers, but I can match you up with someone who might. The SDA is very helpful and longing to find homes for these children. They care about these children very much. So if your heart's aching, jump in and do it! God will bless you in more ways than you can imagine!
Now for daily stuff......the weather here is overcast like on so many days. The pollution is high and often smog hangs in the air all the time. It feels gray constantly - hmm, can one "feel" a color? I wish we had the opportunity to see their cities during the spring and summer when the sun had a chance to shine and flowers were in full bloom!
The Ukrainian people love flowers! They sell cut flowers in lots and lots of places, including Babushka's right on the street corner or in one of the many stairwells leading under the roads for crossing. They have roses and bulbed plants in flowerbeds that they attend to like expectant Mama's.
The trees still had their leaves on when we arrived. We have been able to watch them change color for the autumn and fall off with the rain and snow we've had. Now it is colder, but not much more than would be at home. I expect we'll see some more snow before we leave. We're praying the jackets we brought will keep us warm until we leave! ;o)
Today after our morning class, we went to Cherry Pizza for lunch and came home to rest. We're using today as a "down time" since we didn't sleep well last night - we are very protective of our health. We have been doing really pretty well for weeks now and last night came as a surprise. Perhaps it's just apart of getting old and having the enjoyment of sleeping on Ukrainian beds! lol!
I'm going to go brew up a cup of tea while John sleeps.
Much love to you all! God bless,
Jenn
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday connections with school tomorrow
Good Sunday to you! I realize you are only part way through your Sunday, but here we are just finishing up a jam packed weekend! It's been wonderful with new experiences and I just had to share.
Through our good friends, we received the tip that there is a church that meets here in Donetsk that is similar to ours (although no one can replace you guys!). We spent a week hunting through the internet searching for the Director of the Ukrainian Bible Institute (UBI) to see about attending church services that meet there. Last week we got a hold of them and attended church services with them. The Texan born Director, Jay, was speaking that day so we were able to hear most of the services in English. The singing was all Russian so we couldn't join in unless it was a song we knew, but it was still wonderful to be in a room with other people who loved Jesus like we do!
We heard they were going to have a man from Greece come and speak this week. He will be teaching a one week course at UBI and they asked him to take a little bit and speak at the church as well. They meet later in the afternoon on Sundays.
Because of the quarantine, this church congregation is not able to meet in the building they usually do, but will this time be meeting at UBI in one of the classrooms. We are not living very far from there so we decided to head down on foot yesterday to make sure we knew where it was. We were in high hopes that we might be able to pick up Vala and bring her to church with us and wanted especially to be familiar with where we were going before bringing her.
It was a nice, warmer day (didn't need gloves or the extra overcoat) when John and I headed out. We knew right where the street was, finding the place of entering the building would be another story. Most of the buildings are around 60 years old and decaying. We understood this building to be only 3 stories high and there would be a pathway between two buildings. At the back we would see the lower part of the building painted green to help identify it. We also found there was a small cross on a sign on the side of the building.
Not sure which entrance it was, we entered through an open door to a small stairway heading up. At the foot of the stairs was a door, but a woman had just come through and locked it up. We guessed this was not the UBI. We entered up the first couple steps to another door, crossed our fingers and prayed we wouldn't be entering someone's private residence. The door opened under John's grasp to reveal a brightly lit hallway with many doors in either direction spurring off the main hall. We knew there was a good chance this was it! Ukrainians don't use this many light bulbs and it was freshly painted, clean and very inviting. - I felt the touch of Jay's southern bell wife immediately!
John said Hello to a gentleman in the hallway who only spoke Russian. From one of the rooms, a thickly accented man said, "Come in here, sit and talk with me". We were just moments away from meeting Victor, UBI's Evangelism teacher. A boxer by trade, he was in out of the cold to warm up a bit before heading out again.
Victor graciously spent over an hour talking with us, answering lots of questions and sending out many of his own. He encouraged us to attend his church services that meet there just two hours before the other one was going to. We explained our hopes of picking up Vala and that we would be traveling to the orphanage during that time.
When we left there on Saturday we were so encouraged with our conversation with Victor. Victor is a Ukrainian who speaks English and knows his people well. We wondered if we could fit in church services with him next week, if we were still here.
So this morning we received the phone call that it will be impossible to take Vala to church with us during the quarantine. We were not surprised, but still saddened. Then the thought occurred to us that we could attend Victor's services and the ones with the Greek speaker as well now that we didn't need to travel. Both would be at the UBI, one after the other. He put our coats on and hurried on our way, thankful it was all down hill.
A woman heard us speaking quietly to ourselves (and we stick out like sore thumbs here as Americans no matter what we do). She came over and asked if we would like her to translate for us. I thanked her profusely for this kind gift she gave us! What a sweet, beautiful, gentle spoken woman. I believe someone said she translates professionally, but that day she was off duty and her willingness to translate for us was pure kindness. We had a wonderful time and Victor was very happy that we were there.
The next services started just long enough after that we had the opportunity to stand up and stretch our backs. Several of the members recognized us from the week before and remembered we were adopting. They kindly asked how the adoption was going in their best broken English. Those who can't speak just smiled warmly with a sparkle of recognition in their eyes.
When Dino got up to speak the fun began. He is a man full of passion with a thick accent. He spoke in English (the common language for everyone to translate) with a translator to recite everything back in Russian for the congregation. We would get the punch lines of the joke (said in English) before everyone else who had to wait for translation. It was funny and I had to make sure and hold my laughter as it seemed out of place when I laughed before everyone else! :o)
The Director, Jay, and his wife was once again in attendance and showed us around the school when the services were done. We were able to meet several of the teachers who where there. Many of them speak broken English so we were able to converse. Jay and his wife invited us to dinner with Dino and we accepted.
We walked up to a restaurant that had an English menu and joined them there. We all shared for hours and because of Dino's extensive background in Greek and Early Church History we were able to start communication about Ukrainian Orthodox church to better understand how Vala is being raised. She holds her religion very dear to her. Finally, since we were all getting tired, Dino just suggested John and I come to his classes each day this week as he will be teaching this very subject! Jay gave his approval. So tomorrow morning, John and I will be starting classes at UBI being taught by an Athens born Greek himself! We are excited!
We are hoping to know more about a court date tomorrow or shortly after that. We'll let you know when we know something. For now, we are so blessed to be using our time learning as much about this culture and the people as we can before we head home with our new daughter. Don't expect we'll be speaking Greek though!
Until tomorrow.....
Jenn
Through our good friends, we received the tip that there is a church that meets here in Donetsk that is similar to ours (although no one can replace you guys!). We spent a week hunting through the internet searching for the Director of the Ukrainian Bible Institute (UBI) to see about attending church services that meet there. Last week we got a hold of them and attended church services with them. The Texan born Director, Jay, was speaking that day so we were able to hear most of the services in English. The singing was all Russian so we couldn't join in unless it was a song we knew, but it was still wonderful to be in a room with other people who loved Jesus like we do!
We heard they were going to have a man from Greece come and speak this week. He will be teaching a one week course at UBI and they asked him to take a little bit and speak at the church as well. They meet later in the afternoon on Sundays.
Because of the quarantine, this church congregation is not able to meet in the building they usually do, but will this time be meeting at UBI in one of the classrooms. We are not living very far from there so we decided to head down on foot yesterday to make sure we knew where it was. We were in high hopes that we might be able to pick up Vala and bring her to church with us and wanted especially to be familiar with where we were going before bringing her.
It was a nice, warmer day (didn't need gloves or the extra overcoat) when John and I headed out. We knew right where the street was, finding the place of entering the building would be another story. Most of the buildings are around 60 years old and decaying. We understood this building to be only 3 stories high and there would be a pathway between two buildings. At the back we would see the lower part of the building painted green to help identify it. We also found there was a small cross on a sign on the side of the building.
Not sure which entrance it was, we entered through an open door to a small stairway heading up. At the foot of the stairs was a door, but a woman had just come through and locked it up. We guessed this was not the UBI. We entered up the first couple steps to another door, crossed our fingers and prayed we wouldn't be entering someone's private residence. The door opened under John's grasp to reveal a brightly lit hallway with many doors in either direction spurring off the main hall. We knew there was a good chance this was it! Ukrainians don't use this many light bulbs and it was freshly painted, clean and very inviting. - I felt the touch of Jay's southern bell wife immediately!
John said Hello to a gentleman in the hallway who only spoke Russian. From one of the rooms, a thickly accented man said, "Come in here, sit and talk with me". We were just moments away from meeting Victor, UBI's Evangelism teacher. A boxer by trade, he was in out of the cold to warm up a bit before heading out again.
Victor graciously spent over an hour talking with us, answering lots of questions and sending out many of his own. He encouraged us to attend his church services that meet there just two hours before the other one was going to. We explained our hopes of picking up Vala and that we would be traveling to the orphanage during that time.
When we left there on Saturday we were so encouraged with our conversation with Victor. Victor is a Ukrainian who speaks English and knows his people well. We wondered if we could fit in church services with him next week, if we were still here.
So this morning we received the phone call that it will be impossible to take Vala to church with us during the quarantine. We were not surprised, but still saddened. Then the thought occurred to us that we could attend Victor's services and the ones with the Greek speaker as well now that we didn't need to travel. Both would be at the UBI, one after the other. He put our coats on and hurried on our way, thankful it was all down hill.
A woman heard us speaking quietly to ourselves (and we stick out like sore thumbs here as Americans no matter what we do). She came over and asked if we would like her to translate for us. I thanked her profusely for this kind gift she gave us! What a sweet, beautiful, gentle spoken woman. I believe someone said she translates professionally, but that day she was off duty and her willingness to translate for us was pure kindness. We had a wonderful time and Victor was very happy that we were there.
The next services started just long enough after that we had the opportunity to stand up and stretch our backs. Several of the members recognized us from the week before and remembered we were adopting. They kindly asked how the adoption was going in their best broken English. Those who can't speak just smiled warmly with a sparkle of recognition in their eyes.
When Dino got up to speak the fun began. He is a man full of passion with a thick accent. He spoke in English (the common language for everyone to translate) with a translator to recite everything back in Russian for the congregation. We would get the punch lines of the joke (said in English) before everyone else who had to wait for translation. It was funny and I had to make sure and hold my laughter as it seemed out of place when I laughed before everyone else! :o)
The Director, Jay, and his wife was once again in attendance and showed us around the school when the services were done. We were able to meet several of the teachers who where there. Many of them speak broken English so we were able to converse. Jay and his wife invited us to dinner with Dino and we accepted.
We walked up to a restaurant that had an English menu and joined them there. We all shared for hours and because of Dino's extensive background in Greek and Early Church History we were able to start communication about Ukrainian Orthodox church to better understand how Vala is being raised. She holds her religion very dear to her. Finally, since we were all getting tired, Dino just suggested John and I come to his classes each day this week as he will be teaching this very subject! Jay gave his approval. So tomorrow morning, John and I will be starting classes at UBI being taught by an Athens born Greek himself! We are excited!
We are hoping to know more about a court date tomorrow or shortly after that. We'll let you know when we know something. For now, we are so blessed to be using our time learning as much about this culture and the people as we can before we head home with our new daughter. Don't expect we'll be speaking Greek though!
Until tomorrow.....
Jenn
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Vala's birthday continued
John and I were so glad we were able to spend some time seeing how they celebrate Vala's birthday in the orphanage! What a hoot! The "teachers" are very creative in how they come up with games for the kids to play for the celebration!
When we arrived, they had moved all the furniture to create a horseshoe-type formation and put a large arm chair at the opening of the shoe. This was Vala’s seat of honor. The first game entailed two teams - guys against girls - of 3 each. This was the “Compliment Contest”. The object was to think of a proper compliment to tell Vala, pass it on to all your teammates, the last person told would rush down to Vala and pay her the compliment. If the compliment was accepted (she will say Spasiba –thank you) then they rush back and think of another one. The team with the most accepted compliments wins. The boys one this game! Looks like Ukrainians prepare their boys well for charming the women, I guess! ;o)
The second game was “Peel the Potato”. Vala was pitted against her friend of equal age in seeing who could expertly peel a potato the fastest. They were given large, awkward knives, a bowl for the peelings that they held on their lap. Yeah, Vala won! And guess what was for supper that night??? Yep, potatoes!
The third game involved guessing how many small candies were in a dish. They included Papa (John) in this one – he guessed 62. After everyone had a turn guessing, they proceeded to count each one, one by one. They thought this was just as much fun as guessing! When a child knew their number had passed up, they cried out in anguish. Since I don’t know Russian, I have no idea how many there were. It was so much fun watching and listening to them. Eventually the winner was revealed, a young boy about 8 years old - the candy was his prize.
Two other games involved a ping pong ball. Chosen children had to race one at a time down to Vala with a ping pong ball balanced on a spoon. The following game was right after and picked up where the other left off… The children had to get on their hands while the next in line carried their feet in a wheelbarrow type hold. They had to wheelbarrow up to Vala, pick up one of the ping pong balls from the dish, put it in their mouth and go back. Usually if the person carrying the feet were big enough, they just drug them backwards as fast as they could. It was funny when one of the little kids was next in line to carry the feet! This happened with one teenaged gal and a young boy John has fallen in love with. He’s got to be around 7 or 8 years old. Because I was filming the whole thing I didn’t get to see everything, but John said he was just a riot and reminded him so much of our son Ryan at that age! The way he was carefully balancing the spoon and ping pong, holding his mouth open, smiling wide and keeping an eye out on his other opponent! And they way he tried to expertly pick up the bigger gal and wheelbarrel her up to Vala. John laughed and laughed as it brought back fond memories of when our children were younger.
They played another game of Vala against another gal, about 11 years old. They had a shallow bowl full of flour and some hidden dark purple grapes. Each gal had to sit in a chair, with their hands behind their backs, and fish out the grapes and eat them! It was quite fun! Vala won this one again. I got this one on video along with others. I was most impressed with how many grapes she can hold in her mouth without eating them! She's a true competitor at heart! We'll have to keep an eye on this cutie ;o)
We found in an indoor vendor's collection a copy of Disney's "Bolt" movie. We purchased it and brought it with us for all the kids to see. Since it is dubbed (very well I might add) in Russian, we are very happy to have found it and plan on leaving it there for the kids to wear out. They loved the movie and laughed and laughed. Most had never seen it before and all the ages were engrossed in the movie.
The story is about a young teenage girl and her superhero dog Bolt. Along the way they meet a hamster who thinks Bolt is the most awesome dog out there (he and his girl owner are movie stars, it's just the dog doesn't know it). The kids especially loved teasing teasing Vala during the movie. They all know she loves dogs - she's brought home many strays and sometimes the orphanage keeps them. She also has a pet hamster someone gifted to her. The kids would point at the movie and laughingly call out her hamster's name.
Vala would like to bring the hamster home with us - we're not sure how that would work or if it would survive. Would it be considered importing food??!!?? ;o)
Tomorrow we are excited to once again attend a local worship service. We will be so excited to someday take Vala with us too.
Thank you for all who ask about our Court Appointment - I know you all care very much for us and it means so much knowing we are not forgotten! We are still in a hold pattern and hope to know something more on Monday. If court is scheduled a long way off, we might be forced to head home and come back again. I am hoping this won't happen. The sooner we get our Court proceedures completed, the sooner we get the 10 day waiting period done after that. From there we will have to head back up to Kiev and complete things at the Embassies that will take an addional 2 days or so before we fly home. We are close to running into the holidays and that gives us some concern. Here, Embassies usually celebrate the holidays in their home country and Ukraine's holidays too. This will shut them down for Thanksgiving, then again in December through the middle to January. (Ukraine celebrates Christmas on Jan. 7th). We are praying it gets done and the 10 day waiting period is completed before then. If not, the adoption will scraggle into the new year.
John and I are taking every moment we have to make a difference here. God put us here and we fully intend on using, not wasting our time. We've had several opportunities to talk to others about our faith in Jesus. We also adore the time we spend with the kids at the orphanage. They are great kids and I'd love to see them all get homes. They are so well mannered and just funny, everyday kids. I wonder how many I can fit in my house.......
Well, until next time, thank you for spending some of your time with us.
Give your children a hug and tell those you love how much they mean to you!
Make sure and take time to make a difference in someone's life that's hurting, lonely or needy. We've all been there at one time or another.
Much love to you all, Jenn
When we arrived, they had moved all the furniture to create a horseshoe-type formation and put a large arm chair at the opening of the shoe. This was Vala’s seat of honor. The first game entailed two teams - guys against girls - of 3 each. This was the “Compliment Contest”. The object was to think of a proper compliment to tell Vala, pass it on to all your teammates, the last person told would rush down to Vala and pay her the compliment. If the compliment was accepted (she will say Spasiba –thank you) then they rush back and think of another one. The team with the most accepted compliments wins. The boys one this game! Looks like Ukrainians prepare their boys well for charming the women, I guess! ;o)
The second game was “Peel the Potato”. Vala was pitted against her friend of equal age in seeing who could expertly peel a potato the fastest. They were given large, awkward knives, a bowl for the peelings that they held on their lap. Yeah, Vala won! And guess what was for supper that night??? Yep, potatoes!
The third game involved guessing how many small candies were in a dish. They included Papa (John) in this one – he guessed 62. After everyone had a turn guessing, they proceeded to count each one, one by one. They thought this was just as much fun as guessing! When a child knew their number had passed up, they cried out in anguish. Since I don’t know Russian, I have no idea how many there were. It was so much fun watching and listening to them. Eventually the winner was revealed, a young boy about 8 years old - the candy was his prize.
Two other games involved a ping pong ball. Chosen children had to race one at a time down to Vala with a ping pong ball balanced on a spoon. The following game was right after and picked up where the other left off… The children had to get on their hands while the next in line carried their feet in a wheelbarrow type hold. They had to wheelbarrow up to Vala, pick up one of the ping pong balls from the dish, put it in their mouth and go back. Usually if the person carrying the feet were big enough, they just drug them backwards as fast as they could. It was funny when one of the little kids was next in line to carry the feet! This happened with one teenaged gal and a young boy John has fallen in love with. He’s got to be around 7 or 8 years old. Because I was filming the whole thing I didn’t get to see everything, but John said he was just a riot and reminded him so much of our son Ryan at that age! The way he was carefully balancing the spoon and ping pong, holding his mouth open, smiling wide and keeping an eye out on his other opponent! And they way he tried to expertly pick up the bigger gal and wheelbarrel her up to Vala. John laughed and laughed as it brought back fond memories of when our children were younger.
They played another game of Vala against another gal, about 11 years old. They had a shallow bowl full of flour and some hidden dark purple grapes. Each gal had to sit in a chair, with their hands behind their backs, and fish out the grapes and eat them! It was quite fun! Vala won this one again. I got this one on video along with others. I was most impressed with how many grapes she can hold in her mouth without eating them! She's a true competitor at heart! We'll have to keep an eye on this cutie ;o)
We found in an indoor vendor's collection a copy of Disney's "Bolt" movie. We purchased it and brought it with us for all the kids to see. Since it is dubbed (very well I might add) in Russian, we are very happy to have found it and plan on leaving it there for the kids to wear out. They loved the movie and laughed and laughed. Most had never seen it before and all the ages were engrossed in the movie.
The story is about a young teenage girl and her superhero dog Bolt. Along the way they meet a hamster who thinks Bolt is the most awesome dog out there (he and his girl owner are movie stars, it's just the dog doesn't know it). The kids especially loved teasing teasing Vala during the movie. They all know she loves dogs - she's brought home many strays and sometimes the orphanage keeps them. She also has a pet hamster someone gifted to her. The kids would point at the movie and laughingly call out her hamster's name.
Vala would like to bring the hamster home with us - we're not sure how that would work or if it would survive. Would it be considered importing food??!!?? ;o)
Tomorrow we are excited to once again attend a local worship service. We will be so excited to someday take Vala with us too.
Thank you for all who ask about our Court Appointment - I know you all care very much for us and it means so much knowing we are not forgotten! We are still in a hold pattern and hope to know something more on Monday. If court is scheduled a long way off, we might be forced to head home and come back again. I am hoping this won't happen. The sooner we get our Court proceedures completed, the sooner we get the 10 day waiting period done after that. From there we will have to head back up to Kiev and complete things at the Embassies that will take an addional 2 days or so before we fly home. We are close to running into the holidays and that gives us some concern. Here, Embassies usually celebrate the holidays in their home country and Ukraine's holidays too. This will shut them down for Thanksgiving, then again in December through the middle to January. (Ukraine celebrates Christmas on Jan. 7th). We are praying it gets done and the 10 day waiting period is completed before then. If not, the adoption will scraggle into the new year.
John and I are taking every moment we have to make a difference here. God put us here and we fully intend on using, not wasting our time. We've had several opportunities to talk to others about our faith in Jesus. We also adore the time we spend with the kids at the orphanage. They are great kids and I'd love to see them all get homes. They are so well mannered and just funny, everyday kids. I wonder how many I can fit in my house.......
Well, until next time, thank you for spending some of your time with us.
Give your children a hug and tell those you love how much they mean to you!
Make sure and take time to make a difference in someone's life that's hurting, lonely or needy. We've all been there at one time or another.
Much love to you all, Jenn
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Snow showers and birthday celebrations!
This week has flown by and my attempts to stay up-to-date have failed miserably! I am constantly taking you back and forth with me in time. I try to keep you updated yet fill you in on past things I've not blogged about. I seem to have more words than I have time. ;o)
The great news is John and I are healthy, as well as everyone at the orphanage and those we deal with here. Thanks to all of those who are praying for our safety and health! Below is a view from our apartment window this week.
We came home on Monday night in the beginnings of snow flurries. Our driver was concerned as he was driving on bald tires, in desperate need of replacement. He slowed some, but it's amazing how fast these Ukrainians drive even in the snow. Again, so glad I am a passenger.....
It continued to lightly dust through the night and snowed with more earnestness on Tuesday. We had brand new tires and headed off to our various appointments. That day (Tues) we were in high hopes of getting a court date set. But the day ended with more questions than answers - that has been the prevailing tone for the week.
The courts have 10 days from our submission to give us a court appointment for the adoption trial. We are still well within our 10 days, so we again wait. Remember, I said "waiting" was as much a part of adoption as the child is! Next week we will try again. When we have a court date, we will have a closer idea of when we will be home, but nothing set in stone.
We've recently celebrated Vala's birthday. It was great to be apart of it and see how they celebrate in the orphanage. Vala has never had a party like we do at home. Sergiy says she probably has never had a cake or presents. She has never had candles, but knew what to do when John and I lit them on her Napoleon birthday cake. Napoleon is her favorite but we had a hard time getting her to eat a piece. She wanted to make sure all the other kids had had some first - what a sweet loving kid! We just love her to death!
I had Sergiy interpret the day before Vala's birthday that I always tell my family and loved ones "Happy Birthday" as many times as possible - I wanted to warn her as my other children are well versed in this tradition. ;o) The look on her face told me she thought I might be making fun of her, she has never had that much attention paid to her before and she didn't know what to think of what was being told to her now.
Anguish overcame me. I wanted to cry at the emotion I read on her face and the confusion in her eyes. I told Sergiy he must further interpret for me - she needed to understand.
I looked straight in her brown pleading eyes and told her the story of my birthday celebrations: I did not have a loving childhood. I do not remember my own birthday being celebrated, in fact I understood I was despised. Life is short and as an adult, it has become so important to me to tell those I love and hold dear in my life that they are special to me. I am so grateful for them. Their birthdays are a day I can celebrate with them - thankful that God had chosen this day for them to come into the world and eventually into my life. Their birthday is a day to be celebrated for no other day in the year was just for them! Vala, when I say Happy Birthday and hug you and smile at you I am really saying, "I love you!" "You are so important to me!" "I am so glad God put you in my life!" "I wouldn't change knowing you for anything in the world!"
She smiled up at me......she understood. The next morning at 8:00am I call her and wish her Happy Birthday. She is all giggles and says in rare English - Thank you. What else is there to say?
God bless you and yours,
Jenn
The great news is John and I are healthy, as well as everyone at the orphanage and those we deal with here. Thanks to all of those who are praying for our safety and health! Below is a view from our apartment window this week.
We came home on Monday night in the beginnings of snow flurries. Our driver was concerned as he was driving on bald tires, in desperate need of replacement. He slowed some, but it's amazing how fast these Ukrainians drive even in the snow. Again, so glad I am a passenger.....
It continued to lightly dust through the night and snowed with more earnestness on Tuesday. We had brand new tires and headed off to our various appointments. That day (Tues) we were in high hopes of getting a court date set. But the day ended with more questions than answers - that has been the prevailing tone for the week.
The courts have 10 days from our submission to give us a court appointment for the adoption trial. We are still well within our 10 days, so we again wait. Remember, I said "waiting" was as much a part of adoption as the child is! Next week we will try again. When we have a court date, we will have a closer idea of when we will be home, but nothing set in stone.
We've recently celebrated Vala's birthday. It was great to be apart of it and see how they celebrate in the orphanage. Vala has never had a party like we do at home. Sergiy says she probably has never had a cake or presents. She has never had candles, but knew what to do when John and I lit them on her Napoleon birthday cake. Napoleon is her favorite but we had a hard time getting her to eat a piece. She wanted to make sure all the other kids had had some first - what a sweet loving kid! We just love her to death!
I had Sergiy interpret the day before Vala's birthday that I always tell my family and loved ones "Happy Birthday" as many times as possible - I wanted to warn her as my other children are well versed in this tradition. ;o) The look on her face told me she thought I might be making fun of her, she has never had that much attention paid to her before and she didn't know what to think of what was being told to her now.
Anguish overcame me. I wanted to cry at the emotion I read on her face and the confusion in her eyes. I told Sergiy he must further interpret for me - she needed to understand.
I looked straight in her brown pleading eyes and told her the story of my birthday celebrations: I did not have a loving childhood. I do not remember my own birthday being celebrated, in fact I understood I was despised. Life is short and as an adult, it has become so important to me to tell those I love and hold dear in my life that they are special to me. I am so grateful for them. Their birthdays are a day I can celebrate with them - thankful that God had chosen this day for them to come into the world and eventually into my life. Their birthday is a day to be celebrated for no other day in the year was just for them! Vala, when I say Happy Birthday and hug you and smile at you I am really saying, "I love you!" "You are so important to me!" "I am so glad God put you in my life!" "I wouldn't change knowing you for anything in the world!"
She smiled up at me......she understood. The next morning at 8:00am I call her and wish her Happy Birthday. She is all giggles and says in rare English - Thank you. What else is there to say?
God bless you and yours,
Jenn
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Bringing up to date
Dear Family and Friends,
Sergiy's grandmother-in-law passed away Friday night. The plans we had with Sergiy on Saturday had to be altered as they had the funeral right away. We were moving from a temporary apartment we moved into the first night, back to the "white" apartment. Poor Sergiy had to schedule it all while balancing the family's funeral services. We all knew we had to move and felt bad he had to do this. It all turned out okay in the end.
I believe I have brought you fairly well up-to-date at this point. We are back down near the orphanage in the "white" apartment that is clean and safe. They put a pretty pink duvet cover and sheets on the bed this time. It makes the apartment feel happy and it feels a bit like spring. Since it's a small studio apartment, this is the main furniture in the room and it helps cheer the place up. John bought me some flowers from a woman on the street (there are many women who do this) and they look cheery sitting on the counter as well.
Sergiy arranged for a taxi driver named Sasha to pick us up. We've used Sasha before. Sasha picked up our luggage we had stored here last week. He brought it to us, then took us to the orphanage to see Vala. This will be the first time we go without Sergiy. It was the one time we've needed him.
When we arrived at the orphanage, the doors were locked and a sign was posted on the door. We can't read the language, so we knew this was odd, but couldn't tell what we were to do. Eventually a woman let us in, we think she helps in the kitchen. We've only vaguely seen her before and she was telling us something in earnest that we couldn't understand.
We tried our best to tell her we were there to see Vala, hoping she would recognize the name. She was not going to let us past the narrow front hallway. She finally went to the director's office for backup. The director wasn't there but more kitchen help came out and were trying to tell us the same thing. I finally started asking for "Junior" and saying "translate".
Someone went to get Vala, who was happy to see us, but was being held at arm's length by the women. Vala burst through their roadblock when they weren't looking, coming straight to my arms for a hug. Then she went straight to John for a hug from him. The woman was beside herself! Finally, Junior showed up and was able to translate a bit of what was said.
We were ushered to a special visiting room with just John, Vala, Junior and myself. Evidentially the country is in a quarantine state. There have been many people who have died recently from the flu (if I understand correctly) and some high up person shut down all the schools, institutions, meetings, etc. - any place were people congregate - due to the deaths and sicknesses. They have shut and locked down the orphanages too.
We've seen people walking around in masks, but didn't know what to think of it. It's a big disadvantage to not being able to speak the language. There could be a serious outbreak and we'd never know! We don't know what the news is saying!
But God is protecting us, even here. No one at the orphanage is sick, praise God. They forced the kids to take a 3 hour nap, I think as a precaution to keep them healthy. The children are not allowed outside. It was only because of our ignorance to the language that we were let in. It kind of felt like a Hollywood story line with a secret plot to enter the orphanage..... we're so tricky! but we didn't even know what we were doing! lol
We were able to play a game of Kimble that we bought in Kiev. They have very few games here. We left our deck of cards with them too. We bought dominoes as well and plan on taking that to them later this week. Junior won our Kimble game. Kimble is just like "Trouble" with a dice in a plastic globe in the middle. You move your pieces around the track and try to get them safely in the "home" place before anyone lands on you and gets you sent back. It's a fun game that we can play with out needing to speak the same language. We were so thankful to have found it. There are very few games and toys here in Ukraine and at the orphanage. We are blessed in America more than we know.
Sergiy will pick us up tomorrow and we will again take care of some business and go out to visit Vala and the other children for a bit. As long as they are healthy, we will go. The quarantine is set for no less than 3 weeks. No school for them during that entire time - how boring!
I have some great pictures of St. Andrew's Church in Kiev that I want to share with you in the next blog. It's a beautiful building that I just can't capture in photos or words. But I'll try.
Much love to you all!
For His glory only,
Jenn
Sergiy's grandmother-in-law passed away Friday night. The plans we had with Sergiy on Saturday had to be altered as they had the funeral right away. We were moving from a temporary apartment we moved into the first night, back to the "white" apartment. Poor Sergiy had to schedule it all while balancing the family's funeral services. We all knew we had to move and felt bad he had to do this. It all turned out okay in the end.
I believe I have brought you fairly well up-to-date at this point. We are back down near the orphanage in the "white" apartment that is clean and safe. They put a pretty pink duvet cover and sheets on the bed this time. It makes the apartment feel happy and it feels a bit like spring. Since it's a small studio apartment, this is the main furniture in the room and it helps cheer the place up. John bought me some flowers from a woman on the street (there are many women who do this) and they look cheery sitting on the counter as well.
Sergiy arranged for a taxi driver named Sasha to pick us up. We've used Sasha before. Sasha picked up our luggage we had stored here last week. He brought it to us, then took us to the orphanage to see Vala. This will be the first time we go without Sergiy. It was the one time we've needed him.
When we arrived at the orphanage, the doors were locked and a sign was posted on the door. We can't read the language, so we knew this was odd, but couldn't tell what we were to do. Eventually a woman let us in, we think she helps in the kitchen. We've only vaguely seen her before and she was telling us something in earnest that we couldn't understand.
We tried our best to tell her we were there to see Vala, hoping she would recognize the name. She was not going to let us past the narrow front hallway. She finally went to the director's office for backup. The director wasn't there but more kitchen help came out and were trying to tell us the same thing. I finally started asking for "Junior" and saying "translate".
Someone went to get Vala, who was happy to see us, but was being held at arm's length by the women. Vala burst through their roadblock when they weren't looking, coming straight to my arms for a hug. Then she went straight to John for a hug from him. The woman was beside herself! Finally, Junior showed up and was able to translate a bit of what was said.
We were ushered to a special visiting room with just John, Vala, Junior and myself. Evidentially the country is in a quarantine state. There have been many people who have died recently from the flu (if I understand correctly) and some high up person shut down all the schools, institutions, meetings, etc. - any place were people congregate - due to the deaths and sicknesses. They have shut and locked down the orphanages too.
We've seen people walking around in masks, but didn't know what to think of it. It's a big disadvantage to not being able to speak the language. There could be a serious outbreak and we'd never know! We don't know what the news is saying!
But God is protecting us, even here. No one at the orphanage is sick, praise God. They forced the kids to take a 3 hour nap, I think as a precaution to keep them healthy. The children are not allowed outside. It was only because of our ignorance to the language that we were let in. It kind of felt like a Hollywood story line with a secret plot to enter the orphanage..... we're so tricky! but we didn't even know what we were doing! lol
We were able to play a game of Kimble that we bought in Kiev. They have very few games here. We left our deck of cards with them too. We bought dominoes as well and plan on taking that to them later this week. Junior won our Kimble game. Kimble is just like "Trouble" with a dice in a plastic globe in the middle. You move your pieces around the track and try to get them safely in the "home" place before anyone lands on you and gets you sent back. It's a fun game that we can play with out needing to speak the same language. We were so thankful to have found it. There are very few games and toys here in Ukraine and at the orphanage. We are blessed in America more than we know.
Sergiy will pick us up tomorrow and we will again take care of some business and go out to visit Vala and the other children for a bit. As long as they are healthy, we will go. The quarantine is set for no less than 3 weeks. No school for them during that entire time - how boring!
I have some great pictures of St. Andrew's Church in Kiev that I want to share with you in the next blog. It's a beautiful building that I just can't capture in photos or words. But I'll try.
Much love to you all!
For His glory only,
Jenn
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