The plane ticket change will cost an addtional $1600-$1700, after our refund- right now we have to pay an additional $3000. The actual total cost of our delay is likely to run approximately $3000+ due to lost wages, extra travel, extra days of accomodations, etc. Those will end up being 2 very expensive pieces of paperwork!
On a better note, we got word today from a sweet lady that she wants to send a donation. We also found out that the adoption loan that we previously got approved for is still approved, so if we run into difficulty, it is still available to us. We know God will provide, and despite the wasted money, He will still make this happen- just an unexpected detour.
On a note of forgiveness, I know that the prosecutor needs the Lord. We will invite him after court on Monday to come and meet the children- I think, if he comes, that this will speak more volumes than me telling him the amount of money he cost us:) Maybe he will come and see that what he does is tied into real, needy children.
On the delay, this has taught us even more that it is better to err on the side of giving extra time than trying to count on things going perfectly in Ukraine.
On your prayers- praise God for your encouragement and love! Many of you we have never met face to face, but you are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We hopefully will see all of you fellow-adoption-journeyists, supporters and so on in this life time, but thankfully we can spend eternity in paradise togther, and praise God for His provision of all things to the believer, including trials for our growth.
Blessings,
John
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Please pray for tickets home
We've been trying to change our flights to fly home after our rescheduled court Monday morning. Flights are very booked and its looking like we won't be able to fly out until Friday....and it will cost us about $2000 to change from fees to difference in the fare cost. Our agent will be checking to see if something opens up before Monday...
please pray with us that God will open up 3 seats on an earlier flight...
we should be done and in Kiev by early Tuesday and hope to leave on Wednesday...
thanks!
on a postive note, our local friends here have asked John to preach at their church Sunday night with a translator...John is honored and thankful for the opportunity.
Sorry no pictures today--we never got to go to the orphanage...
we spent a long time at court, then ran some errands, had lunch and came home and rested and went to the store and had to call about tickets. So we decided we'd wait until tomorrow to visit the orphanage again.
please pray with us that God will open up 3 seats on an earlier flight...
we should be done and in Kiev by early Tuesday and hope to leave on Wednesday...
thanks!
on a postive note, our local friends here have asked John to preach at their church Sunday night with a translator...John is honored and thankful for the opportunity.
Sorry no pictures today--we never got to go to the orphanage...
we spent a long time at court, then ran some errands, had lunch and came home and rested and went to the store and had to call about tickets. So we decided we'd wait until tomorrow to visit the orphanage again.
Frustration... and delay
Hello all,
We went to court today. Before it began, Irina warned us that the prosecuting attorney was a real difficult person to deal with (this is an understatement). He argues everything to the letter of the law. She was very right.
When you go into court, it is very intimidating, because you feel as though you have to prove yourself before all these stern looking people, even after you have gone to all the trouble you have. You realize that everything rests on the decision there. All the money, time, and people's help along the way could be wasted due to someone's decision.
The first delay came at the very beginning, when the prosecuting attorney stated that he did not believe the children we were adopting were special needs, and demanded that the doctor from the orphanage be present at the hearing. Fortunately, one came (she is very nice).
The court started in the usual way, with us stating our names, DOB, etc, and then going into why we wanted to adopt children with disabilities, especially when we already had 7 children. At first, Traci and I were sweating, because the judge and 2"jurors" that sit with him did not appear to understand how we could possibly want to adopt more, and special needs children on top of that. Traci and I gave I believe good testimonies, and we prayed throughout. She actually did better that I, because I could feel my "Irish" was up (heart pounding, voice getting a little "forceful" in my argument). She was calm appearing (Thank God for Traci). The prosecuting attorney stated that the State was missing a form that stated that the children had no siblings. The court acknowledged this, but stated that the SDA had given approval, that there was no record of siblings, and therefore the court decided in favor of us.
Jubilation turned to sorrow, however.
In the Ukraine, the prosecuting attorney has authority over the court. The attorney overruled the judge's decision, and we must now provide the court with these forms by Monday AM, when we will re-appear at 10 AM. Everyone, including the judge, appeared irritated by this lawyer's actions.
If I didn't believe that God is ultimately in control, and that He has a plan in all this, there would have been a prosecuting attorney on the floor with a bloody nose after the hearing. Seriously, we obviously have several prayer requests that we share with you now:
1) That we can forgive this prosecuting attorney. He reminds us of the Accusor, who looks for any letter of the law to attempt to thwart the grace of our Lord.
2) The change in flight alone will cost us an additional $750, and this is not including lost wages from potentially more missed work days, extra accomodation days, extra transportation costs, etc.
3) Our children at home, especially Aidan (who has limited Mommy milk at home while we are gone). We so miss them and want to be home NOW.
4) That everything will indeed be ready on Monday, that there will be no further delay.
5) For understanding from my employer.
6) For our upcoming move to Virginia- this now will push our second trip back by a week, and that means one less week of packing when I get back with the children. Traci and the children left behind will need God's grace for packing what they can without me there.
7) Most of all, for our witness of Christ's love in this. We are angry, frustrated, sad, and confused all at one time. We need His strength even more now. Please Lord, deliver us!
Thank you for your thoughful prayers and comments. We realize we are not alone in this. We wouldn't be here, this far, without our loving Lord and the fellowship of the family of God.
John
We went to court today. Before it began, Irina warned us that the prosecuting attorney was a real difficult person to deal with (this is an understatement). He argues everything to the letter of the law. She was very right.
When you go into court, it is very intimidating, because you feel as though you have to prove yourself before all these stern looking people, even after you have gone to all the trouble you have. You realize that everything rests on the decision there. All the money, time, and people's help along the way could be wasted due to someone's decision.
The first delay came at the very beginning, when the prosecuting attorney stated that he did not believe the children we were adopting were special needs, and demanded that the doctor from the orphanage be present at the hearing. Fortunately, one came (she is very nice).
The court started in the usual way, with us stating our names, DOB, etc, and then going into why we wanted to adopt children with disabilities, especially when we already had 7 children. At first, Traci and I were sweating, because the judge and 2"jurors" that sit with him did not appear to understand how we could possibly want to adopt more, and special needs children on top of that. Traci and I gave I believe good testimonies, and we prayed throughout. She actually did better that I, because I could feel my "Irish" was up (heart pounding, voice getting a little "forceful" in my argument). She was calm appearing (Thank God for Traci). The prosecuting attorney stated that the State was missing a form that stated that the children had no siblings. The court acknowledged this, but stated that the SDA had given approval, that there was no record of siblings, and therefore the court decided in favor of us.
Jubilation turned to sorrow, however.
In the Ukraine, the prosecuting attorney has authority over the court. The attorney overruled the judge's decision, and we must now provide the court with these forms by Monday AM, when we will re-appear at 10 AM. Everyone, including the judge, appeared irritated by this lawyer's actions.
If I didn't believe that God is ultimately in control, and that He has a plan in all this, there would have been a prosecuting attorney on the floor with a bloody nose after the hearing. Seriously, we obviously have several prayer requests that we share with you now:
1) That we can forgive this prosecuting attorney. He reminds us of the Accusor, who looks for any letter of the law to attempt to thwart the grace of our Lord.
2) The change in flight alone will cost us an additional $750, and this is not including lost wages from potentially more missed work days, extra accomodation days, extra transportation costs, etc.
3) Our children at home, especially Aidan (who has limited Mommy milk at home while we are gone). We so miss them and want to be home NOW.
4) That everything will indeed be ready on Monday, that there will be no further delay.
5) For understanding from my employer.
6) For our upcoming move to Virginia- this now will push our second trip back by a week, and that means one less week of packing when I get back with the children. Traci and the children left behind will need God's grace for packing what they can without me there.
7) Most of all, for our witness of Christ's love in this. We are angry, frustrated, sad, and confused all at one time. We need His strength even more now. Please Lord, deliver us!
Thank you for your thoughful prayers and comments. We realize we are not alone in this. We wouldn't be here, this far, without our loving Lord and the fellowship of the family of God.
John
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Goodbye orphanage tomorrow!
UPDATE: our facilitator got the Interpol paperwork!! ITs on its way so Irina says we will have court tomorrow! We are so thankful that we will not be delayed... praise God! Thank you for your prayers.
As we get ready to leave tomorrow, I wanted to post some pictures of the orphanage…the home of Lusa and Taras and our Sean for their first 3-4 years. These scenes remind us of life here. What I can’t show on here of course are the other senses…how it always smells inside of soup cooking… how you hear the sounds of kids playing, sometimes crying loudly, caregivers singing or scolding in Russian…how you feel mosquitos often biting, or how your heart feels.
We have so many mixed feelings here….
Happy to be with them, sad to be away from our other children.
Grieved to see so many little ones without families, to see children running around usually in underwear, being shuffled like cattle, scolded in Russian and not allowed to interact with outsiders.
Appreciative of the beautifully sculpted flowers around the orphanage, but not understanding why the play areas are overgrown and not mowed!
Happy to see their sweet faces and smiles and greetings, sad to know we can’t help them. Puzzled to see how Lusa is kept in sitting in a stroller while others play or not allowed to help feed herself but thankful for the genuine expressions of friendliness and careful attention they show her.
Sad to see the bedridden children in cribs all day, glad to see some special needs kids being strolled around (which we rarely saw last time).
Homesick for our children, our home, where we understand the language and for familiar surroundings… but enriched by learning about a different culture and interacting with people that are much like ourselves.
Walking around the orphanage
Caregivers at work (this one by the way was very kind and good with Lusa)
Bare cribs
Long hallways and stairways, leading to many rooms where chidren live in groupas...eating, sleeping, dressing, playing with their caregivers.
Animals abound here...there are a few cats and 2 dogs (the dogs are old and not too friendly) here at the orphanage...we also see many stray dogs and cats around Izmaiill!
Groupas huddled around their caregivers hearing a story
Sweet babies everywhere...always intrigued to see a Mama and a Papa
Overgrown play area
Beautiful flower gardens
This is the main hallway from the front of the orphanage...
they've painted a scene on the wall since last time we'd been here which was nice to see!
Linen or clothes hanging
We are so ready to come home—I can’t wait…I can hear it in a couple of the kid’s voices at home that it is getting harder…and I pray so much for grace for the youngest ones who don’t understand. God is so good and has sustained us. The kids have been doing so well, are having a lot of fun, and the baby is eating very well and the milk supply is lasting. Our friend Danielle has done a remarkable job caring for them with all her heart and soul—she is a gift from Heaven to our family. It seems God is working out the timing for us to come home. Our translator is on her way here so we hope that means the Interpol also is on the way.
We will never forget our experience here. Despite the things we don’t like or don’t understand, we are thankful that Lusa and Taras’ birthmothers gave them life and that they are cared for here for all of their lives. We so appreciate the warm affection and enthusiasm we’ve seen in several of the caregivers and doctors here for the children. We will never forget these orphans and they will always be in our prayers. We hope God will show us how we can advocate for them and share the blessing of adoption with others.
Taras with the orphanage gate in the background...soon we will be outside that gate, Lord willing!
As we get ready to leave tomorrow, I wanted to post some pictures of the orphanage…the home of Lusa and Taras and our Sean for their first 3-4 years. These scenes remind us of life here. What I can’t show on here of course are the other senses…how it always smells inside of soup cooking… how you hear the sounds of kids playing, sometimes crying loudly, caregivers singing or scolding in Russian…how you feel mosquitos often biting, or how your heart feels.
We have so many mixed feelings here….
Happy to be with them, sad to be away from our other children.
Grieved to see so many little ones without families, to see children running around usually in underwear, being shuffled like cattle, scolded in Russian and not allowed to interact with outsiders.
Appreciative of the beautifully sculpted flowers around the orphanage, but not understanding why the play areas are overgrown and not mowed!
Happy to see their sweet faces and smiles and greetings, sad to know we can’t help them. Puzzled to see how Lusa is kept in sitting in a stroller while others play or not allowed to help feed herself but thankful for the genuine expressions of friendliness and careful attention they show her.
Sad to see the bedridden children in cribs all day, glad to see some special needs kids being strolled around (which we rarely saw last time).
Homesick for our children, our home, where we understand the language and for familiar surroundings… but enriched by learning about a different culture and interacting with people that are much like ourselves.
Walking around the orphanage
Caregivers at work (this one by the way was very kind and good with Lusa)
Bare cribs
Long hallways and stairways, leading to many rooms where chidren live in groupas...eating, sleeping, dressing, playing with their caregivers.
Animals abound here...there are a few cats and 2 dogs (the dogs are old and not too friendly) here at the orphanage...we also see many stray dogs and cats around Izmaiill!
Groupas huddled around their caregivers hearing a story
Sweet babies everywhere...always intrigued to see a Mama and a Papa
Overgrown play area
Beautiful flower gardens
This is the main hallway from the front of the orphanage...
they've painted a scene on the wall since last time we'd been here which was nice to see!
Linen or clothes hanging
We are so ready to come home—I can’t wait…I can hear it in a couple of the kid’s voices at home that it is getting harder…and I pray so much for grace for the youngest ones who don’t understand. God is so good and has sustained us. The kids have been doing so well, are having a lot of fun, and the baby is eating very well and the milk supply is lasting. Our friend Danielle has done a remarkable job caring for them with all her heart and soul—she is a gift from Heaven to our family. It seems God is working out the timing for us to come home. Our translator is on her way here so we hope that means the Interpol also is on the way.
We will never forget our experience here. Despite the things we don’t like or don’t understand, we are thankful that Lusa and Taras’ birthmothers gave them life and that they are cared for here for all of their lives. We so appreciate the warm affection and enthusiasm we’ve seen in several of the caregivers and doctors here for the children. We will never forget these orphans and they will always be in our prayers. We hope God will show us how we can advocate for them and share the blessing of adoption with others.
Taras with the orphanage gate in the background...soon we will be outside that gate, Lord willing!
A fun last day at the orphanage
This morning we had a fun visit. It may be our last day to visit so Jonah and I had fun putting some little toys around the play areas for the kids in the groupas to find. We hid some tiny babies in the purses that they often play with and put animal figures in the sand and a couple jump ropes and play dishes. Not much really but to them….it was exciting!!
There was a huge commotion of kids running around with excited voices, running to the caregivers to show them, running to the doctor who came out to show her too, and running to us and talking to us! A couple of the smaller kids came over saying “Spasiba” with big smiles, and Maxim (the girl our Naomi liked last time) was holding a baby telling me something—wish we could understand more Russian! It such a joy seeing them have joy—from something so very small. It made me cry as I wish we could do so much more but we thank God that we could give them a reason to smile. You should have seen them playing horse with the jumprope –looked like something our kids would do Jonah blew bubbles too –which they loved. When I had previously showed Naomi a picture of Maxim I thought she’d be excited and she was, but her response was …but she’s sad and naked Mommy! It was nice today to see Maxim in clothes and smiling (she's the one in the bottom picture with the blue shirt and bandana; Karina is in the same picture in the middle) The caregivers didn’t let them play with us for long and soon made them come away from us…oh well, it was nice while it lasted.
The children showing us and thanking us for the toys
By the way, I've been enjoying taking pictures...and I started on a mission, looking for beauty here to keep my mind on the good when it would be easy to dwell on the bad...I've found alot of beautiful flowers and scenes, but there is nothing as beautiful as a child's smile :)
We saw our young friends outside the orphanage again…about 10 kids who we have been trying to talk to. Well, even though we can’t speak much to each other, we enjoyed playing ball with them. We also did bubbles with them and had a fun time while we waited for our taxi, which was late. Jonah gave them our inflatable beach ball—I think he’s learning it is more blessed to give than to receive…we all are.
The children who live near the orphanage
We had a nice visit with the kids. Taras seemed to smile and respond to us today more
And his pressure sore on his back and the sores on his heel are getting better. Lusa’s rash seemed improved today. She enjoyed swinging—she fell off once and got dirt in her mouth but seems to be very tough like her brother Sean. She also pet a kitty today…Jonah made a friend in a cute kitty at the orphanage and she kept following him around. So cute, but no we can’t adopt her as much as he’d like to!
Jonah found a kitten friend at the orphanage
Lusa petting a kitty probably for the first time :)
Happy Taras
There was a huge commotion of kids running around with excited voices, running to the caregivers to show them, running to the doctor who came out to show her too, and running to us and talking to us! A couple of the smaller kids came over saying “Spasiba” with big smiles, and Maxim (the girl our Naomi liked last time) was holding a baby telling me something—wish we could understand more Russian! It such a joy seeing them have joy—from something so very small. It made me cry as I wish we could do so much more but we thank God that we could give them a reason to smile. You should have seen them playing horse with the jumprope –looked like something our kids would do Jonah blew bubbles too –which they loved. When I had previously showed Naomi a picture of Maxim I thought she’d be excited and she was, but her response was …but she’s sad and naked Mommy! It was nice today to see Maxim in clothes and smiling (she's the one in the bottom picture with the blue shirt and bandana; Karina is in the same picture in the middle) The caregivers didn’t let them play with us for long and soon made them come away from us…oh well, it was nice while it lasted.
The children showing us and thanking us for the toys
By the way, I've been enjoying taking pictures...and I started on a mission, looking for beauty here to keep my mind on the good when it would be easy to dwell on the bad...I've found alot of beautiful flowers and scenes, but there is nothing as beautiful as a child's smile :)
We saw our young friends outside the orphanage again…about 10 kids who we have been trying to talk to. Well, even though we can’t speak much to each other, we enjoyed playing ball with them. We also did bubbles with them and had a fun time while we waited for our taxi, which was late. Jonah gave them our inflatable beach ball—I think he’s learning it is more blessed to give than to receive…we all are.
The children who live near the orphanage
We had a nice visit with the kids. Taras seemed to smile and respond to us today more
And his pressure sore on his back and the sores on his heel are getting better. Lusa’s rash seemed improved today. She enjoyed swinging—she fell off once and got dirt in her mouth but seems to be very tough like her brother Sean. She also pet a kitty today…Jonah made a friend in a cute kitty at the orphanage and she kept following him around. So cute, but no we can’t adopt her as much as he’d like to!
Jonah found a kitten friend at the orphanage
Lusa petting a kitty probably for the first time :)
Happy Taras
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
UPDATE and keep praying
After hearing we did not have our interpol clearance earlier today, we heard later today that our clearance was in Kiev but it wasn't signed yet...and the promised to have it for our facilitator in the morning !! We pray that they come through, as then it can be sent to our region and we could have court Friday and fly home Sunday :) Please keep praying!
Also, please also pray with us for our friends the Beckers from ND who are adopting Isaiah from Reeces Rainbow...they traveled over with us and we had the privaledge of meeting up with them briefly in Kiev. They too need their Interpol clearance so they can have court on Monday. Darrell needs to get home to their family's farm for the harvest, as well as to their 5 boys so please keep them in your prayers. It would be a wonderful blessing to them if the judge would waive the 10 day wait period so that Stephanie can come home earlier to her little ones. It doesn't happen often but we surely can ask!
Thanks,
Traci
Also, please also pray with us for our friends the Beckers from ND who are adopting Isaiah from Reeces Rainbow...they traveled over with us and we had the privaledge of meeting up with them briefly in Kiev. They too need their Interpol clearance so they can have court on Monday. Darrell needs to get home to their family's farm for the harvest, as well as to their 5 boys so please keep them in your prayers. It would be a wonderful blessing to them if the judge would waive the 10 day wait period so that Stephanie can come home earlier to her little ones. It doesn't happen often but we surely can ask!
Thanks,
Traci
More pictures from last post
Uploading pictures takes so long here...and sometimes it doesn't work. Here are a few I'd tried to load on the last post. If it weren't so slow I'd load more :)
Recent pictures
We've gotten into a routine here. We get up and get ready, eat breakfast (usually cereal and kefir, eggs, yogurt or oatmeal (Jonah's favorite). Then we go in the taxi (with Igor or Sasha--2 brothers who alternate driving us each day and who Irina our translator works with here in Izmail) THey are very nice and John has gotten used to communicating with them. I wish they didn't drive so fast and weave in and out of cars and bikers (I close my eyes and pray alot) but they are helpful and have helped us at various places, and even given Jonah some candy. On our way, John usually reads to Jonah and (and the drivers by default)-we've been reading from "Created to Work" which is a great book for a father and son to read (but I've enjoyed it too) and a story called "The Medicine Carrier" about a little boy who delivers medicine and the lessons he learns. Once there, we get Taras whose room is closest to the front (at the bottom of the stairs where Sean's room was. Once he's in his stroller we wheel down the hall around to where Lusa's room is...usually she is already outside but they bring her in to get a "pamper" on her (which we provided by their request). We've been trying to practice feeding Lusa and Taras..one at lunch and one at dinner. Today it went better with Taras taking his bottle and Lusa cooperating with her feeding. We look forward to being home so we can let her learn to feed herself and drink from a sippy but for now we just need her to get used to us. After our morning visit, we either head back to the apartment or grab lunch out at one of 2 restaurants (that are inexpensive but good food) and make an outing and then back to the apartment. Then we return to the orphanage for the 2nd visit, do the feeding, and come home for the night. After we eat, we call or skype the kids at home, which we look forward to. Haylee and Naomi have been taking lots of pictures and putting them on our family blog each day and sharing about their day...this is a high light of my day, to see them and all the fun they are having. Then (or in the afternoon) I try to update our blog. Some times we watch a movie or read together and we pray and head to bed.
Last night we got to interact with some local kids and a lady near the orphanage. They were sweet and very curious--at first they thought we were French! It was interesting trying to communicate with them--they told us their names and we gave them each a US coin, which they thought was neat. One girl gave us one of theirs. TOday we asked them how old they were. John and I wish we'd learned more Russian this past year. TOday we also met a Ukrainian couple adopting 2 brothers...they spoke very good English! They said that it is now easier for Ukrainians to adopt, which is good to hear....there are so many children that need homes. It breaks our hearts.
This afternoon we ventured out to the post office to mail postcards, the pharmacy to get baby bottles, and to a beautiful blue orthodox church in the middle of town. (Girls, I forgot the handkerchief so I had to use a pillowcase to wear in the church! We'd heard you needed to have a headcovering to enter) It was beautiful inside--we especially enjoyed the paintings of scenes from the Bible. It made us sad though that many people trust in rituals instead of putting their trust in God through faith in His son Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sins. IT was a pleasant day, a little cooler than it has been here. We also ate one last time at Haylee's favorite cafe...potatoes and borscht!
Today Lusa enjoyed swinging. There is only one little swing at the entire orphanage so I doubt highly that she has ever gotten to swing. She loved it and had a huge smile! Tonight we did some bubbles-- Lusa didn't like them if they were too close! She can act so much like Sean sometimes...especially when she is not happy :) It will be interesting to see them together. Taras seemed to like them. We have noticed that he seems to be attending to us sometimes, and especially when we walk over or by...like when John was feeding him, I walked by the stroller and he got distracted. That is encouraging that he must be seeing some and be able to respond some. Today he was making a funny sound when crying--we wonder if maybe there is some reflux pain even though they say he doesn't have it.
We love seeing all the orphans around when we get a chance. They are all so sweet and run up to us talking to us. Lusa's groupa is so cute--they are so curious whenever they pass us or we pass them. There are 2 very severely impaired children always in cribs...but we noticed last night a doctor was at one's bed and today the child was not there. I wonder what happened. In Taras' groupa, there seem to be a couple mildly disabled children and there is a little boy whom John thinks may have Spina Bifida as his legs are impaired but he seems to otherwise act normally. We hope to find out about the children to help find them homes. We've seen a couple of the other special needs kids we'd seen last time being strolled around--we're glad to see that they are getting outside (last time we didn't see them outside when we came in the Spring) The older groupa (whom we know some from last adoption) break my heart the most, to see them running around in underwear and playing with whatever they can find. Still no family. So much love to give. We run into Karina each day and it breaks our heart that she is still here and that we can not give her a home. Tonight she was crying and a caregiver yelling at her. No child should have to be without a mommy and daddy to comfort them. We know another family who was here last year adopting 2 children who we hope will be able to adopt her if she truly is available. We've heard though that sometimes children are not available to foreigners--either by the parent's choice or the orphanage; or if a family member visits them, they might not be able to be adopted. It makes no sense and we pray that she and the others will find homes. At least she and the other able bodied children would go on to school at the older orphanage; unlike the disabled children who will go to a mental institution.
Tonight we got a few food supplies to hold us till we (hopefully) leave Friday afternoon. Jonah and I had fun buying a few inexpensive packs of toys that we plan to place in the play area outside where the groupas play tomorrow. Its not much, and I wish we could do so much more for them, but we hope it will make them smile.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Out and about
Trying to get a post written quick before they turn the electricity off--there are some workers doing work in this apartment complex.
Yesterday we went to the big grocery story here--kind of like Walmart, but there is also a restaurant here so we ate there too. We played it safe with borscht, greek salad, chickena and potatoes :) We did try a pancake burrito type food too that had a sweet cheese and bean in it, served with sour cream which was okay. We bought some more supplies of food that we were out of, this time on our own as Irina is not here anymore. She returns the day before court. WE also had a different driver (than our usual 2) because Igor was sick. Oh yea, we had to make a return of a sundress we'd bought for Lusa (too big) and that was quite an ordeal--had to go to different parts of the store and took a while, so we decided to not buy anything we may need to return again :)
Yesterday morning we tried feeding Taras but he was not wanting it and we think they were saying he had aten not long before. That night at our visit we tried again and he gobbled it down. He is fed by bottle--a thin soup and a milk type bottle too. We are weary of how he is fed here (they usually keep in laying in stroller and it dribbles all over) but we haven't seen him struggle or choke at least. We figure we will keep it the same until we get him home and can get him evaluated.
This afternoon we fed Lusa too. THey spoon feed her everything-- the soup as well as the tea. She sits there very compliantly for the caregivers, but she did not for us! She started spitting it out and pulling away. THankfully one of the ladies gave her a talking too Ukrainian style and encouraged her to eat "Kooshet! Kooshet!" So after that she did a little better --we finished the meal (soup, then a rice and meat dish) but she did not want her tea for us or her. She can be very stubborn but I think once she realizes that we are her caregivers, she will learn...and when we're home, be able to do much of it on her own when she has the chance.
After eating at the potato house, we headed to the outdoor market again--this time we had the driver drop us off and we navigated around ourselves...got lost a few times but we got by! After a little shopping we headed back home for a rest.
Yesterday we went to the big grocery story here--kind of like Walmart, but there is also a restaurant here so we ate there too. We played it safe with borscht, greek salad, chickena and potatoes :) We did try a pancake burrito type food too that had a sweet cheese and bean in it, served with sour cream which was okay. We bought some more supplies of food that we were out of, this time on our own as Irina is not here anymore. She returns the day before court. WE also had a different driver (than our usual 2) because Igor was sick. Oh yea, we had to make a return of a sundress we'd bought for Lusa (too big) and that was quite an ordeal--had to go to different parts of the store and took a while, so we decided to not buy anything we may need to return again :)
Yesterday morning we tried feeding Taras but he was not wanting it and we think they were saying he had aten not long before. That night at our visit we tried again and he gobbled it down. He is fed by bottle--a thin soup and a milk type bottle too. We are weary of how he is fed here (they usually keep in laying in stroller and it dribbles all over) but we haven't seen him struggle or choke at least. We figure we will keep it the same until we get him home and can get him evaluated.
This afternoon we fed Lusa too. THey spoon feed her everything-- the soup as well as the tea. She sits there very compliantly for the caregivers, but she did not for us! She started spitting it out and pulling away. THankfully one of the ladies gave her a talking too Ukrainian style and encouraged her to eat "Kooshet! Kooshet!" So after that she did a little better --we finished the meal (soup, then a rice and meat dish) but she did not want her tea for us or her. She can be very stubborn but I think once she realizes that we are her caregivers, she will learn...and when we're home, be able to do much of it on her own when she has the chance.
After eating at the potato house, we headed to the outdoor market again--this time we had the driver drop us off and we navigated around ourselves...got lost a few times but we got by! After a little shopping we headed back home for a rest.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
One week
We're now been here for one week--as of yesterday. If we get interpol clearance in the next few days, we will be home in one more week (due to fly out this Sunday and be home late that night) Please keep us in your prayers that we will be able to come home then....we'd have to pay alot to change our flight ($750) and we long so much to get home to our children. Another week sounds like an eternity (it feels like we've been here much longer than a week) We are homesick and miss our children...sounds like they are doing well there, but they seem to be missing Mommy and Daddy more.
Also, please if you are reading our blog, we'd love for you to leave a comment when you can...it helps to know there are people with us and who are praying :)
Here are a few pictures of last night's visit that I had not loaded when I blogged about yesterday. Looks like today may stay a little cooler...that would be nice!
Taras enjoying being outside
Lusa up close!
Jonah says the icecream cones are too little here (I agree)! But we wonder if maybe thats why there arent very many overweight people here--portions are smaller.
Hanging out in the hallway outside Lusa's room
Also, please if you are reading our blog, we'd love for you to leave a comment when you can...it helps to know there are people with us and who are praying :)
Here are a few pictures of last night's visit that I had not loaded when I blogged about yesterday. Looks like today may stay a little cooler...that would be nice!
Taras enjoying being outside
Lusa up close!
Jonah says the icecream cones are too little here (I agree)! But we wonder if maybe thats why there arent very many overweight people here--portions are smaller.
Hanging out in the hallway outside Lusa's room
Lord's Day in the Ukraine
Ukrainian church service
Our friends here Sasha and Snezhana, and Jonah with little Sasha (who is our Elsie's age) Having been without his siblings, Jonah enjoyed playing with her.
Lusa trying on a sundress
Lusa likes to be held
I noticed that he was bringing his hands together in his new stroller...yeah!
(I used to work as an occupational therapist so I thought that was great)
Taras trying out his stroller
Last night we tried out a stroller we bought at the market for Taras. Being therapists, we were anxious to get him in a better position (he is usually sprawled out in a stroller where he slides down and his arms and legs dangle over the wheels and sides) and we need something to bring him home in. We were excited to see that it works pretty well for him...his legs are positioned higher away from the wheels, the harness keeps him positioned, he can sit up more and he even seemed to put his hands together more!
This morning we did not go to visit as we went to a church service with our friend Sasha. We had to walk about 30 minutes to get there—it was a nice walk but it is very hot! Even though we didn’t understand what was being said (was in Russian) it was a blessing to be among Ukrainian christians and worship with them. There was no air condition so I was feeling a bit like I might pass out but we made it through. A couple of the songs we recognized --same tune just in Russian so we sang along! So neat to hear believers sing to God in Russian. It was a small group there this morning and not much different really. We had a Lord's Supper (they use real wine and a big loaf of bread)
After a nap, we went to the orphanage. It was cooler and breezy tonight which was a nice change and we played outside. Interesting thing was that hardly any children were out tonight--when it finally was comfortable outside! Jonah has been having fun playing with an inflatable beach ball (a great purchase from Michaels for $1)
We usually find Lusa sitting in a stroller in her groupa…I think they’ve trained her to just sit there in the stroller when they go outside, and today I found her in it inside. It tells me she can be trained to listen, but makes me sad that she is not given more opportunity to play like the other children when she is certainly able to play and interact with the children. Life will open up so much for her! Tonight she liked hitting a ball when I’d roll it to her. She says "ball" and smiles. I took her on the slide and she seemed scared coming down so I don’t think she’s ever done that before. She liked climbing up the stairs and she seemed curious when I gave her a kiss
Both the children seem to like to be sung to. A couple times John and I thought Taras was attending to us. We don’t know what he can see or hear so we are just seeking to give him love and stimulation. We hold him, stretch his legs, put him in different positions, put some bright toys around and talk and sing to him. John tried to feed him at the end but turns out they had fed him an hour before so he wasn’t hungry. We'll try tomorrow.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Please pray we can have court next Friday
The outdoor market in Izmail
Lusa with her determined look
Taras and Daddy
Lusa and Taras in the strollers
It is like a drink of fresh water on a scourching day to see the pictures from home of our kids having fun together...I so long to get home and hold the little ones and hug the big ones. It feels like we have been here a month--the days go by so slowly. Our court is scheduled for next Friday the 30th...so please pray that we get the INTERPOL clearance by early next week so we can have court Friday and fly home Sunday when we have tickets. We can't wait!! WE have been able to Skype video call 2 times so far--the picture of the kids is very fuzzy and the sound is choppy but atleast we can kind of see them and feel we are together. But it makes me miss them even more!
We've been trying to spend some of our visiting time INSIDE as there are lots of bugs and the grass at the orphanage is very overgrown in the main grassy area and playground....we were pleased to see new play equipment but it seems they aren't using it right not. We don't understand why they don't cut the grass! I wish we could do it :) So we hang out outside Lusa's room on a couch and hallway there for a while...playing ball, showing books to Lusa (who isnt very interested), and holding them and stretching Taras' legs. Then we go for a walk in the strollers outside and play ball with Jonah. We tried going over to the groupa of a few orphans we remembered from last time but the caregiver was quick to deport them to another place away from us...its so sad. I don't know why they are so funny about us being around the orphans who just want a little attention.
Today we went to the big outdoor market here in Izmail. Our driver Igor took us (directed by Irina our translator who is no longer here but we call her when we need her help to translate) They sell just about everything-- clothes, shoes, dishes, food, and much more. We got a icecream cone (good but small) and found a stroller we can use for Taras to come home that we will try out. Then we went home and made lunch...tonight after our visit we plan to get together with our friends here who rent this apartment out to us...we are looking forward to the fellowship :
Cribs
Lusa's crib
Sweet Taras in his crib
In general, the caregives are very uneasy about us coming into the main groupa room--we try to peak in whenever we get a chance to see what their life was like there, and see the other orphans. We wanted to see where Lusa and Taras sleep and were able to get through to them that we wanted to see their beds (kravatz) Lusa is in a low crib in a big line of cribs so between other children. Taras is in a bigger crib not with all of the other children but out in the main groupa room...since this is primarily what his life was-...laying in his crib. I took a picture of him in it so we could remember. I don't know what progress he'll make but he does seem to like being held up and probably just being "held" with love. I'm thinking Lusa will need something like a crib or packnplay to contain her--like Sean--but it will be tough at first to keep her in it as she is a climber and very persistant. Though I did see that she can learn to listen as she kept her hands down very well during her feeding session for the caregiver. In Lusa's room there are 2 bedridden children in the main area who never seem to go out of the crib and who we hear crying. I pray for God's mercy for them.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Pictures of us at home! :)
Here are some pictures of us today :)
Sean pushing the baby doll stroller with his baby ball in it :)
Beautiful little Elsie and Aidan!
Sister Danielle :)
"The Young Victoria"!
"Queen Victoria"!
Elsie and Aidan playing "peek a boo"!
Annabelle riding her bike :)
Haylee and Aidan in the ergo carrier!
Haylee with Aidan sitting on the grass! :)
Me (Haylee) climbing out of the slide!
Naomi and Aidan!
Me (Haylee) and Aidan!
Annabelle on the playground!
Me (Haylee) and Aidan 2!
Elsie and Sean swinging!
Naomi at the bottom of the slide..a kind neighbor let us play on their playground!
Aidan listening to Mommy talking and smiling!
Annabelle opening Day 7 present!
Annabelle opening Day 7 present 2!
Aidan, cutie pie!
Sean in a apron! He is trying to set the table :)
Sean pushing the baby doll stroller with his baby ball in it :)
Beautiful little Elsie and Aidan!
Sister Danielle :)
"The Young Victoria"!
"Queen Victoria"!
Elsie and Aidan playing "peek a boo"!
Annabelle riding her bike :)
Haylee and Aidan in the ergo carrier!
Haylee with Aidan sitting on the grass! :)
Me (Haylee) climbing out of the slide!
Naomi and Aidan!
Me (Haylee) and Aidan!
Annabelle on the playground!
Me (Haylee) and Aidan 2!
Elsie and Sean swinging!
Naomi at the bottom of the slide..a kind neighbor let us play on their playground!
Aidan listening to Mommy talking and smiling!
Annabelle opening Day 7 present!
Annabelle opening Day 7 present 2!
Aidan, cutie pie!
Sean in a apron! He is trying to set the table :)
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