WHAT A MIRACLE!!!!

We will have E's passport at 9:00 am tomorrow morning!!!!  It is on an overnight train to us in Kiev RIGHT NOW!!!!  We will rush to pick-up her medicals results and then head to the embassy to get her visa and then we will be on a plane to America on Wednesday!!!  

Here is why its a miracle....first off....its Ukraine, nothing is done quickly here....or exactly the same for that matter.  Second, the passport "normally" takes a minimum of 5-10 business days to receive.  E's passport?????? 3 BUSINESS DAYS!!!!!  That's right, 3 business days.  I cried and screamed "Praise Jesus" in the middle of McDonalds here in Ukraine (that's where we were when we got the call). 

I have to give thanks to The Lord too, because E is really acting like herself again.  She has not even talked on her cell phone today!!!!!!  That is HUGE!!!!  We went to Sky Mall, which reminds you of a large American indoor mall.  E needed shoes (the only pair she has is the pair she is wearing, which I bought for her when she was in the orphanage).  We were also shopping with the other adoptive family that is staying at the missionary house, thier daughter M....and we met up with ANOTHER adoptive mom and her son D.  Ok, so D is a little cutie and I think E thought so too.  But the BEST part was that she yet another child that was going to America.  Now both M and D will be living in Alabama, so I am already making arrangements for us to visit Alabama this summer!!  I just SO excited to see E laughing and having such a good time.  I think it was also reassuring to her to met kids here that she knows she will see in America.  

FYI, here is a picture by a car at the mall she wanted me to take. She is so funny.  

OHHHH, another special moment today.....she came out of her room this morning and her hair was all frizzed out.  She points to her hair and says "Maaaaama!"  So I went to her room with her and flat ironed her hair for her.  Woohoo, its these little things that just fill my heart with joy!!!

BTW, speaking of hair, J took L to get her hair done too.  She went shorter!  So cute. And I'll throw a picture of F in for good measure.

Please pray for all our processes tomorrow to go smoothly and for safe travels on Wedneday!!

Love to you all!!!

The Great Yo-Yo

Things have been so up and down with E, but mostly down.  She has enclosed herself in her room at the home where we are staying.  BUT.....there are signs that my sweet daughter I met in the orphanage is still there.

We are staying with an incredible missionary couple.  I think I have mentioned that before, but it is worth mentioning again....they are INCREDIBLE!!!  So on Saturday, they spent the morning with E and I, showing her parts of Kiev.  We went into Maidan which is where the protestors have barricaded themselves for the past month.  All I could say was WOW!!!  To see all these people, staying in the cold, day and night, trying to fight for a better government.  I don't think, right now, E truly appreciates being there but one day when she's older and has a better comprehension, she will be blessed to have been included in that part of history.

So some "Mom Highlights."  1) She posed with me for a picture, 2) She actually put both arms around me...like a hug...for the pictures, 3) She ate lunch, 4) we laughed while I showed her how to use the tokens for the metro, and 5) she gave me a kiss when I bought her a traditional Ukrainian shirt.  And just before you criticize that and say "of course she kissed you, you bought her something."  Let me give you 6) I asked to buy her the shirt...she said "Nyet"...I said "pozhaluysta (please) for Mama" (with a pitty face) and she agreed.  She really does appreciate having this shirt.  She may never wear it, but it was important to me that she had this from her country.

But when we got back to the house.....in her room she went.  There was even a gathering at the house with 3 other adoptive families and their Ukrainian children (one of which is staying at this house too).  She wanted no part of it and no part of befriending the daughter of the family staying here too.  So, I let her stay in her room and just told her we were leaving at 1:45 pm to go to church the next day.  She said, OK.

So today, we both slept in.  She was up and dressed when I went in her room to check on her.  We arrived at church and we helped with setting up the chairs.  She asked (on the translator) "What happens next?"  I told her "church."   This is an international church.  The missionary couple we are staying with are the pastors at the church.  The sermon is in English but there are headsets people can wear to hear the Russian translation.   E wore her headset the ENTIRE time!!!  After church, we all (the missionaries, the other adoptive family and their daughter...I'll call her M, and us) got on the metro to head home.  While on the metro, the walls came down and E and M started talking....then giggling...then whispering and giggling....then shared a seat!!!  I told the other mother that they are probably making fun of me but I didn't give a hoot because she is FINALLY laughing...with a PERSON....Not on the phone.  In fact, she actually only talked on her phone like twice today!!!

SO we get back to the house, I make her a plate of dinner and used my "Mom Voice" told her to sit and eat with a big pointy finger to the dinner table and a deep "DA!"(yes).  Annnd, she sat and ate....then grabbed a bag of chips that she and M shared....on the couch...in the living room!!!!  She only went to her room to go to bed tonight.  Hallelujah!!!!  I am just praising The Lord.   I can't even tell you how amazing God is to see this change in E.  ANNNNND, she said "Thank you".... IN ENGLISH.....Voluntarily....twice!!!!  Wow, just wow!!!

I know this all may crash tomorrow. I'm not going to worry about that now.  I'm going to wallow in
blessings as God provides them!!!

So, now down to business.  We need your prayers.  These are the details of  "what's next."  In order to go home, E needs a Visa issued by the US Embassy....in order to get the Visa, E needs the results of her medical exam to give to the US Embassy....in order to get the results of her medical exam, E needs her passport.  Here comes the specific details....tomorrow we will confirmation that E's passport is finished and on a train making its way to us.  We have to have the passport before 11 am on Tuesday because the medical office closes at 11 and then the Embassy closes at 3.  We need her visa issued on Tuesday so we can fly home Wednesday morning.

THE PROBLEM.....if we don't have her passport by Tuesday....we can not get it until after January 7th.  All governmental offices close down from January 1st through January 7th.  So E and I will be stuck here until then.  Its really been hard on E.  She is basically in limbo here.  She's not in her region or orphanage anymore....but yet she isn't home either.

PLEASE pray we hear positive news tomorrow and the next post you read is one telling you how God has worked a miracle and accomplished what everyone said couldn't be done.....and brought us home.

Thanks and love to all!!!







 

We Made it To Kiev.....almost home.

I don't even know where to start. 

The 10-Day waiting period was ROUGH!!!  There were many factors involved but ultimately....it was down right miserable. No need to sugar coat it for you. At one point I felt like just going home....it was THAT rough. But many people prayed for me and with me and kept me going through my tears. #1 piece of advice....don't take it personal. (I actually giggled as I wrote that because I'm all about getting my feelings hurt). When it comes to my kids, I'm a sensitive person. I HATE being the disciplinarian because I can't standing thinking my kids are mad at me. But..... you put on your "Big Girl Panties" and you do what you gotta do. Well let me just tell ya, if I coulda burned those stinkin "Big Girl Panties" last week....I'd be singing Kumbaya by a bonfire right now. 

So our 10-day period was up on Tuesday, 12/24. She wanted Tuesday to be her last day of school and her last night at the orphanage. I was ok with that. I spent Tuesday running around with the facilitator anyway getting paperwork. We got the court decree, traveled to her birth city (an hour away) and got a new birth certificate, came back to her city and did a few other things. That night I took her 2 cakes, soda and mandarins for her and the other kids. I also made each kid a photo album with a bunch of pictures I had taken on my pervious trip.   

We arrived at her orphanage on Wednesday, Christmas morning, at 6:30 am. She had her suitcase ready. It was a hard good-bye for her and her friends. She had lived with some of these kids for 7 years. She got in the car and cried as we drove off. It was gut wrenching. I held her. Then, she fell asleep. 

We drove the 2 hours to the capital city of her region. There we filed for her new ID number and petitioned for a new passport. Then we drove to the airport to buy airplane tickets to Kiev. Money well spent!  We landed in Kiev around 6pm and I couldn't be happier to be back at the missionaries' house.  Hallelujah!!!!  (Hahaha, get it??)

We Skyped with Papa right away and we did our family Christmas. Our girls at home opened up their gifts while E opened up the gifts I brought for her.  E seeing her Papa and sisters and Nonna and PeaPaw, was the happiest I have seen her in 2 weeks!!!!  

Thursday we woke up bright and early to go to the US Embassy to do paperwork for her to be declared our relative and eventually get her Visa. It was easy.  BTW, she was fascinated by the electronic fingerprint machine. 

Then we headed off to get her medical exam. And like that....we were done. Like  done, as in the only thing keeping me from getting the paperwork done to fly home, is receiving her passport. But here's comes the hang-up. We are praying that we receive her passport Tuesday morning so we can pick-up the result of her medical exam, take the results to the US Embassy, so they will issue her Visa and we can GO HOME!!!  If this does not happen, then we are stuck here until after January 8th. All government offices in Ukraine, including our fine US Embassy, are shut down from January 1 through 7!  Yep, just sit her and twiddle my thumbs for a week.  E is doing better (comparatively speaking)  here in Kiev but she NEEDS her Papa!!!  You can see it on her face when she says good-bye to him on Skype. We need to get home!!!  

Please join us in prayer that we have that ever so beautiful Ukrainian passport in our hands bright and early Tuesday morning. 

Prayer Warriors Needed!!!!

Please pray for E and my wife!! The devil is pushing harder and harder as the time in E's hometown draws to an end. They both need physical, mental, and spiritual strength to finish this portion.  Communication is low and tears are flowing. 

Join me in praying morning and night that God fills their hearts with Joy, Peace, Comfort, Understanding for each other, Strength, Love, Faith to trust each other, and that His plans are fulfilled to His Glory!!!! 

 My wife is the strongest person I have ever met, honestly, she is the most solid minded and dedicated person to those she loves. We just need to be prayer warriors and give her and E a little extra support........it can not be done on their own fleshly guidance. The devil and our flesh have us creating barriers that are not even up yet. Lord give us your unwavering LOVE, UNDERSTANDING, and PATIENCE until these girls arrive in Ohio!!!!! You have all been amazing in our journey........thank you warriors for uniting in Prayer!!!!  

Love to all-J

Not So Happy Saint Nicholas Day - the follow-up

It pains me to write this.....the language barrier rears its ugly head.  Guess which mama was NOT in the front row today.....yep..THIS ONE!!!!  I thought, and was told, the program was at 7pm.  NOPE, it was noon!!!!  That's right. I missed it. There was no proud mama sitting in the audience.

So your homework for today.... go back and re-read "It's Tough" post....then mulitply that by 10,000.  Welcome to my world.

Happy Saint Nicholas Day

Today December 19th, Saint Nicholas Day here in Ukraine.  Its traditions go back to the 10th and 11th centuries.  It is comparable to Santa Claus visiting the children in the US.  In honor of this holiday, the orphanage is putting on a program tonight.  Our daughter is among the lead in this program.  She is in several of the dances and duets.

So as any proud parent, I have spent the day making sure I have my camera and it is charged.  I have the video camera ready and it is charged.  I have a gift for all the kids at the end of the program.  Check, check, and check.  Then I stop and think.....

I do not have to sneak in earlier today to seal off the coveted front row seats.  I don't even have to show up 1/2 hour early to get the best seat in the house.  There are NO OTHER parents to compete with.  I will be the ONLY parent in the audience.....if there even is an audience since all the kids are dancing in the final number.  What will my daughter's feelings be as she sees her mother....in the audience....watching her last performance in the orphanage.....videotaping it and smiling?????

Tomorrow night she is coming to spend the weekend with me.  She has messaged me 5 different ways asking if O can come too.  I have said yes...each time.  This will be her last weekend with O and in her region.  Lord willing, she and I will be flying to Kiev on Christmas Day.  These next few days are going to be very emotional as she says good-bye to her school, friends, home and her family that she has known for the last 7 years.  Please pray that in her sadness, there is a joy and that she can supernaturally feel God's arms wrapped around her, providing her comfort, peace and the reassurance that this is the path He has designed for her.

It's Tough

My husband originally started this blog for me just as a way for me to journal.  It was intended to keep a record of my thoughts and feelings, and ultimately to be transparent.  Well that is what this entry is....its basically my journal.  (Please pardon the run-on sentences, etc.)

I feel as though I have been under attack from the devil from the moment I arose from my bed at home on the morning we were leaving for Ukraine.  Without my feet even hitting the floor, to see my flight was cancelled.....its has been non-stop warfare ever since.  The devil is using every situation and every person against me right now.....try to get me to say "I quit" and run home.  It's working!!!  I feel WORN OUT!!!  I WANT TO GO HOME!!!!!  I'm tired, because I can't sleep.  I dwell on the warfare in my head at night.  Everything from cancelled flights, FREEZING cold- its a colder kind of cold here (and you have to wear lots of layers because you walk every where in the freezing cold), arguing with L's biological father (an ocean can't even pause that), isolation, little money (our facilitator forgot to send it down for us), E's school work schedule not allowing us any time together after school......

But that is all how I FEEL....here is what I KNOW.....

"Do not be afraid, do NOT be discouraged, for The Lord your God will be with you WHEREVER you go."  Joshua 1:9

Colossians 3:17
"And WHATEVER you do, in word or deed, do EVERYTHING in the name of The Lord Jesus, giving THANKS to God the father through him."

Me dwelling on the warfare is not glorifying God, it is allowing the devil to win.  The devil does NOT want E to have a family.  He wants her to stay an orphan.  I will NOT be afraid, I will NOT be discouraged.  God knew all this would happen and He is using it for his greater good.  That He would be magnified.

Thank you Lord for:
getting us to Ukraine
getting our facilitator here safely and timely
our paperwork came through so we could have court on 12/13
that we had a little forethought to bring a little money with us
the snow and the slush have melted
E and O had so much fun shopping for groceries
watching E dance and sing
being able to be a proud momma filming her child's performance
prayer for the unknown to all the remaining children that do not know where they will be living next week
chocolate
instant mashed potato packets
FaceTime and Skype
that J is home with the girls
comforts in prayer
God's promises are true....even through my doubts
He is faithful, even when I am not
Thankful for an apartment with internet!!!! lol

I will carry on.  I will continue to walk this path because God has placed me here.  He is my strength when I am worn and weary.  Following Him is most important.  I will be like E and bury myself in the armpit of my Heavenly Father seeking protection, comfort and peace!  If she can put her faith and trust in the words and pictures of 2 strangers promising a better life for her....why has it been so difficult for me to do the same lately to the Heavenly Father that I KNOW and have SEEN his mighty hand?

A Girl Day

J left at 2:45 am today, to start his journey back to America.  It was so hard to say "good-bye" to him.....again!  And, again, E had to say good-bye.  But this time he followed it with, "I will see you in America."  That was answered with a big "DA!"

I asked E what she and O wanted to do today.  She wrote on the translator "Now we are like on the market and if we say that we want," which amounted to.... can we go shopping and if we see something can we get it.  So, off to the market we went.  Now I was thinking market, as in grocery store. NOPE, market, as in the open market.  Imagine a HUGE maze of a flea market.  Everything from eggs, to undies, to winter coats, to dead fish in a barrel.  And believe it or not....two 14 year-old girls left there without asking for a thing.  So I asked, what's next?  I got "myself jeans for school."  I told her I just bought her 2 pair of jeans last night and she only had a week of school left.  Now here is where I inform you that I packed her jeans.  I did not want her to take them to the orphanage because of the stories I have heard from other adoptive families that say if you give your kid things while they are in the orphanage, you don't get them back when they leave.  So those jeans were not going to the orphanage with her.  Ok, so now back on track, her response was "I want to buy them, walk in them here and then take to America."  Nowwww the teenager comes out. What kid doesn't want to wear their new clothes right away and here.... mean ol' mom .....packed them away the night she got them.  AND, I am sure she wants new clothes to wear to school this week since its her last week and she probably has told the kids she is going to America with her new family.  So, yep.....off we go for another pair of jeans to actually wear.  By the way.....this just reinforces how she and J are 2 peas in a pod.  He's a jeans man.

Can I tell you that we went to no less than 6 stores in this little town to find jeans that she liked.  Our very last stop...as the store was closing...was a success.  Now when I say skinny jeans, I am talking tighter than "American" skinny jeans.  These things are tight, but as a typical Ukrainian girl, she has the figure for it.  Oh, and mama also bought her a sweater too.  So as we leave the store, guess what this girl says (other than "spasibo")....."can we go home to put jeans on."  I just laughed and kissed her head. Of course!!!  So back to the apartment we go.  But she doesn't just put on her new outfit, she has to straighten her hair too.  I just love this kid.  She also Skyped with papa to show off her new outfit.  Then we Skyped with dedushka and babushka too.  This kid KNOWS she is wanted!!  Lord, I pray that she does. 

It was time to head back to the orphanage.  We said our good-byes and I told her I would be back after school tomorrow.  I told babushka that I have no idea how E would not get senior-itis.  If I knew this was my last week of school and I was leaving the country forever.....I'd really not put in ANY effort.  But she did, we did schoolwork tonight at the orphanage.  

So now we have 8 days left.  Here is what is next and where we need specific prayers....I need to pick-up the court decree on 12/23, then we need her new birth certificate made with her new name, so we can get her new ID number, so we can apply for her new passport, so we can get her medical exam done, so we can get her visa, so we can go home!!!!  All while there are American and Ukrainian holidays going on.  Please pray we are not delayed and that we are able to get home swiftly. 

Papa's Last Day.....and Emotions

Today we woke up pretty late. We took our time to get ready. It is Saturday, and we are in our 10 day waiting period, so not much to do on the adoption side. We got E and her friend O and headed out to play games. 

We went to the old standby...air hockey. However sometime during the game, E got pretty emotional. Her smile faded. She started to just let the pucks go into her goal. She just gave up. I was expecting some emotional  problems but not so soon. It's so hard to even try to imagine what is going on inside this precious child. All the other unknowns she is facing and now Papa, her buddy, is leaving too. I pray The Lord gives me the strength and guidance to get us both through this end part. 

She started to cheer up a bit when we went to the market. She bought more "fish jerky" and some other treats. She enjoys getting things she likes to eat and then having us try them.  We came back to the apartment to relax and, of course, play Uno.  Then I showed E the clothes I brought for her. She, right away, gave the other dress I brought for her as another option for court, to O. She also gave O a sweater and camisole too. I didn't say a word, I know O needs them too. 

Then E tried on the jeans I brought for her. Apparently they weren't tight enough. Ukrainian women take their skinny jeans seriously. But why shouldn't they???  They don't have weight issues like American women do. No offense to anyone but it's true. Ukraine does not have an obesity problem like America does.  

So anyway, E wants Ukrainian jeans in America. So out we headed to buy jeans. She got 2 pair and a shirt. She was so fun to shop with.  A saleswoman in one of the shops started to talk to me and E stated to giggle and tell her something in Russian that I could tell was basically "no no no, she doesn't speak Russian".....at least that is what I hope she said, lol!  But seriously it's funny to see E transform into my little translator (meaning she can only translate a little, haha). Bless her heart, she does try. When we were at the market and apparently the cashier wanted me to give her the exact change, E touched my wallet showing me to open it up, she touched the change part...so I took out the change and opened my hand....she counted out the change in the palm of my hand and gave it to the cashier. 

It will be interesting to see how she does with just me tomorrow. Praying for an opportunity to bond even more with her. 

SHE IS ALL OURS!!!!

I could not sleep at all last night.  I have been stressed about the court date today.  Praying that our facilitator makes it in time.  Praying that E doesn't change her mind at the last minute.

J woke me up at 7:30 am this morning (Court was scheduled for 10 am).  I start to drag myself out of bed when our "Ukraine" phone rings.  It was our facilitator and she would be at our apartment in 5 minutes.  My first response was, "Ugh, I'm not even out of my pajamas yet."  But then my thought immediately goes to "WOW!!!  She is HERE, THANK YOU JESUS!"   She drags herself into our apartment. I make her a cup of coffee and then she tells me about her long night.  Driving in the snow and on the icy roads.  But by the grace of God almighty, she made it.  We all got dressed in our court clothes and ate a quick bite for breakfast and headed off to court.  The director of the orphanage was bringing E and meeting us there.

We arrive and are the first ones there.  We wait for everyone else to arrive, including E.  The prosecutor arrives, 2 jurors, the head of the local SDA, and then finally, E and the director arrive.  She looks too cute in her new sweater.  More and more hugs!!!!!

We are called into the judges chambers, E waits in the hallway.  The hearing begins.  It is very formal and intimidating, especially since we do not understand the language.  Our facilitator translates but it is difficult to listen to both the judge and the facilitator.  We are asked a series of questions by both the judge and the prosecutor.  Finally they bring E in.  The judge addresses her directly.  We hear a lot of "Da" (yes) and "Khorosho" (good/ok).  Then as the questions continue she is quiet, we see her put her head in her hand and start to cry.  We are so lost because we can't speak the language.  The director takes her out to help her regain her composure.  J and I are so torn because we want to be the one in the hallway consoling our daughter, but we have to stay in there and continue on with the hearing.  

After a few minutes, E comes back in and a chair is brought in for her.  She sits right next to Papa, nestled into his arm-pit, as if trying to hide herself in him.  The hearing later concludes with positive recommendations  from the prosecutor, director and head of SDA.  We are told to wait in the hallway.  After about 20 minutes, we are called back in to hear the judge read the entry declaring us the parents of E!!!  We were so happy.  However, E's mood was still rather down.  We spent the rest of the afternoon running errands and doing paperwork for the adoption.  

I got to spend a lot of time with E today.  She ended up being back to her jovial self.  She even got a chance to Skype with F.  Our facilitator let E know that J would be leaving soon.  She was not happy but she knows she will soon be in America and that makes her happy.  

To be 14 years old and know that you are leaving everything that you have EVER  known to go be part of a family, to people you have only know a few weeks, who don't speak your language, to go to a country where you don't speak the language, trusting when they tell you that it is for a "better life."  I can not even imagine what E is feeling and thinking.....but at the end of the day.....I KNOW she loves us......and for her, that's enough!!!

We now have to wait 10 days to pick-up our court decree. (There is a 10 day appeal period where the judges decision "could" be appealed).  After that decree is in my hand, I will post pictures of our sweet bundle of "Joy."  Like any pregnancy, the labor has been the hardest thing I have EVER done!!!!  But when the moment she officially became my daughter.....the pain was a distant memory.   Like any pregnancy, when you look into your daughter's face for the first time.....she is worth every. single. pain!!!!!

Hugs Are Worth It

The hug of your child can provide you endurance.  To us, the desire to receive that hug, is what kept J and I going for the last 48 hours.  We did not know how we would be received by E.  She was upset and disappointed when we had to leave 2 weeks ago.  We prayed her heart remain open to us, and I know you all prayed for us as well.  I am so BLESSED to tell you that all our prayers have been answered.  God is so good!  We walked into the orphanage and her back was to us as she was talking to one of the other kids.  The kid saw us, nodded our direction, she turned around....annnnnd.....SQUEALED as she wrapped arms around us and SQUEEZED and said "I L-AH-V you" in her adorable Russian accent.  At that moment....the last 48 hours were gone!

We took E and her friend, O, for the day.  We went to the grocery store.  We let the girls pick out things that they wanted. They got Pepsi, aka "Cola", Lays Potato Chips....Crab flavored, sunflower seeds and something that reminds you of Jerky but its fish....Oh and a snickers.   But back to the fish jerky....they loved it.  And yes, I tried it.

We made the rubber-band bracelets with the kit that grandma sent with us to give to her.  They each made one.  I have never made them before, so thank goodness for Youtube.  We also played Uno and then watched E get rambunctious and start wrestling with O.  They were cracking us up!!!!

We gave her a choice of 2 sweater dresses we brought for her for court.  She picked the grey one with the cow neck and tried it on.  It was very cute.  I thought she should wear tights with it but she kept insisting it was a tunic and she wants to wear it with her black pants.  She won!  She did remind me that it was cold out. LOL!  And she it right....it is FREEZING here.  I have no idea how the protestors at Independence Square are lasting out in this all day and all night for weeks!  Praying for a resolution for these precious people in Ukraine.

We then went to the bistro to eat dinner.  They each ended up with a balloon before we left.  And you know what balloons are great for????  Hitting your Mama and Papa with them!!!

Its so exciting to see how much she is bonding to us.  She is getting more relaxed each time we see her.  She is SO funny!  She loves making us laugh.

We got a call from our facilitator that her flight was cancelled.  She now is making the extremely long, and snowy drive here for our court in the morning.  Please pray she arrives safely and timely.  We truly appreciate all your prayers.  You have been here fighting the spiritual battle along side us.  It is such a blessing to know all the amazing prayer warriors that are fighting for E!!!

Devil Attacking....God WINNING!

Last week I made our flight reservations to fly back to Ukraine.  We were originally scheduled to leave on a flight at 2:48 pm.  However, a few days ago, I paid an exchange fee because J and I felt that we didn't want to worry about not making the connecting flight to Frankfurt, just incase there was a delay with our flight our, so we changed it to a flight leaving at 10:20 am.

We woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to start our "adventure."  Famous last words.  When I checked our flight status, before my feet even hit the floor, I saw that our flight was CANCELLED!!!!  So I ran to the window to see .....snow, lots of snow.  I immediatley got on the phone to get a new flight.  AND I bet you could never guess what flight they put us on!  Yep, thats right, the 2:48 pm.  J and I still left for the airport as planned, allowing plenty time for traffic.  

We arrived at the airport safe and sound.  So far the 2:48 pm was still on schedule.  We prayed ALL morning long because there were other flights that were being cancelled at the last minute.  In fact, the flight that left the gate before ours, actually took off but then turned around can came back because of technical difficulties.  So our gate had to be changed.  

On a positive note, we didn't have anyone that delayed us because of a panic attack like the last time.  BUT we were almost delayed because of a gentlemen that was asleep at the gate who wouldnt wake up.  We thought he was dead, seriously!!!  Medics were called, airport security was all around. Turns out, it was a real live case of narcalepsy. 

We arrive in DC a few minutes early.  Praise The Lord.  We hustled to our gate and boarded our flight to Frankfurt and we realize that our seats are in the middle!!  IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MIDDLE!!!!!  Oh and just an FYI, J is 6'3" and 300lbs. UGH!!!!  It was the MOST uncomforatable flight ever, BUT we made it across the ocean. Again, another praise.

Next we boarded our flight to Kiev.  It was a great flight. In fact, J and I slept, until we hear the captain say "Ladies and Gentlemen, I realize you can't see anything our your window but if you could it would all be snow.  Kiev has shut down the runway so we have been circling for a while waiting for the runway to be cleared and open.  I will keep you posted."  SOOOOO, after circling an hour, we finally landed.....safely. And the airplane was filled with applause.  Now is the time that I tell you that we had a 5 hour layover in Kiev so for once, we were ok on time.....hahaha, famous last words.

We head out to meet someone that we connected with on FB who had requested for someone coming from the US to Ukraine who could bring her a few pair of 180s(ear muffs). Which we did.  We had a short chat then J and I were on our way to sit and wait for our next flight.

As we arrive at the terminal, a policeman walks up to us and starts talking in Ukrainian. I tell him "angliyskiy" and he says "umm....Exit......ummmm.... airport....boom."   Ok, I understood that!!!! Now let me remind you of the snow that was coming down that made us unable to land just a few minutes earlier.  So outside we go.  Of course J and I wanted to wait in the doorway (while there is a bomb threat) but we were forced out side.....in the snow.....and freezing wind.  

  After our extremeties were going numb, they brought a bus around to take us to another building to wait.  After about 2.5 hours, we were given an "all clear" and everyone rushed to get back on the bus to get back to the terminal to try to figure out flights.  

So the awesome news????  When we called our facilitators (both of them) to figure out what to do....we receive the news that the approval from SDA for us to have court on friday was in hand!!!!  Talk about praising The Lord in the storm!! 

We were able to get back to the terminal and get our boarding passes for our original flight.  That 5 hour delay came in handy!!!!

We boarded the flight to our daughter's region. It took off about an hour later because we had to wait for the plane to be de-iced and the runway was still snowy. But we arrived in her region safely!  We met our driver and drove the 2 hour drive to her town. We finally arrived at our apartment (which is the same one we stayed in previously) around 12:45am on 12/12. 

So our "adventure" JUST TO GET HERE started at 6:00 am (American time) 12/10 and ended 12:45 am (Ukrainian time) 12/12!  BUT I can officially say that we HAVE COURT TOMORROW. 

It's about noon now and we are finally getting up and at 'em. Good thing I packed packets of mashed potatoes and romaine noodles, it's breakfast. Then we will FINALLY be able to see E when she gets out of school!  

I pray you read this blog and see how amazing God is. We definitely had a rough way to go and I am worn out but God fought every battle for us. And, although I had times of  worry, He never did!  We may have had delays on "our" schedule but everything was perfectly worked out on God's schedule.  He had it all under control and He was making the path for us straight.  The devil wants to break-up families and keep fathers from the fatherless. But God is almighty and when you walk in faith, you WILL be delivered.  And the moment the judge gives a father to the fatherless tomorrow.....God will be GLORIFIED! 

Getting Ready......again

We spent last night packing our suitcases as J and I plan to travel back to Ukraine.  We have court scheduled for 12/13.  However, we do not have any confirmation that we will actually HAVE court.  The process is that once you sign the petition to adopt your child, the paperwork has to be sent BACK to Kiev to the SDA.  Your paperwork has to be reviewed, AGAIN, and then an "approval" for adoption will be issued.  The SDA has 10 business days to issue this approval.  You can not have court without this approval....well, our court date is on the 11th day!  The approval, if not issued until 12/12, has to travel ALL THE WAY to our region.  Please pray that this is accomplished.  It is very essential that we have court on 12/13!!!!  So the basic statement is that J and I are flying to Ukraine without knowing whether or not we will actually have court on Friday or not.  We have been praying that we will.  God knows the critical timing issues we are experiencing.  However, whatever happens, it is not a surprise to Him and He knows what is best for us and E.

Now to back track.  Our plan was that J and I would fly back to Ukraine for court and then leave right after.  After the court hearing, there is a 10 day appeal period before the court will actually issue the final judgment granting the adoption.  During this 10 days, nothing can be accomplished regarding the adoption process.  So, it was our plan that we would both fly back so we could both work and then after the 10 days, I would fly back (by myself) to take E from the orphanage and start the paper chase of getting the Judgment Decree, so we could get a new birth certificate for E, so we could apply for a passport for E, so would could get her medical exam, so we could get a visa for E, so we can come home!!!  phewwww. 

But, it has been on J's heart for quite sometime that he does not want me to come home during those 10 days.  We spoke to our facilitator who told us, quite frankly (and honestly), that he thinks one of us needs to stay during the 10 days.  He stated that it is a very emotional time for the child, especially if they are alone.  It is not like the child has the mentality of "See ya suckers, I'm outta here."  It can be very emotional for them.  E will be leaving the home she has known for half her life.  The other kids and orphanage teachers have been her family.  She is leaving them on the faith alone, trusting what we have told her of the life she will have with our family in America.  After court she knows this is really happening and she can count the days she has left with her friends.  Our facilitator's comment "Use your common sense."  So with all that information, I approached my colleagues and they were on board with continuing to cover for me.  Praise The Lord, they have been so kind to me.  I can't even express my thankfulness to them.  Sooooo, now I am staying.  Which means that I have spent the last week catching up in my office and working my tail off to get ahead and prepare as much as I could for my colleagues.  AND, I had originally only planned to be gone about 6 days, and packing for 6 days.......um now I had to run around to get everything that I thought I would have time to get when I came back.  (Um......like Christmas presents, lol)  I also have to prepare, mentally, to be away from my family, at home, during Christmas.  

So, we are packed.  We are ready to go!  We called E and it was so sweet to hear her voice.  We have spent this time at home playing and just being with our girls.  Its been fun showing F pictures and videos of E.  She's so excited to hug her new sister.  

Here is a picture of F watching a video of E.

Below are pictures of one of our duffle bags we used on our first trip. Now you have to know that this bag was brand new when we left for Ukraine the first time.  I appreciate the tip we received to pack duck tape.  It definitely came in handy, lol!!!!

Back in America and a Court Date!

I am in tears as I write this, as I think any parent would be that is away from their child. 

 We said good-bye to E on Tuesday night.  It was not the emotional mess we were worried about because.......we have a court date!!!!  Praise The Lord, our court date is scheduled for December 13, 2013 at 10:00 am.  It made the parting a little less emotional for all of us since we could actually count the days until we were together again. 

The car, to take us to the airport, was at our apartment at 2:45am Wednesday morning. We had an overnight layover in Frankfort, Germany. We finally arrived at our home around 7:30pm Thursday, Thanksgiving, night. Our friends picked us up, with F, and brought us home. We appreciate them giving up thier Thanksgiving night for us. And she captured this picture of F and myself running to each other at the airport. We had been apart 33 days. 

The trip was pretty uneventful until we landed in DC.  I bawled!!!!  The realization finally hit me like a Mac truck that there was now an ocean separating me and my daughter.  I found myself very conflicted. I was loving where I was (closer to F) and hating where I was (away from E) at the same time. 

We are worried about our court date going forward. We are need of urgent prayers!!!!  There are protests occurring in Ukraine right now!  Large, serious protests. We do not know what affect it will have on the governmental agencies. Also, our paperwork was not filed on Wednesday like we anticipated. It was filed on Friday.  SDA has 10 business days to review it an issue an approval. Our court date is on the 11th day. The problem is that we NEED this court date of 12/13 because that would allow the 10 day appeal period to end on 12/23, meaning we could take her from the orphanage forever on that date....our "Gotcha Day."  This is critical because her orphanage is closing and all the children will be moved on 12/26.  We need to have our Court date and Gotcha Day before the move.  It may mean that J and I fly to Ukraine on 12/10, without knowing for sure whether or not we will actually have court. The other problem, if we do not have court 12/13, is that the next available court date won't be until the middle of January because the court will be closed.....and then it will have to happen in the region she has been moved to.  There are SO many "what ifs" but ultimately we have to rely on God for guidance. We must remain faithful that he has a plan for us, for E, and it is for our good, for us to prosper, not to harm us, a plan to give us hope and a future. I will wait on God's timing, He loves E more than me and He knows her needs more than I do. 

Please pray for the children in E's orphanage. I cannot imagine the anxiety they must feel knowing there is a move coming. Some of these kids have been at this orphanage for YEARS.  Like E, this is the only orphanage they have EVER lived in, and now to be moved, not knowing where, or what kind of place it will be and not knowing the other children. It breaks my heart for these sweet kids, kids that just want to be loved and wanted!!!!!  I have come to love some amazing children because of E, please prayerfully consider adoption.  Even a 14 year old WANTS to call someone "Papa."  

Thus the tears, because of all of the above........it such an intense and emotional time. I wish I could show you a picture of E, seeing her face you would understand how she is worth everything heartbreak, disappointment, tear, prayer and praise that we have had!