Happy Birthday Nastya!!

You are 10 today sweet girl. How I wish that I could have celebrated every birthday and milestone with you. How I wish that I had sung you happy birthday every October 10th and been a part of every one of your first 10 years. What was I even doing 10 years ago? Well I had a new baby but had no idea that another of my children was being born half a world away. I would not know you for almost 10 years. But we can both have peace despite the loss because God knew you. He created you perfectly and knew every day of yours before there was one. He was preparing me for you long before I knew you and preparing you for me. His plan was and is always filled with hope and a future. Never forget that. Your Father always has been and will be your father in heaven. He has never left you even when the darkness has overwhelmed you, He was there carrying you through it. And today Daddy and I celebrated your life and your future with you. I pray that your day was blessed and that you know how very much you are loved and cherished. We love you, Momma and Daddy

Today it took from about 11 in the morning until about 2 to accomplish buying two small chocolate cakes, some fruit, candy, bottled water, and finding taxis to the market and then to the orphanage. We traveled less than 8 miles in all! Everything takes 10 times longes here with long lines (one for fruit, one for candy, one for checkout) and humorous attempts to find and communicate with taxi drivers who speak another language. It goes like this - we flag a taxi, show him the written address (in Ukrainian) where we wish to go, offer him about 20 grivna and he says no 30 grivna. Well that is way too much - 20 is actually too much. So we start again. It is best to find a metered taxi but to do this we must call and that is interesting with my limited ukrainian. It sounds like "Preevit, Ya hochu taxi e dee tu dee hotel Ukraine, spa see ba." Translation, "Hi, I would like a taxi to come to Hotel Ukraine, please." Half the time it works and half the time they hang up. But we eventually get to where we need to go - usually just later than sooner. Today, we were tired and a little stressed by the time we arrived at the orphanage for the party scheduled in the girls classroom with their whole class. We were loaded down with goods that we had to smuggle in without other children seeing what we had. No easy task. But we were smooth! We made it just in time to set up and put candles on the cake before the kids came running in. It was fun and we had fruit, cake, ballons, pens and lipgloss for everyone. Big hits! Nastya shared her birthday celebration with a friend who also had a birthday today. I think it was better for all the attention to not be on her, as they are not used to being singled out. It all went well and then we went outside to play water balloon tosses. All in all a very fun day. But you know what?!? - Throwing a birthday party in Ukraine is just as exhausting for mom as doing one in America!!!

Finally a few pictures!

A few of the girls took a short break during their soccer (fut-ball) game to pose for a photo. How cute are they!!
Here are the girls with their good friend Tanya. She is such a sweetheart! Is my suitcase big enough?!?

This statue of Lenin is right in the center of the city, in front of an old Soviet building. Why this statue is still here is quite a mystery...
A gorgeous Ukrainian Orthodox church first built in mid 1800s

We are still doing well - we will find out for sure today, but court is tentatively scheduled for Monday sometime... It seems we've been here awhile but really that is pretty fast. Nastya and Katya are enjoying us visiting everyday. We play hours of Uno, have Ukrainian lessons from some of the girls, give English lessons in return, play silly games outside (such as a Ukrainian version of duck-duck-goose and a shoe game where we all exchange shoes and chase each other), just hang out and talk, take walks (yesterday we helped their group clean up trash in front of the orphanage), hand out candy, and just whatever comes up.

Airing The Laundry!!

Here is what a dryer looks like in Ukraine. Oh how modern conveniences are so often taken for granted. Well, no more!!

And here is what the washing machine looked like last night. We have been unable to find and apartment yet, so we are in a hotel and the washateria was closed for a few days. But even if it was open, there are no dryers! This clothes has been hanging for 24 hours and is still very wet!

Well, on another note, we went to the Baptist Church here today and it was such a sweet time. It was awesome to worship with people in another language. Worship has no language and there truly is a unity that comes from sharing hope and salvation in Christ. Zach and I felt such a bond with these people that we couldn't talk to and could hear their hearts if not their words. It was very sincere and the music was beautiful. The girls were there along with others from the internot. Some ladies from the church go and get them in a van. So they sat with us - or sometimes on us!! Some of the boys were pretty loud and I gently told one to quiet down and he looked at me and said, "You are not my mama" - valid point....

We were standing outside afterwards and realized that no one was still there who spoke English. We didn't know how to call a cab and explain to come pick us up. So, we went up to some young girls and they spoke enough English that we could ask them to explain to the cab to come to the church. I think they thought it was pretty funny that these stupid Americans were handing them their cell phone and acting out what we needed!!! Never a dull moment! Although crazy, it is really pretty safe. We feel fine as long as we stay in normal areas - just like any city.

Later this afternoon we went to the orphanage. Nastya was gone for quite awhile - they said that she walked to the market with some other kids and an adult but no one knew who. We were mildly concerned but figured a teacher was with her. Well after about an hour it came out that they went to a market very far away(like maybe five or more miles one way) AND that there was no adult with them. NOT OKAY!!! We were so worried but what could we do? No one knew which path they took or how to look for them. The caretakers didn't seem all that concerned. It was with a great sigh of relief that we saw her returning finally. She was in trouble with the caregivers, and was a little freaked out herself. I don't think she will do that again. Just pray for their protection - not just N&K but all the children.

It is hard to decribe what this does to my heart to be here with these children. I was told what to expect, but nothing can really prepare for the heartache that comes from spending time with these children that yearn for a family. I know that there are several others I could love. I will pray for them diligently and work to find them families. I know that the Lord loves them more than I ever could and that somehow, He will not forsake them. But what does that mean? I don't know - except that I believe that there is hope for each one. Today I kept hearing the song that goes something like this: "Everyone needs compassion, the kindness of a savior, the hope of nations. Everybody needs forgiveness, grace and mercy..." None of us are without need and none of us are without hope. I pray that each one of them (and myself more and more) 'tastes and sees that the Lord is good.' That they know the plans that He has for them. That they know salvation in Jesus. I thank and praise Him that at least at this orphanage they are told about Jesus and given the chance to go to church and bible clubs. I thank Him that He has sent loving people to be His hands and feet to some of these children. I praise Him that because of His work at least two are 'solitary that He is placing in a family'... It is the Lord who has done this in our lives and theirs.

Deuteronomy 10:18 "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing."

Psalm 68:5"A father to the fatherless..."

1 Samuel 2:8 "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor."

Meeting the Girls...

Wow it is so hard to sit down and write about the past 48 hours. So much has happenned. So many emotions. So much driving. So little sleep. I will try.

Let's see. We woke up at 5:00 yesterday (Friday) and N picked us up. We headed to Zhytomyr - about 1 1/2 hours away. N's husband was speeding on the way - very common - and got stopped. One option was to pay 10 grivna ($2) to the police but the other was better, apparently. Her husband works for the governmentt - parliament I think - so he just showed his papers and off we went :) So finally we arrived in Zhytomyr and headed to the adoption inspector. She knew of the girls and were happy that we were here to adopt them. She signed the necessary papers and finally headed to the orphanage. It is about 10 minutes from the city. N had never been to this one before, so we got a bit lost. They just ask whoever happens to be on the side of road and will do a 180 in the middle of the road - no problem. You run into quite some characters asking for directions. We were all laughing hysterically during all that but getting weary as well. Finally we were there. N went in while we waited in the car and watched a few kids coming and going. Finally we were called in to the director's office. He seems very kind and very quickly gave his blessing for us to proceed and for us to visit the girls whenever we like. As we were standing in his office - totally unexpectedly - in bursts Katya! No warning. Amazingly Zach got photos! She lept into my arms saying "Mama, Mama" many times. She was nervous at the same time. I'm sure it was overwhelming for her. As quickly as she came, she left - to go get Nastya. So Nastya runs in a few minutes later and repeats the same thing with Katya right behind her. It was crazy but wonderful. So strange to be here - on their turf! They are so precious in their school uniforms and big bows in their hair.

After a short meeting with the nurse about their medical history, they immediately led us around the school area to tour their classrooms and meet their friends. Within minutes, they introduced us to Masha and Tanya and Galyna and Olya and asked us to adopt them all. There are no word to describe all my feelings - joy to see them, to finally be in this place about to bring home our girls; heartbreak to have to leave the other kids; sadness to take them away from what has been their home for a year and a half - to cause them more pain even though it is for much good - please read this post from another family that is here now; frustration at not being able to do more; intense pain for all they have had to endure already...so much more.

So after touring the school, seeing them practice dance and music for a performance for teachers day (it took place after we left yesterday), walking outside on the playground area, and meeting so many children, we headed back to Zhytomyr to take the next step with the paperwork. While we had played with the kids, N had been working out paperwork with the director and orphanage lawyer. Now it had to be notarized and taken to the court lawyer to be processed before 4:00. Not an easy task since the first notary asked for Zach and my Ukraine tax id numbers?!? What?! Of course she knew we were Americans. So wierd. So then we looked for another with about a million attempts at directions and 180 degree turns in the middle of the streets. I was getting very tired and so was N (she has a cold during all this). Finally, we succeeded and even got the paperwork to the right lawyer on time. Whew!!

Now the next adventure...finding a place to stay. Not easy here. In most regions there are plenty of apartments for rent by the week but no one knew of any here. So we checked out the three hotels. The first - The Dodo (bird) Hotel - was extremely nice and the price reflected this. The next was medium but fairly full and the only rooms were one that reeked of smoke and another that was on the sixth floor. No problem except no elevator :) Well we said we needed to work out!! Also no fridge or kitchen. So then we checked out the last one - no words for that one, but we didn't bother to look at the rooms. We returned to the middle hotel and proceeded to carry the luggage up 6 flight of stairs. We will have to move out in a few days to somewhere else. Around this time it all hit me. I had been in a great mood and loving every second, but all at once the emotions of the past few days combined with extreme exhaustion hit like a ton of bricks. I started crying in front of sweet N. And she was so kind it made me cry more. Okay I sound completely crazy now. But I just can't explain it - it came out of nowhere and I was powerless to stop it. I assured N that I was not really upset - just needed some time to process and some sleep and some food. She took us to a great restaurant and then I went home and crashed.

It did the trick. I felt great today and had a fabulous visit to the orphanage. We stopped by the market, via taxi, on the way and got fruit and candy and the shampoo Katya asked for. It was gorgeous outside today and we spent about 5 hours with the girls and their friends. We were allowed to go up to the girls' room and spend some time there. It is actually very cozy and has plenty of room. They have many of the things that we had sent back with them. That was encouraging to see. Then we headed outdoors and Zach played some basketball with some of the older boys. They were pretty impressed :) And the girls kept same, "Oh Daddy - bravo!" It was so much fun - just hanging out and playing and talking. Some of the kids know English quite well and translate for each other. One girl speaks excellent Spanish (she has been hosted in Spain several times) and so she translates through Zach with the other kids and then he translates to me. I'm sure nothing is lost :) They all want to show off their talents and just have approval. They want hugs and they want to talk. They also appreciate candy and fruit :) The boys want to wrestle. They all want their pictures taken. They are so precious it just makes my heart ache for them. I can't imagine how I will feel by the time we leave. What an amazing blessing this time is even if it is so emotional - we love every second (almost!)!!!

Kraseewee Daine!! (Beautiful Day)

Today was incredible. We went to a yummy lunch with N and her husband. The place was very nice with wood beams and granite rock throughout. I can't say enough about how impressed we are with her. She is so caring about the children and about our even insignificant needs. If anyone reading would like a referral for a great facilitator, email me and I would be happy to share her contact info. I seriously think we have one of the top facilitators in Ukraine. Thank God for leading us to her. Not only is she very enjoyable to spend time with, she is also extremely honest and well-respected at the SDA. She cares about getting us through the process fast and despite the fact that she was feeling sick today, she didn't complain a bit and went the extra mile to get us things that we needed. She speaks impeccable English as well as several other languages.

Okay, so on to what you all are waiting for...The Appointment.

So we arrived a little early and stood inside the iron gate in the courtyard and met another american adoptive couple outside. (Zach said in his best East Texan accent, how ya'll doing and the answered, so we knew they must be American) They had just had their appointment and we enjoyed talking about the adoption process. Finally after an hour or so it was our turn. N motioned us in and we walked up the narrow staircase to the small office. I suddennly felt a bit nervous that we were about to be ushered into our big court appointment. It turned out to be a small room with the SDA psychologist/social worker. She is a younger woman in her 30s with a warm personality who made us very comfortable. She asked us how about our hosting trips went and how the girls adjusted. We told her about Nastya missing Katya at Christmas and about how well things went this summer. We told her how much we love the girls. She asked for pictures and we showed her pictures on the laptop. We talked empathetically about each picture - with my parents, swimming, riding horses, family pics, etc. She said we were young to have three kids already. We agreed :) She commented on how small Nastya is and how fast she will grow once she goes home with us. She signed the referral letter right then and told us to adopt them fast and get them home :) And that was that! So easy!!! The SDA file had very little information about their background but N said we would find out more in Zhytomyr. We did see some younger pictures of the girls but not any younger than the first picture that we have of them. I was hoping that somehow they had a younger picture...

Okay so here are some of the pictures of the gorgeous city of Ukraine. We are loving our time here and our time together. And tomorrow we go to see the girls. We can't wait!!

We made it!!

After about 24 hours of travel we finally arrived in Kiev yesterday afternoon. The flights were awesome - big high five to Lufthansa airlines!! We had an extra seat on the big flight and the seats in economy were super comfy. The food was good too. We had a 4 hour layover in Dusseldorf, Germany and being the adventurers that we are, we decided to get our passports stamped and leave the airport for a quick taxi ride to the city. It was beautiful and we enjoyed a very yummy breakfast at a quaint little German coffee shop. We made it back with plenty of time to spare. When we arrived in Kiev, it was very crowded and not the cleanest conditions at the airport. Our facilitator, N, had run into traffic and was late but I had forgot to print her phone number so we couldn't call without getting to internet. It was a little nerve-wrackng for about 30 minutes as we tried to protect our luggage and looked for N. We couldn't find internet at the airport and were about to try again, when she came. It wasn't all that long and just part of the adventure :) We really like her a lot and she is very on top of things. For example, our appointment is today at 4:00, so yesterday we went to the SDA and she requested that they have our referral letter ready to go so that we could go on to our region right after the appointment. So they typed it up (since we already know who the girls are) and will sign it after our appointment. That will save us at least a whole day - maybe more due to the weekend coming up. Then she took us to several internet stores and helped negotiate this wireless internet card that I am now using in our apartment.

Oh, that brings me to the apartment. It is cute and quaint and roomy. I was singing the praises of it until this morning when I got up (after 10 lovely hours of sleep) to make coffee in the coffee maker that I brought. I connected it to the converter and turned it on. The lights flashed, I heard a clicking noise, and that was that. It blew a fuse in the converter. So, we replaced the fuse and tried again. Same thing. Those who know my love of coffee can imagine the panic I was now in. I mean just the fact that I brought a small coffee maker from the US gives you an idea... I thought I had it made with my coffee pot and converters.

So and I decided to take a shower. Bad idea. First there was no hot water b/c we didn't know to plug in the water heater last night. After freezing and jumping back out, I waited a bit for the water to heat. Then there was NO water at all!! Eventually it came back on, but there was no time to wait for heating, so I shivered through an incredibly cold shower. At least I was awake :) Who needs coffee when you have cold showers?!? Zach put his Aggie engineering to work and proceeded to boil water to pour through the coffee pot and I had my coffee after all. Day saved :) Yea Zach!!

So now we sit and wait for N to arrive and take us to lunch and to the appointment. I'm really not that nervous but I'm sure I will be once we are there.

A little about Kiev ~ It is beautiful!!! It is clean and the architecture is amazing. Independence Square is so impressive with gorgeous old buildings and cobblestone roads. Beautiful domes on buildings and lots of granite and rock arches. The streets are clean and nice and there is an abundance of nice restaurants and shopping. Besides the difficulties of this morning, we are certainly not roughing it!! Of course outside the main areas it is very rundown and the apartment buildings look to be in very bad condition with broken windows, ect. The two public bathrooms I have attempted to enter are more dirty than I can put into words here. People told me, but really nothing quite prepared me for that experience!

I will try to post pictures soon, but so far we have been pretty busy!

Leavin On A Jet Plane..

...We're ready to go (well almost)...don't know when we'll be back again!

All very true!

We leave the house about 6:00 tomorrow morning - dawn will be breaking...

Today has been a flurry of activity getting things finalized. I hope I'm not forgetting to do anything...


We had our last conversation from the US with Nastya and Katya on Saturday! That was so fun to hear their voices and they asked us to write them letters and to send Uno :) Shhh...we have decided to surprise them rather than telling them that we are coming!! I can't wait to see their faces!


My Dad is doing amazing. Thank you to all who have prayed for him. It is truly a miracle that he is actually just fine. Because they got to him so quickly, very minimal damage was done and besides a few meds and healthy habits - he does not need any surgery. He is home and cleared to work and play golf :) Amazing.


Well, I guess that's it until we are in Ukraine. Wow!!!