Tuesday, July 28, 2009

A Short Update


Today we got to take Alex out to get his passport photo taken. He was beyond excited--- riding in a machina left him speechless. He loved the big flash of the photographers camera and made the cheeziest expression humanly possible! It was so cute.

When we got back, we saw that an American family who had adopted a little girl ten years ago was there for a visit.
Their beautiful daughter played guitar for the whole orphanage. It was nice to see everyone celebrating this beautiful child's life. Julia and the girl talked, as did her mother and I. What an incredible story they have. Afterwards, they visited the kids in Alex's groupa--- and she passed out lots of toys that were shelved shortly thereafter. Earlier in their trip they had visited Torez and told me only good things about it. The mother said that the children and adults appeared to be very well cared for-- they were doing crafts and were working on ongoing projects. It was so nice to hear good things about a place that I feared Alex was doomed to go to.

Julia and I visited the flea market and found some really cute clothes. We found a few ladies who helped us bargain with the other merchants-- so even in Ukraine I got some pretty good deals! After, we walked around to look at the fresh vegetables-- and bought a nice big peach!
Today one of the caretakers insisted that Alex walk up the stairs. Obviously he was having difficulty-- especially when we let go of his hand so I ended up carrying him up. Sadly, that was frowned upon.

Hope all is well with all of you.

16 comments:

:)De said...

I know everyone keeps saying the same thing, but I am just overwhelmed with appreciation for you sharing this journey with us all. Except for the smells and heat (LOL) it is like being there with you. I am praying for you all and will rejoice with you the day you return home.

Peace

Charissa said...

I love every story you share, every mental picture, especially this one of the once-orphaned girl with her mother playing guitar for her previous caretakers. What a beautiful thought, and what a wonderful God we serve!

amyl4 said...

Hi Christine,
That must have been really neat to see that little girl visiting the orphanage. I am so glad that you brought Julia with you, she really seems to be enjoying it and loves being with the children.:)
Amy

Jodi Lewandoski said...

Hi Christine,
I am so excited for Alex to get to experience so many new and wonderful things. Many of them, the small things that we take for granted. I am so happy for him and I am so happy that HE is HAPPY. I wish the same could be for all the children at the orphanage. Bless You Christine and John for doing what you feel the Lord leading you to do! It's awesome to watch a family come together.

Sincerely,
Jodi Lewandoski
St.Michael,MN

Holly said...

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders You have done. The things You planned for us no one can recount to you. Were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare! ~Psalm 40:5
Look at how the Lord has blessed you and provided for the Reed family.
How He has enlarged your territory!
You have used your measure of faith and exercised it again and again and your faith has grown so much!
I am so in awe of God. His plans are good even when times are hard.
One of the hardest parts in my opinion about Ukraine adoptions is the LONG wait in country. And yet your attitude is so good Christine.
I know you miss your kids at home but you are also embracing this time with Alexsey and Julia and soaking in the culture that some of your children were born into.
I'm praying that you will be encouraged today and that the Lord will continue to keep you in good health and grant you favor with final paperwork.
Blessings,
Holly from Purpose Driven Family

Joan (Nana) said...

Hope you are enjoying yourself so the time will go by fast. I'm following the Penman and your journey each day. Warms my heart!

Stefanie and Bill said...

Thank you for your optimistic upbeat posts despite the fact much of the trip can be difficult. You are testimony that God's plan is not always easy, but always good! You are an encouragement to me! Thank you for sharing my burden of caring for the orphans of Ukraine!

My Three Sons said...

Well I think I'm finally caught up again. I loved the comment by John. How funny. I hope that the last few days will be good and then your finally home! Good luck with everything.

Anonymous said...

I'm loving your updates. Read them every day. We're praying for you daily, too. Sounds like you're having a wonderful time!

ArtworkByRuth said...

I love the visual of his CHEESING! Thanks for painting it! There are devout (and joyful!) Christians in Ukraine, just hard to see in public when all you get is the "bus face". LOL! HUGS for you and Julia today!

Chelley said...

You share with us some of the most amazing stories I come online each day just to hope you have updated!

Prayers that youro time will pass very fast!

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

With Alex being SOOO excited about the car ride and camera I am EXCITED FOR YOU AND HIM and the many experience he is to have!!
YEAH!!!!

Annie said...

I am quite drawn to the Orthodox faith...and have some deeply devout Orthodox friends. Like the US, there are a lot of people who are baptized, but are not really believers. Obviously, what matters is FAITH and LIVING IT...but I do think that much can be said for ritual. For example, we might casually say - "Christine puts the kids to bed every night then spends some time with John before going to sleep. Yeah, she does it the same way every night. Pretty dreary and meaningless way to spend her evenings, isn't it?" But what it may appear to be from the outside does not reflect the true preciousness of your nightly ritual. In fact, it is in our rituals that some of the deepest joys can be experienced and felt. It might LOOK empty from outside, because it could seem rote...and sometimes it can BE rote. When I say goodnight to the kids, I don't always hear the angels sing - but often I do! Same with religious ritual. Ritual is like a container for something precious that can be opened experienced again and again and never lose its significance....because we know how precious it is, and can experience it over and over again more deeply all the time.

That is probably not even what you meant ("ritual" as in "liturgy" rather than "ritual" as in habit)...but it gave me some exercise climbing on and off my soapbox anyway.

I hope Alex's passport photo is as adorable as my children's.

Erin said...

Christine, I have loved reading all about your journey to bring Alex home! I hope that, as you begin encountering his special needs and discovering what they mean, I will be able to provide the help, support, and resources that you may need! May God bless you and keep you for the remainder of your journey and always!

rachel j reed said...

that is so cool that you all cameing home in 6 days i love you

debi9kids said...

This is just such an amazing journey. thank you for bringing us along and sharing in your "travels".