Sunday, August 2, 2009

Up and Down

Last night I tossed and turned worrying my heart over everything you can imagine. I continually refocused my thoughts on my Heavenly Father-- but I was up against a battle.

Thoughts that went through my mind:

I won't wake up on time to make it to the airport by 5 am this coming Friday.

They will not have the old passport forms which take only one day-- but they will have plenty of new passport forms which take a week.

We will not be allowed to enter the country because Alex won't pass his medical.

I run out of diapers on the train.

My kids are getting into trouble back home every day I am not there for them.

I can go on and on, but you get the drift. It wasn't until 1:00am that I finally fell asleep. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep, but I am still managing to stay positive. We made little gift bags for each of the children in Alex's group. Inside each one is a teddy bear shaped chocolate filled cake, a juice box, a napkin, and a toy telephone. Julia and I decorated the outside of each of the bags. We think they will like them.

Alex will probably come back to the apartment with us tomorrow evening after we do all of our running around to get our paperwork complete. I am looking forward to giving him a bath, putting on clean pajamas, and feeding him a bowl of ice-cream. Most of all, I look forward to him really being my son------ here to stay by my side-- no more visits!

Don't get me wrong, Ukraine is wonderful, and so is adoption, but being away from family for so long makes a person kind of long to be home back in their own bed---- settling disagreements between the kids, washing loads of smelly socks, and sitting in church listening to your Pastor talk.

Ahhhhhh, it will be good to be home.

Meanwhile, Julia and I are having fun buying inexpensive little treats for all of our loved ones back home.

For my family---

Adam, I miss hearing you play guitar.
Rachel, I miss cooking with you in the kitchen.
Caleb, I miss rubbing hands with you in church.
Sveta, I miss your funny talks with the dogs.
Annalyn, I miss your beautiful smiles.
Anna, I miss your sweet hugs and kisses.
William, I miss cuddling with you.
Andrew, I miss hearing your laugh.... so much.
Jonny, I miss your sweet little voice.
Dennis, I miss the way you prance around the house.
And John, I miss you making me laugh.
Friends and family-- I miss all of you too!

Please continue to pray us home.

23 comments:

Chelley said...

Prayers that EVERYthing will be place sailing as you will be home in gods time!!

Anonymous said...

I have been following your journey the whole time, but wanted to let you know I AM praying for you and excited that your getting closer to the end of your Ukraine Journey.

Lydia said...

I'm praying y'all home!!! Everything is in our Father's hands- isn't it wonderful to know?

Rachel said...

Praying.

Kathy Cassel said...

Counting down....

Joan (Nana) said...

Praying for your family to be all together soon. Remember to smile all the way back! Gods speed. Glad to see the Penmans are Home Sweet Home.

amyl4 said...

Praying for you!:) I have loved following your journey to bring home Alex! I can't wait to see pics of all of you together!
Amy

Alice said...

Praying here.

Carol G said...

Christine, I'm so happy and excited for you that your journey is finally ending! And I'm excited and happy that your journey with Alex is finally beginning! I will pray for no passport or any other problems and for a safe, uneventful flight home. I have enjoyed reading your posts so much, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how things go when you're back in the States.

Q said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Q said...

Your feelings are perfectly normal. Hang in there! Praying for you all!

Shea said...

Praying for everything to go as God wills it

rachel . j. reed said...

that is so nice mom that u and julia are going to gave the kids a treat we are doing really good and we are going to church too and we are reading to . we are doing good we all miss u and cant wate for u to came home . and see u . and i love u Rachel

Rayna said...

i have been praying for you throughout this amazing journey! so glad you will have your son all to yourself soon!

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine and Julia! My name is Heather and we recently brought our 3rd child home from Russia through Adoption Ark. I got the link for your blog from the AA group and have enjoyed following this adoption. I know the feeling of being so far away from home...just longing to get back into your normal routine. It won't be much longer now! I hope all goes well...it will. I look forward to following the rest of the story! ~Heather

Anonymous said...

Hey Mom,
If you're wondering, this is Caleb, and i'm sorry about your un-easy nights. We're all behaving well and having a great time with Dad. We all miss you very, very, very, very, (could go on forever) much. Please don't worry about us because everyone is doing fine. Everyone is doing chores and acting right. We all hope you, Julia, and Alex are doing great. Only five more days!!!!

we all love you loads,

Caleb and the family =D

Anonymous said...

hi everyone!!!
sorry i have not sent comments for the past couple of days and i cannot wait for you to come home
and i am glad that you are all having fun!!!
Your daughter,
Annalyn

Holly said...

What great kids you've been blessed with!!!
Everything is going to be okay. Wait and see.
God is faithful. I know you know that.
I know you must be terribly homesick and ready to introduce Alex to his new life!!
You are such an inspiration to so many people!!

Shari said...

I was out of town and no computer access. You have been on my heart daily and I have been lifting you in prayer each day as well as your whole family. The time is soon! You will be flying home with that precious boy and he will be in his home forever! Blessings to you my friend!

Unknown said...

we continue to pray!

Connie said...

You will be home very SOON! Love and hugs to you all :)

Sarah said...

Hang in there! We felt the same way as you. You are very close now!
All my love and prayers,
Sarah

Anonymous said...

QUERIDA CRISTINA ,ME HA EMOCIONADO LEER EL COMENTARIO DE TU HIJO CALEB.DEBES DE TENER MUCHAS GANAS DE VOLVER A CASA ,YA TE QUEDA MENOS ... EN CUANTO LLEGUES A CASA RODEADA DE TUS TODOS TUS HIJOS Y DE JUAN ,TU ESPOSO,OLVIDARAS QUE HAS ESTADO SEPARADA DE ELLOS.
MUCHOS BESOS Y ABRAZOS DE TUS AMIGOS ESPAÑOLES QUE SEGUIRAN TUS AVENTURAS DE FAMILIA...
BESITOS A JULIA Y A TU PRECIOSO ALEX.