It's On His Time, Not Theirs

On April 7, I overnighted our whole dossier to be apostilled. From what I had been told by others, I was confident that the Secretary of State would process our documents in one day and return them in the overnight envelope I provided. The next day I called up there to see that they got them and they gave me some very disappointing news. They were barely processing mail from nearly two weeks prior and they told me not to expect my documents for at least two weeks. Admittedly I was disappointed by the news, but it was what it was. To add injury to insult, my agency said that I could have overnighted them to a courier they use, and would have had them back in a few days.

Oh well. You live and you learn...... and you pray.

I started calling everyday except for the Monday after Easter, and befriending every clerk in the office to get them familiar with our story. I really don't know if I was just bugging them, or if I actually touched their hearts so that they sped up their productivity so that they could get to our documents. Yesterday I called again in the morning and was informed that they were processing mail for April 7th. They received ours just one day later! Was it possible? They couldn't promise anything, but I continued to pray!

And guess what? I just found out that our documents were processed! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

Dear Alexsey

Dear Alexsey,

How are you today, sweet little boy? You have been in my dreams more and more lately.......... you and Dennis walking down the stairs holding onto the railing. In my dreams, I am always smiling ear to ear as I watch the two of you. I know it is just a dream right now........ but have faith, it won't be long.

We talk about you quite often now....... Alexsey this..... and Alexsey that. Your brothers want to know what you eat for breakfast everyday. I told them kasha...... am I right? You have plenty of clothes that I am sure will fit you perfectly. One outfit I bought three weeks ago.... I hope it fits! If not, your brothers have plenty to share with you!

I think we may be visiting you early this summer! At least that is what I am praying for! I know that seems like a long ways off, but it will here before you know it! So many people are praying for you and are rallying for you to come home as soon as it is possible.

We love you Alexsey! Good night!

Found Another One

As I was going through pictures for a new video I am putting together, I found this picture. Seeing this picture, helps me to remember his personality--- happy, sweet-natured, and I like to think that he took a liking to us too. What do you think? :)

Will he remember us?

His Feet

These are Alexsey's feet. White, smooth, and callous free....... pretty much just like a newborn's feet. I can't wait to tickle those cute little toes!

The Dossier

All of our paperwork for the adoption is complete and notarized. As we speak it is on its way to be apostilled! You'd think that I would feel like a load has been lifted, but in truth, there is always something else to worry about. And I hate that I worry because I know that God has His hand in all of this... but still. So now of course, my latest worry is that it could get lost in the mail, or sit on the secretary's desk for two weeks. Ugh!

And so I cling to my favorite verse:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will keep your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Meanwhile, a fellow blogger asked what a dossier is.

dos·sier - a file containing detailed records on a particular person or subject

In order to adopt from a foreign country a prospective adoptive family has to compile a list of documents referred to as a dossier, that proves that they are fit and able to adopt a child. For international adoption, a dossier might include:

* Immigration approval
* Homestudy
* Marriage Certificates
* Medicals
* Employment Verification
* Proof of Home Ownership
* Application to Adopt
* Copies of Passports
* Police Clearance Letters
* Social Worker's License
* Power of Attorney

These documents then need to be notarized and apostilled with a shiny sticker-like seal.

It's in Our Hands!

Prayers were answered! Our I-171H (immigration approval) came in today's mail!

Alexsey, we are one step closer to going to get you! And this one was a huge step----- not one of those baby steps.

We will try our best to be there as soon as we can!

Sweet dreams, precious one.

Incredible!

Today I finished up our paperwork for our dossier. I am only waiting for our I-600 approval to come in the mail and then I could notarize it, and send it off with the rest of the documents to be apostilled. I can hardly believe it!

I guess that because we are nearly done with our dossier, I have allowed myself to think more about the trip and going back to see Alexsey. It is very exciting to say the least.

I remember what our past trips to Russia and Ukraine were like and I wonder if they will be similar. On our very first trip to Russia back in May, 2005, we met a newlywed couple who was headed off to their honeymoon. At one time in my life, I would have been jealous of them because I was not going on an exciting trip with my new husband. I would have been jealous that I didn't have butterflies in my stomach, head over my heels, excitement of being a brand new bride--- probably the only bride on the plane.

But, I wasn't jealous of them.

Not at all. Because, what I was feeling at that moment was an even more powerful and intimate love for my husband than when I first married him. Afterall, we were about to board a plane never to look back, as we traveled around the world to meet two beautiful children God had chosen for us. Honestly, everytime we have traveled around the world to adopt, it has been the best honeymoon I could ever imagine.


And soon....... very soon, I am going to be traveling with him again.

For most people reading this, they just can't imagine how adopting can be such a memorable experience. Yet hopefully, other fellow adoptive parents can relate and testify that I am not crazy. Adoption is an amazing...... beautiful..... unforgettable...... close as you get to God experience this side of heaven.

It is just as amazing as giving birth to your child........ it is exactly like giving birth to your child.

Alexsey may not have been born of my flesh and blood, but he is very much a part of me, already. I know that I am not capable on my own of preparing my heart to feel the way it feels...... this is a miraculous thing that God does. Knowing this draws me all the closer to Him.

It makes me think how I have been adopted by HIM..... how all of us that want to look to HIM as our Father have been adopted by HIM, and it gives me goosebumps to think that HE feels similar to how I feel about Alexsey. That is incredible to me!

Made by Rachel

As our adoption is moving ahead at record speeds we are kicking up our fundraising efforts!

If you were interested in buying one of Rachel's or Julia's handmade scarves or dishcloths but haven't had the chance yet---- Here are a few things that are ready to be mailed off now if you would like to buy them!

Three light mauve and white, cloth, knitted washcloths. They look very delicate and feel very soft. $18

Stay warm in this matching turquoise scarf and headband. $20

Talented Girls!

The girls are taking advantage of Spring break to catch up on all of their orders!

Rachel did a phenomenal job on Amy's order! Amy-- email us with your address please so we could send you your scarves and headband!

I think my girls are so beautiful they could be models!

Christy, a fellow blogger kept adding and adding to her order! Finally it is done!

Enjoy!

We Have Been Approved!!!!!!

After the last email from immigration, I sent a nice follow up. In my thoughts I was hopeful that God would work miracles. Yet, I knew that whenever the approval letter came, it would be in His timing and it would be miraculous none the less-- even if that meant a month from now. Afterall, our first adoption took four and a half months to get approval, and Dennis' took six weeks from the time we got our invite to be fingerprinted. Imagine my excitement when I got this email in less than three weeks from the time we fingerprinted!

Thank you God for this confirmation! You are moving mountains!

Christine,

Your application was approved today. You will receive notice by mail very soon.

Thanks,

Stephen D. Hull
Adjudication Officer

Hopes Up

I didn't want to forget what he looked like. (smiling)

Email from Immigration:

Christine,

Thanks again for your email. I will/hope to process your case very soon. When I do, I can email you as a heads-up if you like.

Thanks,

Stephen D. Hull
Adjudication Officer

I will try to not get my hopes up--- but it is going to be hard. Confession time--- they are already up!

Adoption Fundraiser

Coming up with $25,000 - $30,000 for an adoption can be financially challenging for any adoptive family. Yet..... if you choose to adopt, this is what the costs are going to be--- for one child. No it is not cheaper if you adopt a child with special needs-- although I have found people with hearts much like ours for these precious children that have stepped up and offered to help through prayer, donation, and limitless support. It has very much felt like a partnership and John and I are incredibly thankful for all of the help we have gotten. With that said------ John and I would have tapped into every resource we had to bring Alexsey home if necessary and to care for him throughout his life. Thankfully, God knew that and showed us that we don't have to do this alone. Thank you God and thank you to all that have been touched by sweet precious Alexsey.

What is really exciting is that our small group from church expressed an interest in doing an adoption fundraiser. Not only would the money raised help with Alexsey's adoption expenses, but a portion of it would also remain in a fund where other families who decided to adopt can also get financial help to offset the cost of their own adoption. What an idea---- and what an event it will be!

So---- you are officially invited to:

Adoption Fundraiser

Friday, April 17, 2009

6:00 PM

Come and enjoy delicious soups including homemade borscht, breads, and desserts. Bid on live and silent auction items including real life cows, theme baskets, homemade apple pies, babysitters, and an aviary! Door prizes given throughout the night! No tickets are needed but a free will offering will be taken. This is a family event so bring the kids! It is going to be fun, fun, fun!

Help us celebrate adoption, a great way to grow a family!

I would love to meet some of you in person there, so please think about coming, especially if you live in the Central Valley of California. If you are unable to come, but would still like to help, we can always use items for the silent auction. Anything handmade is always a hit!

When They Get to Heaven

"When we get to heaven and these little ones that you are with are fully restored in body and mind…we too will testify that Jesus is the light of the world as we see they have been healed. They will have gone through trials in this life so that the work of God might be displayed, and I believe our loving God will reward them for it in heaven.

Take heart that Jesus loves them…He created them…He permitted this to happen so that He might receive glory. The story doesn't end in this lifetime. The story doesn't end in hopelessness. The story doesn't end in dark rooms. The story ends in His light which is full of love and salvation. " Written by Ross.

I read this today and had to share it. Having been asked about my strong faith and how I can believe there is a God that allows Alexsey to suffer, I was thankful to come across this. Personally, I know that I draw nearer to God when I am in great pain and or suffering, and it is often during these times that I see God's bigger picture. When I see God's people working together to help these children, I am filled with hope.

Ross also shared this verse.

John 9:1-5 (NIV)

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

***********************
P.S.
Wow---- what a blessing! $250 more dollars have been donated! I know I sound like a broken record, but really........ thank you. Your prayers, your donations, your encouraging words help to carry me each day when I get caught up in the things of this world. It is a huge reminder to me to focus on what is important because afterall, all of you are too. Everyday that passes, Alexsey is is one day closer to coming home!

By the way, Julia and Dennis have their very own passports so they are set to go! Woo-hooo!

Digest 2

Anonymous said...
thanks for answering all these questions!a couple more...-have you decided what you'll call him? it seems you've kept the names of all your adopted children, but i was wondering if you'd keep it "alexsey" or call him alex or something that sounded more "american" - not that it needs to sound that way, some parents just opt to alter it for their own reasons. :-)-do you know what kind of challenges to expect with his spina bifida? i know it can be a devastating disease, but in the pictures he appeared to be functioning well. obviously once he gets home & has the love, nourishment, attention, and medical care that so benefited Dennis that alone will help, but do you know if he'll be in a wheelchair, etc.?

Undoubtedly, we will keep his name, but we are not sure as to how we will pronounce it or what form of the name we will use since there are so many ways. I wrote this post over a year ago, and have since changed my mind about possibly changing a younger child's name. When we met Dennis our youngest Ukrainian son, he was such a scared little boy...... yet he responded to his name. We couldn't take that away from him.

But as for Alexsey--- we all call him A-lex-sey with the A accented. Yet, my Dad with the same name accents the SEY like Alex-SEY. And then there is Alex and Alec and of course a few of my girls think Lexie is pretty cute and then of course there is Alosha. Hmmmmmm, not sure what we'll do.

Regarding his challenges associated with Spina Bifida--- we really just want to get him home and lavish him with love, attention, and nutrition just like you said. I am sure that what he appears to need today would be incredibly different from what he needs after being home even just one week. Whatever the challenges may be, I trust that the Lord will carry all of us, including Alexsey through.

Mary said...
Here's another question: did you design the blog header yourself or did you get someone else to do it? It looks great!

Thanks! I did do it myself using Scrapblog. Give it a try.... you'll love it!

Jamey & Catherine said...
I wrote this already on your other blog, but when you get a chance check out our blog and read LEMONADE AWARD. You truly deserve it! Super glad to hear you found those papers and love the baby pic of Aleksey! Hope it all happens quickly!Catherine, Jamey and Oksana

Jill said... You've won an award - check out my blog!

Thanks Catherine and Jill.! I appreciate it. Since you have each given me the same award, I am combining this post. Please go check out their blogs for the full details and please check out these blogs who I in turn nominate for this award. Lana, Laurel, Chris, Jill, and Debbie come claim your award! All of you deserve it!

Kristen said...
That's so awesome Julia's a hard worker. I have a couple of questions - a little off topic of your post but 1) is Alexsey supposed to go to a different orphanage at age 4? How close is he to his birthday? Will he still be moved, even if you are in the process of adopting him? and 2) how much, if any, info do you have on your kids' birth parents? Would they, if they chose, be able to go back to the Ukraine and maybe find them at some later date?

Yes, children like Alexsey are usually transferred once they turn four, but hopefully with all of our prayers that will not happen. We have done all that we could do to prevent him from being transferred-- the last thing is to hurry over there! We have no info on the birth parents-- and while that would have concerned us years ago, now we just go with the flow and if there is none, there is none. It has been huge on our part to just learn to trust Him. But, He has not let us down yet. We are not against any of our children going back to their birth country to visit and explore whatever it is they want to once they are adults. In fact, I think we would be there right next to them every step of the way.

FayeJ said...
Got my wash cloths today in the mail! Very well made. Thanks!

Thank you so much for your support. I passed this along to Julia. Also, thanks to all who have shown their support one way or another. It has blessed us.

Rachel E. said...
I got my package yesterday and LOVE the bibs and the scarf. Julia is so talented! I took a video of the baby I nanny for wearing the bib and will post it up on my blog soon.

I checked it out! How cute! So glad you like them.

Happy Campers said...
Just went and donated too...it wasn't much, but it was all I had left of my Christmas gift money. Definitely put to better use than buying another pair of Yoga pants. Thank you for sharing the link....

Thank you so much for helping Ashley to bring Grisha home! They are about done with their paperwork and should be traveling very soon. During a stressful and discouraging time, your gift was such an encouragement to her. You may have felt like it wasn't much, but I happen to know that it was just the right amount! God works miracles-- and without your donation she would have been short. Thanks!

Lynn said...
Hi! We live in Israel and adopted from Antoshka 7 years ago and were the family that got Andrea (now RR) interested in helping initially (for the sake of Daniel at Antoshka - see www.gdye.org).I read your blog daily and really enjoy it. I am not religious but believe in adding value to other lives and kindness. Having personally met 2 of the kids that subsequently died at T (after Antoshka) I can only say that whoever posted their snide comment has absolutely no idea of the reality of the situation in the orphanages (and I might add lacks humanity).We cannot adopt more kids but have contributed to several families who have adopted special needs kids - the time, love and lifelong commitment that families who adopt put in is so often overlooked.Aleksey (and Dennis) are blessed to have you and your family.

Lynn, your support is invaluable! Thanks for sharing about your son! It is awesome to meet families who have adopted years before us! Would you like me to take a picture of your son with us to show the director? I would love to!

Anonymous said... Stop begging for money from people. Some people earn it the hard way and don't put DONATE buttons all over their sites.

Your venom cannot break my spirit. I just wish for your own well being that you would stop being so nasty. If I were you, I would not be able to sleep at night knowing that I have been so mean and nasty for no reason at all. Why do you read and then go back and read what people have commented after you? Seriously, you are crying out for help--- is there anything I can do? Read the next two comments---- and maybe, just maybe you'll catch on. If not---- I'll see you next digest!

The Monroe 6 said...
I am one of those people that Christine was talking about. We adopted our 4th and last child from Russia last year. As for our family, we are done.But my desire to help other orphans has not gone away.My husband and I are lucky enough to be in the position to be able to help others. I feel a calling in fact to help others who want to adopt.It is a shame so many people feel jaded and negative about giving an orphan a home. I can think of no better way to spend my money.

Amy, you are an amazing example to me! I love your blog and I am so excited about your new house! Your heart and your willingness to give shines so bright! Thank you!

Laurel said... I think it's okay to go to Starbucks when it's a gift from someone ... as long as you don't ask everyone to give you gift cards for every occasion. :)God does see the sacrifices we make ... and I have complete faith with you, that the money will be there when needed.When we adopted 3 children from Ghana last year... we got a gift of $15,000 from an anonymous donor. Wow! God can do AMAZING things, in His time.Laurel mama of 13

Laurel, thank you for sharing this. What a huge blessing! I am so glad to hear that through the generosity of others three more orphaned children are now home!

Anonymous said...
Sweet pictures.Nosey Question: At what point do they tell Alexsey that he is going to come live with you.Given his physical condition are you expecting any mental delays or challenges?Feel free to answer only part or none of this - just wondering.Reader in TX

You're not nosey. You've asked some great questions. As I know it, children do not know that a family is coming for them until the family actually gets to the orphanage. I think this is done to protect them from getting hurt just in case the family doesn't show up.

As far as Alexsey's physical condition, I just don't think about it too often. I guess this is because I really don't see his Spina Bifida as a major thing. Through our other children, I have learned that life is just too short to dwell on the unknown. If or when things come up, we will deal with them day by day.

Kelly said...
OMG Christine,Those kids are adorable...all of them. To think there are orphanages filled with little kids like these just breaks my heart. I'll take 2. When we adopted Nick, we rarely saw any of the other kids. It is great you got to interact with all of them. They must have had fun!!

My plan is to bring a really big suitcase......

Payne's said...
That's it! She is saying Alosha!

Yes, that is what they call him there!

Amy said...
Hi Christine, I need to introduce myself... my husband Jake and I are adopting Pavel from Ukraine. You are one of the first families who's blog I read from RR (before we ever dreamed of adopting through RR) and were SUCH an inspiration. I still believe God used you (among others) to lead us to adopt through RR.So I just made the connection LAST night that you are the family adopting Alexsey!Just wanted to say congrats and thank you for following the Lord in both of these adoptions. Its an inspiration. :)

Hi Amy! Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to following your journey as do many other people I am sure! Personally, without the Lord to follow, I don't think I would be going down this path.

Annie said...
Yes! Christine - perhaps in this post, more than almost any other, you have hit on a common chord between us. I am always so surprised by people that set out to adopt their children as though to "save" them from their country. To save them from being parentless, yes - or from poverty, but not from their country! That is part of who they are!You also made me realize why I so enjoyed your last adoption blog. You two looked like you were on your second honeymoon! Craig and I were like that, too. I don't know that we've ever felt closer than on our adoption trips. Again, so many people want to stodgily say "It is not a vacation." And make a list of privations. Well....it is not like most vacations, that's true - it is far, far better. Rich, and deep and dense and powerful, joyous and beautiful and funny, too.

Funny how you compare our adoption journeys to a honeymoon. I hadn't thought of it that way, but now that you mention it, our journey to Ukraine was way better than our honeymoon. I am looking forward to falling in love all over again with my husband on our next trip.

Brenda said...
I also have a blog about a little boy I have from Haiti right now, if your interested in looking at it. He had 2 club feet and has been with us for about a year. We are his host family while he has been recovering from surgery. www.4yourglorylord.blogspot.com

Hi Brenda! Just passing your blog along so that a family may be found for this precious little boy!

Terri-Anne said...
Let me preface this by saying I hope I don't offend. Dennis' life must seem like a whirlwind to him at times. From being adopted into a huge loving family, from the orphanage, also a new culture, and the surgeries he's been through. Although the changes he's been through have all been positive things in his life, they still have a big impact on him. In college we did a sort of questionnaire on the "stress level" in our lives. Even wonderful events such as marriages, births of new children, and new jobs were considered stress-events as they impact so greatly on a life and take time to adjust to. The point I'm so poorly trying to get to is that Dennis has been through a LOT in the last year, and I'm worried that going back to the orphanage may be more than he should bear emotionally? Do you think his young memory will be jarred, about the orphanage being his former home? Will he understand that you are there to welcome another little fellow into your lives, or will he fear somewhere deep down that he will be left behind? He is very young to understand the nature of your trip. This might sound crazy to you, as he is very young and was even younger when he joined your family, and I'm really not trying to be inflammatory! I am just worried for Dennis's emotional well-being during the actual trip to bring Alexsey home. Have you considered what it may do to him to be back at the orphanage?

Hi Terri-Anne,
I am not offended at all by this comment. I think it poses a great question. I realize that going back to an orphanage can scare an adopted child, but I just don't see that happening. I know how I feel about all of my kids, and I know without a doubt that Dennis knows how much we love him and would never ever leave him------ ever! All of my kids know that. And we have talked about what it was like living in the orphanages and we have worked through the very few bad memories, and so I am not concerned with taking back any of my kids for a visit.

Besides, I know that Dennis was loved at his old orphanage, and frankly, I am more concerned with how Dennis would deal with us leaving him behind when we travel. Because he is so young and has been through so much in his short life, I think he needs to be with us. I also think that Alexsey will remember us and Dennis and will actually bond to us quicker seeing how well Dennis is taken care of. Alexsey is older and will hopefully understand with the help of a translator all that we want to tell him. I know that some worry that bringing Dennis will take time away from Alexsey--- but believe me---- spreading yourself between a couple of children is a piece of cake compared to spreading yourself among eleven of them-- yet we somehow manage that too!

With all that said----- I guess it is possible for Dennis to totally freak out when he sees the orphanage and Alexsey to start having tantrums anytime we turn our attention to Dennis. If that happens we will draw strength, wisdom, and understanding from our Lord and we will get through it. I am just not worried.

Sar said...
wow love this post, it's got me even more pumped up for my trip to Ukraine in 2 weeks time!!!!

I am so excited for you! I can't wait to follow you on your trip via your blog! Everyone go check out Sar's blog---- she is about to go on a mission trip to Ukraine to help out at an orphanage!

Just Watch!

I can't believe it has been three days since I last posted. Wow-- time flies! Not much has happened on the adoption front--- but because of videos like this that I am finally sharing, I don't feel in such a panicky rush to get things done because I know that Alexsey is doing well. In His perfect timing, we will travel.

We are working on finishing up our documents for our dossier, and I am busy going through clothes for the three youngest boys including Alexsey! It is so much fun imagining how Alexsey will look in certain clothes--- clothes that will eventually fit Dennis too! Julia and I have gathered a bag of gently used clothes that we will be taking to the orphanage. They were very appreciative when we gave them a bunch of winter coats last time we were there.

The Lord has provided us with so many hand me downs that I do not think it is necessary to go out and buy Alexsey lots of new stuff...... but I did buy him one, very cute, new outfit. :)

Thank you for all of the new donations! I was amazed to see $144 this week! The Lord continues to provide through his people, and I have complete trust that we will have exactly the amount needed for his adoption. Personally, in an act of sacrifice to save for this adoption, I have decided to not pay to have my hair cut, not have my car washed, and not pay for one single Starbucks until we travel. This is small I know, but God knows my heart, and I believe that this small act of sacrifice makes Him smile.

But I have to ask, does letting my daughter who has offered to treat me with her giftcard that she got from her brother count? :)

The Land that I Love!

Ukraine is a place that I will forever yearn to visit....... soak in..... Not only did I fall in love with every single thing about it when we were there last summer adopting our son Dennis, but praying for this country, praying for their orphans, praying for the little boy that we are working towards adopting, has made Ukraine even more special.

I have the deepest respect for the country where two and God-willing three of my children were born.

Last trip I tried to take note of everything--- even the smallest of things.

We didn't watch DVD's--- we didn't even bring any. Instead we watched from our apartment window, the children playing down below us.

We never used a driver unless our facilitator asked us to. Instead we walked everywhere and risked getting lost. It was adventurous......because afterall, weren't we on an adventure of a lifetime?

Last trip, I actually packed some oatmeal packets, granola bars, and peanut butter. This trip, I want to eat everything Ukrainian. Last trip, I even brought a role of toilet paper from home. I am a bit embarrassed to even admit that. Outside of bringing a few things for Dennis and Julia, I want to say that I was a 100% Ukrainian in everything I did!

I noticed the unique purple flower in the field next to the path we walked everyday to the orphanage. I noticed the sweet smell when a light rain would sprinkle down on us.

No paper plates, no dishwashers, no fenced in backyards. No lawns to cut, crosswalk buttons to push, or coffee pots to rinse out.

This trip will be even more memorable--- I promise. This trip, I will enjoy it through the eyes of two of my children--- a special treat that I cannot wait for.

I love Ukraine, and will make sure to not waste a single moment there. I am looking forward to re-introducing all who helped us to adopt Dennis so that they could see what an amazing boy he is! Hopefully seeing how far Dennis has come will help them to feel a little more comfortable with Americans adopting their children. I feel that this is the least that we could do. I want them to know without a doubt that we have cared for and loved our Ukrainian born son with all of our hearts---- and will do the same for Alexsey.

This may sound a little strange to some, but for me, it is a humbling experience that I know will make me even more appreciative of what I have here at home. It will also hopefully embed in my heart an even deeper desire to return to Ukraine and help the orphans that I already dread leaving behind. I have no doubt that through this God will open my eyes to see things I may have otherwise been too absorbed in my own comfort to notice.

With Godspeed, I cannot wait to return to the land that I love!

Prayerfully Consider

"Believe it or not, some people find a real blessing in partnering with adoptive parents to help bring an orphan home. God commands us to be one body of Christ and while some are not able to raise an orphan by adopting them, they feel blessed to be able to contribute something financially."

Well I've officially been quoted. I wrote this on an adoption forum, and someone thought it was enough said on the topic of receiving donations to help bring your child home.

I have certainly found this to be true, and it is people like this that play a vital role in helping an orphan to come home to their family. So thank you....... it is deeply appreciated.

Even in the midst of our own adoption, I feel that I should still help others adopting too. It may sound like alot of donation passing around, but it is much more than that. Above and beyond what we have saved for this adoption and what we give away as our normal tithe, my husband and I feel very passionate about helping others. After all, it really all belongs to Him, and I trust without a doubt the He will make our money go further than what John and I could do on our own.

We have been incredibly blessed to have so much support this adoption---- and one day Alexsey will know how many people went out of their way to be able to be a part of bringing him home! Thank you so much!

So I feel compelled to write that if you were thinking of donating to our adoption anytime this week that you please donate it to Amy who is going to travel this Wednesday on her second trip to adopt her little boy with Down Syndrome. She sure can use a little help. She already has three wonderful boys at home, two of them with Down Syndrome, and she is fixing to add one more precious boy to her bunch! She is doing this as a single Mom and I must say she is a great one at that! Some unexpected things have come up recently that have made finances an issue, so I am asking you to prayerfully consider donating towards her adoption.

Thanks!

Mr Blue Eyes!

Thanks for all your help!

Too Adorable!

What a blessing! Today, I opened up a package from a woman who spent alot of time with Alexsey last week. In it was a disk with lots and lots of pictures of Alexsey! This is such a thoughtful and meaningful gift--- I don't think that a hundred thank-yous would suffice. I even got to see video of Alexsey walking with a walker, playing, and talking. Some of my kids watched over my shoulder and commented how much fun it would be once Alexsey was home! Thank you Kate for such a selfless gift..... your contribution to Alexsey's adoption is a testimony to your love for Christ. Thank you.

P.S. For the fun of it I looked online for a free photo editor to see if I could make his eyes *pop* with blue. Any suggestions?

Trickling In

I was happy to receive our other marriage certificate yesterday along with our police clearance letters. I also received our homestudy! Three more things I can check off my list. As always, the last thing that is holding us up is our orphan petition letter from immigration. I hope that it comes soon!

Thank you for all that have helped Julia to raise money for her plane ticket to travel with us. Hopefully a handful of you guys got your orders this week. What do you think? :) She has been working diligently on her orders every evening. If you have committed to ordering something, Julia will begin to work on your order after we receive the check. This just ensures that people who have already paid get their order in a timely manner.

Thank you for ordering the adoption window decals too. I think eight have already been spoken for. I have fifteen left so please spread the word! I have already gotten three comments about the one on my van...... it is such a powerful way to declare adoption advocacy and give people something to think about.

Blessings!