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!